Former Certified Nursing Assistant Achieves Business Ownership Dreams by Becoming a TruBlue Franchise Owner

Lake Bancroft has always dreamt of owning her own business. With a background as a CNA in the senior care industry, TruBlue Home Service Ally, the home maintenance and handyman service franchise with over 80 units that provides services to seniors and families, presented the perfect opportunity for Bancroft to achieve her dream as a franchisee. 

Bancroft has been a stay-at-home mom for the past nine years, but was itching to follow her passion for helping seniors live more comfortably in their homes. She and her husband grew up helping with home remodeling projects, and her husband works in construction. The combination of the pair’s knowledge of handyman services and senior care, along with Bancroft’s degree in business, resulted in franchising with TruBlue in Boise, Idaho being the perfect fit. With a deposit down on a second location already and the first right of refusal on a third, Bancroft has ambitious plans for growth. 

1851 Franchise spoke with Bancroft about her journey into franchising and her plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Bancroft: I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for nine years, but I have a background in sales and marketing. My husband has always been in construction, and we both grew up helping with remodeling. What really drew me to this particular franchise was that I spent some time as a CNA and on the senior side of things in homes. The company I worked for was on the care side. I had clients who needed more help in the home, in addition to caregiving and I’ve always volunteered in nursing homes. I really love working with seniors and helping them. Based on our background and knowledge of the handyman space, as well as the senior component, we knew this franchising opportunity was special. 

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Bancroft: I feel like I’ve already gotten that investment back in the education I’ve received. In terms of hiring my own PR firm, creating a website and so many other ways — it's such a better deal to go with franchising. When you are working with a franchisor, they’ve already determined what works and what doesn’t. With TruBlue, on the senior side of things, they already have all the connections, and they know what works for home modifications. I don’t have to build all those systems myself, which means I’m not having to make those mistakes myself. 

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Bancroft: I looked at the prospect of franchising from two directions — concepts I could be interested in, and concepts that could be built up to be a big company. TruBlue had the right operational aspect, the right financials and the right systems in place. We could help as many people as we could hire employees to help. I was looking for ways I could help people in my community, not just on the client side but also on the employment side. I wanted to be able to give people good jobs and have a company culture where people could enjoy working, and I felt like TruBlue offered that. 

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Bancroft: Boise is growing at a rapid rate, so the sky’s the limit. We already put a deposit down on a second territory and have first right of refusal on a third. Within the next few years, we would like to open those other territories and run it as one company for the Treasure Valley. I want to have a good handle on the market, and the way that we represent ourselves in the community is very important to me. I wanted to make sure we would have complete control of that reputation in Boise, and we have big aspirations for the company in this area. 

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Bancroft: My husband and I are very passionate about this industry and being a resource to our community. We're looking forward to doing a lot of community events and partnering with other local business owners. Getting here has been a process. Owning a franchise wasn't part of our plan until recently, but TruBlue is such a great company with great people who have a true passion for the senior care side and the innovation they're bringing to home maintenance. We felt it was the right fit for us and we're excited to be part of it.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Bancroft: I am a big reader, so I would recommend reading books on finding a good franchise and interviewing the franchise as much as they are interviewing you. Also, follow your gut instinct about the people you are talking to. You are going to be working with these people for a long time, so having a good team is important. It is easy to see which ones are just trying to sell you and which ones are building a trusting relationship. 

About TruBlue Home Service Ally:

TruBlue Home Service Ally® provides a unique and affordable approach to helping busy adults and seniors live a worry-free life by offering trustworthy handyman, home maintenance and senior modification services. Helping you maintain your home both inside and out, TruBlue’s services include handyman projects and to-do list chores, preventative home maintenance programs, kitchen and bath remodels, seasonal work, and senior modification services, all handled by professional, bonded and insured Tru-Pro® Technicians. TruBlue franchise owners are required to complete senior home safety certification programs through the NAHB and Age Safe America. As certified specialists, TruBlue franchisees are able to perform aging in place home safety assessments and can make recommended safety modifications as needed.

All locations are independently owned and operated. Service offerings, certifications, and licenses vary by location.