Handyman and Senior Advocate Finds Perfect Franchise Fit with TruBlue in Boulder, Colorado

After a rewarding 30-year career in tech sales, Rick Hefley’s move to TruBlue Home Service Ally is a natural progression. Inspired by his parents' needs and his own commitment to helping seniors live comfortably at home, Hefley’s TruBlue franchise brings valuable senior-focused handyman services to the Boulder community. With a December launch, he aims to become a trusted resource for aging adults and busy families alike.

Hefley took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what he had to say.

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

Rick Hefley: I’ve been in tech sales — worked for IBM, machine control and automation for robotics — for the past 30 years. I got to the point where I wasn’t feeling very rewarded in my job, so I started looking for alternative career paths. I’m a handyman at home and have remodeled a few homes, but for me, my parents are aging and in their 80s, and my mom fell two years ago. It really impacted her daily living. So as I started thinking about starting my own handyman business, the service TruBlue provides for seniors was right up my alley. When I was young, I spent a lot of time around the elderly, so it made sense for me to step into something at this stage of my career before retirement — something I’m passionate about that also helps other people.

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?

Hefley: I took the university path after high school, and I always felt the corporate setting just wasn’t me. I’ve always had a love and passion for working with my hands. So, I had been in the remodeling space as a hobby and I loved the idea of being able to guide my own path. I never thought I’d be an entrepreneur, but I realized it was a route I should have taken a long time ago.

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

Hefley: I started conversations with the corporate office, and I asked myself: could I do this on my own and save the startup costs? But I realized it would take me a few years to get to where TruBlue is with its established processes. All of that is provided with TruBlue. The training has been great and it was kind of my shortcut into being a business owner. I talked to a lot of other owners and learned about the structure I’d need. I loved the idea of helping someone extend their quality of life, like my parents.

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

Hefley: The big goal is to be the community leader that serves the needs of senior care and busy adults. I’m excited to help people be comfortable in their homes — that’s hugely important to me.

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

Hefley: Growing up in a military family, there’s a deep respect we have for our elders. When I go into a home, I treat it just like my parents’ house. I know there’s a community out there that still has that respect for people — integrity is very important to me.

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

Hefley: Due diligence is important. TruBlue is great with communication and the willingness to connect us with other franchisees. Entering your own business is scary, but the way franchises like TruBlue lay it out even before you start gives you a realistic idea of what you need to accomplish. There’s a lot of support there, and the people are easy to talk to.

The total investment necessary to begin operation of a TruBlue franchise ranges from $70,050 to $96,400. This includes $44,900 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate. For more information, please visit https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/info. 

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.