Why This Long-Time Verizon Engineer Invested in a TruBlue Franchise to Help Fellow Veterans

When Renzo Contreras was offered early retirement after more than three decades at Verizon, he didn’t just see it as an end — he saw it as a sign. Around the same time, his 99-year-old grandfather passed away in a nursing home under circumstances that left the entire family shaken. The experience lit a fire in Contreras: he wanted to make sure more seniors had the chance to stay in their homes, surrounded by dignity and family — not institutional walls. That’s when he found TruBlue, the senior-focused handyman and home service franchise. Now, Contreras is bringing that passion to Northeast Bergen County, New Jersey, where he recently launched his TruBlue franchise. And as an Air Force veteran, one of his biggest goals looking forward is to support fellow veterans through his business.  

“It was the mission — helping seniors age in place — that sealed the deal for me,” said Contreras. “I knew this was something I could do and feel good about. I could lay my head down at night knowing that I made someone’s life easier and safer. That’s what makes it rewarding.”

1851 spoke with Contreras to learn more about his story, his decision to join the TruBlue franchise and his plans for the future. 

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Renzo Contreras: My grandfather passed away at 99 in a nursing home, and it was a bad situation. It was hard for the whole family. We all wished he could have spent those last days at home instead of with strangers. That’s what led me to start thinking about assisted living and looking into the senior care industry. When I came across TruBlue and saw that they provide handyman services to help seniors age in place, it all clicked. That’s how this journey started.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Contreras: I worked at Verizon for 33 and a half years as a network engineer. They offered me an early retirement in February last year, and I took it. I always wanted to do something for myself, but when you're in corporate for that long, it’s hard to walk away from that steady income. But when the opportunity to retire came — and with everything that was happening with my grandfather — it just felt like the right time. Franchising gave me a roadmap, which helped me feel confident stepping into something new.

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?

Contreras: I had never owned a business, and the thought of going out on my own was intimidating. But franchising helped bridge that gap. It provided structure. There was already a system in place, answers already laid out. It’s still your own business, but you’re not doing it blindly.

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

Contreras: It was the mission — helping seniors age in place — that sealed the deal for me. I knew this was something I could do and feel good about. I could lay my head down at night knowing that I made someone’s life easier and safer. That’s what makes it rewarding.

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

Contreras: I want to get the TruBlue name out there and make sure people know this resource exists. My primary goal is to help as many seniors as possible and build a strong community presence here in Bergen County. I want to grow intentionally and serve with integrity.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Contreras: I’m an Air Force veteran, and another big part of this for me is supporting fellow veterans. That’s an underserved area in so many communities. I want to be part of that solution too — helping vets when they come back from deployment or need support as they age.

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

Contreras: Follow your gut. Find something that truly matters to you. You can’t just do it for the money. If you’re passionate about what you do, it shows in your work. I did the corporate thing for decades — now I want to do something that’s fulfilling. I don’t want to work just to work. I want to make an impact.

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.