1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thatcher-thornburg-80b887117/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=streaming-tech-exec-launches-trublue-franchise-2731103" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Thatcher Thornburg’s</a> drive to help seniors started at home, watching his grandmother navigate Alzheimer’s and dementia. He saw firsthand how families struggled to keep loved ones safe and independent, and how everyday home maintenance could become a real hazard.While building a career in entertainment technology, leading teams and developing streaming platforms, Thatcher realized he wanted work with more personal impact by helping people directly rather than managing projects on a screen.He chose&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=streaming-tech-exec-launches-trublue-franchise-2731103" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> because it allowed him to combine his passion for home improvement with a mission to serve seniors and busy families. Turning an industry often plagued by unreliable contractors into a trusted, one-stop solution. Now preparing to launch his business in California, Thatcher is focused on creating a company rooted in trust, professionalism, and meaningful community impact.Thornburg took the time to chat with the 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 do you want us to know?Thatcher Thornburg:&nbsp;I come from corporate America, where I had a fantastic career working for the number one studio in the world for over 15 years. My team and I helped build about half of their streaming platform, developing key processes and workflows. However, I really felt like a piece was missing. I wanted a more hands-on role in serving people.That drive comes from when my grandmother developed Alzheimer's and dementia. I spent a lot of time with her in hospitals and the home we eventually had to move her into because living alone became too dangerous. I spent years volunteering there, and that feeling of helping really stuck with me. I also have a passion for working on homes and investment properties. I was looking for a business that aligned those passions. After my department was shut down, I reviewed over 18 different companies before finding one that allowed me to help people age in place.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Thornburg:&nbsp;I worked with new technology, starting with DVD and Blu-ray, moving to on-demand and finally to streaming. We did a lot of beta testing with CRM systems and vendor management. However, the industry had massive layoffs every year, and eventually, they closed our whole department.I decided franchising made sense because it removed the roadblocks I faced when trying to launch my own company. In California, I ran into strange regulatory issues, like needing a real estate license to sell cars, which didn't make sense. Franchising not only removed those roadblocks but gave me a roadmap, a support network and people I could reach out to for questions.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?Thornburg:&nbsp;My concept of franchising was that it was food-only — big chains like McDonald's where you needed millions of dollars to buy property and get involved. It never occurred to me that there were non-food franchises focused on serving the community.Now that I’m in it, I want people to know that there are hundreds of options that aren't just big global conglomerates driving a "race to the cheapest burger." You can find businesses that fulfill a massive community need. The best part is that while you are building a business yourself, you are not alone. You have a support network, which is different from my experience trying to launch an independent company where I hit constant roadblocks.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Thornburg:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue</a> checked all the boxes for a fulfilling career where I could make homes safe for families and seniors. I loved the subscription model side of the business, which handles things people don't think about — like cleaning dryer vents or replacing HVAC filters — to keep a house safe.Actually, I initially passed on TruBlue. But as I looked at other businesses, I realized there were 22 big national competitors in my city alone for the home services space. I realized that with TruBlue’s model, those 22 competitors would actually become my "partners." We become a one-stop shop that vets employees, is insured and bonded, and gives customers peace of mind. I’m excited to bring professionalism back to an industry where I’ve personally experienced contractors cutting corners.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Thornburg:&nbsp;My main goals are to launch, staff up with the right people and reach profitability so I can use those profits to better serve the community. I want to work with nonprofits, churches and schools to bridge gaps I’ve seen in the area.Regarding growth, I am a big advocate of flipping profits back into the business to grow as fast as possible. I want to build a company that is thankful for its customers. I’ve noticed a trend since COVID where service providers act like the customer is "lucky" to be served. I want TruBlue to be a normal company that provides fantastic service, educates the client and builds trust.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Thornburg:&nbsp;It’s really about bringing a connection back to the community. Especially in California, I see companies that come in, slap something together and leave. I want to build something that provides jobs and careers while serving seniors and busy families. I’m currently in the process of getting our support vehicles ready and ensuring we have a team that is friendly, communicative, and educational.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Thornburg:&nbsp;Be open-minded and look at what is out there, but be very careful about the "best customer" trap. You might find a business you love, and you realize you would be their best customer. But you have to ask: Will you be their&nbsp;only customer?.I almost moved forward with a different franchise because I loved the product personally, but when I did the math, the startup costs were huge and the recoup time would have been ten years. Make sure you research what the community actually needs, not just what you enjoy buying.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.

image of thatcher thornburg from TruBlu  Santa Clarita, Newhall, 

Former Streaming Tech Exec Launches TruBlue Franchise in California

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