After decades of serving as a diplomat and starting businesses from scratch, Paul Kullman knew he needed a venture that was both meaningful and sustainable. His wife Danny, a devoted caregiver to her grandmother and parents, saw firsthand the importance of making homes safer and more accessible. Together, they found their calling in TruBlue Home Service Ally, a franchise that not only meets a practical market need but aligns with their mission to help seniors age in place with dignity and comfort. By providing trustworthy services and having a passion for people, this duo is ready to bring top-notch handyman solutions to their community.

1851 Franchise spoke with the Kullmans about their franchising journey with TruBlue and their commitment to senior care. Here’s what they had to say.

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

Paul Kullman: After 22 years of the bureaucracy that goes with diplomacy, I realized that I needed something more hands-on. I've always loved guiding people -- whether through international relations or on mountain trails — and now I have the opportunity to guide technicians to improve people's lives at home. I've managed my own real estate for 35 years, so I'm no stranger to hands-on work, from fixing locks to stopping leaks. I've always enjoyed rolling up my sleeves and solving problems.

Danny Kullman: As a mother of two, caring for my 93-year-old grandmother and aging parents gave me a firsthand understanding of how small home modifications can make a big difference. Simple upgrades—like installing grab bars, railings, and brighter lighting—helped keep my grandmother safe, independent, and out of a nursing home.

That experience inspired me to help other families do the same. Our TruBlue business is proud to be both woman-owned and minority-owned, and we're committed to making homes safer and more accessible for seniors.

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

Paul: I’ve started multiple businesses from scratch — three art stores, a college prep school and a consulting firm. But that takes years to gain traction. With franchising, I saw how much faster you can get to a sustainable place. TruBlue offers systems, support, and training that would take years to build on your own.

Danny: Honestly, I wanted to help. I saw an opportunity to make a difference and also create something stable for our family.

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

Paul: We used to think franchising meant big investments and risky returns—something only accessible to those with a lot of capital. But TruBlue changed that perspective. It allowed us to start small, which made a huge difference, especially since many home service professionals already have tools and trucks. Unlike brands that require heavy upfront equipment costs, TruBlue was accessible and realistic.

Most importantly, it gave us control. We’re not dependent on a boss. We own the responsibility for our success and for the satisfaction of our customers. It’s empowering to know the outcome is in our hands.

Owning your own business brings a real sense of independence. It changes the way you see the world, you begin to understand how people can take charge of their destiny. It also opens the door to generational wealth. My hope is that my children will gradually get involved in TruBlue and carry this forward.

And truthfully, America is the best place in the world to start and grow a business. It can feel daunting when you’re in the thick of it, building from the ground up. But having worked in several countries overseas, I can say with certainty—it’s easier to do it here than almost anywhere else. That’s why so many immigrants choose entrepreneurship in the U.S., they recognize the opportunity.

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

Paul: The people. Everyone we met at TruBlue was positive, intelligent and genuinely listened. They made us think deeper about our goals and offered real support — not just a sales pitch.

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

Paul: We’re ready to tackle everything from building fences to mouse-proofing sheds. 

We are looking for skilled and experienced carpenters, painters, landscapers, and flooring specialists. By using social media ads, we are finding a surprising number of project leads, so we are now focused on hiring in order to keep up with the demand.

Danny: Our bigger goal is helping families like ours — giving children a leg up and helping older adults live comfortably at home.

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

Paul: Once you retire, you quickly realize how limited your income can be. However, starting this business isn't just about money, it's about the purpose to help people and about the enjoyment that comes from the challenge of trying to be successful.

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

Danny: Find a franchise that genuinely moves you. You need to care about what you’re doing — it’s not just a business, it’s a passion.

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.

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Jessica Tcholakov

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Jessica Tcholakov

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