Serving Those Who Paved the Way: Army Veteran Protects Local Seniors with TruBlue Home Service Ally

When retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Tony Ginn took a desk job at the Department of Veterans Affairs following 23 years of active service, he quickly realized how much he missed hands-on impact. As a rating representative, the hardest moments came when he couldn’t give veterans the help he wanted to provide. Driven by a desire to provide direct, face-to-face help for people in his community, Ginn and his active-duty wife, Tamara, decided it was time to build a family business of their own.

Combining his operational expertise in military logistics with certified aging-in-place services, Ginn launched TruBlue Home Service Ally of South Savannah. For Ginn, transitioning from two decades in uniform to business ownership represents the start of his family’s next chapter as they build a lasting foundation near Hunter Army Airfield while Tamara finishes her final three years of active duty. Through home maintenance, repairs and safety modifications, Ginn has found a practical way to continue his lifelong mission of service by helping local seniors and veterans live more safely and independently in their homes.

Ginn sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss how he shifted from military logistics to business ownership, why he chose TruBlue and how he’s continuing to give back to the Savannah community. Here’s what he had to say:

1851 Franchise: Tell us your story in one sentence.

Tony Ginn: I'm a retired first sergeant with 23 years in military logistics, and I launched TruBlue to give back to seniors and veterans so they can live safely and independently in their homes.

1851: What was happening in your life that made you realize it was time to make a change?

Ginn: At the VA, it was more disapprovals than it was approvals when it came down to getting those veterans the compensation that they deserve. On that drive home, it was kind of just wracking, like, dang, I wasn't able to help so-and-so out, even though I didn't know that individual personally, but just knowing the fact that he was a veteran. You want to be helpful; you want to give back to those who paved the way for you. Moving forward to TruBlue, it's that same sense of being able to give back. We are a handyman company, but we have a big focus on the senior community and being able to give back to those who need help in their homes so they can live safely and independently in the homes that they've spent so much money on, and not having them go to assisted living or nursing homes.

1851: Why did you choose this franchise over every other opportunity?

Ginn: I was looking at a lot more, but it just stuck out to me because of that passion to be able to give back to others that's in your community. In the handyman space, I wanted to have some knowledge in it as well, and that logistics background gave me a baseline to build from.

1851: What is it really like owning a TruBlue Home Service Ally franchise?

Ginn: It's hard, I'll be upfront; it is very hard because there's a lot of unknown expenses that come up. But for the most part, it's actually building the relationships within the community. Many of our seniors are kind of wary of who they deal with and who they allow in their home, so making sure that we're trying to build that relationship to understand that we can be a reliable resource for you is key. We did some modifications to a Vietnam veteran's shower and bathroom so he's able to shower easier and more comfortably, repaired a damaged floor for a couple stepping out of the shower and we do work in a local independent and assisted living facility just from networking.

1851: How has owning this franchise changed your life?

Ginn: It's more internal. I can say I ran and operated a business of my own and gave it a shot, versus saying, "Hey, I could have, but I never did it." Being able to show my kids that this is a different avenue than working a 9-to-5, and being able to figure out how to work on your own. My wife has three years left in the military, so we're looking to start figuring out where our forever home is going to be and really call it home.

1851: If your best friend had enough money to buy this franchise tomorrow, what would you tell them?

Ginn: I would say just do all of your research. Make sure you know exactly what you're getting into, including state laws.

1851: What's the one thing you wish someone had told you before you bought this franchise?

Ginn: Getting out and really being engaged and a part of your community is a plus. Me being somewhat of an introvert, making sure that you're marketing, networking and out in the community where people need to know you and see you takes up the majority of the time. I'm pushing myself right now, but it has gotten easier. I have no problem standing up and talking in front of a crowd. It's just about making sure whatever comes out of my mouth is knowledgeable and truthful.

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.