For Alexa Martinez and Rogelio Godoy, starting a business in the United States wasn’t just about another financial opportunity — it was about following the American Dream and building something meaningful that helps people. After years of experience in the tire industry and handyman services, the couple knew they wanted to bring a fresh approach to home maintenance.

That vision led them to TruBlue Home Service Ally, a home service and handyman franchise that aligned perfectly with their goals. The couple recently moved from Mexico to Houston, using an E-2 Visa to start their business. Throughout the process, TruBlue provided invaluable support, helping them navigate everything from business banking to legal requirements.

Now, just weeks after relocating to Houston, Martinez and Godoy are officially launching TruBlue in North Houston, bringing reliable handyman services and senior home maintenance solutions to their new community.

1851 spoke with the duo to learn more about their journey to the U.S., their decision to franchise with TruBlue and their plans for the future. 

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

Alexa Martinez: We are both from Mexico. Before coming to TruBlue, I owned a beauty studio in Guadalajara, and we both worked together at a tire company. Rogelio also worked as a handyman. We’ve always wanted to own our own business, and we knew we wanted to move to the U.S. to do it — specifically to Houston, where I have family.

That’s why we started looking for a handyman services business, but we wanted to do it differently. We just moved to Houston a few weeks ago! We used an E-2 Visa to start this business, and TruBlue was incredibly supportive every step of the way. When we had issues setting up our business bank account from Mexico, they even went to the bank on our behalf to help us resolve it. That level of support made a huge difference.

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?

Martinez: When we worked at the tire company, it was an independent business, and we saw firsthand how difficult it was to build everything from the ground up — hiring employees, developing procedures and setting up operations.

With a franchise, we have a step-by-step guide, and that was especially important for us since we were starting in a completely new country. We knew we needed the extra support and guidance, which is why we focused on franchising from the beginning.

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

Martinez: We wanted to offer handyman services in a different way — a way that truly helps people. Rogelio is passionate about the handyman side of the business, and I love working with people and providing great customer service.

From the moment we started looking into TruBlue, we could tell that the team was dedicated to supporting us every step of the way. During training, we saw firsthand how responsive and helpful they were, answering every question we had. That kind of support gives us the confidence to know we’re in the right place.

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

Martinez: We’re focused on growing our business here in Houston and becoming a trusted name in the community. Once we establish ourselves, we’d love to expand and purchase additional territories in the future.

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

Martinez: Be patient. The process can be complex, especially when moving from another country, but with the right support, it’s worth it. Take your time, ask questions, and trust the process.

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.