TruBlue Home Service Ally

Darrel&nbsp;and&nbsp;Traci Ferguson, longtime DIY enthusiasts with backgrounds in construction, homebuilding and entrepreneurship, have embarked on a new venture as franchisees with&nbsp;TruBlue Home Service Ally, the handyman and home maintenance franchise. The couple signed on with&nbsp;TruBlue&nbsp;earlier this year with the goal of supporting seniors and busy families in their community of Spring Branch, Texas.Darrel's upbringing in a family-owned construction business and Traci's role as a general contractor and DIY blogger of&nbsp;“My Simpatico Life”&nbsp;laid the foundation for their entrepreneurial journey.“A personal experience really brought us to TruBlue,” said Darrel. “My father-in-law was healthy and doing great, and a couple of days later, I was online trying to find someone to install grab bars, a shower seat, etc. Frankly, we couldn’t find anybody in the area who really did that. I did all the installation myself and those updates really made a big difference in his life. TruBlue takes care of busy families but also has a primary focus on the senior community, so we thought it’d be a good way to bring it all full circle.”Looking ahead, the Fergusons are excited about the growth potential and impact of their TruBlue franchise. Their long-term vision includes expanding their staff and making a significant impact on the senior community, ultimately creating a family legacy for their four daughters.Darrel and Traci took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss all of this and more. Here’s what they had to say:&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Darrel Ferguson:&nbsp;My family owned their own construction business, so I really saw what it meant to be an entrepreneur from a young age working on that job. I grew up doing that. Traci and I met after college. We’ve been married over 30 years. I was in the retail automotive industry for most of that time. I started the first part of my career in the dealership and we eventually owned part of the business. I was also selling software to car dealers. We also managed a home building business.&nbsp;Traci Ferguson:&nbsp;I acted as a general contractor for several years as we built homes. I turned into more of a DIY builder and started a blog called “My Simpatico Life,” helping other people with the things I’ve learned over the years. I was really focused on the blog until my step-dad fell last September.&nbsp;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?&nbsp;Darrel:&nbsp;We’ve started a number of businesses on our own, but the reality in today’s world is that having a franchise brand behind you makes it much easier for people to find you online. Google runs the world. There is a brand name you can attach yourself to immediately. Secondly, I do believe that anybody can start a business from scratch with enough capital, but at the end of the day, you are relying on yourself at all times. A franchise puts you at least a year and a half ahead in the game. There are close to 100 other franchise owners I can ask about their experience at all times.Traci:&nbsp;It's really fast-tracking. We don't have to test out different technology, different marketing, etc. There is a proven system that works and we can jump right into it.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company&nbsp;Darrel:&nbsp;After 33 years of being around the automotive business, I wanted to do something new and exciting. We wanted to build a business in this area. So what would be the next step? We knew it’d be in the home service space.&nbsp;A personal experience really brought us to TruBlue. My father-in-law was healthy and doing great, and a couple of falls later, I was online trying to find someone to install grab bars, a shower seat, etc. Frankly, we couldn’t find anybody in the area who really did that. I did all the installation myself and those updates really made a big difference in his life. TruBlue takes care of busy families but also has a primary focus on the senior community, so we thought it’d be a good way to bring it all full circle.In the automotive industry, I also had experience selling subscription-based software, so I was drawn to&nbsp;TruBlue’s unique subscription model. That was extremely interesting to me — I had never seen that before. Handyman work is generally around all the time, but there are certain times of the year when it's not as busy. So having that recurring revenue is really important to keep the technicians busy.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Traci:&nbsp;We are going to start out with three vehicles and hope to expand to six by next year. By then, we aim to establish strong relationships with local caregivers and in-home health providers, allowing us to perform safety assessments in homes throughout the area. Within a year, we want to double the size of our staff and make a significant impact on the senior community. Long term, there is no limit to how big we can grow this company, and eventually, we hope to hand the business down to the next generation — we have four daughters.1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?Darrel:&nbsp;The story of us dealing with our aging parents is very common right now. Ninety percent of seniors want to stay in their homes. I didn’t realize personally how much impact that has, not only on their lives but also on the lives of their family members and loved ones. We are in our 50s, and people don’t think about it until it happens. That is really part of the story.&nbsp;Traci:&nbsp;That is one of the biggest concerns, now that my mom is single and she has a nice house with a big piece of property. It's scary to me to have her there by herself and have people there that she doesn’t know. We want to be trustworthy and prove that we’ll take care of the senior caregivers. It’s important to have employees that are background checked so that people feel safe with them in their homes.&nbsp;1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?&nbsp;Darrel:&nbsp;I didn’t start with TruBlue; I ended with them. I vetted several franchises. Shop around and find the one that feels the most comfortable. There are plenty of handyman franchises out there, so reach out and learn more. Most franchises don't have a clear reason for existing, but TruBlue has a true mission. Also, once you start shopping, make sure you get in contact with some of the franchise owners. Talk to them, find out how they feel, how much support they get, etc. And not just the ones they want you to talk to. Make sure it fits you.&nbsp;The total investment necessary to begin operation of a TruBlue franchise ranges from $65,050 to $91,400. This includes $44,900 that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate. For more information, please visit&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/info.&nbsp;About TruBlue Home Service Ally:&nbsp;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.

Darrel & Traci Ferguson's Journey with TruBlue | Franchise Success Story

1851 Franchise

After experiencing the difficulties of supporting their own aging parents, Darrel and Traci Ferguson are eager to assist other seniors and busy families in Spring Branch, Texas.

This brand page has been paid for by TRUBLUE HOME SERVICE ALLY. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Family-Run Homebuilders and DIY Bloggers Sign on With TruBlue Franchise

family-run-homebuilders-and-diy-bloggers-sign-on-with-trublue-franchise

FRANCHISE INFORMATION

Own a TruBlue Franchise

How TruBlue Empowers Career-Changers to Become Business Owners

Turning Your Passion for Helping Others into a Profitable Business with TruBlue

Why is the Medical Community Investing in TruBlue?

The Future of the Home Service Market

Learn

Download Brochure

Visit Website

TRUBLUE HOME SERVICE ALLY

Facebook 

Instagram 

LinkedIn 

SOCIAL MEDIA 

Step-by-Step: What the First Year of Owning a TruBlue Home Service Ally Looks Like

TruBlue & Lifewise Partner To Create Safer Homes for Seniors

Sioux Falls Business Owner and Sales Veteran To ‘Finish Strong’ With TruBlue Home Service Ally Franchise

TRUBLUE HOME SERVICE ALLY MOST READ STORIES

1851 LOGIN

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

ABOUT TRUBLUE HOME SERVICE ALLY

CONTACT TRUBLUE HOME SERVICE ALLY

facebook

instagram

linkedin

youtube

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

City

State / Province

Zip Code

How did you hear about us?

What excites you about owning a TruBlue Franchise?

Own a TruBlue Total House Care

image of forrest havernin from tru blue home service ally in woodlands texas

Tech Industry Veteran Turns to TruBlue Home Service Ally to Build a Legacy with Purpose in The Woodlands, Texas

tech-industry-veteran-turns-to-trublue-home-service-ally-to-build-a-legacy-with-purpose-in-the-woodlands-texas

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Robert Campbell, TruBlue Home Service Ally

Why This Philanthropist and Pastor Is Starting a TruBlue Franchise in Wilmington, North Carolina

pastor-veteran-robert-campbell-trublue-wilmington-nc

image of thatcher thornburg franchisee owner of trublue home service ally Santa Clarita California

Hollywood Roots, Home Safety Focus: How TruBlue’s Aging-in-Place Model Draws Purpose-Driven Owners

streaming-technology-veteran-launches-trublue-california

image of Blake Ostling 1851 franchise franchisee feature for trublue home service ally East Lansing

Seasoned Entrepreneur Launches TruBlue Home Service Ally Franchise in East Lansing

trublue-home-service-ally-franchise-blake-ostling-east-lansing

On a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bbU1xPK_gI">recent episode of the “Pursuit of Profit” podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancfitzgerald">Sean Fitzgerald</a> unpacked why aging in place has quickly become one of the most urgent—and underserved — needs in America. Older adults overwhelmingly want to remain in their homes, but the typical home environment often isn’t maintained or designed to support safe independence.Fitzgerald shared how his leadership path through major franchise brands—and his personal experience losing his mother and later his father-in-law after a catastrophic fall—deepened his commitment to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue’s</a> mission. He positioned TruBlue as far more than a handyman concept, explaining that the brand’s niche is helping older adults stay safer at home through a three-step approach:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/trublue-home-service-ally-offers-free-home-assessments-for-fall-prevention-month-2727190">home safety assessments</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-trublue-is-the-no-hassle-way-into-the-senior-industry-2729582">senior modifications</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciA12NuaFVg">ongoing maintenance</a> that reduces risk over time.“I believe that most of the falls that seniors experience are due to the home environment not being well-maintained or they’re trying to maintain it,” Fitzgerald said.Throughout the episode, Fitzgerald emphasized that TruBlue wins trust by acting like a long-term partner rather than a one-off service provider — especially for the homeowners 50 and older who make up a majority of customers. The brand’s “Home Service Ally” identity reflects that relationship-first positioning, where small jobs create the credibility to earn larger projects and lifelong customer value.&nbsp;“There’s no job too small,” Fitzgerald said, noting that once a homeowner trusts TruBlue, repeat business follows—and so do referrals from families, neighbors, and even senior care organizations and medical networks seeking reliable in-home support.Watch the full episode&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bbU1xPK_gI">here</a>.&nbsp;For more information visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info</a>.

Fitzgerald explains how TruBlue’s assessments, modifications and ongoing maintenance model helps older adults stay safer at home—while creating recurring, trust-driven demand for franchise owners.

TruBlue’s Sean Fitzgerald on Aging in Place, Fall Prevention and Building a “Home Service Ally”

trublues-sean-fitzgerald-on-aging-in-place-fall-prevention-and-building-a-home-service-ally

<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a>, the national franchise dedicated to helping busy adults and seniors age in place safely and comfortably, closed out 2025 as the strongest year in the brand’s history. Fueled by record franchise development, rising systemwide revenue, and increasing demand for aging-in-place solutions, the brand enters 2026 positioned for even greater expansion.“We had by far our best year ever,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancfitzgerald">Sean Fitzgerald</a>, president of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue</a>. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in not only new franchise owners, but also in growth and revenue systemwide. We more than doubled our new franchise agreements signed in 2025, and we’ve seen over a 25% increase in systemwide revenue.”According to Fitzgerald, the momentum goes beyond the numbers. TruBlue is attracting a new caliber of franchise owners — professionals with strong leadership, sales and marketing backgrounds who recognize the long-term opportunity in the aging-in-place sector.“Overall growth is really overshadowing any other big developments,” Fitzgerald said. “A lot of new professionals are joining TruBlue with really impressive backgrounds. The level of business acumen of our new owners coming into the system has been very impressive.”As TruBlue’s footprint expands nationwide, the brand is unlocking new opportunities to serve seniors and their families through broader partnerships and programs aimed at supporting safe, independent living.“Because we’ve grown so rapidly and we have much more coverage than we did even a year ago, we’re beginning to develop more strategic partners and programs,” Fitzgerald said. “There’s nothing new about aging in place, but the demand for our services is becoming more and more pronounced.”That demand, Fitzgerald explained, is being driven by a critical gap in the marketplace, one TruBlue is uniquely positioned to fill.“There are not a lot of options for people who need simple and minor senior modifications like grab bars or handheld showers,” he said. “Durable medical equipment companies focus on large installations and don’t want to mess with small projects. Seniors are left struggling to find trustworthy people for these services, and that’s our sweet spot.”As insurance and subsidy models evolve, more age-driven services are becoming eligible for coverage, further accelerating demand.“Historically, health insurance only covered services prescribed by a doctor,” Fitzgerald said. “Now, more services are age-driven instead of need-driven, which is fueling demand. Our opportunities are going to increase because we’re happy to do these minor senior modifications. Our business model is to build long-term customer relationships and not just a transactional business.”Looking ahead, TruBlue’s leadership team sees its expanding coverage as the final piece needed to unlock even more national partnerships.“The only thing holding us back from developing more national partnerships in the past was coverage,” Fitzgerald said. “The demand is there, we just need good operators in more markets. It’s almost an ‘I told you so’ moment. The senior aging-in-place wave is here. It’s no longer coming — it’s evident, and it’s fueling our growth.”As TruBlue prepares for 2026, the brand continues to seek franchise partners who are natural community builders and storytellers.“We’re really looking for people with a sales and marketing mindset,” Fitzgerald said. “Our owners are creating awareness, connecting to the community and becoming the local authority on aging in place. We’re looking for people who can build teams, network and tell the story of why our services matter.”With record-setting growth behind it and powerful demographic trends ahead, TruBlue enters the new year confident in its position at the forefront of the aging-in-place movement.“Our owners have been doing a great job connecting with their communities,” Fitzgerald said. “This trend is only going to continue, and we are well-positioned for it.”To learn more about franchise opportunities with TruBlue Home Service Ally, visit: <a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/info">&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/info</a>.

The home maintenance, repair, and senior modification franchise caps its strongest year ever, driven by rapid franchise expansion, systemwide revenue gains, and surging market demand.

TruBlue Home Service Ally Closes Out 2025 With Record Growth and Accelerating Demand for Aging-in-Place Services

trublue-home-service-ally-closes-out-2025-with-record-growth-and-accelerating-demand-for-aging-in-place-services

Family-Run Homebuilders and DIY Bloggers Sign on With TruBlue Franchise

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS