After more than three decades working as a network engineer at Verizon, Renzo Contreras could have coasted into retirement. Instead, he answered a new call to service — one that would change his life and the lives of those around him. In March 2025, he opened a TruBlue franchise serving Northeast Bergen County, New Jersey, to help seniors live safely and independently in their homes.
“I always wanted to do something for myself,” Contreras said. “But when you're in corporate for that long, it’s hard to walk away from that steady income. When Verizon offered early retirement, it just felt like the right time — especially after what happened with my grandfather.”
After witnessing his grandfather pass away in a nursing home at 99 under painful circumstances, Contreras knew he wanted to be part of the solution that would allow more seniors to age in place. That mission-driven focus is what drew him to TruBlue Home Service Ally, a franchise specializing in handyman services, home modifications and maintenance support for older adults.
“It was the mission — helping seniors age in place — that sealed the deal for me,” he said. “I knew this was something I could do and feel good about.”
Like many corporate veterans, Contreras was hesitant to dive headfirst into entrepreneurship without support. That’s why TruBlue’s franchise model, with its comprehensive training and support systems, stood out.
“It’s a big learning curve,” he said. “We’re still growing the team and learning the ins and outs. But TruBlue is very good at hand-holding.”
New franchisees participate in a full week of immersive training at TruBlue’s Ohio headquarters. There, they learn directly from the brand’s leadership and other owners — and that support doesn’t stop after the first week.
“You do weekly calls with a coach after that,” Contreras said. “You have a designated coach to answer questions and give you guidance. You can call them for anything. If you follow the playbook, you will grow.”
That structure gave Contreras the confidence to take a leap into unfamiliar territory.
“I had never owned a business, and the thought of going out on my own was intimidating,” he said. “But franchising helped bridge that gap. It’s still your own business, but you’re not doing it blindly.”
Contreras also appreciated TruBlue’s home-based business model — a key factor in reducing overhead and giving him the freedom to manage his time.
“The home-based aspect of the business was huge for me — you don’t have to have that extra expense of a brick-and-mortar,” he said. “So far, it's been great to control my own schedule. I don’t have to ask for permission. That is huge.”
That flexibility has been especially important as he builds his presence in the community and looks for ways to give back to other veterans — a core mission of his new business.
“I’m an Air Force veteran, and another big part of this for me is supporting fellow veterans,” Contreras said. “That’s an underserved area in so many communities. I want to be part of that solution too.”
For other professionals considering the leap from corporate life to small business ownership, Contreras has one big piece of advice: plan ahead.
“They tell you to have a certain amount of funds, but always plan for more,” he said. “That will kill your dream if you run out of funds or aren’t making as much as you used to. Don’t think you’ll go right back to where you were in corporate. Always plan for the worst.”
But ultimately, he believes that fulfillment comes from finding purpose — not just profit.
“Follow your gut. Find something that truly matters to you. You can’t just do it for the money,” Contreras said. “If you’re passionate about what you do, it shows in your work.”
Now, as a TruBlue franchisee, Contreras is building a business that reflects his values, empowers his future and supports seniors and veterans in his local community.
For more information on franchising with TruBlue, visit: https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally.
TruBlue Home Service Ally
SPONSORED
After a 30+ year corporate career, Air Force veteran Renzo Contreras traded stability for purpose — and found both in the TruBlue franchise system.
After more than three decades working as a network engineer at Verizon, Renzo Contreras could have coasted into retirement. Instead, he answered a new call to service — one that would change his life and the lives of those around him. In March 2025, he opened a TruBlue franchise serving Northeast Bergen County, New Jersey, to help seniors live safely and independently in their homes.
“I always wanted to do something for myself,” Contreras said. “But when you're in corporate for that long, it’s hard to walk away from that steady income. When Verizon offered early retirement, it just felt like the right time — especially after what happened with my grandfather.”
After witnessing his grandfather pass away in a nursing home at 99 under painful circumstances, Contreras knew he wanted to be part of the solution that would allow more seniors to age in place. That mission-driven focus is what drew him to TruBlue Home Service Ally, a franchise specializing in handyman services, home modifications and maintenance support for older adults.
“It was the mission — helping seniors age in place — that sealed the deal for me,” he said. “I knew this was something I could do and feel good about.”
Like many corporate veterans, Contreras was hesitant to dive headfirst into entrepreneurship without support. That’s why TruBlue’s franchise model, with its comprehensive training and support systems, stood out.
“It’s a big learning curve,” he said. “We’re still growing the team and learning the ins and outs. But TruBlue is very good at hand-holding.”
New franchisees participate in a full week of immersive training at TruBlue’s Ohio headquarters. There, they learn directly from the brand’s leadership and other owners — and that support doesn’t stop after the first week.
“You do weekly calls with a coach after that,” Contreras said. “You have a designated coach to answer questions and give you guidance. You can call them for anything. If you follow the playbook, you will grow.”
That structure gave Contreras the confidence to take a leap into unfamiliar territory.
“I had never owned a business, and the thought of going out on my own was intimidating,” he said. “But franchising helped bridge that gap. It’s still your own business, but you’re not doing it blindly.”
Contreras also appreciated TruBlue’s home-based business model — a key factor in reducing overhead and giving him the freedom to manage his time.
“The home-based aspect of the business was huge for me — you don’t have to have that extra expense of a brick-and-mortar,” he said. “So far, it's been great to control my own schedule. I don’t have to ask for permission. That is huge.”
That flexibility has been especially important as he builds his presence in the community and looks for ways to give back to other veterans — a core mission of his new business.
“I’m an Air Force veteran, and another big part of this for me is supporting fellow veterans,” Contreras said. “That’s an underserved area in so many communities. I want to be part of that solution too.”
For other professionals considering the leap from corporate life to small business ownership, Contreras has one big piece of advice: plan ahead.
“They tell you to have a certain amount of funds, but always plan for more,” he said. “That will kill your dream if you run out of funds or aren’t making as much as you used to. Don’t think you’ll go right back to where you were in corporate. Always plan for the worst.”
But ultimately, he believes that fulfillment comes from finding purpose — not just profit.
“Follow your gut. Find something that truly matters to you. You can’t just do it for the money,” Contreras said. “If you’re passionate about what you do, it shows in your work.”
Now, as a TruBlue franchisee, Contreras is building a business that reflects his values, empowers his future and supports seniors and veterans in his local community.
For more information on franchising with TruBlue, visit: https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally.
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