From Facilities Management to Franchising: Karen Kiley Spearheads TruBlue Total House Care in Montgomery County

After her mother decided to age in place, longtime Maryland resident Karen Kiley saw just how much work it was to ensure a home was safe for a senior to live in long-term. She realized many seniors didn’t have anybody to help them determine what modifications are needed or even what is available to make their homes safer. Determined to make a difference and fill this gap, Kiley recently signed on with TruBlue Total House Care, the over 80-unit franchise aimed at providing comprehensive handyman services to busy families and aging-in-place solutions to the senior community. 

For over two decades, Kiley worked in facilities management, overseeing diverse projects, repairs and maintenance for Warner Brothers Discovery (formerly Discovery). 

“People were always asking me for recommendations for these types of services, so I felt like there is a real need for general handyman services in the area and there are also fast growing needs for the aging-in-place community, as well,” said Kiley.

After her experience with her mother, she began to envision a service for busy adults who needed reliable help for basic repairs as well as those uncertain about home modifications for safer aging-in-place. Recognizing the growing demand for such services in her area, she started considering her options: starting a business from scratch or franchising. After extensive research, Kiley found the perfect fit with TruBlue Total House Care.

“I was basically buying the blueprint, so I could focus my energy on the launch and growth plan for the business,” said Kiley. “Franchises come with name recognition and provide the model for success. The structure of owning my own business, while also being connected to others in the same field, with the same goals, is advantageous.”

TruBlue's wide-ranging services, from general repairs to aging-in-place solutions, were perfectly aligned with Kiley's interests and mission. However, the most appealing aspect of TruBlue was its purpose-driven approach. "We’re making homes safer for those who want to remain where they are most comfortable and often have decades of memories. TruBlue is a company with a purpose," she said, emphasizing the significance of the human aspect in her work.

Since opening TruBlue of Rockville in May 2023, Kiley says her aspirations go beyond running a successful business. She is building a robust team that shares her enthusiasm for helping others and represents TruBlue in an exceptional way. Her goal is to give busy families their time back and assist seniors who choose to remain in their homes, while fostering an environment where her team feels valued and their work matters.

Kiley is also very involved in her community and hopes to continue helping others through her business. She is on the board of The Dwelling Place and is a Vocational Services volunteer for Interfaith Works. She is passionate about the need for affordable housing and is excited to assist seniors who prefer to remain in their homes, instead of moving to what are often more expensive alternatives. 

Kiley believes following that kind of passion is the key for any entrepreneur thinking about starting their own business. “Determine what you like, what you are good at and what is important to you,” she said. “Choose something you’ll enjoy doing every day and do it as a company who has a purpose driven mission.”

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit: https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/info