How a Passion for Seniors Drives Success for These TruBlue Franchisees

Jennifer Bauernfeind and her husband Tim have always had a deep-rooted passion for helping seniors. This passion, combined with their dedication to quality service, led them to launch a TruBlue Home Service Ally franchise in the Minneapolis metro areas of Maple Grove and Plymouth in the fall of 2023. TruBlue is a home service franchise providing home maintenance, handyman services and senior home modifications.

Jennifer’s journey into franchising began long before TruBlue entered the picture. With a background in retail, including roles at Target’s corporate headquarters and as a supplier for major companies like Home Depot and Walgreens, Jennifer was no stranger to the business world. However, it was her innate love for working with seniors that ultimately led her to franchising. Observing the shifting demographic landscape and recognizing the essential need for services catering to seniors, Jennifer decided to invest in a Comfort Keepers franchise, which she has successfully operated for six years.

Last year, Jennifer and Tim saw a unique opportunity to expand their mission of care by integrating TruBlue’s home maintenance and modification services into Jennifer’s existing Comfort Keepers business. 

“There are so many things that seniors need to stay safe in their homes as they age,” Jennifer said. "The TruBlue offering is the perfect complement to the Comfort Keepers offering. We take care of the people and the home now. Only 10% of people have a home ready to age in place, according to U.S. Census data. So, there is a significant opportunity.”

TruBlue’s unique model, focusing on home maintenance and senior safety modifications, complements the personal care services offered by brands like Comfort Keepers, creating a comprehensive solution for aging adults. That is why the two brands announced a strategic alliance in 2022, with TruBlue becoming a Comfort Keepers preferred partner. Today, this synergy not only enhances service delivery, but also expands market opportunities for franchisees like the Bauernfeinds.

Since launching her TruBlue franchise last year, Jennifer says the business has continued to grow. “We’ve been getting some great team members and some great reviews, which is very exciting and promising,” she said. “We’ve handled a variety of projects, ranging from smaller to larger ones. We’re getting a good variety of people and a lot of leads. It is growing, and we are making great strides.”

The couple is steadily building a strong client base and generating a lot of leads. One thing that has stood out to Jennifer is the feedback from clients. 

“One of the things we hear a lot is consumers saying, ‘Thank goodness there’s someone here we can trust,’” Jennifer said. “These are pros who are insured, bonded and licensed contractors. These aren’t just people showing up at the door who they don’t know. No one wants to hire a person they don’t trust.”

The Bauernfeinds long-term goal is to establish TruBlue as one of the best handyman providers in the Minneapolis metro area, serving both seniors and busy adults. “We want to take care of our seniors with a holistic approach,” Jennifer said. “We will be able to cover a lot more bases for them with TruBlue and Comfort Keepers together.”

One of the key factors in Jennifer’s success with TruBlue has been the strong support from the franchise leadership team. “TruBlue is incredibly supportive and accessible,” Jennifer said. “Their leadership team is always there for us, especially during times of struggle. They really sit down and give us focused time to work through challenges. We feel very supported and confident in our ability to succeed.”

As Jennifer and Tim continue to grow their TruBlue franchise, their passion for seniors and commitment to quality service remain at the forefront of their business. With their combined skills and dedication, the Bauernfeinds are well on their way to making a lasting impact in their community, helping seniors live safely and comfortably in their homes for years to come.

TruBlue is actively seeking passionate franchise owners like the Bauernfeinds in markets across the country and has identified Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville and Naples in Florida as well as Dallas and Austin in Texas as key development markets.

For more information on TruBlue franchise opportunities, visit: https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally.