Benny Wink’s journey into franchising wasn’t a typical one. From a young age, he was immersed in entrepreneurial projects, thanks to his father's influence. Building a deck and privacy fence around the family’s above-ground pool at just 15, Benny got his first taste of hands-on home improvement. But while this passion always stayed with him, his professional path initially took him elsewhere. With a degree in computer science and an MBA, Benny spent over two decades in corporate leadership, working for major companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Russell Athletic and Fruit of the Loom. Along the way, he nurtured his love for home improvement through personal projects. Still, the corporate world held him — until, finally, an opportunity arose that allowed him to combine his professional experience with his personal passion.

Benny’s decision to buy a TruBlue Home Service Ally franchise wasn’t immediate. In fact, he was initially skeptical of franchising. However, as he explored different business options and met with leadership from various franchises, his perspective began to shift. He saw that the royalties weren’t just a cost — they were an investment in knowledge and support. The value of being able to “short-circuit” his learning curve through the franchise model became clear. And TruBlue, with its strong focus on senior home safety, handyman services and ongoing maintenance, felt like the perfect fit for him, aligning both with his business goals and his personal values.

What truly motivates Benny is his deep respect for people and their homes. To him, it’s not just about fixing things — it’s about improving lives. "Everyone takes pride in their home, and I believe that honoring that pride makes a real difference."

1851 Franchise spoke with Benny to learn more about his path to franchising and his desire to make a positive impact on his customers’ lives.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Benny Wink: I've always had an entrepreneurial spirit, which was modeled and fostered by my dad. That drive stayed with me, and I also caught the home improvement bug as a teenager. When I was 15, I designed a deck and privacy fence to go around our above-ground pool and my dad paid me and a friend of mine to build it. I’ve always enjoyed that kind of work, even while I pursued other professional paths.

I went to college, got a computer science degree followed by an MBA, and spent 20-25 years in the corporate world. I worked in leadership positions, primarily in health care analytics, project management and marketing communications. I also led a mental health care organization as the assistant CEO for about 18 months. Alongside this, I was always involved in home improvement projects for friends and family.

For the past five years, I’ve worked as a consultant in the corporate world and that experience — combined with my passion for home improvement — led me to consider making an impact in the industry. When the opportunity came to buy a franchise, I felt that everything I had done professionally prepared me for this move.

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?

Benny: Honestly, I was very anti-franchising up until earlier this year. I was initially concerned about the control a franchise might have over its owners and dreaded the royalties involved. However, as I did my due diligence — meeting with franchise companies, attending discovery days and speaking with franchisees — I realized that franchising wasn’t as controlling as I initially thought.

What I discovered is that the royalties you pay give you access to a wealth of knowledge and support. That’s invaluable. You're getting help with business processes, vendors, recruiting and more. This shortens the learning curve, and that kind of support makes a big difference, especially when you're running a business.

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

Benny: I was drawn to TruBlue by the values of the company and the leadership I met. They are very down-to-earth, have high standards and are committed to making a positive impact in the industry. Their three primary service models — handyman services, senior home safety and ongoing maintenance — really spoke to me. It's not just about handyman services; there’s a big focus on making homes safer for seniors, which resonates with me, especially as I help care for my aging parents.

As someone raising two teenagers and managing a busy household, I can also relate to the services for busy adults. The combination of these service models and the company’s mission aligned perfectly with my values.

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

Benny: I believe in the mission and values of TruBlue, and I want to grow the business beyond my current territory. I’m not content with just staying in one area. If we're providing high service and value to customers, I want to take that same level of service to more people, expanding into other territories.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Benny: One thing I’m particularly proud of is how the previous owners, Rick, Roxanne and Mur, have networked with a local disabilities group to help people with home modifications who can't afford them. I’ve been involved in managing a few of these projects, and it's been rewarding to make an impact on the lives of people with disabilities. My philosophy is that everyone deserves the same level of respect and service, no matter their status in society. Whether it's a mansion or a rundown house, it's someone's home and we should treat it with care.

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

Benny: My advice is to focus on finding the right fit for you. Every franchise has its own personality, branding, leadership and values. Make sure your values align with theirs, and that you trust the leadership. Do your due diligence, talk to as many people as possible and get both the pros and cons. It's important to fully understand the franchise before you commit.

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.