TruBlue Total House Care, the handyman and home maintenance franchise with over 80 units that focuses on busy adults and seniors, has seen significant growth over the past two years. While there are several reasons for this, one of the biggest factors is that in a post-COVID world, the demand for home repairs and maintenance has skyrocketed, especially because more seniors plan to modify their homes so they can comfortably age-at-home, rather than move to assisted living or long term care communities.

“We actually did great during COVID-19 because everyone was at home,” said TruBlue President Sean Fitzgerald. “We weren’t sure how that would change now that everyone is out and about, and with inflation, but we are still doing great. The business is very resistant to downturns in the economy because most of the work we do is maintenance and minor repair. People don’t wait to fix the leaking sink until the economy is better. They may not do the full basement remodel, but minor refreshes are still a priority. Our franchise owners focus on the “little” jobs that most contractors shy away from. That is why we continue to do well.”

During the heat of the pandemic, Fitzgerald says the brand was restricted from visiting senior organizations, such as doctor offices and medical facilities and communities. Now, franchisees have more of an opportunity to connect with senior organizations and point out how the brand can help people age in place.

“What we’ve seen post-COVID is that we are really starting to accelerate on the senior home modification service side of the business,” said Fitzgerald. “That is the future. The foundation of our home services business was exceptionally strong during COVID, but now that we are in a new world, the senior side is only going to get better and better.”

Additionally, Fitzgerald says TruBlue’s subscription-based business model has also allowed the franchise to continue growing despite the challenges of the pandemic. TruBlue is the only franchise system focused on ongoing home maintenance services for seniors and busy adults. TruBlue’s Home Ally Maintenance & VIP service subscription programs provides help around the house, both inside and out. Home maintenance for seniors includes ongoing services such as to-do list chores, handyman repairs and basic maintenance items that are often overlooked or shouldn’t be performed by seniors. As specialists, TruBlue franchisees are also able to perform Senior Home Safety Assessments and can make those recommended home safety modifications if needed.

“More people are becoming aware of the importance of doing maintenance around the home,” said Fitzgerald. “It's just like your vehicle. It needs ongoing maintenance. Having someone come out regularly and ensure routine maintenance is being done makes life much easier and saves you money in the long term.”

This growing demand is also part of the reason why TruBlue continues to see new national partnerships with existing senior companies like Comfort Keepers, CarePatrol, Seniors Home Services and more across the country. 

“We are starting to create headwinds in that space and that is leading more and more to strategic partnerships,” said Fitzgerald. “Post-COVID, more and more seniors are going to age in place, and organizations all over the country are starting to realize that we are the missing puzzle piece to help them do so successfully.”

Now, as awareness around aging in place continues to increase post-COVID, TruBlue is ready to establish itself as a leader in the industry. Looking ahead, TruBlue is actively seeking new franchise owners in markets across the country and has identified Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville and Naples, Florida, as well as Dallas, Houston and Austin, Texas, as key development markets.

The total investment estimate for a TruBlue Total House Care franchise ranges from $65,050–$91,400. To learn more about franchising with TruBlue, please visit https://trubluefranchise.com/.