TruBlue Home Service Ally

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-runnels-7973938/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=local-south-bay-resident-opens-first-trublue-home-service-ally-2731151" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Anthony Runnels</a> was in the midst of growing his career in corporate finance when he began to search for a business model that better fit his personal and professional goals. Despite his corporate success, he felt a persistent desire to help others in his community. When facing challenges with family members who were in need of assistance to age safely and comfortably in their homes, Runnels began to consider owning a business of his own that might offer a solution.Runnels began exploring home service options after seeing his mother and other relatives in need of more support to live safely at home. He found&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=local-south-bay-resident-opens-first-trublue-home-service-ally-2731151" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> and liked that the model delivers senior-focused handyman services without a brick-and-mortar location. He now owns&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> serving&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trublueally.com/coastal-south-bay?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=local-south-bay-resident-opens-first-trublue-home-service-ally-2731151" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Coastal South Bay</a> and hopes to offer reliable help to local seniors.&nbsp;1851 Franchise spoke with Runnels about his journey into franchising and his plans for the future. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?Anthony Runnels:&nbsp;I started my career in public accounting, where I worked at EY and received my CPA license. I worked my way up in a lot of senior corporate finance roles. During most of that time, I always had this itch and this yearning to do something more to serve people and to help out in the community.I ended up trying a year as an investment adviser doing financial planning, but the problem was I wasn’t helping the people in the way I wanted. That feeling never went away, and I never quite could put my finger on what kind of business I wanted, though I knew it was what I wanted.In early 2025, I stumbled across this podcast where there was a gentleman talking about franchising as a good way to take a step toward owning your own business. Truthfully, the best part of this business is going out and servicing people, seeing the reviews and hearing how professional we are and how much they love our service. It feels rewarding to see that.1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Runnels:&nbsp;When I went into private industry, I handled a lot of SEC reporting and managing investor relations, dealing extensively with Wall Street investors and trying to take companies public. I eventually found my niche in startup and smaller sized companies primarily in media / entertainment and technology.I had experience in multiple kinds of business structures and eventually started looking for something that was AI-resistant in a growing kind of market, and something that I felt good about doing that would be a service to people. Franchising made sense as a good way to take a step toward owning your own business, but without the risk of doing everything from the ground up.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?Runnels:&nbsp;I knew about other franchises like fast food, dry cleaning or laundromats, but didn’t realize how expansive they could be and how many industries are available. I always assumed franchising was a brick-and-mortar business that required a lot of capital to invest.I soon found out that franchising could be home-based. Now I have a little office of my own, but I work with handymen directly from their own home bases. I also wasn’t aware of the support you get from the corporate office and the training provided.I couldn’t imagine having started this business on my own, especially because I’m from a corporate finance background and am not a handyman by trade. The support they provide accelerates your ability to scale.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Runnels:&nbsp;TruBlue actually was a competitor that popped up while I was researching other franchises. I liked that they offered handyman services to seniors. Once I talked to the TruBlue folks, I was sold.Every single person I talked to really had this passion for seniors and helping them age in place and prevent falls or accidents. It just really hit me at the core of who I am and felt right.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Runnels:&nbsp;My goal, even before we opened, was to be the most prominent home service company in the Los Angeles area and definitely in the senior market for aging in place services. I am already a certified Aging in Place specialist, and all of my technicians are senior home safety specialists.That higher standard of service and care, and the way we communicate, is what will distinguish us. I am already thinking of expanding into more territories and want to be top of mind for people when they think about needing a home service company.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Runnels:&nbsp;My personal life really drove my decision to move in this direction. My mom, who is in her later 60s and recently divorced, lives on her own. I realized these were the services she needed.I remember hearing her smoke alarms beeping, and she told me she didn’t trust just anybody to come over. That made me realize that I may not even be able to go over there and take care of what needs to be done in the way I would want.We also had another family member who had a really bad fall in her garage, and all of these instances kind of pushed me toward getting the franchise. Being able to do very simple modifications, like putting in grab bars, makes it more comfortable for people to stay at home, which is really where they want to be anyway.&nbsp;1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Runnels:&nbsp;Take your time, do your research, and talk to as many people in the industry as possible. With TruBlue, I found a consistency with the messaging and a real passion that you felt, whether I was talking to current owners or the CEO.When looking into any franchise opportunity, try to get a feel for whether this company is really who they say they are. Franchising is a decent-sized investment, and you want to make sure you are getting into a business that feels like a good fit.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.All locations are independently owned and operated. Service offerings, certifications, and licenses vary by location.

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Local CPA Pivots Career to Open FIRST TruBlue HomeService Ally in South Bay

1851 Franchise

Motivated by family experiences and a desire to serve his community, Anthony Runnels launched his TruBlue franchise to help the underserved aging population in South Bay and beyond.

CPA and Senior Finance Executive Pivots. CPA and Senior Finance Executive Pivots to a Purposeful Business, Bringing Essential Services to Seniors in the Greater Los Angeles Area With TruBlue Home Service Ally Franchise

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For decades,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dawes-09067411/">John Dawes</a> has successfully built businesses from the ground up. Most recently, it was his work in bathroom safety remodeling that shifted his perspective. While helping seniors modify their homes for safety, Dawes saw firsthand the immense relief and joy his work brought to families.Now, at 60 years old, Dawes isn't looking to retire, he is looking to continue making a difference. Determined to spend the next decade doing meaningful work, Dawes has launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> in Sioux Falls. By pivoting to franchising, he is skipping the "start-up" headaches he faced in previous ventures to focus entirely on what drives him: providing peace of mind to the Sioux Falls community and helping neighbors stay safe and comfortable in their homes.1851 Franchise sat down with Dawes to discuss the launch of his new business. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?John Dawes: I've been in sales and management for most of my career. I bounced around from the auto industry to the mortgage industry, then onto the advertising agency world. I owned a mortgage company for many years here in Sioux Falls. Then I became their national sales trainer and their sales manager for 34 locations. I also owned an auto dealership leads and credit repair company called The Right Track Solution for five years.For the last year and a half, I headed up a national bathroom remodeling company. About 75% of my business was working with seniors, and I really enjoyed seeing firsthand how we impacted our customers and the new peace of mind our services provided for them. This really motivated me to open a business centered around seniors. I still have 10 to 15 years left to work, so I thought, “Why not open a senior service-centered business?”1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Dawes: My first two businesses that I owned, there was not really a model to go by. So, you pretty much had to do everything from figuring out your CRM and your marketing approaches. I did not want to go down that road again because it takes a lot of work and a lot of time. What really attracted me to franchising is that they've already got everything completed for you. It’s like a turnkey business. You go in, follow the instructions and here you go.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?Dawes: I have a lot of friends that own franchises in different industries, so a lot of my perception of franchising comes from their experiences. Some of them were given a ton of freedom and leeway, others not at all. I thought initially that the franchisor would give me everything, but it turned out that they did give me some decision-making power, and I really appreciate that.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Dawes: When I found&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue</a> it was just a perfect match. I've always had a heart for helping people, especially seniors. With what they get for compensation and then the amount of things that they give you and the amount of support they give you, there really aren’t any franchises out there like them. They go above and beyond what many other companies do.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Dawes: I grew up in North Dakota in Grand Forks, so there might be possibilities of expanding to my home areas. I would definitely like to expand further south, maybe to Sioux City. There aren’t too many TruBlue territories in this area, so there is plenty of opportunity to expand.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Dawes: I've always had just a passion for helping people and treating them how they should be treated. With my sales background I always aimed to not put a ton of pressure on customers to purchase or not purchase.Also, I've played racquetball for probably 40 years, 50 years, and I’m a new grandparent! I have one grandchild right now, with 2 more on the way. A lot of my time is spent with my family these days.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Dawes: I would definitely say that if you've got the inkling that franchise ownership is something you want to do, then you should do it. The nice thing about franchising is that there's always going to be help and support at the ready for you. If you have the drive to succeed, you will succeed.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.All locations are independently owned and operated. Service offerings, certifications, and licenses vary by location.

TruBlue Home Service Ally - John Dawes Franchisee Feature - 1851 Franchise

Sioux Falls Business Owner and Sales Veteran To ‘Finish Strong’ With TruBlue Home Service Ally Franchise

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For new&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> owners, the journey starts with a strong foundation of training and support. Before the first job is booked,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue’s</a> onboarding process ensures franchisees feel confident and equipped to launch.<h2>Signing, Training and Launching</h2>For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-smith-50780b364">Michael Smith</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-phillips-298502107">Jodi Phillips</a>, owners of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trublueally.com/culpeper">TruBlue of Culpeper</a> in Virginia, that process began as soon as they signed their franchise agreement.“We spent a week in the in-person training session and that was very informative and helpful,” Jodi said. “There were also multiple calls twice a week, and we felt it was very important to go through those things independently. We both got different things from each section. There was a lot of coaching and support to get things set up.”With her background as a licensed physical therapist assistant, Jodi was looking for a concept that aligned with her experience. “The addition of the senior and aging in place services really sealed the deal for us,” she said. “It seemed like an obvious choice.”For Michael, who spent years in federal investigation work and grew up around construction, the decision was about combining skill and purpose.“The aging population is going to be huge and there isn’t much out there helping,” he said. “We like to help people on a personal level, and TruBlue gives us a way to do that.”The pair purchased their franchise in May, completed training and onboarding in June, and officially launched operations in July. “We had our soft launch in June, reaching out to friends, family and neighbors,” Michael said. “That gave us time to test everything before our official opening.”They funded their business through a 401(k) rollover (ROBS), a common financing path for new TruBlue owners. “It was the right move for us,” Michael said. “We’ve far exceeded expectations in our first four months.”<h2>Building Your First Team and Client Base</h2>Once open, the first 90 days are all about momentum, building the right crew, booking early jobs, and becoming a known presence in the community.For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trublue-denver-west-bottoms-family-2729944">Miles and Cassondra Bottoms</a>, who own&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trublueally.com/denver-west/About-Us">TruBlue of Denver West</a> in Colorado, the early months were a whirlwind.“It’s a lot of hours, around 60 a week,” Cassondra said. “We’re getting used to our processes, drinking from the fire hose. But we’ve been very conscious about doing things the right way.”The Bottoms quickly learned that hiring strategically would be key to growth. “We’ve already hired an assistant,” Cassondra said. “Some people don’t think it’s a value they can afford, but we realized we couldn’t afford&nbsp;not to have someone helping us. It freed us to go out and sell more business.”Miles agrees that building a reliable team is step one. “There’s a big misconception that you open the business and are immediately out there running,” he said. “Initially, it’s all about getting a team you can sell, one you’re confident can deliver what you promise. Once you dial that in, everything else follows.”Their daily routine became a balance of scheduling, quoting, job management and relationship-building. “You have to know what a successful day looks like,” Miles said. “Otherwise you’ll just bury yourself. It’s about prioritizing and adjusting.”<h2>Community Engagement and Local Marketing</h2>As operations stabilize, TruBlue owners begin shifting focus toward relationship-driven marketing, the backbone of long-term success.Cassondra and Miles discovered that&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/be-a-community-hero-how-trublue-franchisees-are-changing-lives-beyond-business-2730484">local engagement</a> pays off quickly. “We’ve been really intentional about being part of the community,” Cassondra said. “Whether it’s going to a gala, sponsoring a silent auction or joining the Chamber of Commerce, we’ve made those connections a weekly priority. The payoff is real. We’re already seeing organic leads come in.”By taking estimating off her plate and focusing on relationship-building, Cassondra found they could grow more efficiently. “We want to be a vendor of choice,” she said. “If we can work with the VPs of operations in our community, we know that will lead to recurring business.”For Michael and Jodi,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/trublue-and-lifewise-partner-to-deliver-safer-healthier-homes-for-seniors-2730494">TruBlue’s national marketing systems and partnerships</a> provided a strong boost early on.“The franchise path really allowed us to jump three years ahead in business planning,” Michael said. “TruBlue already has national partnerships, the marketing is already there, we don’t have to worry about anything. We just plug and play into our personal vision.”<h2>Scaling, Streamlining and Looking Ahead</h2>By the end of year one, most TruBlue franchisees are focused on growth, adding subscriptions, expanding their team and planning for future territories.“Our goals are adjusting on a day-by-day basis,” Jodi said. “We currently have one territory, but we’re already thinking about expanding into multiple territories — even exploring other brands.”For the Bottoms, culture has been central to scaling. “We have a motto of hiring slow but firing fast,” Cassondra said. “We have Monday morning meetings every week so the guys feel part of the team. Everyone has something that matters to them, and we’re learning what motivates them.”And while every new business comes with challenges, both franchisee teams agree that&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/how-trublue-helps-franchisees-create-lasting-businesses-2728925">TruBlue’s network of support</a> has made the first year smoother.“When we have questions or concerns, we have someone we can reach out to anytime,” Cassondra said. “The biggest help has been talking to other franchise owners. Everyone shares advice, it’s like having a community behind you.”Michael echoes that sentiment. “It’s definitely lived up to our expectations,” he said. “The model works, and we’ve been able to exceed goals faster than we imagined. The support and structure make a huge difference.”<h2>A Year of Hard Work, Growth and Purpose</h2>The first year of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/trublue-franchise-a-unique-and-profitable-opportunity-for-entrepreneurs-2728388">owning a TruBlue franchise</a> is packed with learning, growth and connection. Between training, hiring, community building and delivering meaningful services to seniors and families, new franchisees quickly see how the business can align with their personal and professional goals.It’s a year that requires drive, but one that rewards every ounce of effort with progress and purpose.“It’s amazing to set your own standards,” Michael said. “It’s our product at the end of the day. All of our work goes toward it, and I don’t think I’ll ever go back.”For more information, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info</a>.

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1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Brian Keaney & TrueBlue Home Service Ally logo

Former Reporter Returns to Trade Roots with TruBlue Home Service Ally Franchise

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As America’s senior population grows, the demand for safe, comfortable and accessible homes is stronger than ever.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> has long been at the forefront of helping older adults age in place through handyman, maintenance and senior modification services. Now, thanks to a powerful partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://lifewisechm.com/">Lifewise CHM</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue</a> franchisees can deliver even more tailored, clinically informed home modifications that directly improve safety, mobility and overall well-being.<h2>A Partnership Built on Expertise and Compassion</h2>Lifewise CHM specializes in clinical home modifications, bringing health care expertise and occupational therapy insights into the home improvement process. By working with TruBlue franchisees, Lifewise ensures that every adjustment — from grab bars to ramps to widened doorways — is not just well-built, but customized to meet the unique needs of each individual.“Lifewise is very versed in construction and what should and shouldn’t happen,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tad-albright-ab96b32a">Tad Albright</a>, a TruBlue franchise owner in Wichita, Kansas. “They are the only ones I know of who offer a full assessment with an occupational therapist. It helps you know what their limitations are. Lifewise takes the time and the personal attention for these clients, which is extremely beneficial.” And Tad says Lifewise is not just about aging in place, but also about helping people of all ages find a safer and more humane way to live. “Many of these folks have not showered or bathed in years due to the lack of access to a safe means of showering or bathing,” he said. “Or they struggle daily to get up and down the stairs in and out of their own home to live a more full and productive life.”<h2>Real-World Impact in Wichita</h2>For Tad, who runs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trublueally.com/north-wichita">TruBlue of North Wichita</a> with his wife Tara, the partnership has already proven transformative.“We’ve run a lot of appointments for them and we’ve helped several people — and can hopefully help a lot more — in terms of accessibility, showers, cleanliness, etc.,” he said. “We’ve done ramps, bath remodels, widening doorways, grab bars, stairwells — helping people get in and out of the house safely, as well as being comfortable in their homes. We’ve had great feedback from all of the customers.”The process starts with a joint visit. A Lifewise occupational therapist conducts a physical assessment while Tad handles the measuring, sketching and construction planning. Together, they sit down with the homeowner to discuss not only what is possible but also what will truly&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-now-is-the-perfect-time-to-join-the-home-maintenance-industry-with-trublue-2728594">make the home safer and more livable.</a>“We will spend the first ten minutes in the home with the therapist,” Tad said. “From there, I do my measuring and assess what construction-wise could work. We have another conversation with the member about how we can better improve the home to make it safer, more accessible, and more comfortable.”<h2>Aging in Place, With Dignity</h2>For Tad, this work is deeply personal. Both he and his wife were inspired to join TruBlue after caring for aging parents and witnessing firsthand the difference that a well-prepared home can make.“My mother was able to pass away at home because my father was able to update the home,” Tad said. “The majority of people want to age in place. It’s humbling to see how many people are struggling in homes that aren’t safe. A lot of them are on fixed incomes, and we try to be sympathetic and empathetic.”The partnership with Lifewise has helped Tad deliver on the very reason he bought a TruBlue franchise.“When I bought the TruBlue franchise, the ability to help people is really what steered me to the brand. The aging in place aspect,” he said. “It was very difficult to break into that pillar of the business — regardless of how many times you reach out. But this partnership provided me the opportunity to move in the direction and the purpose of why I bought TruBlue: helping those who are in need.”<h2>A Growing Network of Support</h2>Based in Kansas City, Lifewise works with its members through a scheduling system that directly connects with TruBlue franchisees like Tad. Together, they provide a seamless process — one that blends TruBlue’s trusted home service capabilities with Lifewise’s clinical insights.And the collaboration with Lifewise is just one example of how TruBlue works hand-in-hand with trusted organizations to better serve seniors and families. From in-home care leaders like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.comfortkeepersfranchise.com/">Comfort Keepers</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/blog/2020/10/09/complete-in-home-solutions">Right at Home</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/growth-club/comforcare-home-care-franchise">ComForCare</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://carepatrol.com/">CarePatrol</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.homeinstead.com/home-care/usa/or/portland/289/">Home Instead</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trublueally.com/blog/New-Partnership-The-Helper-Bees-and-TruBlue">The Helper Bees</a> to industry associations such as&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nahb.org/">NAHB</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://caps.creditacceptance.com/">CAPS</a>, TruBlue’s national partnerships all align with the mission of creating safer, more secure, and more comfortable living environments.&nbsp;For more information on franchising with TruBlue, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info</a>.

TruBlue & Lifewise Partner to Create Safer Homes for Seniors

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CPA and Senior Finance Executive Pivots. CPA and Senior Finance Executive Pivots to a Purposeful Business, Bringing Essential Services to Seniors in the Greater Los Angeles Area With TruBlue Home Service Ally Franchise

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