As communities across the country grapple with a growing senior population, many families are struggling to find trusted support that allows their loved ones to remain safe, comfortable and independent at home. In Northern California, Erik and Janet Revheim saw that challenge firsthand through their own family experiences and recognized a significant need for reliable aging-in-place and home maintenance services.

To help fill that gap, the couple launched TruBlue Home Service Ally of North State, a business dedicated to helping seniors and busy families maintain their homes and quality of life. While Erik's background includes 10 years as a firefighter in Redding and 15 years as a lineman, the decision to open a TruBlue franchise was driven less by a career change and more by a desire to continue serving the community in a meaningful way. Today, the Revheims are focused on providing the trusted support, accessibility solutions and home services that help local residents remain independent in the homes they love.

Erik sat down with 1851 Franchise to discuss their transition into business ownership, the family experiences that led them to TruBlue and why the brand’s aging-in-place mission is so close to their hearts. Here’s what they had to say:

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Erik Revheim: I’ve lived in Redding since 1998, but I’ve spent my entire life working with my hands, starting with helping to build my parents' house when I was in high school. Between 10 years as a local firefighter and 15 years in power line construction, I’ve always served this community, but usually from a distance or on the road. I’ve been married to my wife, Janet, for 20 years, and we reached a point where we wanted me to stop traveling while continuing to do meaningful work here in our community. This allows me to be closer to Janet and our three kids while providing a service that truly helps our neighbors.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Revheim: My background is 25 years of public service and heavy construction. I initially considered going the independent route, but business ownership in California comes with a steep learning curve regarding regulations and insurance. I grew up around the franchise model on my mom’s side, so I understood the value and success that could come from having a proven system.

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?

Revheim: I’ve always had a positive outlook on it because of my family’s history. Especially in California, though, where insurance and regulatory hurdles are constant, having a corporate partner who has already done the legwork is an incredible advantage.

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

Revheim: While I was researching brands, my grandmother was having a hard time finding reliable people to help at her house and Janet’s mom was facing similar challenges while caring for her husband with dementia. We realized that there are plenty of handymen out there, but there wasn't dedicated, trustworthy help specifically for seniors. I saw a TruBlue listing in Reno and realized that Redding needed something similar for seniors who want to age in place safely. That mission really hit home for us.

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

Revheim: Our vision is to be the most reliable, trustworthy help in the North State for years to come. We currently serve Shasta and Tehama counties, and we eventually plan to expand into at least one more territory. We want to be a service that people can count on the moment they need it.

1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?

Revheim: Janet and I are a great duo. It’s definitely a new experience working together in a business capacity. We even have a joke on our office whiteboard tracking “Days Without Arguments,” and we’re currently on Day 2! But in all seriousness, we’re proud to be a family-owned business showing our kids what it looks like to build something for the community.

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

Revheim: Do your research. Make sure the company provides the support you need to succeed. You’re the one who has to drive the business, but you want to make sure you’re joining a system that actually gives you that support.

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.