Ryan Jennings spent years climbing power poles, construction and working long hours in the trades. But when he lost his father and saw his mom struggling with home maintenance alone, something shifted. He wanted more time, more purpose and a way to help others like her. Now, Jennings is launching his TruBlue Home Service Ally franchise in East Des Moines, Iowa, offering home maintenance and handyman services tailored to seniors and busy adults. With his passion for service and decades of practical experience, Jennings is building more than a business — he's building a legacy of care.

1851 spoke with Jennings to learn more about his background, why he chose TruBlue and his plans for the future. 

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

Ryan Jennings: I started out working in manufacturing plants, but it just wasn’t for me — I needed to be outside. I worked for a local contractor, became a journeyman lineman, and did that for about 10 years across the Southeast. Eventually I got burned out on traveling, so I got into construction,metal buildings,grading and hauling — anything I could do hands-on. I always enjoyed meeting people and talking to people.

In 2005, I started a distributorship business selling to convenience stores. I’ve always had a place in my heart for sales and meeting great people. But my dad got cancer a few years ago, and I didn’t get to spend the time with him I wanted to because of my job. I lost him last year, right after I turned 50. My mom’s a single widow now and always needs help around the house. My dad could fix anything, and some of that rubbed off on me. I wanted to start something where I could give back to my community, especially seniors. I’ve always had a soft spot for grandparents. I grew up living with mine.

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

Jennings: After the 2008 recession wiped out my other business, I always wanted to get back into ownership. I started looking at franchises because of the support you get. It’s not easy — but it’s turnkey. The brand gives you everything you need to succeed. There’s nothing they haven’t seen before. That kind of knowledge is invaluable. I’ve looked at franchises all my life and just decided it was finally time to try something new.

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?

Jennings: I knew franchising gave you tools, but I didn’t realize how comprehensive it was. From branding to marketing, operations to hiring — they really help guide you. It’s a better shot than going out and figuring everything out from scratch.

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

Jennings: When I looked into TruBlue, everyone on the team genuinely cared. You weren’t just a name or a number. When I signed on, there were about 100 franchisees across the U.S. They’d been around for a while, and that gave me a lot of confidence. It just felt right.

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

Jennings: I plan on growing and scaling. I’m starting out slow — hiring a few people and getting our systems in place. But the sky’s the limit. We’re here to help. If someone out there needs us, we’re going to find a way to serve them. My goal is to eventually sell the business in 10 years as part of my retirement.

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

Jennings: I’ve always told my mom and wife — you’ve got two kinds of people in this world. The ones who work 40 hours a week for the same person their whole life, and the ones who take chances. That’s how I was raised. Everyone around me was nervous about me buying a franchise. But if you don’t take chances, you’ll never know what opportunities are out there. For anyone doubting themselves, you’ve got to figure out what your goals are and follow your dreams. TruBlue fit mine perfectly. It’s a great brand, and I’m proud to be a part of it.

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.