When Tim and Kay Diemont, the Yorktown, Virginia-based owners and operators of home maintenance franchise TruBlue Total House Care, were told that their original 10-year franchise agreement was reaching its end and was in need of a renewal, their first response was surprise. 

“Time has really flown, so it was a shock at first,” said Tim. “But, to be honest, it was an incredibly easy decision to sign on for another 10 years. We couldn’t be more satisfied. It is not like working in a corporate environment, where there are pressures and rules coming down about what you have to accomplish. We set our own goals. I had more reservations in my prior job about staying year to year than I had signing a paper for another 10 years with TruBlue.” 

Before franchising, Tim spent four years in the Air Force, then over 25 years in the retail industry as a regional director. Kay was an administrative assistant for the mayor of a nearby city, then an administrative assistant for an architectural firm, where she spent 20 years. When Tim’s company needed him to relocate to another part of the country, he says he knew it wasn’t the right move and it was a sign that it was time for something new.

“We weren’t willing to relocate at this stage in our lives,” said Tim. “We were also looking for something we would really enjoy doing. I never wanted to retire, but I didn’t want to be working 40 hours a week either. With TruBlue, we were able to build our team and our company so that now we can work 15 hours a week, bring in great income, enjoy flexibility and travel. It is a perfect job for somebody who doesn’t just want to sit at home and watch TV all day.”

And the Diemonts certainly have been busy. Since opening TruBlue of Yorktown in March of 2013, they have grown the business by about 25% each year. Today, in addition to working with residents and property owners, the Diemonts also work with military housing departments, senior apartment complexes and apartment buildings. They currently have about 20 employees and serve Yorktown, Poquoson, Newport News and properties on the Peninsula.

“We couldn’t have done it without the support of TruBlue,” said Kay. “If we ever need anything or we have any questions, they are there. We are led by a great team and that offers peace of mind.”

When it comes to their favorite memories over the past 10 years of business ownership, Tim says one major milestone was hitting their long-term sales goals. “We are also very proud of how many customers have stayed with us. It is a great business — if you provide the level of service that they expect, there is no reason for customers to go anywhere else.”

Kay agrees that the relationships they’ve built with people along the way have been the most satisfying part of franchise ownership. “We’ve had some team members and customers who have been with us the entire 10 years,” she said. “We actually just delivered champagne and chocolates with handwritten notes to celebrate those clients’ anniversaries. One of those clients was invoice number one, and now we are at well over invoice number 100,000.”

Looking ahead to the next 10 years, Tim says they are most excited about the same things they were when they first signed on — helping people stay in their homes comfortably and age in place safely. “That is what gives us great satisfaction,” he said. “It was that way the first day, the first week and the first 10 years. Every customer we can help makes us feel that much better about being part of TruBlue.”

Sean Fitzgerald, TruBlue’s president, says the Diemonts have been an essential part of the TruBlue story, and he is excited to see them continue their longstanding partnership with the brand.

“Our first 10 year renewal is a huge milestone for our brand, and it shows the longevity of our franchise opportunity,” said Fitzgerald. “Kay and Tim are really the ideal franchisees on multiple levels. They have strong business acumen, connect very well with their community and are just great team players. They help other franchisees every way they possibly can as brand champions. It is not just a business for them, they are part of something bigger. They not only embody our culture in every way, they have also helped shape it over the years. I can’t say enough good things. I’ve been in franchising for a long time, and I haven’t seen many franchises like the Diemonts.”

Since signing on in 2013, the Diemonts have watched TruBlue expand rapidly across the country. The brand currently has over 80 locations in operation and has announced partnerships with national providers like Comfort Keepers®, Seniors Home Services, Right at Home, The Helper Bees and Honor. Now, the couple say they are excited for what the future holds, both for themselves and the brand.

“It is a very dynamic growth period for TruBlue and we love seeing all of the new owners sign on,” said Tim. “Overall, everything we dreamed about running our own business has come true. In 10 more years, I’ll be 79 years old, so maybe I’ll want to settle down at that point. But for right now, this is a great way of life.”

The initial investment to start a TruBlue Total House Care ranges from $65,000 to $91,000, and interested owners can visit www.trubluefranchise.com to learn more about franchise opportunities.