For nearly 14 years, Richard Scott built and operated multiple businesses across East Alabama, becoming a steady presence in the local business community. In 2024, he made the radical decision to sell them all. The turning point, in many ways, came a decade earlier.

Nearly ten years ago, Scott lost his mother after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. As her condition progressed, her home required urgent safety modifications — grab bars, accessibility upgrades and ongoing maintenance — to help her remain comfortable and secure. Scott and his adult siblings experienced firsthand how difficult it can be to find reliable partners for the care needs of aging or sick parents.

While looking for a service rooted in compassion for older adults and people who are ill, he found TruBlue Home Service Ally, a company focused on home safety modifications, handyman services and ongoing home maintenance designed specifically for seniors and busy families. 

In January 2026, Scott launched TruBlue of East Alabama to be a trusted, one-call solution for families like his own. Just as importantly, he’s building a team that prides itself on training, compassion and long-term career development, ensuring his staff understands the deeper impact of their work inside clients’ homes. What began as one family’s struggle is quickly becoming a resource for all families in East Alabama. 

Richard took the time to chat with 1851 Franchise to discuss the transition and why home modifications are more than just business for him:

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

Richard Scott: I have owned and operated businesses for the last 14 years, with all that being in the restaurant business. I’ve also owned an education services franchise. I sold those businesses in 2024 and spent a year searching for home services franchises that would fit into my ability to go above and beyond for customers.

One segment of the population that needs that at this particular moment is the senior population that is aging in place. They require trustworthy partners, or allies as TruBlue calls them, to cater to their home services needs. Ten or so years ago, my mother passed away from a long battle with multiple sclerosis in which she had to have numerous home modifications — as well as other maintenance to her house that she was not able to do. I saw through caregiving for my mother that we needed trustworthy and reliable services available in our area. She was fairly young when she passed, and her whole demographic is now in their 70s and 80s. All of those people are in the position where they can’t tend to all the things that they need, so that’s where TruBlue steps in — to be an ally for that segment of the population.

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

Scott: I worked in sales and marketing for a medical billing business, and my first experience in franchising was in the pizza business. The streamlined approach to marketing and systems, as well as the accountability, camaraderie and the support of other franchisees working with you, really creates that iron-sharpens-iron effect.

As far as home services go, it's not something that I've done before. So, there are a lot of new things to learn and, hopefully, by being with the franchise, I will minimize some of the mistakes. We’ll gain more through their help, experience and knowledge, and be able to leverage that into a successful business faster than if we were doing it alone.

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?

Scott: For my personality, it is a good fit for me. When you are taking on somebody else's name, remember that you are putting it on yourself. Do you feel good about having that brand on your body and being the face and the embodiment of that brand in your community? If you're not willing to do those things, then it's not the right opportunity.

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

Scott: I researched numerous home service franchises — fencing, painting and other specialized services. I really liked the flexibility of TruBlue. What attracted me most was its focus on serving the needs of seniors aging in place. It really came down to a business that I felt good about, that had plenty of good references for and to the people in the organization. It shaped my decision that I just needed to start and trust that God will provide.

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

Scott: I think growth is an important part of every business and I wouldn't get into it unless I was interested in growing. My primary focus is going to be on seniors and home modifications and accessibility needs in my area.

I’d like to provide opportunities for employees, help people get what they want in life and grow. This is a business where you get to provide a worthwhile value. I would like to be able to help my staff grow in what they do and feel value in their work and in themselves.

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

Scott: I'm just looking forward to bringing TruBlue to East Alabama, serving people in the best way that I can, and being a trusted one-call solution for their home maintenance needs. I'm just excited for the future.

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

Scott: I think you need to like the people who run the franchise and fully vet their intentions to see whether they are equally yoked in their desire to grow franchisee profitability. You need to test their dedication to their culture and the values that they hold and expect you to hold. You need to make sure those things align with you personally. I think it needs to be a brand that you can stand behind and want to represent in your community.

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.