Veterans across the country are discovering TruBlue Home Service Ally as a way to transition from military service to community service. TruBlue, a home maintenance and handyman service franchise, is on a mission to support seniors and busy adults by helping them safely and comfortably age in place.
Here’s why TruBlue is such a compelling franchise opportunity for veterans, with insights from three veteran franchisees who have made their mark with the brand.
A Mission-Driven Business That Resonates with Veterans
Sean Fitzgerald, president of TruBlue, explains that veterans’ values align well with TruBlue’s mission. “Veterans appreciate the importance of the team, helping others, and making a positive impact, which is at the core of what we do,” he said.
Jeff Sloan, for example, is a retired U.S. Air Force aviation maintenance supervisor who spent 25 years ensuring combat aircraft were mission-ready. Near the end of his military career, he began contemplating his future and found himself drawn to the idea of owning a business.
“I wanted to do something completely different and had always wanted to own a business,” Sloan said. “It seemed like a franchise would make perfect sense as I was just a military guy and didn’t know anything about running a business.”
Sloan chose TruBlue because of its structure, its commitment to community and its discount for veterans. Since launching his business last year in Colorado, he says connecting with the community has been the best part.
“Many of the seniors we help are veterans themselves, so there’s always a great connection,” he said. “I love talking to them and being part of that community.”
A Proven System with Structure and Support
For veterans like Brandon Wright, owner of TruBlue of Fort Collins, structure is key. As an aerospace ground equipment mechanic in the Air Force, Wright’s job was to maintain the equipment that supported aircraft operations. After the military, he explored options for opening his own handyman business, which led him to TruBlue.
“Having a structured system in place is invaluable,” Wright said. “With TruBlue, you know what you have to do and you have people guiding you through it.” This model was a major draw for Wright, who also saw a growing need for aging-in-place services based on his experience in the senior care industry.
TruBlue’s franchise model offers veterans the structure they’re used to, with clear organizational support from the home office.
“Military people are very good at following structure, and TruBlue has a very clear organization,” Sloan said. “Just like in the military, you feel like you’re part of a unit again, and the home office is like your headquarters.” This support system allows veterans to transition smoothly into business ownership without having to build everything from scratch.
A Shared Commitment to Service and Community
For veterans, the transition from military service to franchise ownership can feel natural, especially with a company like TruBlue that’s committed to helping people.
Brian Winton, a former Air Force information management specialist, appreciates how owning a TruBlue franchise aligns with his drive to serve. “In the military, you are serving your country, and as a franchisee, you are serving your community,” he said. “You become part of the community, and that really aligns with the military mindset.”
Winton’s journey to TruBlue began when his mother needed home maintenance assistance after an injury. Frustrated by the need to call multiple contractors, he discovered TruBlue and was drawn to its comprehensive services.
“To be a successful business owner, you have to be very disciplined and work through adversity, which the military really taught me,” Winton said. “Once you make the decision, you stick to it, stick to the program, and keep moving forward.”
Since opening his business in Chattanooga 6 years ago, Winton says he loves the flexibility that comes with owning a TruBlue franchise, as well as the opportunity to help people in his community. "Seeing how appreciative they are when we get a job done is what I enjoy the most,” he said. “The strong relationships we form with clients, who often treat our team like family, makes the work even more rewarding.”
TruBlue’s emphasis on helping seniors age in place resonates deeply with veterans like Winton who have a strong sense of duty to serve others. “Veterans are naturally drawn to TruBlue because it’s about helping those in need and being part of something bigger than yourself,” Fitzgerald said.
A Network of Veteran Franchisees
TruBlue isn’t just veteran-friendly — it has created a community of veterans within its franchise system. Winton points out that there are “several of us in the company that are veterans, and we look out for each other.” This camaraderie among veteran franchisees reinforces TruBlue’s supportive culture and gives new veteran franchisees a network they can rely on as they navigate business ownership.
Fitzgerald highlights the success of veteran franchisees like Sloan, Craig and Wright, who bring a combination of business savvy and compassion to TruBlue. “Our veteran franchisees are incredibly community-oriented and bring a level of professionalism and dedication that’s inspiring,” he said. “They’re connected to their communities and have everything we could want in an owner.”
TruBlue’s Commitment to Veteran Success
According to the National Council on Aging, 90% of seniors say they plan to remain in their homes for the next five to ten years. Because of this massive opportunity, TruBlue is actively seeking new franchise owners, including veterans, in markets across the country.
TruBlue’s structured, community-focused franchise model is designed to set veterans up for success. With discounted franchise fees, comprehensive support and a mission to serve, veterans find themselves well-equipped to thrive as TruBlue franchise owners.
“Veterans bring a unique set of skills and values that align perfectly with our mission,” said Fitzgerald. “Their commitment to service, leadership, teamwork, and perseverance are at the heart of TruBlue’s business.”
For veterans interested in a new mission of serving seniors and communities across the country, TruBlue offers an opportunity to turn military skills into a rewarding business.
For more information on franchising with TruBlue, visit trubluefranchise.com.