TruBlue Home Service Ally

All over the country, a unique group of veterans are making their mark in the home services industry. They are the franchisees of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a>, a franchise with over 80 units that is dedicated to providing comprehensive home maintenance and handyman&nbsp; services to seniors and busy adults. In honor of veterans, 1851 is spotlighting three veteran franchisees, each with their unique journey, and exploring how their military background has shaped their experience with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-trublue-franchise-ownership-works-for-veterans-2723375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TruBlue</a>.<h2>Steve Magyar: TruBlue of Spokane Valley, Washington</h2>After serving 10 years in the U.S. Navy,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenwmagyar?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-trublue-franchise-ownership-works-for-veterans-2723375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Steve Magyar</a> transitioned from being an aircraft mechanic and air traffic controller to managing home service businesses. His journey with TruBlue began in 2019 when he started looking more into the entrepreneurial lifestyle.“I was between sales roles, and I took a business course that was offered through the local unemployment office,” said Magyar. “It really blossomed from there. I wasn’t confident in starting on my own, so I decided to go the franchising route. I knew it would provide that support infrastructure to get me started.”When researching concepts, Magyar was drawn to TruBlue’s&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/trublue-total-house-care-launches-2023-with-several-new-signings-lands-on-the-prestigious-entrepreneur-500-and-more-2722115#franchisor">unique standing</a> in the home services industry. “I loved that there was more than one income stream available,” he said. “We could offer handyman services, landscaping, cleaning and more. And now, with the real estate downturn, people are spending more on home services.”&nbsp;In terms of his success since starting&nbsp;<a href="https://trubluehousecare.com/spokane-valley?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-trublue-franchise-ownership-works-for-veterans-2723375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TruBlue of Spokane Valley</a>, Magyar says his military experience has been invaluable. “The military taught me about embracing diversity, the importance of training and a commitment to working with what you got to get results,” he said. "Perseverance and experience with different kinds of people — these are the takeaways from my military years that have been instrumental in my business ownership and leadership.”Looking ahead, Magyar sees TruBlue as his retirement plan, intending to expand at a manageable and ethical pace.“If you are a veteran who is looking to step into the world of business but you are unsure if you can do it on your own, TruBlue is a great option,” said Magyar. “They will provide you with a proven business model and a gameplan so you can start on the right foot.”<h2>Jeff and Janet Sloan: TruBlue of Greeley, Colorado</h2>After 25 years in the military,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/why-this-air-force-veteran-family-is-investing-in-trublue-total-house-care-2722116#stories">Jeff Sloan</a>, along with his wife&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/janet-sloan-4b8688144?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-trublue-franchise-ownership-works-for-veterans-2723375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Janet Sloan</a>, found a new mission in TruBlue.&nbsp;“After I retired in 2016, we moved to Northern Colorado and invested in an automotive franchise,” said Jeff. “But we have always had a heart for serving seniors, so we started looking at other businesses that would allow us to serve others, just like we had done in the military. After quite a bit of research, we found Trublue and were drawn to the business model — supporting seniors while taking care of their homes so they can age in place. Who doesn’t want to stay in their home as long as they can in safety, independence and dignity? That is really what drew us to TruBlue.”&nbsp;But, as Jeff explains, the Sloans were not necessarily business-minded people, which is why the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/how-trublue-makes-scalability-easy-for-franchise-owners-2721570#franchisor">support and structure</a> of a franchise appealed to them. "The whole structured process really aligns with the way the military operates," he said. “We loved that franchise business model. The training, the support, the marketing, the technology, the leadership — it is all already in place.”&nbsp;Janet added, "When you are in the military, you really rely on a lot of families so that everyone is supportive of the same mission. It is really great in a franchise to work with others who are also supportive."Now, since opening&nbsp;<a href="https://trubluehousecare.com/greeley?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-trublue-franchise-ownership-works-for-veterans-2723375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TruBlue of Greeley</a> in March 2023, the Sloans say their primary mission is to bring a level of trustworthiness and professionalism in their community.&nbsp;“There is something to be said about being honest and making sure people in your community can really trust you and the service you are providing,” said Janet. “We intend to keep doing that, while also continuing to expand and meet seniors where they are. So far, the journey has been a blessing.”<h2>Dustin Zroka: TruBlue of Prior Lake, Minnesota</h2><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustin-zroka-1a11ba2a?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-trublue-franchise-ownership-works-for-veterans-2723375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dustin Zroka</a> is another veteran who found a way to continue serving his community after his military service through TruBlue. He served in the Navy as an Aviation Machinist's Mate for five years in the early 2000s, and returned in 2019 to serve with the Navy Reserves in the Persian Gulf for two years. In between his time in active duty, Zroka worked as a nutrition coach and personal trainer for Lifetime Fitness in Minnesota.&nbsp;Last year, Zroka and a friend began talking about the opportunity to open a business of their own. “Our original passion was for helping better the community and improving quality of life for those around us,” he said. “When we discovered the TruBlue franchise, it gave us that feeling. We are protectors —&nbsp;we want to make sure that people are taken care of and the people who need assistance are being helped. That is why transitioning from the military to a community-based handyman service felt like such a strong fit.”&nbsp;Today, Zroka sees many parallels between his military experience and running his&nbsp;<a href="https://trubluehousecare.com/edina-prior-lake?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-trublue-franchise-ownership-works-for-veterans-2723375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">TruBlue of Prior Lake</a> franchise. "The TruBlue business model relies on communication, teamwork, chain of command, hard work — that is something that the military definitely ingrained in me, and it applies to franchise ownership, as well," he said.&nbsp;When it comes to the future, Zroka says he plans on keeping that service-oriented mindset at the forefront while continuing to expand the business. “We want to stay mission-oriented in helping as many people in the community as we can,” he said. “The more we grow, the more people we can help.”According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ncoa.org/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-trublue-franchise-ownership-works-for-veterans-2723375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">National Council on Aging</a>, 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.&nbsp;"Veterans bring a unique set of skills and values to the table that align perfectly with our mission at TruBlue," said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancfitzgerald?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-trublue-franchise-ownership-works-for-veterans-2723375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sean Fitzgerald</a>, President of TruBlue. "Their commitment to service, their ability to lead, and their experience in working within structured systems make them ideal franchisees. They understand the importance of teamwork, perseverance and community — values that are at the heart of our business. We are proud to have veterans like Steve, Jeff, Janet and Dustin as part of our TruBlue family, and we are committed to supporting them as they continue to serve their communities through our franchise."The brand has identified Orlando, Miami, Jacksonville and Naples,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/trublue-total-house-care-eyes-florida-as-top-market-for-large-scale-growth-2716150#featured">Florida</a>, as well as&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/trublue-total-house-care-targets-houston-for-franchise-growth-2720239#stories">Houston</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/trublue-total-house-care-eyes-dallas-for-expansion-2720240#stories">Dallas</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/trublue-total-house-care-sets-its-sights-on-texas-for-growth-in-2022-2718609#featured">Texas</a>, as key development markets, but dedicated, professional and enthusiastic franchise owners&nbsp; are needed across the country — so all are welcome to connect.To learn more about franchising with TruBlue, please visit<a href="https://trubluefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-trublue-franchise-ownership-works-for-veterans-2723375" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"> trubluefranchise.com.</a>

Why TruBlue Franchise Ownership Works for Veterans

1851 Franchise

By joining the mission-driven handyman service franchise, these veterans have taken their military service and applied it to serve their communities in new and meaningful ways. 

This brand page has been paid for by TRUBLUE HOME SERVICE ALLY. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

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For decades,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dawes-09067411/">John Dawes</a> has successfully built businesses from the ground up. Most recently, it was his work in bathroom safety remodeling that shifted his perspective. While helping seniors modify their homes for safety, Dawes saw firsthand the immense relief and joy his work brought to families.Now, at 60 years old, Dawes isn't looking to retire, he is looking to continue making a difference. Determined to spend the next decade doing meaningful work, Dawes has launched&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> in Sioux Falls. By pivoting to franchising, he is skipping the "start-up" headaches he faced in previous ventures to focus entirely on what drives him: providing peace of mind to the Sioux Falls community and helping neighbors stay safe and comfortable in their homes.1851 Franchise sat down with Dawes to discuss the launch of his new business. Here’s what he had to say:1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?John Dawes: I've been in sales and management for most of my career. I bounced around from the auto industry to the mortgage industry, then onto the advertising agency world. I owned a mortgage company for many years here in Sioux Falls. Then I became their national sales trainer and their sales manager for 34 locations. I also owned an auto dealership leads and credit repair company called The Right Track Solution for five years.For the last year and a half, I headed up a national bathroom remodeling company. About 75% of my business was working with seniors, and I really enjoyed seeing firsthand how we impacted our customers and the new peace of mind our services provided for them. This really motivated me to open a business centered around seniors. I still have 10 to 15 years left to work, so I thought, “Why not open a senior service-centered business?”1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Dawes: My first two businesses that I owned, there was not really a model to go by. So, you pretty much had to do everything from figuring out your CRM and your marketing approaches. I did not want to go down that road again because it takes a lot of work and a lot of time. What really attracted me to franchising is that they've already got everything completed for you. It’s like a turnkey business. You go in, follow the instructions and here you go.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?Dawes: I have a lot of friends that own franchises in different industries, so a lot of my perception of franchising comes from their experiences. Some of them were given a ton of freedom and leeway, others not at all. I thought initially that the franchisor would give me everything, but it turned out that they did give me some decision-making power, and I really appreciate that.1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Dawes: When I found&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue</a> it was just a perfect match. I've always had a heart for helping people, especially seniors. With what they get for compensation and then the amount of things that they give you and the amount of support they give you, there really aren’t any franchises out there like them. They go above and beyond what many other companies do.1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?Dawes: I grew up in North Dakota in Grand Forks, so there might be possibilities of expanding to my home areas. I would definitely like to expand further south, maybe to Sioux City. There aren’t too many TruBlue territories in this area, so there is plenty of opportunity to expand.1851: Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Dawes: I've always had just a passion for helping people and treating them how they should be treated. With my sales background I always aimed to not put a ton of pressure on customers to purchase or not purchase.Also, I've played racquetball for probably 40 years, 50 years, and I’m a new grandparent! I have one grandchild right now, with 2 more on the way. A lot of my time is spent with my family these days.1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Dawes: I would definitely say that if you've got the inkling that franchise ownership is something you want to do, then you should do it. The nice thing about franchising is that there's always going to be help and support at the ready for you. If you have the drive to succeed, you will succeed.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.

TruBlue Home Service Ally - John Dawes Franchisee Feature - 1851 Franchise

After discovering a passion for helping seniors age in place safely, John Dawes is bringing the handyman and home safety franchise to Sioux Falls.

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Tech Industry Veteran Turns to TruBlue Home Service Ally to Build a Legacy with Purpose in The Woodlands, Texas

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1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Robert Campbell, TruBlue Home Service Ally

Why This Philanthropist and Pastor Is Starting a TruBlue Franchise in Wilmington, North Carolina

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Hollywood Roots, Home Safety Focus: How TruBlue’s Aging-in-Place Model Draws Purpose-Driven Owners

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On a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bbU1xPK_gI">recent episode of the “Pursuit of Profit” podcast</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a> President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancfitzgerald">Sean Fitzgerald</a> unpacked why aging in place has quickly become one of the most urgent—and underserved — needs in America. Older adults overwhelmingly want to remain in their homes, but the typical home environment often isn’t maintained or designed to support safe independence.Fitzgerald shared how his leadership path through major franchise brands—and his personal experience losing his mother and later his father-in-law after a catastrophic fall—deepened his commitment to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue’s</a> mission. He positioned TruBlue as far more than a handyman concept, explaining that the brand’s niche is helping older adults stay safer at home through a three-step approach:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/trublue-home-service-ally-offers-free-home-assessments-for-fall-prevention-month-2727190">home safety assessments</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/why-trublue-is-the-no-hassle-way-into-the-senior-industry-2729582">senior modifications</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciA12NuaFVg">ongoing maintenance</a> that reduces risk over time.“I believe that most of the falls that seniors experience are due to the home environment not being well-maintained or they’re trying to maintain it,” Fitzgerald said.Throughout the episode, Fitzgerald emphasized that TruBlue wins trust by acting like a long-term partner rather than a one-off service provider — especially for the homeowners 50 and older who make up a majority of customers. The brand’s “Home Service Ally” identity reflects that relationship-first positioning, where small jobs create the credibility to earn larger projects and lifelong customer value.&nbsp;“There’s no job too small,” Fitzgerald said, noting that once a homeowner trusts TruBlue, repeat business follows—and so do referrals from families, neighbors, and even senior care organizations and medical networks seeking reliable in-home support.Watch the full episode&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bbU1xPK_gI">here</a>.&nbsp;For more information visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info</a>.

Fitzgerald explains how TruBlue’s assessments, modifications and ongoing maintenance model helps older adults stay safer at home—while creating recurring, trust-driven demand for franchise owners.

TruBlue’s Sean Fitzgerald on Aging in Place, Fall Prevention and Building a “Home Service Ally”

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<a href="https://www.trubluefranchise.com/">TruBlue Home Service Ally</a>, the national franchise dedicated to helping busy adults and seniors age in place safely and comfortably, closed out 2025 as the strongest year in the brand’s history. Fueled by record franchise development, rising systemwide revenue, and increasing demand for aging-in-place solutions, the brand enters 2026 positioned for even greater expansion.“We had by far our best year ever,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancfitzgerald">Sean Fitzgerald</a>, president of&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehomeserviceally/info">TruBlue</a>. “We’ve seen tremendous growth in not only new franchise owners, but also in growth and revenue systemwide. We more than doubled our new franchise agreements signed in 2025, and we’ve seen over a 25% increase in systemwide revenue.”According to Fitzgerald, the momentum goes beyond the numbers. TruBlue is attracting a new caliber of franchise owners — professionals with strong leadership, sales and marketing backgrounds who recognize the long-term opportunity in the aging-in-place sector.“Overall growth is really overshadowing any other big developments,” Fitzgerald said. “A lot of new professionals are joining TruBlue with really impressive backgrounds. The level of business acumen of our new owners coming into the system has been very impressive.”As TruBlue’s footprint expands nationwide, the brand is unlocking new opportunities to serve seniors and their families through broader partnerships and programs aimed at supporting safe, independent living.“Because we’ve grown so rapidly and we have much more coverage than we did even a year ago, we’re beginning to develop more strategic partners and programs,” Fitzgerald said. “There’s nothing new about aging in place, but the demand for our services is becoming more and more pronounced.”That demand, Fitzgerald explained, is being driven by a critical gap in the marketplace, one TruBlue is uniquely positioned to fill.“There are not a lot of options for people who need simple and minor senior modifications like grab bars or handheld showers,” he said. “Durable medical equipment companies focus on large installations and don’t want to mess with small projects. Seniors are left struggling to find trustworthy people for these services, and that’s our sweet spot.”As insurance and subsidy models evolve, more age-driven services are becoming eligible for coverage, further accelerating demand.“Historically, health insurance only covered services prescribed by a doctor,” Fitzgerald said. “Now, more services are age-driven instead of need-driven, which is fueling demand. Our opportunities are going to increase because we’re happy to do these minor senior modifications. Our business model is to build long-term customer relationships and not just a transactional business.”Looking ahead, TruBlue’s leadership team sees its expanding coverage as the final piece needed to unlock even more national partnerships.“The only thing holding us back from developing more national partnerships in the past was coverage,” Fitzgerald said. “The demand is there, we just need good operators in more markets. It’s almost an ‘I told you so’ moment. The senior aging-in-place wave is here. It’s no longer coming — it’s evident, and it’s fueling our growth.”As TruBlue prepares for 2026, the brand continues to seek franchise partners who are natural community builders and storytellers.“We’re really looking for people with a sales and marketing mindset,” Fitzgerald said. “Our owners are creating awareness, connecting to the community and becoming the local authority on aging in place. We’re looking for people who can build teams, network and tell the story of why our services matter.”With record-setting growth behind it and powerful demographic trends ahead, TruBlue enters the new year confident in its position at the forefront of the aging-in-place movement.“Our owners have been doing a great job connecting with their communities,” Fitzgerald said. “This trend is only going to continue, and we are well-positioned for it.”To learn more about franchise opportunities with TruBlue Home Service Ally, visit: <a href="https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/info">&nbsp;https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/info</a>.

The home maintenance, repair, and senior modification franchise caps its strongest year ever, driven by rapid franchise expansion, systemwide revenue gains, and surging market demand.

Why TruBlue Franchise Ownership Works for Veterans

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