Why TruBlue Franchise Ownership Works for Veterans

All over the country, a unique group of veterans are making their mark in the home services industry. They are the franchisees of TruBlue Home Service Ally, a franchise with over 80 units that is dedicated to providing comprehensive home maintenance and handyman  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 TruBlue.

Steve Magyar: TruBlue of Spokane Valley, Washington

After serving 10 years in the U.S. Navy, Steve Magyar 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 unique standing 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.” 

In terms of his success since starting TruBlue of Spokane Valley, 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.”

Jeff and Janet Sloan: TruBlue of Greeley, Colorado

After 25 years in the military, Jeff Sloan, along with his wife Janet Sloan, found a new mission in TruBlue. 

“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.” 

But, as Jeff explains, the Sloans were not necessarily business-minded people, which is why the support and structure 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.” 

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 TruBlue of Greeley in March 2023, the Sloans say their primary mission is to bring a level of trustworthiness and professionalism in their community. 

“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.”

Dustin Zroka: TruBlue of Prior Lake, Minnesota

Dustin Zroka 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. 

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 — 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.” 

Today, Zroka sees many parallels between his military experience and running his TruBlue of Prior Lake 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. 

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 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. 

"Veterans bring a unique set of skills and values to the table that align perfectly with our mission at TruBlue," said Sean Fitzgerald, 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, Florida, as well as Houston and Dallas, Texas, as key development markets, but dedicated, professional and enthusiastic franchise owners  are needed across the country — so all are welcome to connect.

To learn more about franchising with TruBlue, please visit trubluefranchise.com.