Rich Robert, the latest franchisee to join the fast-growing handyman franchise TruBlue Home Service Ally, has big plans for his new business, set to open in the Centre County area of Pennsylvania in August 2023.
Having dedicated more than two decades of his life to corporate America, specifically human capital management and benefits, Rich decided it was time for a new adventure. He was ready to take control and venture into entrepreneurship, an aspiration motivated by the noticeable gap in professional handyman services within his locale. Rich sought to fill this void with reliable, trustworthy, and customer-centric services, something he felt was largely lacking in the existing market.
After exploring several handyman concepts, Rich found a perfect fit with TruBlue Home Service Ally. TruBlue’s commitment to top-tier customer service and quality work echoed his own values, and their focus on cultivating trustworthy relationships with clients resonated with his vision. An added bonus was the brand’s emphasis on family, ensuring that Rich, a family man himself, wasn’t just another faceless franchisee.
Rich is committed to making his TruBlue franchise the top choice for handyman services in Pennsylvania, both for individuals and commercial businesses. His growth plans involve expanding into other territories and increasing the size of his team.
Rich is a United States Air Force (USAF) veteran and former corporate employee with a passion for entrepreneurship and a dedication to service. Beyond the desire for business success, Rich’s decision to invest in TruBlue of Happy Valley, a handyman and senior home modification business, was motivated by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. He recognizes the importance of having a safe and comfortable home and aims to provide reliable, trustworthy, and high-quality services that customers can depend on.
1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?
Rich Robert: I have worked my entire career in corporate America. I worked for over 20 years at a company that handles human capital management, payroll and benefits. It was a great experience, but I was ready for a new challenge and adventure in my life. I wanted to run a business on my own terms, while also providing the type of high-quality handyman services that are not being offered in my area. Professional services, for lack of a better word.
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?
Rich Robert: I am a person who likes to have a plan in place. A franchise provides that. I can start quicker with a team behind me since they can offer me support, recommendations, best practices, etc. If I started on my own, it would be a lot of guesswork. Here, I am guided by a group of individuals who know what works, every time. I can feel more confident in the steps I am taking to grow the business quickly.
1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?
Rich Robert: I looked at several handyman concepts, but came to TruBlue after seeing their mission and focus on customer service. As an entrepreneur, making sure that clients are satisfied with the quality of work is critical. So is maintaining a good relationship with your clients. That is the best way to grow your business. Establish a client base that knows they can trust you. The rest falls into place after that.
The TruBlue company also focuses on family, which is important to me. I am not just another face in the crowd. After I spoke with Sean Fitzgerald, President of TruBlue, and saw his excitement for the company, and after I spoke with other franchisees, I knew this was the right franchise for me.
1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?
Rich Robert: My mission is to become the go-to handyman franchise for this area. When people think of a handyman, I want them to think of TruBlue. Whether it be an individual or a commercial business, I want to be on the top of their mind. I also eventually want to expand into other territories and grow my team.
1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?
Rich Robert: I am married with three college and high school boys. They are all supporting me in this endeavor, which is great. They will be around to eventually take part in it at some point, which was a big reason behind starting a business in the first place.
1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?
Rich Robert: Definitely take advantage of the time when they encourage you to reach out to other franchises. Look them up yourself and give them a call. Get the facts on what a day in their life looks like, what they went through when they started up, how the corporate team supports them.
To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit: https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/info
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 and home maintenance services. Helping you maintain your home both inside and out, TruBlue’s services include: handyman projects and to-do list chores, preventative home maintenance, seasonal work, and senior modification services, all handled by a professional, bonded and insured TruBlue Home Service Ally Technician. TruBlue franchise owners are required to complete the Certified Aging In Place program through CAPS and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). As certified specialists, TruBlue franchisees are able to perform Certified Aging in Place Home Safety Assessments and can make recommended safety modifications as needed.
