After years in corporate leadership, Ryan Edwards and his wife, Neambi Dawson, were ready to build something of their own. But they weren't looking for just any business opportunity—they wanted one that aligned with their experience and gave them the opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
That search led them to TruBlue Home Service Ally.
Ryan and Neambi had firsthand experience seeing the challenges families face when aging parents want to remain safely at home. They recognized how seemingly simple home modifications can make a significant difference in a senior's ability to age in place.
That personal connection helped them see the potential in TruBlue's specialized approach to home maintenance and senior home safety.
Neither Ryan nor Neambi came from a traditional handyman background. Ryan spent two decades in corporate roles spanning finance, marketing, sales and technology, while Neambi brings experience in audit and consulting.
That business experience became an asset as they explored entrepreneurship.
Ryan initially questioned whether franchising offered the independence he was looking for. But as he learned more about the model—and the support, systems and shared knowledge available through a franchise network—his perspective changed.
Today, the couple is building TruBlue of Great Hills in the Austin area, with plans to grow their business while helping more seniors live safely and independently at home.
Their story is a great example of what makes franchising compelling for experienced professionals: you don't have to come from the industry to build a successful business. You need the right skills, the right opportunity and a reason to care about the work you're doing.
Learn more about Ryan and Neambi's journey from corporate leadership to TruBlue franchise ownership in the full 1851 Franchise feature.