A career change can be about more than finding a new job. Sometimes it's about finding a way to put your experience to work in a different setting, make a meaningful impact, and create a better fit for the life you want to build.
That's what led Ross Neeley to TruBlue Home Service Ally. After nine years as a U.S. Marine Corps intelligence analyst, Neeley was ready for a new direction. He wanted to return to his hometown of Colorado Springs, spend more time with his young family, and find a business that would allow him to continue to serve his community.
His story, recently featured in 1851 Franchise, offers a look at what drew him to TruBlue and what he's learning as a new franchise owner.
Neeley's decision was influenced in part by his own family's experience. After his grandmother fell in her kitchen, he became more aware of the challenges older adults can face when they don't have a reliable support system to help with home maintenance and repairs. TruBlue's focus on helping seniors and homeowners maintain safe, well-cared-for homes resonated with him.
Neeley didn't come from a handyman or home repair background. His experience in the military gave him a foundation in leadership and problem-solving, but building a home services business brought its own lessons. As a new franchise owner, Neeley has had access to regular check-ins, business coaching and marketing support from the TruBlue team. That guidance has helped him navigate the early stages of ownership while learning how to put the business model into practice.
For Neeley, the opportunity has also been about creating more flexibility for his family and reconnecting with the community where he grew up. It's still a business he's building, but he sees the potential to create a career that aligns more closely with his priorities.
His experience is a reminder that franchise ownership doesn't always require a background in the industry. Leadership, a willingness to learn and a connection to the business's purpose can be valuable starting points.
