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TruBlue Franchise Review 2026: Costs, Fees, Outlets, and Financial Performance

Written by Tariq Johnson | Sep 20, 2026, 1:45:00 PM

In this detailed review, you will explore the full legal disclosures, unit growth, financial figures, and operational requirements for the TruBlue franchise system based on the company’s 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

  • Section I – Estimated initial investment (franchise costs) for a TruBlue franchise, based on Item 7 of the company’s 2026 FDD
  • Section II – Initial franchise fee, royalty fee, brand fund, technology fee, and ongoing fees for a TruBlue franchise, based on Items 5 and 6 of the company’s 2026 FDD
  • Section III – Number of franchised and company-owned TruBlue outlets at the start and end of the year for 2023, 2024, and 2025, based on Item 20 of the company’s 2026 FDD
  • Section IV – News updates and strategic developments for the TruBlue franchise opportunity
  • Section V – Presentation and analysis of TruBlue’s financial performance representations (average revenues and profits), based on Item 19 of the company’s 2026 FDD, including full-time and first-year performance breakdowns

Section I – TruBlue Franchise Costs

Estimated initial investment for a TruBlue franchise, based on Item 7 of the 2026 FDD:

  • Initial Franchise Fee: $49,900
  • Furniture and Office Equipment: $500 to $1,000
  • Tools and Equipment: $3,000 to $5,000
  • Computer System: $1,500 to $4,000
  • Travel and Living Expenses While Training: $1,250 to $2,500
  • Initial Telephones, Call Center Answering Service, Bank and Other Deposits: $500 to $1,000
  • Grand Opening Promotion: $3,000 to $4,000
  • Real Estate and Improvements: See Note 7 (Operated from a home office or optional commercial lease space)
  • Licenses & Senior Home Safety Certification: $400 to $1,000
  • Limited Liability Entity (LLC Formation): $500 to $1,000
  • Insurance: $1,500 to $5,000
  • Additional Funds (3 Months): $8,000 to $20,000
  • Vehicle: $0 to $2,000
  • Total Estimated Initial Investment: $70,050 to $96,400 (Does not include optional commercial real estate costs)

Section II – TruBlue’s Initial Fees, Royalty Fees, and Marketing Fees

Fee disclosures based on Items 5 and 6 of the 2026 FDD:

  • Initial Franchise Fee: $49,900 for a standard territory population between 175,000 and 200,000. If the population exceeds 200,000, franchisees pay an additional $500 for all or part of every 1,000 people over 200,000.
  • Royalty Fee: 6% of Gross Revenues. Features a monthly minimum of $500 per month for the first 12 months, increasing to $1,000 per month thereafter.
  • National Branding Fee: The greater of 2% of Gross Revenues or $500 per month.
  • Technology Fee: $195 per month for proprietary software, website maintenance, and email accounts.
  • Certified Aging-in-Place Certification (CAPS): $1,000. (Must be completed within 1 year after opening).
  • Branded Work Vehicle (Truck or Van): $2,500 to $40,000. (Branded vehicle wrapping required within 1 year of opening).
  • Transfer Fee: The greater of $15,000 or 10% of the purchase price, plus legal and administrative costs.
  • Winner's Circle Rebate Program: High-performing franchisees can earn back 100% of their initial franchise fee through tiered rebates based on cumulative gross revenue milestones ($900k in 2 years, $1.5M in 3 years, $2.25M in 4 years, and $3M in 5 years).
  • Veteran Discount: Up to a 10% discount off the initial franchise fee for honorably discharged U.S. military veterans through the VetFran program.

🛑 Is Your Territory Available?

Franchise territories across the country sell out quickly during the discovery process. Before you invest weeks into your brand due diligence, make sure your market is wide open.

Section III – Number of Franchised and Company-Owned Outlets

Unit count and status history based on Item 20 of the 2026 FDD:

Franchised Outlets

  • 2023: Outlets at Start of Year: 84 | Outlets at End of Year: 94 | Net Change: +10
  • 2024: Outlets at Start of Year: 94 | Outlets at End of Year: 104 | Net Change: +10
  • 2025: Outlets at Start of Year: 104 | Outlets at End of Year: 135 | Net Change: +31

Company-Owned Outlets

  • 2023: Outlets at Start of Year: 0 | Outlets at End of Year: 0 | Net Change: 0
  • 2024: Outlets at Start of Year: 0 | Outlets at End of Year: 0 | Net Change: 0
  • 2025: Outlets at Start of Year: 0 | Outlets at End of Year: 0 | Net Change: 0

Total System Outlets

  • 2023: Outlets at Start of Year: 84 | Outlets at End of Year: 94 | Net Change: +10
  • 2024: Outlets at Start of Year: 94 | Outlets at End of Year: 104 | Net Change: +10
  • 2025: Outlets at Start of Year: 104 | Outlets at End of Year: 135 | Net Change: +31

Section IV – News Updates on the TruBlue Franchise

  • Record Development in 2025: TruBlue capped off 2025 as the strongest year in the brand's history. Systemwide revenue climbed by over 25%, driven by accelerating market demand for senior aging-in-place solutions and a surge in new territory agreements.
  • Focus on Senior Home Safety & Modifications: Brand President Sean Fitzgerald highlighted that major medical equipment providers typically avoid small home projects like grab bar installations, handrail fittings, and handheld shower setups. TruBlue fills this critical gap, positioning itself as a reliable, long-term ally for seniors and busy families.
  • Evolving Healthcare Payer Models: Shifts in health insurance and subsidy structures are increasingly expanding coverage for age-driven, fall-prevention home modifications rather than purely doctor-prescribed medical needs. This evolution creates sustainable, non-transactional customer relationships for franchisees.
  • National Media Feature: TruBlue was recently highlighted in Franchise Journal's Health & Wellness issue, detailing how its executive management model enables professionals from corporate sales, senior care, and real estate backgrounds to scale a low-overhead, mission-driven enterprise.
  • Aging-in-Place Macro Trends: According to national survey research on home modification trends published by AARP
  • , over 75% of adults over the age of 50 prefer to remain in their homes as they age, driving tremendous long-term demand for home maintenance and fall-prevention services.

Section V – Financial Performance Representations (Item 19, 2026 FDD)

The historical financial data below reflects Gross Revenues reported by franchised TruBlue outlets for the 12-month calendar year ending December 31, 2025.

The Item 19 disclosure includes 42 franchise owners who met the following criteria: open for at least one full year under continuous ownership, operated on a full-time basis with a handyman on staff, and submitted gross revenue reports throughout 2025. (41 franchises were excluded because they opened during 2025).

Part 1 – Gross Revenues by Quartile for Qualified Full-Time Franchisees (42 Owners)

1st Quartile (10 Franchisees)

  • Average Gross Revenues: $845,486
  • Median Gross Revenues: $744,420
  • Highest Gross Revenues: $1,848,303 (Single franchise unit)
  • Lowest Gross Revenues: $501,720
  • Percentage Attaining or Exceeding Average: 30% (3 of 10)

2nd Quartile (10 Franchisees)

  • Average Gross Revenues: $422,903
  • Median Gross Revenues: $432,115
  • Highest Gross Revenues: $483,473
  • Lowest Gross Revenues: $357,783
  • Percentage Attaining or Exceeding Average: 50% (5 of 10)

3rd Quartile (11 Franchisees)

  • Average Gross Revenues: $305,902
  • Median Gross Revenues: $309,187
  • Highest Gross Revenues: $357,029
  • Lowest Gross Revenues: $267,797
  • Percentage Attaining or Exceeding Average: 55% (6 of 11)

4th Quartile (11 Franchisees)

  • Average Gross Revenues: $213,744
  • Median Gross Revenues: $232,997
  • Highest Gross Revenues: $267,666
  • Lowest Gross Revenues: $75,157
  • Percentage Attaining or Exceeding Average: 55% (6 of 11)

Cumulative All Full-Time Franchisees (42 Owners)

  • Average Gross Revenues: $438,095
  • Median Gross Revenues: $347,879
  • Highest Gross Revenues: $1,848,303
  • Lowest Gross Revenues: $75,157
  • Percentage Attaining or Exceeding Average: 36% (15 of 42)

Part 2 – First Full Calendar Year Performance (8 Owners)

The table below presents gross revenue figures for 8 franchise owners who completed their first full calendar year of operation in 2025:

  • Average Gross Revenues: $382,174
  • Median Gross Revenues: $337,843
  • Highest Gross Revenues: $768,256
  • Lowest Gross Revenues: $204,769
  • Percentage Attaining or Exceeding Average: 25% (2 of 8)

To learn more about the brand directly or inquire about specific market availability, visit the official TruBlue website.

Summary and Next Steps

TruBlue combines an ultra-low entry cost (starting under $100k) with strong recurring maintenance subscription packages, zero commercial real estate requirements, and a booming demographic runway in senior care. With average full-time revenues reaching $438k and top-quartile owners averaging over $845k, TruBlue is a premier choice for executive-minded, purpose-driven entrepreneurs.

Real-World News & Reference Links