ACES OF TRADES Passion for helping people led to TruBlue Drew Bracken Special to Newark Advocate NEWARK – He’s passionate about helping people. “I grew up as someone who enjoys helping others and spending time building with Legos and model rockets,” Jonathan Baughman said. “That curiosity led me to explore how things work and sparked a passion for creating new things. “As computers rapidly advanced, I became interested in pursuing a career that combined technology, programming and mechanical systems. ”Jonathan Baughman, a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist and Senior Home Safety Specialist, launched TruBlue of Licking County, also known as TruBlue Home Service Ally, on Sept. 1. PROVIDED BY JULIE BAUGHMAN Today, Baughman owns TruBlue of Licking County, also known as TruBlue Home Service Ally.“TruBlue of Licking County provides handyman services, home maintenance plans, and senior home safety solutions,” he explained. “As the owner, I hold certifications as a Certified Agingin Place Specialist and Senior Home Safety Specialist, which allow me to perform comprehensive home assessments and take a holistic approach to improving safety and comfort for seniors.“We service everyone, but our niche is seniors,” he said. “It breaks my heart to hear a senior has fallen, and it could have been prevented. ”Baughman, 41, grew up just outside of Utica, graduated from Utica High School in 2003, then while serving in the Army completed dual degrees in technical management and calibration specialist from Calhoun Community College. He also earned credits from DeVry University in computer engineering and from Central Ohio Technical College in electronic and electromechanical engineering technology. “I’ve been involved in home maintenance since a young age, starting with projects around my parents’ house and continuing with my own,” he said. “I enjoy repairing and maintaining everything from vehicles to home systems, and I take pride in helping others do the same. I believe preventative maintenance goes a long way toward keeping both homes and vehicles safe and worry-free – that’s what I strive for.” Baughman launched TruBlue of Licking County on Sept. 1.“I started this business to expand my ability to help others, something I’ve always enjoyed doing,” he said. “With TruBlue, I can build a team, network with others and make a greater impact throughout the community than I could on my own. I’m passionate about helping people with their projects, keeping their homes safe, and reaching out across Licking County to make a positive difference.” Jan Thompson in Nashport is a more than- satisfied customer.“ Our experience with Jon was great,” Thompson said. “My husband was getting ready to have major back surgery and reached out to Jon to look at replacing lights in our vaulted ceiling and entryway in our house. Jon showed up on time quoting the job, but I really appreciated that Jon took the time to talk about what we could do to make our home safer for my husband and myself and showing us the possibilities. I have to say he mentioned things we had not seen before or thought of. This is a needed service in our area and I’m very thankful for Jon and TruBlue of Licking County.” Baughman responded: “I do this because there’s a real need for senior safety in our community. Guided by love, faith, and a commitment to the highest standard of service, I strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.”