The Successful Contractor

Advice To Potential Franchisees

Before Paul Gavic signed on to The Benjamin Franklin Plumbing system, his company in Minneapolis had no identity. “I had been running around with unmarked white trucks because I could never find a logo or an identity I really liked,” he explained. “I didn’t want to put something like ‘Joe’s Plumbing’ on the side of the truck in big black letters. It had to be cool looking, it had to be something that would catch somebody’s eye. And that’s what I found at Ben Franklin — an identity.”

Hiring the Right Employee

Brian Leech believes that hiring is the most important part of running a successful business. Service Legends of Des Moines, Iowa receives about 100 applicants each month. For every 113 candidates that apply, the company hires one.

Taking Care of Customers

Asked what makes his company successful, Steve Andersen of Centennial Roofing points to the basics: customer service and quality workmanship. “It’s the whole package — the warranties, the customer experience,” he said. “It’s how we answer the phone, follow up, production — putting the roof on. We make it a pleasant experience from beginning to end.”

Implement, Implement, Implement

“There are not a lot of millionaire plumbers out there, but there should be,” she said. “I want people to know they can do it, they can succeed with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. It’s hard work; we can give them the manuals they need, but they still have to implement the systems and be consistent,” said Keresa Richardson, of Dallas.

The Power of the Brand

Lenny Siers is always looking to grow and protect the One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning brand. Why? Because it helps his bottom line. Find out more information about his multilayer marketing plan here.

Checking the List Twice

George Donaldson has moved up quickly in this business. His first gig was straight out of high school when he became an electrician for a commercial company. After two years there, he joined Beverly Goshern at Candlelight Electric in Denver, Colorado. He was a technician at Candlelight Electric, which at that time was a small company. But as the company grew, so did Donaldson’s responsibilities and soon he was general manager. How did he get the job at such a young age?

Focus on Your Future Coming to Town

Clockwork Home Services Inc. will hold three meetings designed to provide independent contractors with strategies to use buying power, state-of-the-art technology, and new advertising strategies to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. The special events will be initially held in three cities, Orlando on March 26, Las Vegas on April 16, and Dallas on May 7.

Franchisers Offer Option in Turbulent Times

The current economy “means a smaller opportunity in both dollars and customers for the small mom and pop contractor,” said Mark Liston, vice president of sales and marketing for Clockwork Home Services. “We offer that contractor an opportunity to remain independent while getting the benefit of better costs, advertising, training, financing, direction, and understanding.”

by Peter Powell