Implement, Implement, Implement
April 27, 2010
“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.
Everyone’s definition of success is different, she added; what you define as success today may change in 10 years. Richardson raised her three children, which included home-schooling her youngest daughter, before embarking on her business journey. She was ready for a new challenge when her husband encouraged her to start a business. So she set new goals for herself and entered the plumbing business.
Setting goals is important, she said. You don’t have to start big, but set at least one goal so you are working toward something. And make sure you are pursuing a goal that will make you truly happy.
The knowledge she’s gained from Plumbers’ Success International and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing — and the team she has — have allowed her and her husband to build a new home complete with a 3,000-bottle wine cellar, travel when they want, and spend time with their kids and grandkids.
“We do understand the family-owned business dynamic and the interaction that it takes,” Richardson noted. Two of the Richardson’s children currently work in the business — their second son runs a division in Austin, and their daughter manages marketing and public relations for two divisions — as well as various siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews. (Both sons are plumbers. The couple’s first son worked in the company for a while before starting his own business.)
“There’s nothing special about us,” she said. “We just chose to buy into the system and follow the road map. There are so many small companies out there — I know they can become bigger if they choose. They may not know what to do or how to do it, and we can help with that.”
She is humbled by the confidence the franchisees have placed in her as the franchise’s president, she added, and will do her best to represent them and their interests.
