The Successful Contractor

The Power of the Franchise

When Ron Williams became owner of the seventh official Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® franchise in 2002, he had never owned a business before. He had the desire but the opportunities weren’t there — until Clockwork Home Services® introduced the plumbing franchise concept.

Working Together to Take Over Minneapolis

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s operational programs allow Paul Gavic and his friends to keep track of business every day. Before buying his Minneapolis-based Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise in 2004, Paul Gavic used to keep his receipts in shoeboxes.

Interest Free, Deferred Payment Loans For Contractors

The plumbing residential service and replacement market in the Oshkosh, Wis., area had been pretty steady until about the fall of 2008. Plumbing contracting businesses such as EC Merrill Inc. had cleanup jobs on their books from area flooding. But when that business “dried up” and the recession continued, those same plumbing contractors found it tough to keep cash flowing.

by Kelly Faloon

“Why I Left UPS for a Plumbing Career”

When Mike Fowler took early retirement from his management position at United Parcel Service (UPS) in 1995, he didn’t imagine that one day he would own a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise.

by Kelly Faloon

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.”