Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-hunter-900a033b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=benjamin-franklin-plumbing-franchise-2730490" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jeff Hunter</a> began his career in the Air Force, where he spent six years as an aircraft technician, learning the technical discipline and leadership skills that would stay with him. After the military, he spent more than a decade in the corporate world, most recently overseeing a family office portfolio at Henry Investment Group in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. That role gave him firsthand exposure to franchising and taught him the power of building within an established system. Eventually, the idea of working for himself, rather than fueling someone else’s enterprise, became too hard to ignore.“After years of helping others build their businesses, I wanted to channel my skills into my own business,” Hunter said. “Managing two franchise concepts during my time with Henry Investment Group opened my eyes to the value of franchising.”When the pandemic reshaped the economy, Hunter began evaluating industries that could stand the test of time. Watching businesses shut down around him, he realized he wanted to create stability and build long-term wealth for his family.&nbsp;With experience in both the trades and the corporate world, plumbing offered the perfect blend of hands-on work and business opportunity, leading him to invest in a&nbsp;<a href="https://benjaminfranklinplumbingfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=benjamin-franklin-plumbing-franchise-2730490" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a> franchise. “No matter the economic environment, if you’ve got a leak in your house, you’re going to want it fixed,” he said. “If you don’t have hot water, you’re going to want it fixed. Plumbing flourished during that time, and I knew it was something that would stand the test of time.”Equally important, Hunter saw franchising as a way to create a family legacy. His son, who has physical disabilities, could work alongside him, while his wife could contribute through community outreach. “The chance to work with my family and create something that lasts for them — it’s incredible,” he said.<h2>Spotting Opportunity in the Plumbing Market</h2>Hunter knew early on that plumbing was the right business for him, even though it would be a learning curve given his background in electrical work. “It wasn’t the nature of the work, but the frequency was attractive,” he said. “People need plumbers more often than they need HVAC or electrical.”The next challenge was finding the right territory. “Sherman, Texas was not my first choice, but&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/benjamin-franklin-plumbing/info">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a> is so big in the DFW Metroplex that all the prime spots were already taken,” Hunter explained. Even so, the market offered strong potential and steady demand for plumbing services.What gave him confidence to take the leap was the support system within Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and its parent company,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=benjamin-franklin-plumbing-franchise-2730490" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Authority Brands</a>. “The support structure that was there, the franchise community, was absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “What plumbing company owner can actually call up another plumbing company and ask for advice? It’s rare. The Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise community being as strong as it is allows for that.”<h2>Building a Franchise Team With Military Discipline</h2>Like most new franchise owners, Hunter faced the challenge of building a team from the ground up. Early on, he learned that vision mattered just as much as technical skill in recruiting top talent. “When people are available in the plumbing world, it’s usually because there’s a problem,” he said. “The best people are employed and happy. Selling people on the vision of what I’m doing and where we’re going became paramount in attracting good talent.”That vision began to materialize when he hired a seasoned master plumber five months into operations in December 2023. “That’s when my business really just started to take off,” Hunter said. “Some of that could have been just the normal ebbs and flows of the business, but it coincided with me getting good help.” By January 2024, just months after launching, his franchise hit 190 percent of its revenue goal.Hunter’s leadership approach — shaped by his time in the Air Force and years in corporate management — played a critical role in this rapid growth. “Managing people, no matter where you are, comes down to setting clear expectations,” he said. “Everyone needs to understand the boundaries and culture we value. We hire for fit, and if someone isn’t aligned, then we work to find the right role or part ways respectfully.”<h2>Driving Growth Through Data and Service</h2>For Hunter, data is non-negotiable. “The KPIs are what really help you guide the business,” he said. “We look at closing percentage — we want 85 percent or better. Our booking rate from calls, we want 90 percent or better. And we want our average ticket to be over $1,500, and we have consistently been above that.”But his focus isn’t just on transactions. “We don’t want to be strictly transactional,” he said. “We want to develop relationships with our customers, make sure we’re doing thorough diagnostics, and get to the root of the problem. That’s the Benjamin Franklin way.”These expectations are baked into daily culture. “Those KPIs are front and center in front of my team every single day,” Hunter said. “We discuss it at every meeting. It’s on our board so they see it every time they’re in the office. If somebody’s falling short, it gives us something to talk about.”<h2>Expansion and Family Legacy</h2>Hunter recently purchased a second territory near the Oklahoma border. Though technically operational since April 2025, he plans to treat it as a grand opening this fall, complete with grassroots community marketing. “We’re bringing in the local high school band, a coffee truck or food truck — something to get the attention of the local community,” he said.The expansion is about more than growth; it’s about building a legacy. His wife continues to lead community outreach, his son works alongside him and other family members may join the business as it grows. “I did this to build a legacy for my family as well,” he said. “Being able to provide an opportunity for your own family — it’s phenomenal.”About Benjamin Franklin PlumbingFounded in 2001, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing currently operates in more than 300 locations across North America. With an emphasis on customer satisfaction, the company's highly trained and licensed plumbers offer a full range of plumbing services that meet the highest industry standards, including installation, repair and replacement. The Punctual Plumber is part of Authority Brands, the parent company to leading home service brands across the plumbing, electrical services, residential cleaning, at-home care, swimming pool repair and maintenance, tree care, restoration and pest control services sector. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=benjamin-franklin-plumbing-franchise-2730490" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=benjamin-franklin-plumbing-franchise-2730490" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.authoritybrands.com/</a>.

Air Force Veteran's Success with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

1851 Franchise

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Former Air Force electrician and corporate executive Jeff Hunter built a thriving plumbing franchise by combining discipline, vision and a commitment to legacy.

Air Force Veteran Jeff Hunter's Franchise Success Story

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The skilled trades have long been considered male-dominated industries, but that reality has gradually begun to shift as more women step into leadership roles and technical careers.&nbsp;<a href="http://linkedin.com/in/michelle-glasson-8a6bb585">Michelle Glasson</a>, a franchise owner with&nbsp;<a href="https://benjaminfranklinplumbingfranchise.com/">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a> in Levittown, Pennsylvania, entered the home services industry through a family business and developed a passion for leading a strong team.“My journey into the home services industry really started when I started dating my now-husband, who owned a small plumbing company, and I felt a passion for family business and entrepreneurship,” she said. “I’ve always been drawn to businesses that serve the community and provide real value to people’s everyday lives.”As Glasson became more involved in the day-to-day operations of the company, she learned every part of the business, from customer service to leadership and operations. She soon discovered that home services is an industry where the work you do genuinely matters, and over time, Glasson became focused on building a strong team and creating a workplace culture where employees could grow professionally.<h2>Leading in a Male-Dominated Industry</h2>When Glasson first entered the trades, the experience came with its share of challenges. The plumbing industry has historically had fewer women in leadership positions, and early perceptions were not always encouraging.“In the very beginning, it was both challenging and, for the most part, laughed at. However, through the years it has proven to be incredibly rewarding,” she said. “The skilled trades have traditionally been male-dominated, but I believe that strong leadership, clear communication and respect for the people around you matter more than anything else.”<h2>Encouraging More Women to Enter the Trades</h2>Glasson believes that women bring valuable leadership qualities to skilled trade businesses, such as a strong sense of communication, organization and emotional intelligence. She found that these qualities are incredibly valuable when managing teams and building relationships with customers.She also encourages women who may be considering careers in the trades or franchise ownership not to be intimidated by outdated perceptions.“My biggest advice would be to believe in yourself and don’t hold back,” Glasson said. “And don’t allow the perception that a female could never effectively have a career in the skilled trades. That is just false.”As Glasson’s<a href="https://1851franchise.com/benjamin-franklin-plumbing/info"> Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise</a> continues to expand, she stays focused on leading her team well and making sure customers receive dependable service while continuing to support the employees who help the business succeed.“What started as an opportunity for my husband and I to grow the business that he already had quickly turned into a passion for creating a strong team, building a positive culture and providing reliable service to the community we serve,” Glasson said.To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/benjamin-franklin-plumbing.">https://1851franchise.com/benjamin-franklin-plumbing.</a>&nbsp;

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise owner Michelle Glasson reflects on building a team, breaking barriers and creating opportunities in the plumbing industry.

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Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise - Eli and Abby Power - 1851 Franchise

Eli and Abby Power Turned a Rural Plumbing Shop Into a Multi-Generational Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise

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1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Scott Wood Jr. & family, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

How This Navy Veteran Found His New Calling With One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

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COLUMBIA, Md. —&nbsp;<a href="https://benjaminfranklinplumbingfranchise.com/">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a>, the nationally recognized residential plumbing franchise, has been named to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500">Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500</a>, ranking No. 194 overall, up significantly from No. 288 in 2025.Entrepreneur’s annual Franchise 500 ranking is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive evaluations of franchise opportunities, assessing brands on factors including unit growth, financial strength and stability, brand power, franchisee support, and more.“Moving up nearly 100 spots on the Franchise 500 is a huge reflection of the collective success of our franchise owners and the strength of our system,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-clemente-b4244539/">Steve Clemente</a>, President and Chief Operating Officer of Trades Brands at Authority Brands. “This achievement is a direct testament to their hard work, supported by our robust operating model and long-term focus on building a strong, sustainable brand.”Now in its 47th year, the Franchise 500 evaluates franchise systems using a cumulative score based on more than 150 data points.&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/benjamin-franklin-plumbing/info">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s</a> continued rise in the rankings is a testament to its established presence in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/private-capital/our-insights/value-plays-in-us-home-services-where-opportunity-meets-reliability">rapidly growing</a> home services sector. As part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/">Authority Brands</a>, the brand benefits from an impressive suite of shared services and strategic support designed to help franchise owners operate efficiently in local markets.“Our success is driven by the dedication of our franchise owners in their local communities,” Clemente said. “Our focus remains on providing them with the systems and tools to succeed, and recognition like this really reinforces that approach and the exciting direction of the brand.”To view Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s full profile on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500®, visit:<a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/benjamin-franklin-plumbing/305237">&nbsp;https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/directory/benjamin-franklin-plumbing/305237</a>. Results are also featured in the January/February 2026 issue of Entrepreneur.ABOUT BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PLUMBING Founded in 2001, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing currently operates in more than 300 locations across North America. With an emphasis on customer satisfaction, the company's highly trained and licensed plumbers offer a full range of plumbing services that meet the highest industry standards, including installation, repair, and replacement. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is part of Authority Brands, the parent company to leading home service brands across the plumbing, electrical services, residential cleaning, at-home care, swimming pool repair and maintenance, tree care, restoration, and pest control services sector. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com">www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com</a> and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.authoritybrands.com">www.authoritybrands.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The plumbing franchise moved up 94 spots from its place on last year’s list as it continues system growth and in-depth franchisee support.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Ranks No. 194 on Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500®

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Air Force Veteran Jeff Hunter's Franchise Success Story

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