Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

When&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-evenhouse-5ba0b041/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=bob-evenhouse-plumbing-franchise-story-2730561" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bob Evenhouse</a> walked away from a 17-year corporate career to open a&nbsp;<a href="https://benjaminfranklinplumbingfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=bob-evenhouse-plumbing-franchise-story-2730561" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a> franchise in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/grand-rapids/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=bob-evenhouse-plumbing-franchise-story-2730561" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Grand Rapids, Michigan</a>, the decision wasn’t about titles or paychecks. It was about family.“I have five kids, so the flexibility of the schedule was something I was looking for,” Evenhouse said. “During COVID, I had some work-from-home opportunities and realized how family-centric that was. Work still got done. I logged in rather than driving into work, so they got more out of me and paid me the same.”The realization hit hardest when he thought about his five children’s various activities. “My daughter’s games are at 4:00. Choosing a job where I would need to leave every day at 3:00, wasn’t going to work for most employers,” he said. That was the moment he knew corporate life could no longer offer the balance he needed.<h2>A New Path in Plumbing</h2>Evenhouse had no plumbing background when he invested in&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/benjamin-franklin-plumbing/info">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a>, a full-service residential plumbing franchise that is part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=bob-evenhouse-plumbing-franchise-story-2730561" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Authority Brands</a>, but the company’s systems and training gave him a foundation to build on.“They had a great program to launch,” he said. “They provided a plan and showed us how to do it, but also allowed for local impact — like which marketing companies you choose or which tools you need. Although it’s a business in a box, they provide flexibility. For example, water lines are deeper in Michigan than they are in Texas, so different equipment may be needed.”Support didn’t stop at the training manual. Evenhouse leaned on his franchise business consultant and other owners in the network. “They also provide coaching through the franchise business consultant, making sure you’re working on your financials and bouncing ideas around. You feel like you’re part of the network and a team,” he said. “Other franchisees have also been helpful, sharing ideas and reminding me of tools and programs available.”The combination of structured systems and peer support allowed him to sidestep mistakes many independent operators face. “Having a plumbing business in a box doesn’t guarantee success, but it gives you a game plan you can grow and mold,” Evenhouse said. “We were able to start as fast as we did because of that. If I had started on my own, it would have been much slower and I would have made many more mistakes.”<h2>Betting on Growth</h2>Like many entrepreneurs, financial considerations played heavily into his decision. The Franchise Disclosure Document outlined startup costs and revenue potential, but Evenhouse believed moving quickly would pay off.“Starting faster requires more capital. You can start out with what they list, but I think the return on investment comes faster if you put in more,” he said. “My philosophy was to start with three territories, three trucks and three guys, rather than stepping into it slowly with one or two.”It was a risk, but early results validated the strategy. “The investment is fair, but you may need to put in a little more than listed,” he said. “On the flip side, the reward can be greater. We’ve seen some very strong early success, which is encouraging.”<h2>The Right Kind of Owner</h2>Evenhouse is clear about what it takes to thrive in a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise — or any business.“Direct involvement, sales experience and community connections have served me well,” he said. “The best fit is someone who is hands-on. Any business you launch requires building a culture and investing in people.”Over time, Evenhouse has seen that the systems and support a franchise provides only go so far. What ultimately determines success is the way an owner shows up each day.“People work as hard as the person at the top,” he said. “If you’re a hands-on, hard worker with a sales background, and you’ve been in the community with relationships and connections, that gives you a leg up. If you want to be passive, have just moved to a new area and expect the business to grow on its own, I haven’t seen that work.”<h2>Expanding Services in Michigan</h2>Evenhouse’s ambitions don’t necessarily revolve around new territories. For now, he’s focused on strengthening and diversifying the services his franchise can offer.“Right now, we’re expanding services. We want to be excellent in an area before moving into something new,” he said. “For example, we’re pushing drain and sewer. We have a jetter now, so we can do jetting. We do a lot of residential work. There’s a demand in the commercial space, specifically working with property managers who appreciate our fast, dependable service. We’re diversifying our services and becoming excellent at them.”He doesn’t rule out more offices or territories, but he insists the focus must stay on quality. “Maybe in the future there will be expansion, but we already own a big chunk of West Michigan. We can be healthy here, too. I’d love to offer new services and more offices, but we want to be excellent before we move in that direction.”<h2>Building Culture, Building Value</h2>Evenhouse credits his team with much of the franchise’s success. “If you have a team that’s bought in, they’ll share ideas and help each other out,” he said. “When you want to train them on sales opportunities, they’ll be willing to try new things and ask for reviews. The team aspect is probably number one. That includes the office team, who asks for reviews, does inside sales, follows up on estimates—not just the plumbers. Cultivating the team and culture is the main thing to focus on once you begin.”<h2>The Reward of Ownership</h2>For Evenhouse, the leap into franchising has been demanding, but deeply rewarding.“Owning a plumbing business is not something to take lightly, but this is the most fun I’ve had at work in a long time,” he said. “That doesn’t mean it’s without stress or challenges, but I’d rather have it like this than working for someone else, wondering when the next raise is coming or what I need to push for.”At the end of the day, seeing his growing operation reminds him why he left corporate life behind. “I enjoy building the team and seeing seven vehicles parked out front now. It’s satisfying.”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. 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="http://www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=bob-evenhouse-plumbing-franchise-story-2730561" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com</a> and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.authoritybrands.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=bob-evenhouse-plumbing-franchise-story-2730561" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.authoritybrands.com</a>.

Bob Evenhouse's Story From Corporate Life to Plumbing Franchise Owner

1851 Franchise

After years in corporate roles, Evenhouse chose Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Grand Rapids, Michigan, seeking flexibility, reliable systems and a chance to build lasting community impact.

This brand page has been paid for by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN PLUMBING. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Why Bob Evenhouse Left Corporate Life to Build a Plumbing Franchise

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/oscar-nunez-bb9341199/">Oscar Nunez</a> did not set out to own a plumbing franchise. In fact, his career as an adult actually took shape through government work and military service. But in 2025, after years of reflection, Nunez reached a career crossroads — and opened a&nbsp;<a href="https://benjaminfranklinplumbingfranchise.com/">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a> franchise in Huntington Beach, California.&nbsp;&nbsp;After signing his franchise agreement last spring, Nunez officially opened the doors in October 2025. That move marked a defining change from the career he had spent more than a decade building.&nbsp;<h2>From the Navy to a New Crossroads</h2>A Navy veteran of 11 years, Nunez graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in criminal justice and a minor in Spanish. His background, on paper, pointed toward public service, not entrepreneurship. But as his military career progressed, he found himself reassessing what he desired in the bigger picture.&nbsp;“After about 10 years, I hit a breaking point where you reflect and rethink which way you want your life to go,” Nunez said.Leaving the military was not an easy decision. Nunez describes it as a deeply personal choice, shaped in part by his status as a disabled veteran.“It was a very hard decision because I loved it,” he said. “It’s not for everybody. But for me it was.”<h2>Veterans Exploring Entrepreneurship</h2>Rather than fully sever those ties, Nunez made his way into a civilian role as a security specialist protecting classified information. That work brought him to Huntington Beach, a short commute from the base.Around that same time, Nunez began exploring entrepreneurship through a veteran-focused program called&nbsp;<a href="https://vetrepreneur.com/franchise-academy/">Vetrepreneur</a>, which connects former service members with mentors and franchise opportunities. The program emerged from a nuanced process grounded in diligent research, proactive outreach and ongoing conversations with existing franchise owners.“Franchising provides guidance instead of starting from scratch,” Nunez said.The structure of that process resonated. It loomed particularly large as Nunez evaluated how to pivot from a more command-driven environment to running his own business.<h2>Why this Veteran Chose Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</h2>As Nunez evaluated his options, plumbing emerged as an obvious choice. His father spent more than two decades in the trade and Nunez saw the value in skilled work he believes is increasingly undervalued.“It’s a skill that will always be needed,” he said. “And not many people know how to do it.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/benjamin-franklin-plumbing/info">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a> stood out during the discovery process, particularly for its accessibility and transparency. Conversations with other franchisees, and the franchisor itself, helped clarify expectations and operational realities.“They were very supportive and always willing to answer questions,” Nunez said. “It felt like they had a solid blueprint for managing franchises.”<h2>Learning the Business From the Ground Up</h2>Since opening, Nunez has put his faith in the systems and support provided by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/">Authority Brands</a>. That support includes regular check-ins and productive conversations on operations, vendors and marketing. At the same time, he’s taken on the daily responsibilities that tend to accompany the launch of a new business.“Right now, I’m wearing multiple hats: HR, hiring, payroll, dispatching, taking calls,” Nunez said.&nbsp;That hands-on experience has reshaped how he thinks about growth, reinforcing the importance of mastering the fundamentals before scaling too quickly.<h2>Building Toward What Comes Next</h2>While his business remains in the early stages, Nunez nonetheless has an ambitious goal for 2026: to grow deliberately. He’s currently working toward the hire of a second technician and intends to expand beyond residential plumbing. As a disabled veteran, Nunez has also established a government account in an effort to properly position the business to pursue federal contracts.While the transition from government employee to franchise owner represents a major career shift, Nunez sees value in the mindset necessary to succeed in franchise ownership.“Don’t be afraid of failure,” he said. “The best way to learn is by doing.”For Nunez, the tools may have changed but the discipline and adaptability forged during his years of service continue to guide his approach as he builds his Benjamin Franklin Plumbing business from the ground up.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>.

After more than a decade in the Navy and civilian government work, Oscar Nunez opened a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise to take control of his career and pursue a skilled trade on his own terms.

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Offered the Structure and Independence for a Government-to-Franchise Pivot for This Veteran

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Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise - Eli and Abby Power - 1851 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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With&nbsp;<a href="https://benjaminfranklinplumbingfranchise.com/">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a>, the residential plumbing franchise owned by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/">Authority Brands</a>, new franchisees aren’t stepping into the market alone. Right away, they get access to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/enterprise-platforms/buymax/">BuyMax</a> — the purchasing arm within Authority Brands. It’s a level of support that puts them in a stronger position than a typical independent shop."The great thing about being a franchisee in a big system is that you have a tremendous amount of support,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-willard-34852635/">Richard Willard</a>, vice president of customer success at Authority Brands. “All 15 Authority Brands concepts, combined, do about $2.2 billion a year in annual sales. BuyMax leverages the buying power of the Authority Brands network to secure better deals on products and services for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.authoritybrands.com/enterprise-platforms/buymax/">Benjamin Franklin Plumbing</a> franchisees.”<h2>Protection When the Supply Chain Tightens</h2>In recent years, the plumbing industry has experienced significant price swings driven by supply chain issues, tariffs and global disruptions. Willard says the impact on independent businesses has been severe, but BuyMax helps stabilize the experience for franchisees.&nbsp;“We have contracts with vendors where they can't raise our prices or they can't raise them by a certain amount,” Willard said. These agreements are designed to help Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees manage pricing more effectively than many independent operators by leveraging the buying power of the broader system.<h2>Why Private-Label Products Only Work at Scale</h2>BuyMax also secures private-labeled products for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, giving franchisees access to branded items backed by manufacturer alignment. While independents may pursue private labeling on their own, doing so at a comparable level can be complex and costly without the scale of a larger system.“Nobody's going to private label a product without a huge commitment from buying," Willard said.In addition, major manufacturers want national partners with a reliable reputation and footprint, which Benjamin Franklin Plumbing offers as one of the “highest rated plumbing organizations with coverage across almost every state in the country.” This scale allows BuyMax to establish private-label partnerships that deepen customer trust, strengthen warranties and reinforce brand loyalty.<h2>Fleet Support That Simplifies Launch and Growth</h2>Buying the first service truck is often one of the biggest financial challenges for new franchisees. BuyMax Fleet makes this easier by guiding owners through the process.&nbsp;"If you have not worked in the plumbing industry, you have no idea what to do,” Willard said. “Well, that’s where you have this great team from Benjamin Franklin Plumbing that leads in.” The BuyMax team helps franchisees understand what they need, provide a schedule and ensure everything is set up correctly.On the fleet side specifically, Willard notes that it goes far beyond just locating a truck. “It’s upfitting the vehicle,” he said. “It’s wrapping the vehicle. It’s financing that vehicle, whether that’s through a traditional loan or a corporate lease.”&nbsp;This approach can save franchisees time, money and effort while giving them flexibility as their business grows.<h2>Pricing and Rebates That Add Up Quickly</h2>Thanks to BuyMax’s national relationships with preferred manufacturers, franchisees are not paying off-the-shelf prices for their equipment. They can buy at a lower cost and still receive a rebate directly from the manufacturer. “If they're buying a preferred vendor price with a rebate from a distributor that also has a rebate, they're now doubling up on rebates,” Willard said.&nbsp;For contractors buying high-volume items, Willard points out that a 2% to 5% rebate can become “a huge win over time” and potentially accelerate profitability.<h2>Training That Strengthens Technicians in the Field</h2>BuyMax also invests heavily in training to ensure technicians know how to sell, install and service products correctly. Willard describes this as a critical part of franchise success.“It really doesn't matter how good a product is if your people don't know how to sell it correctly or how to install it correctly or how to service it correctly,” he said. BuyMax addresses this through regional account managers who conduct on-site training, vendor-led sessions and live demos at conferences and conventions.&nbsp;Willard also highlights the selling advantage of private-label products. If a technician offers a standard brand-name sink, homeowners can immediately search online for the price. “But if it’s a private branded product, they do not have the ability to do that,” he said. “You can’t shop against a private-label product and that empowers the tech in the home.”<h2>Financial Impact With No Added Cost</h2>One significant benefit of BuyMax is that franchisees don’t pay an additional fee to access the program itself. As a division of Authority Brands, BuyMax’s services and purchasing agreements are built into the system, with franchisees paying only for the products and services they choose to purchase.“Working with BuyMax gives Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchisees the opportunity to save money while supporting long-term growth,” Willard said. These kinds of savings make it difficult to put a single number on the program’s overall financial impact.<h2>A Differentiator That Most Franchises Can’t Offer</h2>With BuyMax behind them, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing owners start with built-in advantages most independents can’t match: protected pricing, private-label products, fleet support, stacked rebates and hands-on training — all at no extra cost. That scale can turn everyday purchases and decisions into meaningful savings and faster ramp-up.As BuyMax grows, Authority Brands is sharpening its focus on what matters most — franchisee profitability. Starting in 2026, BuyMax is adding more upfront discounts and purchasing incentives so Benjamin Franklin Plumbing owners can lock in stronger margins right out of the gate. Those changes are meant to boost revenue faster and keep the full weight of the network working in each owner’s favor.For candidates weighing their options, that Fortune 500-level buying power isn’t just a perk; it’s a durable edge that can shape profitability from day one.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;

How Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Gives Franchisees Fortune 500 Buying Power

BuyMax transforms small plumbing businesses into procurement powerhouses with the potential to outbid, outstock and outprice independent competitors.

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Why Bob Evenhouse Left Corporate Life to Build a Plumbing Franchise

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