When Bob Evenhouse walked away from a 17-year corporate career to open a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 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.
Evenhouse had no plumbing background when he invested in Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, a full-service residential plumbing franchise that is part of Authority Brands, 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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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 www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com and www.authoritybrands.com.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
SPONSORED
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.
When Bob Evenhouse walked away from a 17-year corporate career to open a Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 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.
Evenhouse had no plumbing background when he invested in Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, a full-service residential plumbing franchise that is part of Authority Brands, 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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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 www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com and www.authoritybrands.com.
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