When Scott Wood decided to purchase a One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise in Omaha, Nebraska, it was fueled by a lifelong passion for service. After years in the Navy and the fire department, Wood’s path into the trades was first ignited by a fellow firefighter, leading to a career built around helping others. 

When the opportunity arose to take over the Omaha franchise, Wood rose to the challenge with determination and grace, persevering through personal hardship, natural disasters, and steep learning curves. Today, he leads a thriving, veteran-owned business built on the same core values that have guided him throughout his life: faith, family, integrity, service and commitment to others.

1851 spoke with Wood to learn more about his background, what drew him to franchising and his plans for the future. 

1851: Frame your personal story for us. What do you want us to know?

Scott Wood: I have a passion for teaching, developing people and serving others. That’s really why I do what I do — to serve and give back. That’s just who I am by nature.

1851: What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Wood: After graduating high school, I began my career in service by joining the United States Navy as a Master-at-Arms, serving four years on active duty and four years in the reserves. During my time in the Navy, I worked with a K-9 unit and took part in numerous search-and-rescue operations. These experiences strengthened my discipline, leadership, and commitment to helping others.

Public service has always been part of my life. Growing up around my local volunteer fire department, I joined at just sixteen and remained active for years. When I later relocated to Florida, one of my first priorities was finding a local department where I could continue serving. That decision unexpectedly set the stage for my next career path.

While volunteering, I met a fellow firefighter who owned a plumbing company and was looking for HVAC apprentices. I took the opportunity and began my journey in the trades. Starting with installations, I quickly realized my strengths were in customer connection and problem-solving. I transitioned into maintenance and later into sales, where I thrived. Over the next seven years, I built a reputation for professionalism, integrity, and results.

My achievements eventually took me to One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Tampa, where I worked as Service Manager. When the opportunity arose to lead the Omaha location as General Manager, my family and I made the move north, beginning a new chapter that would shape the future of both my career and the company.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you’re in it?

Wood: The owner here was looking for someone to take over, and he believed I had what it took to take the lead. On my very first day, he ended up in the hospital. It was a tough situation, but by the grace of God, we got through it.

That challenge pushed me to dive deep into the financials and operations of the business. Then, just a month later, my home was hit by a tornado. It was a lot to overcome all at once, but through perseverance and commitment to following the process, I was able to turn the company around. We’ve continued to grow ever since, and in 2023, I officially acquired the business.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Wood: It was the structure, the leadership and the support from the franchisor. Compared to other companies I had seen, it was more professional and welcoming. You really felt like you stepped into a whole new level of the trade.

From the new training to the sales support and the Success Academy — all of that really sets you up for success. There’s real opportunity to grow here.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?

Wood: Right now, the goal is to grow the business to $10 million and start opening sublocations. Our brand is strong here in Omaha. The opportunity is just endless right now.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?

Wood: Trust the process 100%. It’s all prewritten for you. Research the franchise — you’ll see how strong and developed they are. Get to know the people — they’re not just suits and ties. They’ve been in our shoes and have done this business for a really long time.

As a new franchisee, you’re nervous and think you have everything you need to make it work. But you have to stay open-minded and listen to what the successful people have already done. There’s no reason to rewrite the script.

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.  

ABOUT One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

With more than 400 locations, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is the #1 HVAC service provider in the United States. With comfort and convenience, a top priority, the company offers an extensive line of products and services, including maintenance, installation and repair, that keeps HVAC units running at peak performance year-round. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning is part of Authority Brands, the parent company to leading home service brands across the plumbing, HVAC, electrical services, residential cleaning, at-home care, swimming pool repair and maintenance, tree care, restoration, pet waste removal, and pest control services sectors. For more information, visit www.onehourheatandair.com.