SARASOTA, FLA. — Benjamin Franklin Plumbing was recently named to Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 25th annual rankings. This is the company’s first appearance on the list.
To earn a ranking on the Franchise 500, several factors such as financial strength, stability, growth rate, number of years in business and start-up costs are weighted, generating a cumulative score. The ranking is based on 2003 company data and verified by an independent CPA firm. Only companies submitting a full Uniform Franchise Offering Circular are given consideration.
In addition to its overall listing, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing was ranked No. 46 in Top New Franchises and No. 124 in Top Low-cost Franchises on the same list.
The company was founded on the premise that arriving promptly at a customer’s home and providing outstanding customer service were the most important factors for repeat business. Surveys showed that customers expected their plumbers to be late or not show up at all, the company said.
“Owners often say that being part of the Ben Franklin franchise family has put the fun back into owning a business,” said Mike Callahan, president/retail and franchise operations for Benjamin Franklin’s parent, VenVest Inc. “They enjoy associating and networking with some of the best players in the industry. Most important of all, we have given them the freedom to gain control of their business and their lives.”
The company began operations in 2001 with three locations and now has 78 locations throughout the country. The company expects to add 63 new franchises in 2004.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing’s motto, “The Punctual Plumber,” offers on-time service to homeowners — “When we say we’ll be there, we’ll be there” — and an unconditional money-back service guarantee.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing ranked No. 453 on the 2004 Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list and No. 18 on the 2004 Franchise Times “Fast 50” list.. More information is available at www.benjaminfranklinplumbing.com.
VenVest also owns Success Group International, Plumbers’ Success International, AirTime 500, Electricians’ Success International, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating Franchising, BuyMax, New Millennium Academy and AirTime Canada.