When franchise owners embrace their communities, remarkable things happen. Scott Wood Jr., who operates Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Omaha, Nebraska, exemplifies how Authority Brands franchise owners are making significant impacts in their local areas while building successful businesses.
The 50 Mile March: Supporting Veterans in Crisis
The 50 Mile March focuses on creating a supportive community for veterans struggling with PTSD and suicide prevention. This foundation works tirelessly to raise awareness about the mental health challenges many veterans face after service, organizing walks and fundraising activities to generate support for this critical cause.
"At McCarthy's One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we believe in using our skills and resources to support the Omaha community beyond the homes we service," Scott explains. "Most recently, we donated $10,000 to 50 Mile March, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans suffering from PTSD and raising suicide awareness."
Scott and his team aren't just contributing financially—they'll be physically present during the march and plan to continue supporting the organization's mission in the foreseeable future. This hands-on approach demonstrates the personal investment Authority Brands franchise owners make in their communities.
A Veteran Supporting Veterans: Personal Connection to Service
For Scott, supporting veteran-focused initiatives isn't just good business—it's personal. As a veteran himself, he understands firsthand the challenges many service members face when transitioning to civilian life. Scott serves as a Navy Master at Arms K9 Handler for search and rescue and in the Navy Reserve.
"When I relocated to this area, I wanted to work with organizations that believed in what I believed in," Scott shares. "As a Veteran, it is important to support those that take care of us."
This personal connection drives Scott's commitment to providing deeply discounted or free HVAC and plumbing services to low-income veterans and shelters in need. His franchises regularly leverage their professional expertise to help those who have served our country but now find themselves in difficult circumstances.
Beyond Veterans: A Comprehensive Approach to Community Support
Since becoming general manager of One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning of Omaha in 2021, Scott has expanded his community involvement beyond veteran support. His franchises have developed meaningful partnerships with several local organizations addressing various community needs.
One notable partnership is with Heart Heroes, an organization supporting children with congenital heart disease.
Through this partnership, we've donated thousands of dollars and delivered hundreds of birthday and Christmas presents to families facing overwhelming medical expenses," Scott says.
The franchises have also partnered with Omaha's annual Superhero Heart Run, which raises awareness and funds for children with congenital heart disease, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting vulnerable community members.
Seasonal Support: Meeting Community Needs Year-Round
Scott's approach to community service adapts to seasonal needs, ensuring his franchises provide relevant support throughout the year. During summer 2022, he donated 30 box fans and 1,890 bottles of water to the Open Door Mission's Beat the Heat Drive, helping vulnerable community members cope with extreme temperatures.
When winter arrives, the One Hour team participates in Project Houseworks' Warm the Metro initiative, providing furnace maintenance checks and free repairs and replacements for low-income residents.
Similarly, Scott has donated thousands of hand and feet warmers to homeless individuals during cold Nebraska winters. This seasonal approach ensures that community support remains relevant and impactful year-round.
"The community has taken care of us for 53 years now, so we want to take care of them," Scott explains, highlighting the reciprocal relationship between successful franchises and the communities they serve.
The Business Case for Community Involvement
When asked why community involvement matters from a business perspective, Scott offers a straightforward philosophy: "Because the community is the whole reason for my success as a business owner. Without the community, I wouldn't have a business and people to serve. It is equally important to give back as it is to receive business."
Scott's story exemplifies how Authority Brands franchise owners across the country are making significant impacts in their communities.
Authority Brands actively encourages franchise owners to engage with their communities through various initiatives.
Scott's commitment to veterans, children with health challenges, and vulnerable community members demonstrates how Authority Brands franchise owners are making a difference every day. Through initiatives like the 50 Mile March partnership, these franchise owners prove that successful businesses can—and should—be forces for positive change in their communities.
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