Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

The technology fee of $100/month is significantly below the typical range for this franchise type. What specific services and tools are included in this fee, and are there circumstances under which fees could increase?

Can you explain the spike in unit closures from 4 closures in 2022 to 15 closures in 2023? What were the primary reasons for the 2023 increase, and what changes were made to prevent recurrence?

You have 2 pending litigation cases and 6 total cases on record. What are the natures of the two pending cases, and what is the expected timeline for resolution?

The franchise agreement lists 25 termination causes, which is above the typical range. Can you clarify which of these 25 causes are considered non-curable defaults with no opportunity to remedy?

With 11 renewal conditions (above the typical range of 6-9), what are the most frequently negotiated or waived conditions, and what is the typical cost to satisfy the remodeling/refurbishment requirement mentioned in the renewal clause?

The system shows very strong financial performance compared to peers. What percentage of the 363 current units achieved the median gross sales of $1,642,093, and what is the range of profitability across units?

Can you provide details on the 2 cases you initiated as franchisor? Were these related to franchise violations, non-payment, or other operational issues, and were they resolved or are any still pending?

What encroachment protections are explicitly included in the franchise agreement, and have you enforced these protections in any situations over the past 3 years?

The transfer fee is $10,000 and renewal fee is $5,000. Are these fees typically charged to franchisees, and are there circumstances where they might be waived or negotiated?

With a 3.7% annual exit rate and a termination rate of 2.5%, can you break down how many units have been terminated by the franchisor versus voluntarily transferred or closed over the past 3 years?

The non-compete clause specifies 2 years and 40 miles. How is this enforced, and are there documented cases where you have pursued legal action against franchisees who violated this clause post-exit?

Support & Training scores 78/100, which is slightly below the typical range of 79-90. What specific training and ongoing support are provided, and are there plans to enhance these programs?

What is the typical experience and background of franchisees who achieve top quartile sales of $7.2+ million versus those in the bottom quartile at approximately $457,000?

The franchise agreement requires purchasing from expressly approved vendors only. How many approved vendors are available for the primary service categories, and have any disputes arisen regarding vendor restrictions?

You mention mandatory binding arbitration at a JAMS office in Columbia, Maryland. How many disputes have proceeded to arbitration, and what has been the average cost and timeline for resolution?

With personal guarantees required from all individuals owning 5%+ equity, how does this affect franchisee financing options, and do most lenders require additional collateral beyond the personal guarantee?

The franchise fee of $43,000 is below typical market range. Does this lower initial fee structure relate to the higher ongoing royalty rate of 6.0%, and are there any promotional periods or conditions that affect pricing?

Can you provide the names and contact information for at least 15 current franchisees in various geographic markets so I can conduct independent reference calls about system experience?