Clockwork Home Services

Timeliness is next to godliness at franchiser Clockwork Home Services. The company's 400-plus branded franchises, which operate as contractors in the residential plumbing, HVAC, and electrical services industries, emphasize punctuality and offer compensation if workers are late for appointments. Besides its franchised businesses (Benjamin Franklin the Punctual Plumber, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, and Mister Sparky), Clockwork Home Services operates companies that provide supplies, services, and group memberships to franchisees and other contractors. In mid-2010, the company was acquired by Direct Energy, a subsidiary of Centrica (the UK's largest supplier of gas), for $183 million.