Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Owners Honored for Efforts in Veteran Employment

Two Benjamin Franklin Plumbing locations, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wilmington (North Carolina), owned by Dwayne Kincaid, and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Myrtle Beach, owned by Tony Zack, were awarded the 2010 HIRE Vets Gold Medallion from the U.S. Department of Labor earlier this month. This annual award program honors employers who have made exemplary efforts to recruit, hire and retain veteran employees. It is the only federal award that recognizes exceptional achievements in veteran employment.

“As a proud veteran, being recognized with the HIRE Vets Gold Medallion award is really special to me. I’ve always had a desire to serve my country and have the upmost respect for the men and women that join the armed forces,” said Dwayne Kincaid. “Being able to provide a valuable career path for veterans post-service is one of the many reasons why I love being a business owner. The veteran technicians I’ve employed learn quickly, think strategically and are an absolute asset to our greater Benjamin Franklin team. Given my personal experience, veterans will always hold a special place in my heart and I’m proud to work alongside them every day.”

After serving eight years in the Army as a sergeant of chemical recon, Kincaid worked in corporate America before transitioning to the plumbing industry. During his career, he was introduced to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing and after learning about the various tools and resources offered, Kincaid decided to open a location of his own. He’s been serving the Wilmington community for ten years and has made continuous efforts to hire veterans. As of 2019, 46 percent of his employees were veterans. This is the second year in a row that Kincaid has be honored with this award.

Prior to becoming an owner of Mister Sparky and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Tony Zack ran an electrical distribution company. Zack opened his Mister Sparky location in 2010 and five years later, he expanded his portfolio with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Zack greatly respects servicemen and women, having attended military college and grown up with family members who served, and has hired multiple veterans, including those who served in the Marines, Army, and Navy.

“My father and grandfather were in the armed forces, so I understand the commitment and sacrifice that comes with serving our country. I’m proud to employ our nation’s veterans and am honored to have received this award,” said Tony Zack. “Our veterans deserve to have great job opportunities when they return from deployment and I feel incredibly grateful to have so many talented veterans on my team. From being amazing team players to treating customers with the upmost integrity and professionalism, my veteran technicians are incredible assets to our teams at Mister Sparky and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing.”