Meet Our Team

Gerald has more than 25 years of experience working in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry. His experience covers all aspects of residential, commercial, and industrial applications of HVAC, dust collection, and air quality control. Gerald previously served in HVAC roles including general manager, operations manager, foreman, sheet metal mechanic and field helper for mechanical contracting companies. Gerald Allison is a licensed mechanical contractor (classification CMC) in the state of Tennessee.

EDUCATION

• Pellissippi State Community College Civil Engineering
• University of Tennessee Electrical Engineering

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Licensed Contractor, Classification CMC – State of Tennessee
• Graduate, Plymovent (Sweden) Clean Air Academy
• Donaldson Dust Collection Certification
• Donaldson Aercology Dust Collection Symposium
• Donaldson Torit Air Purity Academy
• DCE Technology Training Symposium
• ACT Group Trane Boot Camp
• ACT Group B-to-B 101
• BPI Building Analyst Professional

Ben Granger is a co-owner and Operations Manager for Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville. Ben has been in the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry for over 26 years. His experience includes all aspects of commercial and industrial applications of HVAC installation, specialty fabrication and design build of Heating and Air Systems. Mr. Granger has performed in roles of field supervisor, project manager, job foreman, sheet metal mechanic, and field helper for several well known mechanical contracting companies.

EDUCATION

• Phillips Community College Electrical Engineering Graduate of Sheet Metal Layout and Fabrication, Association of Building Contractors University

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Journeyman – Sheet Metal Layout and Fabrication
• Certified – Heavy Lift Operator
• Certified – Confined Space Safety
• Certified – Hazardous Material Handling

Dale has been with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville since November 2014. Dale is a graduate of Appalachian State University where he played basketball and majored in Public Relations. Since then, he has owned his own business for over 13 years and later worked in management in Retail Banking. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the company and plays an important role to the company’s goals and success. Dale is active in his church and has traveled all over the US touring in Christian Music. We are proud to have Dale on the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville team.

Jim comes to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville with over 20 years’ experience. Jim is very passionate about helping his customers and making sure all their Plumbing needs are met. Jim receives great reviews from our customers and providing them with solutions to meet their needs. Jim enjoys spending time with his family. We are proud to have Jim on the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville Team!

Ray comes to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville with over 20 years’ experience and is one of our Plumbing Technicians. Ray is very outgoing and loves helping our customers with their plumbing needs. Ray receives great reviews from our customers and providing them with solutions to meet their needs. Ray enjoys spending time with his family. We are proud to have Ray on the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville Team!

Michele joined Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville as a Sales Manager and Residential Comfort Consultant in June 2009. Michele provides in-home solutions for those in need of a new central heat and air system and indoor air quality improvement.

Michele has more than 15 years of experience in the residential HVAC business. She moved to Knoxville from her hometown of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, where she served as project coordinator for the Home Improvement division of Sears from 1999 to 2006. Prior, Michele worked as a Field Medic in the US Air Force for six years.

Michele holds an associate of science degree from Broward Community College in Davie, Florida, as well as two other associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in Applied Science and Allied Health. She has received training in Trane, Carrier, Mitsubishi, Aprilaire, Heil, and Frigidaire products, and is qualified to compute load calculations.

Michele is an active member of eWomen Network, Women in HVAC, TVA EnergyRight Program, and Business Network International.

When you are considering a new or replacement heating and cooling system or are interested in improving your indoor air quality, call Michele. She will help you sort out the options and provide a quality system that is ideal for you and your home.

Graham comes to us with over 24 years of experience in the HVAC industry which includes Commercial, Industrial & Residential. Chris was a Service Technician for 15 years before moving into a management role. He was a top performer in the areas of outside sales, estimation, and service management. Chris has a strong focus, building relationships with his customers and problem-solving. In Chris’s spare time he enjoys hunting, golf & off-roading. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville is very excited to have Chris as a part of our management team!

Steve Hayes has been with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville since 2012. Steve served 6 years in the US Air Force where he worked as an electrician. He started in the HVAC business in 1990 and began as an installer helper working his way up through almost all aspects of the business including 6 years as the Service Manager at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville. He has completed multiple training courses during his career from HVAC Accredited Institutions. He also has a vast knowledge of the Mechanical and Gas Codes for the industry. Steve lives in Maynardville, TN and has been married to his wife Kelly, a teacher in the Union County School system, for 27 years. Steve & Kelly have 3 children and all three are graduates of East Tennessee State University. Steve’s hobbies include playing golf, UT Sports and spending time with friends and family.

John comes to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville with over 10 years of Customer Service experience, with previous experience in both the plumbing and HVAC industry. TN Advanced EMT since 2009 with both field and dispatching experience. John takes excellent care of his customers and enjoys meeting their needs. He loves animals, volunteering and being outdoors. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville is proud to have John as part of the team!

Josh is from NC and has an Associate’s Degree in Computer Science. Josh has over 13 years’ experience in Graphic Arts and Marketing and brings a wealth of knowledge with him. He also supports the office and enjoys working with our customers. Josh enjoys fishing, the outdoors and spending time with his daughter Phenix. We are proud to have Josh on the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville Team.

Michelle joined Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville in 2017. She has over 15 years of customer service experience and a fantastic work ethic. Michelle supports the office and is a real pleasure to work with. She enjoys spending time with her son and family. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville is proud to have Michelle a part of the family!

Shannon comes to our office with 14 years of exceptional customer service and is always eager to assist our customers and staff with any needs they may have. Shannon enjoys attending church and spending time with her husband, 2 sons, and daughter whom she is very proud of. We are excited to have Shannon on the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville team.

Kristin is a great addition to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville. She has 6 years of customer service experience and has a passion to helping our customers and making sure their expectations are exceeded. She currently is planning a wedding in September 2019! Kristin has a little boy that she loves spending time with. Her hobbies are hiking and being outdoors. We are proud to have Kristin on the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville Team!

Serita has more than 15 years in customer service, insurance, and marketing experience. Serita is motivated and excited to help grow our customer service department with an excellent attitude and a personality that will ensure our customers receive exceptional customer service. Serita's hobbies are spending time with family and her children. She has a passion for singing and is very good at it! Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Knoxville is very proud to have Serita on our team!