Every business has a story. But only some businesses hold people at the heart of the story. For Brad Benoure, President of Benoure Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, the decision to join Empowered Ventures was deeply rooted in his commitment to the employees who helped build his family business.

In this episode, host Chris Fredericks, CEO of Empowered Ventures, talks with Brad about the journey from a small family business founded in 1966 to becoming the latest operating company at EV. Brad shares how his father’s legacy, his brothers’ involvement, and the loyalty of a growing team shaped the company’s path to success.They discuss the transformative impact of employee ownership, the challenges of scaling a business, and the importance of staying true to your values during pivotal moments.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Honoring a Family Legacy Through Growth: Brad reflects on the history of Benoure Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, sharing how his father’s legacy and the dedication of his brothers helped build the foundation for a thriving family business.
2. The Role of Employee Ownership in Business Transitions: Brad emphasizes how Empowered Ventures’ employee ownership model provides his team with opportunities for financial growth, security, and a shared sense of purpose.
3. Scaling a Business Without Losing Its Heart: From adding new employees to tackling large-scale multifamily projects, Brad explains how thoughtful leadership and teamwork allowed Benoure to grow while maintaining its core values and focus on quality.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introduction to Brad Benoure
(02:30) Brad shares the origins of Benoure Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, founded in 1966
(04:08) How Brad and his brothers took over the business after their father’s retirement
(07:01) Breaking into multifamily projects and scaling to 200–300 units per year
(09:40) Brad shares stories of long-term staff and internal promotions
(12:10) Brad’s search for the right partner and why he chose Empowered Ventures
(15:27) The impact of selling to an employee-owned business and prioritizing employees’ futures
(16:49) Announcing the sale: Brad’s nerves and the initial reactions from employees
(18:09) Addressing fears of major changes post-sale and gradual improvements under Empowered Ventures
(22:21) Preparing a strong business structure and leadership succession
(23:54) Brad’s commitment to his family business legacy and staying involved in its success