Back to list Service & repair Dec 13, 2018 10:38 Local Heating and Cooling Company Joins National Brands, Takes Service to Next Level Locally-owned and operated Rocky Top Air, which has been serving the surrounding area since 2009, has joined forces with One Hour Air Heating and Air Conditioning® (One Hour) and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing®, both national home services brands with independently owned and operated locations throughout North America. The company is now operating as Rocky Top One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. With a combined 60 years of experience, owners Gerald Allison and Ben Granger started what has become one of the largest heating and air conditioning companies in the metro Knoxville area. They currently have 35 trucks and 60 employees, who also make the time to give back to their local community. Rocky Top has been actively involved in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Care Cuts, ETTAC, Boys and Girls Club, Mission of Hope, and Habitat for Humanity. Allison also currently serves on the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Advisory Board for HVAC curriculum. “We’re excited to welcome Gerald, Ben and the Rocky Top team as part of our national network,” said Mark Baker, president of Franchise, Direct Energy. “Their commitment to exceptional customer service is what sets them apart, and we look forward to working with them as they continue to serve the community.” With this move, the local company will be able to continue training staff with the best resources, provide stronger warranties and guarantees, and lower product costs – just in time for the cold winter upon us. “This is the right next step for our business,” said Allison. “By making the transition to One Hour and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, we now have more resources available to better serve our customers and provide the best service possible.” Allison, a Knoxville native, has three children: Brooklyn, 18, Aspen, 15, and Fisher, 12. Ben Granger is originally from New Orleans and has lived in Knoxville for 15 years. Granger has two children: Noel, 19, and Cameron, 16. One Hour has consistently ranked No. 1 in the HVAC services category in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list. To schedule an appointment with Rocky Top One Hour and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, visit www.OneHourAirKnoxville.com and www.BenFranklinPlumbingKnoxville.com or call (865) 474-1511. Knoxville Media Contact: Gerald Allison Owner, Rocky Top One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating and Benjamin Franklin Plumbing gerald.allison@onehourair.com Office: (865) 474-1511 Media Contact: Jessica Michan External Relations Manager, Direct Energy Jessica.Michan@directenergy.com Office: 713-904-7488 About One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating® One Hour Air Conditioning &Heating® is currently ranked as the #1 HVAC franchise in Entrepreneur magazine’s annual Franchise 500 (January 2018). One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating puts an emphasis on trust, customer service and courtesy. Franchised One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating locations are independently owned and operated businesses. One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating is part of the Direct Energy family of brands. ©2018 Clockwork IP, LLC About Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® is part of the Direct Energy family of brands. Our trusted plumbing professionals offer customers on-time plumbing services, replacement and repairs. Franchised Benjamin Franklin Plumbing locations are independently owned and operated businesses. ©2018 Clockwork IP, LLC Direct Energy is one of North America’s largest retail providers of electricity, natural gas, and home and business energy-related services with over four million customers. Direct Energy gives customers choice, simplicity, and innovation where energy, data, and technology meet. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), an international energy and services company, Direct Energy, its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, operate in 50 U.S. states plus the District of Columbia and eight provinces in Canada. To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.