Clockwork Home Services Inc., parent company of the Benjamin Franklin Plumbing franchise system, has launched a $500,000 marketing campaign to propel consumer awareness of the company’s home services contracting brands. A competition offering a $26,000 cash prize is the centerpiece of the program, according to Clockwork CEO Jim Abrams, who introduced the campaign to franchisees at the company’s annual Clockwork Congress held recently in Washington, D.C.

“A slow economy is exactly the right opportunity to launch a major push to support our brands and our franchisees,” Abrams announced. “Our ‘Win $26k’ promotion is fun for consumers, and using the Internet will allow the competition to exponentially expand the reach of our message.”

The company launched the “Win $26k” campaign on Friday, Oct. 17, with a full-page advertisement in USA Today. The ad encouraged consumers to compete for a $26,000 cash prize by creating short videos promoting Clockwork’s brands.

“We are excited to offer this level of national marketing support to our franchisees,” said Tab Hunter, Clockwork’s president of franchise operations. “While others may be reducing their marketing investments, Clockwork believes the timing is ideal to boost consumer awareness of the essential home services we provide.”

Details are available online at www.win26k.com. The Web site also provides vouchers for discounts on home services offered by Clockwork’s brands: Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Mister Sparky America’s On-time Electrician, and One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning.