Global HVAC Industry Executive Scott Boose Named President of Clockwork Home Services

SARASOTA, Fla., Dec. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct Energy, one of North America's leading integrated energy and services companies, is pleased to announce that Scott Boose has been named President of Clockwork Home Services. Mr. Boose succeeds Jim Abrams, the co-founder of Clockwork and home services visionary.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101217/DA19423)

Prior to joining Clockwork Home Services, Mr. Boose served as Managing Director of Heating Services at British Gas, a sister company of Direct Energy. As Managing Director, Scott was responsible for the largest in-house workforce of domestic gas technicians in the world – 8,000 individuals servicing over 4 million customers across the UK. "Scott Boose is a proven business builder and a HVAC industry leader. I am confident that under Scott's leadership, Clockwork will continue to grow substantially benefitting homeowners, employees, franchisees and our business partners," said Eddy Collier, President, Direct Energy Services.

Jim Abrams, co-founder and CEO of Clockwork Home Services, will be stepping back from his day-to-day CEO responsibilities effective December 31, 2010 and assuming a role as Special Advisor to Clockwork, Direct Energy and Centrica, Direct Energy's UK-based parent company. Jim began his career in the home services industry as a straight commission salesperson with the Trane Co. in the mid 1970s.  He opened his own HVAC business in 1981, co-founded Service Experts, taking it public on the NASDAQ (and later to the NYSE), and started Clockwork Home Services in 1998. Clockwork was combined with Direct Energy in July 2010.

"Jim revolutionized the North American home services industry at each step of his career. Part of his significant legacy are our highly professional and knowledgeable employees, franchisees and affinity members dedicated to bringing homeowners' exceptional customer service and value," noted Mr. Collier. "I am delighted that Jim will be bringing his unparalleled expertise to the wider Centrica group and am confident colleagues across the business will value his insights as much as I do."

Clockwork is the parent company of: One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning, Mister Sparky, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Plumbers Success International, Airtime 500, Electricians Success International, Roofers Success International, BuyMax, SuccessWare and Success Academy.

"I'm looking forward to greater freedom of time after serving consumers, independent contractors and franchisees for the past 36 years," said Mr. Abrams. "Direct Energy and Clockwork are an ideal fit, bringing complimentary strengths together to build the largest home services company in North America. The integration is well underway, and I am confident that under Scott's leadership, Clockwork will remain focused on helping owned-operations, franchises and affinity clients rapidly expand their businesses."

About Clockwork Home Services

Clockwork, Inc. is dedicated to improving the operations, efficiency, customer service and profitability of contractors in the home services industry in North America through affinity group membership and nationally branded franchises. Its companies include Mister Sparky® Franchising, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® Franchising, One Hour Air Conditioning & Heating® Franchising, BuyMax®, Plumbers' Success International®, Electricians' Success International®, AirTime 500™, Roofers' Success International®, Success Academy®, AirTime Canada™ ULC, SuccessWare, Inc.® and company-owned One Hour® operations in California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and throughout Canada; company-owned Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® operations in Colorado, Indiana, and Minnesota; and company-owned Mister Sparky® operations in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Nevada, and Minnesota. For more information, visit http://www.clockworkhomeservices.com.

About Direct Energy

Direct Energy is one of North America's largest energy and energy-related services providers with over 6 million residential and commercial customer relationships. Direct Energy provides customers with choice and support in managing their energy costs through a portfolio of innovative products and services. A subsidiary of Centrica plc (LSE: CNA), one of the world's leading integrated energy companies, Direct Energy operates in 46 states plus DC and 10 provinces in Canada.  To learn more about Direct Energy, please visit www.directenergy.com.

SOURCE Direct Energy