In the 1748 edition of his pamphlet Poor Richard’s Almanack, Benjamin Franklin noted that “when you’re good to others, you’re best to yourself.” Nearly three centuries later, a namesake is drawing inspiration from the first postmaster general’s legacy.
The latter Benjamin Franklin is a mail handler equipment operator at the Las Vegas Processing and Distribution Center. He got his start at USPS in 2021, following in the footsteps of his mother, Lakesha, a retail associate in the city. He dreams of someday becoming a professional boxer, and he volunteers for local charities that help veterans and children.
Franklin has received comments on his name his entire life: “People ask me for a hundred-dollar bill or ask me how it feels to have the name of a U.S. president. I have to remind them Benjamin Franklin was never president.”
Named for his great uncle, Franklin is unsure if the name was inspired by the Founding Father. Nonetheless, he has done research and takes great pride in the postal history associated with his name, as well as the history of the Bucket Brigade, a precursor of fire departments that the first postmaster general helped establish.
Firefighting, too, is a career Franklin has considered, although he devotes most of his time away from work to boxing. He’s had a trainer from Sin City’s amateur circuit for the past two years. The schedule can be daunting, often allowing for just a quick nap after his postal shift ends at 6 a.m., then heading to his training sessions and putting up his dukes.
Franklin also devotes time to his community, volunteering in logistics for the Las Vegas Honor Ride, which supports veterans’ physical and mental health needs, and the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation Las Vegas Teddy Bear Run, which raises money for child medical grants.
“Coming from a family with a history of military service, I find the Honor Ride to be especially meaningful,” Franklin said. He’ll be there again in November when the next one sprawls along iconic Las Vegas Boulevard: “I’m always grateful for any opportunity to give back.”
As the Postal Service celebrates its 250th anniversary, Franklin is keenly aware of the importance of his name.
“It’s a lot to live up to,” he said, but he finds it far more inspiring than burdensome. In whatever he does, “I just focus on getting the job done and being great in my own way.”
