Neighborly COO Awarded Top Honor at 2015 Reunion

Mary Kennedy Thompson receives the 2015 Don Dwyer Award of Excellence

At Neighborly, formerly Dwyer Group, the name Don Dwyer Sr. is a highly revered name. And so is the award in the late founder’s honor, given out only on exceptional occasions at the company’s Annual Reunion conference.

This year, that special recognition went to Mary Kennedy Thompson, the newly-appointed Chief Operating Officer of Neighborly and the 2015 recipient of the Don Dwyer Award of Excellence.

Awarded when a Neighborly team member, franchisee or vendor partner goes above and beyond their every day duties to make a positive difference, Thompson has earned this accolade through an impressive career that has embodied character, leadership and dedication at every turn.

From serving her country in the U.S. Marines to serving as a leading voice in the service industry today, Thompson has become a nationally recognized franchise executive dedicated to helping those around her. Whether she is championing the VetFran program from the White House to Main Street, sharing the message of career opportunities in franchising for military veterans, or serving as President of Mr. Rooter while earning her journeyman plumber’s license, Thompson leads by example. But it is her job as a coach and mentor that exponentially benefits so many others.

“Mary is one of the most incredible executives I am proud to call my colleague and my friend,” said Mike Bidwell, CEO of Neighborly. “She takes on every challenge with tenacity, elevates the team, mentors all Neighborly brand presidents, and positively influences everyone she meets. “Don Dwyer used to talk about the importance of re-earning our position every day in every way,” said Bidwell. “Mary is a shining example of that, and I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the award this year.”

“I am humbled and honored to receive the Don Dwyer Award of Excellence,” stated Thompson. “I never had the privilege of meeting our founder, but I have come to know him through his family and through everything Neighborly stands for today. He left an amazing legacy, and I am privileged to carry on his mission in this organization that I cherish.”