## Freedom Debt Relief Earns Prestigious Customer Service Recognition

**Freedom Debt Relief**, one of the largest and longest-running providers of debt settlement services in the U.S., has been named by **USA Today** as one of **"America's Best Customer Service for Financial Services 2026."** This recognition places them among the **500 best-performing financial services companies** in the country for customer service excellence.

### How the Recognition Was Determined
The annual list is based on an independent evaluation conducted by **USA Today and Plant-A Insights**, reflecting the experiences of U.S. customers across the financial services industry. For 2026, the recognition draws on a **nationwide survey of more than 31,000 customers** conducted in fall 2025, backed by **more than 660,000 customer reviews** referenced in the study materials. This comprehensive approach measures consistent customer service excellence over time.

### Insights from Freedom Debt Relief Leadership
"Customer service isn't a slogan here, it's a standard," said **Freedom Debt Relief Chief Revenue Officer Jason Pack**. "From the first conversation forward, our focus is on being clear, responsive, and accountable. Our teams work hard to earn trust through professionalism and transparency, and it's rewarding to see that commitment reflected in this recognition from USA Today."

### Key Evaluation Criteria
Companies were evaluated across key parts of the customer journey, including:
- **Customer service**
- **Professionalism**
- **Transparency and reliability**
- **Availability and accessibility**
- **Speed of response**

Online reviews were incorporated to capture broader customer sentiment beyond the survey data, ensuring a holistic assessment.

### Building on a Track Record of Excellence
The 2026 recognition builds on **Freedom Debt Relief's track record of customer service excellence**. The company was also named by USA Today as an **America's Best Customer Service award recipient in 2025**, reinforcing its consistent performance and long-term focus on the client experience.

### Commitment to Redefining Debt Relief
Freedom Debt Relief remains committed to redefining what's possible for Americans in debt by delivering **faster paths forward, clear, transparent, and personalized guidance**, with results clients can trust. Its recognition by USA Today reinforces Freedom's reputation for **reliability and consistent outcomes**. From the first conversation to the final settlement, Freedom Debt Relief combines **speed, transparency, and award-winning service** to keep clients informed, supported, and moving toward their financial goals with confidence.

### How Freedom Debt Relief Operates
Freedom Debt Relief has relationships with **over 4,500 creditors** and uses **over 20 years of consumer debt data, artificial intelligence, and proprietary technology** to optimize negotiation strategies that meet clients' individual needs. Through its proven debt settlement program, Freedom Debt Relief negotiates directly with creditors on behalf of its clients to reduce the total amount owed on unsecured debts.

Clients enroll in a custom program, during which they make monthly deposits into an **FDIC-insured dedicated account**. As funds build, Freedom Debt Relief's expert negotiators work to settle enrolled accounts for less than the amount owed—often leading to **significant savings and a faster path out of debt**.

### About Freedom Debt Relief
**Freedom Debt Relief** is one of the largest and longest-running providers of debt settlement services in the United States. They help consumers take control of their finances by giving them a proven plan to relieve their debt burden—and in the process, help them make better financial decisions in the future. Working on behalf of its consumer clients, Freedom Debt Relief negotiates with creditors to reduce the amount of debt they owe. Freedom Debt Relief is an accredited debt settlement company based in San Mateo, Calif., and has served **more than 2 million consumers**, helping to resolve **over $20 billion in debt since 2002**.

![Freedom Debt Relief Logo](https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2873034/Freedom_Debt_Relief_Logo.jpg)

**Press Contact:** pressinquiry@freedomdebtrelief.com

USA Today names Freedom Debt Relief among America's Best Customer Service providers for 2026
              
            
            
              
                USA Today names Freedom Debt Relief among America's Best Customer Service providers for 2026
                PR Newswire
                SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 29, 2026
              
              
SAN MATEO, Calif., Jan. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Freedom Debt Relief, one of the largest and longest-running providers of debt settlement services in the U.S., has been named by USA Today as one of "America's Best Customer Service for Financial Services 2026," earning recognition among the 500 best-performing financial services companies in the country for customer service.
    
                
                        
                     
                        
                
    
The annual list is based on an independent evaluation conducted by USA Today and Plant-A Insights that reflects the experiences of U.S. customers across the financial services industry. For 2026, the recognition draws on a nationwide survey of more than 31,000 customers conducted in fall 2025, backed by more than 660,000 customer reviews referenced in the study materials and used to measure consistent customer service excellence over time."Customer service isn't a slogan here, it's a standard," said Freedom Debt Relief Chief Revenue Officer Jason Pack. "From the first conversation forward, our focus is on being clear, responsive and accountable. Our teams work hard to earn trust through professionalism and transparency, and it's rewarding to see that commitment reflected in this recognition from USA Today."Companies were evaluated across key parts of the customer journey, including customer service, professionalism, transparency and reliability, availability and accessibility and speed of response. Online reviews were incorporated to capture broader customer sentiment beyond the survey data.The 2026 recognition builds on Freedom Debt Relief's track record of customer service excellence. The company was also named by USA Today as an America's Best Customer Service award recipient in 2025, reinforcing its consistent performance and long-term focus on the client experience.Freedom Debt Relief remains committed to redefining what's possible for Americans in debt by delivering faster paths forward, clear, transparent and personalized guidance, with results clients can trust. Its recognition by USA Today reinforces Freedom's reputation for reliability and consistent outcomes. From the first conversation to the final settlement, Freedom Debt Relief combines speed, transparency and award-winning service to keep clients informed, supported and moving toward their financial goals with confidence.Freedom Debt Relief has relationships with over 4,500 creditors and uses over 20 years of consumer debt data, artificial intelligence and proprietary technology to optimize negotiation strategies that meet clients' individual needs. Through its proven debt settlement program, Freedom Debt Relief negotiates directly with creditors on behalf of its clients to reduce the total amount owed on unsecured debts. Clients enroll in a custom program, during which they make monthly deposits into an FDIC-insured dedicated account. As funds build, Freedom Debt Relief's expert negotiators work to settle enrolled accounts for less than the amount owed—often leading to significant savings and a faster path out of debt.About Freedom Debt ReliefFreedom Debt Relief is one of the largest and longest-running providers of debt settlement services in the United States. We help consumers take control of their finances by giving them a proven plan to relieve their debt burden — and in the process, help them make better financial decisions in the future. Working on behalf of its consumer clients, Freedom Debt Relief negotiates with creditors to reduce the amount of debt they owe. Freedom Debt Relief is an accredited debt settlement company based in San Mateo, Calif., and has served more than 2 million consumers, helping to resolve over $20 billion in debt since 2002.Press Contactpressinquiry@freedomdebtrelief.com

                
                        
                     
                        
                




  View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/usa-today-names-freedom-debt-relief-among-americas-best-customer-service-providers-for-2026-302674598.htmlSOURCE Freedom Debt Relief

Freedom Debt Relief Named Among America's Best Customer Service Providers for 2026: What Makes Them Stand Out?

**R.P. Lumber Co., Inc.**, a family-owned, full-service building materials retailer and home center, has announced the acquisition of **Bender Lumber**, a respected and long-standing name in Indiana’s building supply industry. The acquisition, which will close on **Feb. 13, 2026**, marks a meaningful expansion for R.P. Lumber and a continuation of the values that have defined Bender Lumber for nearly a century.

![R.P. Lumber Storefront](https://p1-cms-assets.imgix.net/mindful/lbm/workspaces/default/uploads/2026/01/rp-lumber-storefront.COnC3xirhy.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max&q=70&w=400)
*R.P. Lumber*

The acquisition of Bender Lumber marks a **major milestone** for R.P. Lumber, bringing its total store count to **99 across seven states**—a testament to the company’s steady growth and commitment to serving communities across the Midwest. It also joins together two well-established companies in neighboring geographies that share a common culture and set of business values.

Founded in 1931 and later purchased by Harold Bender and his son John Bender in 1963, Bender Lumber has served generations of builders, remodelers, and homeowners across Southern Indiana. With eight locations in Bedford, Bloomington, Columbus, Linton, Madison, Martinsville, Paoli, and Washington, Bender Lumber has built its reputation on **quality products, knowledgeable service, and a deep commitment to its communities**.

“Bender Lumber is more than a business — it’s a legacy,” said **Robert Plummer, CEO of R.P. Lumber**. “John Bender, his brother Paul Bender, and their entire team have built something truly special. Their commitment to **honesty, customer service, and community involvement** aligns well with our values at R.P. Lumber. We’re honored to sustain that vision.”

John Bender, who also played a pivotal role in the founding of Pizza Hut, is widely known not only for his entrepreneurial spirit but also for his integrity. Throughout the acquisition process, R.P. Lumber leadership expressed deep appreciation for Bender’s transparency, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to doing what’s right.

“I’m proud that we are selling Bender Lumber to R.P. Lumber. I have been friends with Jason Plummer and his father for a number of years. I believe they operate their business very much like we try to operate our business,” said **John Bender**.

“Mr. Bender is the kind of person you hope to meet in business — honest, humble, and deeply principled, with a great sense of humor to boot,” said **Jason Plummer, President of R.P. Lumber**. “His approach to leadership and his respect for employees and customers have made Bender Lumber a cornerstone of the Indiana building community. We have long respected the entire Bender Lumber team, and we are grateful for the opportunity to build on the foundation laid by Mr. Bender, his brother, Paul, and their father,” added Plummer.

With over 100 employees companywide, Bender Lumber has maintained a strong focus on serving professional builders and remodelers, while also supporting a growing base of DIY customers. Each Bender location is a full-service lumberyard offering building materials, hardware, and contractor support. While store size varies by location, each is designed to meet the needs of both residential and commercial projects in their respective markets and is staffed with experienced teams who understand the realities of construction and remodeling.

“Bender Lumber’s team members are known for their **expertise and their genuine care for customers**. I’ve been in their stores and am always impressed with the level of service and attention each customer receives,” added Jason Plummer. “We’re excited to welcome them into the R.P. Lumber family and continue supporting the communities they have served so well.”

The companies are working closely to ensure a **seamless transition**, with no disruption to customer service or product availability. Existing employees will remain in place, the companies already share many of the same vendors and technology, and R.P. Lumber will invest in additional technology, equipment, and inventory to enhance the customer experience.

“I believe this transaction will benefit our employees, customers, and the communities where our stores are located. As a family business, we wanted it to continue with a similar culture. We think R.P. Lumber is the right choice,” added John Bender.

The acquisition also reflects R.P. Lumber’s broader commitment to growth and regional investment. With 99 retail locations across Illinois, Missouri, Wyoming, South Dakota, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Indiana, R.P. Lumber continues to expand its footprint while staying true to its small-town roots. The acquisition of Bender Lumber follows R.P. Lumber’s October 2025 acquisition of the two-location Dye Lumber operation in Indiana, now bringing the company’s footprint in the Hoosier State to ten locations.

“Every community we serve matters,” said Robert Plummer. “We believe in **local leadership, local decision-making, local involvement, and just being a good neighbor**. That’s what Bender Lumber has always stood for, and that’s what we will continue to uphold.”

As the transition begins, R.P. Lumber is focused on listening—to team members, customers, and other partners. The company plans to host local events at each store to celebrate the new chapter and honor the legacy of Bender Lumber. “We are humbled to be part of this story, and we are committed to writing the next chapter with the same care and integrity that the Bender family has shown Southern Indiana for many decades,” said Jason Plummer.

In the words of John Bender himself:

“When you treat people the way you’d want your own family treated, they remember. That kind of trust doesn’t just help you build a business — it helps the next generation carry it forward.”

The acquisition of Bender Lumber marks a major milestone for R.P. Lumber, bringing its total store count to 99 across seven states.

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