In Walter Isaacson's biography of Benjamin Franklin, the author highlights the entrepreneurial approach of Josiah Franklin, Benjamin's father. Josiah skillfully combined the notion of public service with personal gain, demonstrating a pragmatic understanding of business. His role as an overseer of night watchmen provided him the opportunity to sell candles to them, thus generating income while also serving a community need.

This ability to intertwine civic duty with profit would later be refined by his son, Benjamin Franklin. Josiah's example set a foundation for Franklin's future endeavors, where he would consistently find ways to align his economic activities with contributions to society, embodying a model of success that benefits both the individual and the community.