Excellence in Franchising Awards 2009 – winners announced

Winners from the national categories in the 2009 MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards were announced at a gala dinner on the 21st October in Perth – as the climax of the 2009 National Franchise Convention. Over 480 of Australian franchising’s best and brightest were in attendance to celebrate the achievements of franchisors, franchisees and suppliers.

 

The MYOB Excellence in Franchising Awards recognise and reward excellence and provide a platform for companies and individuals to showcase the amazing work they are doing in the franchising sector. 

 

   

7-Eleven have once again shown that they are the system by which other systems should be measured by taking out the 2009 Established Franchisor of the Year Award, making it two Awards in two years. Having had much experience with the Awards process 7-Eleven CEO Warren Wilmot commented that, “the criteria was very thorough, with greater rigour placed on the submission and the interview process. Completing the submission and answering the criteria was extremely beneficial for its self-assessment value, so much so, that we are now using the document as a marketing tool for potential franchisees.”

       

Grill’d was born when company founder Simon Crowe decided to introduce decent, healthy hamburgers to the Australian market. The rest, as they say, is history. Grill’d now represent’s the ‘new guard’ of franchise systems that are pushing the boundaries of business performance, branding and service delivery, and in the process increasing the profile of franchising in Australia.

 

Judges could not separate Bakers Delight & Back in Motion Health Group as they took out joint honours in the Franchisor Social Responsibility Award.

 

Bakers Delight have raised almost $3.7 million for the Breast Cancer Network Australia and donated in excess of $140 million in bread to charities each year.

Back in Motion Health Group have established their own not-for-profit charity called the “SOS Foundation”. Franchisees within the system support this initiative with monthly donations and contribution at key events. 

     

The boys from Banjo’s definitely have the “midas touch”, winning their second award in 2 years – having taken out the Franchisee of the Year Award last year.  Mark and Jason successfully manage and control 10 Banjo’s Bakeries in Tasmania, Victoria and Queensland utilising their franchisor, business coaching and planning, technology, training and communication policies to ensure the businesses run to their potential.

     

As well as their dedication to their business and its performance, Lou and Silvana are focused on their staff and offer a variety of means for them to improve their skill sets and keep motivated. In 2008 Lou and Silvana won the Kwik Kopy Franchisee of the Year Award, so success is becoming a habit for these ambitious and dedicated business owners.

     

As well as a dedication to best practice business methods and performance, Darren mentors other franchisees in the Mister MINIT system and was awarded the Mister MINIT Franchisee of the Year Award in 2009. It is noteworthy that, notwithstanding a tougher market, Darren has achieved double digit sales growth this year.

 

 International Franchising Award – Gloria Jean’s Coffees International

Gloria Jean’s Coffees’ detailed submission reflected both the geographic spread and depth of their international activities, and the management’s investment in time, personnel and money being invested to create a global brand. The acquisition of the US parent was a standout strategy to consolidate the global brand.

            

What impressed judges about Maria was her all-round dedication and commitment which found fruition through a clearly articulated vision for the future of the business. Maria has created the pathway and was determined to ensure its success – she is truly a consummate franchising professional.

            

In its boutique style operation and focus on customer outcomes, Donaldson Walsh Lawyers showed itself to be very professional when ensuring the appropriate outcome for its clients, specific knowledge of franchising and their commitment to continually learning about franchising, and putting back into the sector. 

           

Mr Rental launched their re-branded business in mid 2007 involving a national campaign combining television, radio and catalogues as well as closely monitored brand awareness and lead generation. Based on the judging criteria, Mr Rental’s processes for communication and consultation with all stakeholders, the detail of their planning and implementation, the quality of their advertising and the outstanding results achieved makes them a worthy winner.

   

With more than 15 years in franchising, Leon Pike has remained passionate about customer service, field support and developing a thriving franchising culture. Having experienced all sides of the Franchising equation as a franchisee, field services roles and as a franchisor – Leon’s contribution to his own businesses and that of the franchise community is highly valued.

     

Carol is the Managing Director of Price Attack Franchising and is a franchisor to 128 Price Attack franchisees throughout Australia. Carol drew on powerful reserves of determination and drive to progress from Price Attack franchisee, to SA Master Franchisee, to now owning and operating the Price Attack franchise nationally.

     

Dan demonstrates high level business and people skills and clearly brings a sophisticated and systematic approach to his work. His contribution to his franchise system is significant and he is an example of a new generation of field consultants performing the role of a true business coach to their franchisees.

 

For every loan Greg settles with Mortgage Choice a monetary donation is made to Camp Quality (the children’s cancer charity), as well, Camp Quality marketing collateral is also distributed to clients to help raise awareness of the group. Greg, along with 24 others helped to raise over $110,000 to fund a Camp Quality trip to Mt Hotham by trekking for 8 days on the Kokoda Trail.