Australian Franchise News – 17-11-09
Kwik Kopy Printing Centre Ringwood in Victoria has been named as the Franchise Council of Australia’s choice for the coveted Franchisee of the Year 2009 (2 or more staff) award.
Lou and Silvana Pannunzio, owners of Kwik Kopy Printing Centre Ringwood fought off stiff competition from Australian franchisees in all industries and regions to be declared the overall national winner at the MYOB Excellence in Franchising Annual 2009 Awards held by the Franchise Council of Australia in Perth last week.
Accepting the award from Steve Wright, CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia, Lou Pannunzio said, “Winning this award is testament to how dynamic and strong the Kwik Kopy brand is. I am proud to accept this award and bring it back for the whole Kwik Kopy group.”
The Franchisee of the Year (2 or more staff) recognises excellence in business management and franchise citizenship for franchise owner operators. Areas assessed include: business planning and performance, systems management, franchise citizenship, support networks and wellbeing, marketing and customer contact and community contribution.
David Bell, Managing Director of Kwik Kopy Australia highlighted the importance of Lou’s contribution to the Kwik Kopy franchise system as a whole: “Lou is an incredible support to our whole network, always on hand to offer advice and assistance to new and established owners alike. We are delighted that his excellent citizenry and business performance has been rewarded with the highest accolade possible.”
Lou and his wife Silvana have owned their Kwik Kopy Printing franchise for the last eight years and have recorded consistent growth during that time. A major factor in the success of Kwik Kopy Printing Centre Ringwood is the strength of Pannunzio’s relationships with customers and suppliers. “Building and maintaining strong core relationships with existing and new clients is the key to our business. It’s about relationships – knowing your clients, always talking to your clients and always having a strategy in place to bring new business in.”
Since purchasing his Kwik Kopy Printing franchise, Pannunzio has never looked back. “I love this franchise. It has given me the opportunity to use my skills in relationship-building and sales and to work with a wonderful team of enthusiastic, vibrant and customer-oriented people.”
Lou said winning the award has reinforced the focus and energy of his staff. “It has proved to me and my team that excellent customer service and a commitment to developing on-going and mutually beneficial relationships is the key to long-term success in business.”
“For my family, Kwik Kopy Printing has altered our lives. Not only has it freed us financially, but it has given us an identity,” he said. “It has been a really enriching experience, not just for the two of us but also for my children. It has given us an incredible purpose in life.”