This year, our annual conference was held at the Marriott Resort & Spa in Surfers Paradise. Our conference is a fantastic celebration, not just recognising the hard work our franchisees put in, but it is also a celebration of the brand and community culture we have worked hard to establish. Our franchisees often refer to each other as a family, and it is most evident when we are all in the one place, supporting, encouraging, learning and laughing together!
Every year, we hand out several awards in a range of categories, each recognising the different ways our franchisees contribute to the franchise system, their community and their clients and to highlight the hard work they have put into their business.
Here are our 2019 winners!
Franchisee of the year
Franchisee of the yearThe Franchisee of the year award is highly coveted as it celebrates an all-round achievement. The winning Franchisee demonstrates expert knowledge and skills and displays unrivalled business acumen. They actively and consistently deliver satisfaction through insightful client solutions and an applied understanding of their business, their client and their market.
To win this award, the Franchisee must employ proven business strategies and regularly market their business through self-sought networking and promotional activities. They must be an inspiring role model and exceptional team player that the franchise, their clients and their community can depend on.
Franchisee of the Year Award 2019 – Mark Treloar First Class Accounts Cashmere QLD.
Hall of Fame
The First Class Accounts Hall of Fame is an acknowledgement of exceptional service to the First Class Accounts network. The franchisees who receive this award have not only made an outstanding contribution to First Class Accounts, they’ve also provided leadership for the entire network and conducted themselves with honesty and integrity. They exemplify excellence and are acknowledged for achieving success through sound business ethics and practice. They have the respect of their clients, the National Office and their peers.
Hall of Fame Award 2019 – Anthony Furniss- First Class Accounts – Hornsby/Penrith NSW.
Hank Middleton Award
We added a new award to our list this year. The inaugural ‘Hank Middleton Award’ was named after a former FCA franchisee in Aberfoyle Park, SA, Hank Middleton.
Hank was a humble, supportive, unassuming, positive, and passionate person, not to mention a loyal and trusted confidant, who always had First Class Account’s best interests at heart. His strong business ethics made him a true professional, and he will be sadly missed within the First Class Account ‘family’.
Hank loved to encourage and support fellow franchisees, both new and existing, helping them be the best they could be. He was always generous with his time, giving to his peers, his family and his beloved cricket and footy clubs. Our network is full of amazing people just like Hank, so this year we created an award in his honour, to celebrate those that give so selflessly within our community. To honour Hank’s spirit and passion, the winner of the 2019 inaugural ‘Hank Middleton Award’ received a signed Sir Donald Bradman cricket bat.
Hank Middleton Award 2019 – Don Doolan – First Class Accounts – Asquith NSW.
Brand Ambassador Award
This award is for those franchisees who have been established for a period of 12 months or more. This winner delivers consistent and quality service and uses the system extensively to increase their business potential. This Franchisee manages a thriving and evolving business. They understand the needs of their clients and they are willing to go that extra mile to reach success. They are confident and assertive in their business, offering a point of difference within the market.
Brand Ambassador Award 2019 – Robyn Graham – First Class Accounts, Frazer Coast QLD.
Best Emerging Franchisee
The winner of this award is a franchisee who shows considerable promise in their business through their dedication to continued learning and improving their skills. They are curious, enthusiastic, and wholeheartedly embrace the system which shows in their performance. This Franchisee takes responsibility for their future and implements steps to grow their business through setting and achieving realistic goals. This Franchisee is professional and maintains a positive outlook and “can do” attitude.
Best Emerging Franchise Award 2019 – Sue Jenkins – First Class Accounts Toowoomba QLD.
Business Performance Award
This award is for the Franchisee that has consistent business growth and is continually improving and implementing systems to enhance and maintain profitability. We acknowledge the different business models within our network and make sure we recognise both single operators, as well as employers when deciding on the winners.
