Franchise brand Gloria Jean’s Coffees recently launched the Battle of the Bands, an internal campaign aimed at engaging its Generation Y team members. Franchisees and team members were encouraged to join forces to form their own band for the competition.
Gareth Pike, general manager, Australia for Gloria Jean’s Coffees, said the initiative was aimed to inspire and motivate teamwork, particularly among Gloria Jean’s Coffees younger team members.
“The nature of our business attracts young team members looking for casual work and flexible hours in the retail industry, often whilst undertaking full-time study,” said Pike. “This group is therefore highly transient. It is important to engage with them to assist in creating a positive, youth-friendly work environment and subsequently, encourage retention,” he added.
As an incentive to get involved, the winning band would be flown to Queensland to perform on the main stage at the Gloria Jean’s Coffees Convention in Surfers Paradise in front of more than 300 people. The band would also win studio time to record a CD and produce 500 glass-pressed copies of the studio recording.
All members of the winning four piece band, The Chad, work at the Chadstone coffee house in Victoria and had local gigs individually but only formed as a band for the competition.
“The Battle of the Bands was a great way for us to get our names out there and gain wonderful experience, from performing in front of such a large crowd to the upcoming launch of our first album,” said guitarist and lead vocalist, Kristy Knox – a graduate of the College of Country Music, who only recently returned from Nashville where she spent two months performing and songwriting.
The Gloria Jean’s Coffees Battle of the Bands competition also presented the remaining band members with a fantastic opportunity to further explore their budding musical careers. For example, Craig Paterson, also on the guitar and vocals, holds an Advanced Diploma in Music Performance, Duncan Millar on the Bass Guitar, is currently completing a Bachelor of Music Performance at Monash University, and Steve Arcara on the Drums is also completing a Bachelor of Music at Monash University.