Roly and Heidi Humphries of Clark Rubber Rockhampton have won the company’s prestigious National Best Practice Franchise of the Year award. 

The pair received the award at the company’s annual conference, which was attended by 300 guests including Clark Rubber franchisees, suppliers and associates, in Auckland in April.

Roly said he and his wife Heidi were shocked to receive the award.

“This is the first time we’ve won the National Award – it’s incredibly exciting and I think we’re all still a bit overwhelmed.”

This is not the first time the franchisee’s have been recognised for their hard work. In 2012, they won a state franchise award. 

Roly said his staff and the local community have played a pivotal role in the business’s success.

“While this is a great achievement, none of it would have been possible without the support of our wonderful staff and the community.

“This award is a real credit to out dedicated staff for their ongoing hard work and contribution to the success of our store. We wouldn’t have been able to achieve what we have over the years without them,” he added.

He said it has been extremely rewarding building the Rockhampton business up over the past seven years, and the award will be well-received by customers.

“I’m sure our customers will be delighted to find out they’re purchasing their products from the National Franchise of the Year.”

Gary Nye, CEO, Clark Rubber Franchising said the awards are designed to recognise franchisees across the company’s 78 stores, as well as its suppliers.

“We are fortunate to have a group of members who are passionate about independent retailing and are committed to the Clark Rubber brand.

“The National Award along with our five regional awards is our opportunity to recognise the excellence across our store network and I’d personally like to congratulate this year’s winners,” he said.

State Franchise of the Year winners:

• QLD & Northern NSW: Clark Rubber Rockhampton, QLD – Roly and Heidi Humphries
• NSW & ACT: Clark Rubber Fyshwick, NSW – Kym Barnes
• VIC EAST: Clark Rubber Niddrie, VIC – Barry and Deb Ranson
• VIC WEST, SA & NT: Clark Rubber Horsham, VIC – Graham and Joanne Keay
• WA: Clark Rubber Geraldton, WA – Carole and Ian Creed

Victorian-based foam supplier Dunlop Foams received the supplier of the year award. Suppliers including Regent Sporting, Zodiac and D & B Wholesale were also recognised at the conference.