It was the turn of the franchise sector in Queensland and the Northern Territory to celebrate winners when the regional awards of the NAB FCA Excellence in Franchising were announced at the weekend.

Winners on the night included Greg and Natalie Nash from Mr Rental [pictured], who won Franchisee of the Year – two or more staff, and showed up next day bright and breezy to participate in the Franchisee Success Panel Discussion at the Brisbane franchising expo.

“Just entering is a wonderful thing to go through. It really makes you reflect and recognise achievements in your business,” the couple said. “It’s a great way to recognise your team as well,” they added.

Mister Minit’s Daniel Conroy won Franchisee of the Year – less than two staff, and Tony and Michelle Graham from PoolWerx took the title of Multi-unit Franchisee of the Year.

“We’re not in business to win awards,” the Grahams said. “We’re in business to have fun and make some money along the way. Awards are fantastic recognition that you’re doing a great job,” they said.

Multi-award winner Carolyn McManus from The Coffee Club was named Franchise Woman of the Year, and Maurie Patterson from Bakers Delight took out the award for Franchisee Community Service.

For Jo and Maurie Patterson, being involved in local community is a positive part of the business.

“Being part of a rural community you need to look at more than what directly affects you. We’re fortunate that we really get to know our customers, so we’re really motivated to get involved and support them, because they support us,” the Pattersons said.

Qld/NT winners

 Multi-Unit Franchisee of the Year – Michelle and Tony Graham, PoolWerx, Indooroopilly, Samford, The Gap and Keperra
Franchisee of the Year – two or more staff – Greg and Natalie Nash, Mr Rental, Capalaba
Franchisee of the Year – less than two staff – Daniel Conroy, Mister Minit, Riverlink Ipswich
Franchise Woman of the Year – Carolyn McManus, The Coffee Club and Ribs and Rumps
Field Manager of the Year – Debrah Stanton, First Class Accounts
Franchisee Community Service – Jo and Maurie Patterson, Bakers Delight, Caneland

Merit recipients

Franchise Woman of the Year – Merit Award – Sharon Jurd, HydroKleen
Multi-unit Franchisee of the Year – Merit Award – Angela Holmes-Barry and Boubacar Barry, The Coffee Club, Orion Springfield, Booval Fair, Redbank Plaza and Ipswich Riverlink

Image: Greg and Natalie Nash/ eventphotography.com