Husband and wife team Marlene and Peter Scott invested in a Clark Rubber franchise in Queensland’s Toowoomba 18 years ago, and in that time their business has gone from strength to strength.  

At Clark Rubber’s Annual Conference in March, the pair received the National Best Practice Franchise of the Year award, a prestigious title that cements their store’s status as one of the best in the network –  they received the award ahead of 78 other Australian stores.

“We are really passionate about what we do, so winning this incredible award is a fantastic recognition of that, and truly is the icing on the cake for us – we’re a little bit speechless,” Marlene said on the night.

She added the pair’s efforts over the past 18 years have been well worth it, and was quick to recognise the input of the store’s staff and customers.

“We have all been working really hard, so it’s rewarding to see that it’s paid off. It’s really satisfying to be able to show the team that their dedication to Clark Rubber Toowoomba is appreciated. We are lucky to have such a loyal network of customers – without them; this award would not be possible.”

What was it that prompted Marlene and Peter to invest all those years ago? “We wanted to buy a business and stumbled across the Toowoomba franchise when it was for sale. We found it offered not only a business but job security and support,” she told Franchising.

“Clark Rubber is an Australian brand and we could also remember people talking about it.”

Marlene and Peter play equally important roles in the business, and both are involved in its day to day operation.

“I work between the office, where I do paperwork, and serving customers on the floor. Peter works between the office, floor sales and pool servicing.

“We manage other roles by delegating certain aspects of the business to staff members,” she adds.

Marlene says Clark Rubber’s training is ongoing and in line with the market. “It’s relevant to product trends, which are forever changing with new items or suppliers.”

After 18 years in the business Marlene and Peter have developed a firm understanding of what constitutes effective local area marketing. 

“We do television advertising across three networks, radio advertising across five stations, sponsor Cancer Fun Runs, Church Race Days and donate to the Care Flight Ball as well as local schools, day care centres and kindies.

“I also Attend Women on the Move morning teas, which are organised for women in business, when I can. In addition, we do at least two home shows every year, such as the Outdoor Adventure & Motoring Expo or the AG Show,” she adds.

Looking to the future, a move to larger premises could be on the cards for Clark Rubber Toowoomba.

“We would like to see the business as a stand-alone store with ample customer parking, which would mean moving and relaunching ourselves to create a new experience for the customer,” Marlene explains.

Franchising has enabled Marlene and Peter to take control of their lives, and they couldn’t be happier.

“We have met the most wonderful people, travelled places we otherwise would never have; we’ve been looked after like a King and Queen and learnt so much along the way without even realising it.

“Franchising has given us the power to choose our own destiny and it’s made us work harder and longer hours than we would have thought possible.”