Autobarn honours its own

Leading retail automotive accessory franchise, Autobarn , recently held its annual supplier trade fair on the Gold Coast, culminating in the group’s 2005 annual conference.

Held at Conrad Jupiters in Broadbeach, the event was attended by over 450 franchisees, staff and supplier representatives. By far the largest number of leading suppliers to date showcased their aftermarket products to the group.

The Autobarn conference, at the end of the week-long event, provided the opportunity for franchisees and national office staff to honour their own with three major awards being presented, among many others.

Autobarn Noarlunga franchisees Samantha and Trent Bromley secured the top award for National Franchisee of the Year 2005, as well as State Franchisee of the Year (VIC, TAS, SA, NT).

“It was truly a shock to receive the awards and I guess it’s a real pat on the back for the hard work we have put in over the past three years to establish this successful business with a fantastic team of people,” Trent Bromley says. “Without great people working as a team at store level, we would never be able to provide the service and specialised product knowledge and range to meet the needs of our customers. It is really a local effort as we all live and work in close proximity to the store.”

Autobarn Orange franchisees Peter and Bronwyn Cheney took home the State Franchisee of the Year NSW/ACT and further north, Autobarn Mackay franchisees Roy and Rose Brownsey were awarded the State Franchisee of the Year award for Queensland.

When asked his thoughts on receiving the Franchisee of the Year award for NSW/ACT back-to-back, Peter Cheney stated: “It’s such a good feeling to be acknowledged by your peers and it’s nice to be rewarded for such hard work and dedication to the big picture. We have only been in Orange now for five-and-a-half years and to win this award in 2004 was a fantastic achievement. To back it up with another win in 2005 is simply fantastic.

“This business is all about customer service through a great team of people and our attention to the ever-evolving product range that sets us apart in the market.”

Meanwhile, after 16 years in the business Roy and Rose Brownsey say they would not change a thing.

“When I moved from the coal industry to franchising I knew straight away this was for me. We love running our own business and while there have been many ups and down over the years it’s great to receive acknowledgement for the hard work we have put in,” Roy Brownsey says.

Autobarn automotive franchise chief executive officer, Peter Fox, sums up: “The 2005 event was both exciting and rewarding and gave both our franchisees and preferred suppliers the vehicle to network and showcase all their new and exciting products for today’s fast-paced environment. It enhances our position in the marketplace as a leader in specialised products for the automotive market.

“The conference sessions were again focused on small business initiatives that franchisees can impart into the workforce to ensure they are compliant with business best practice and drive the business for greater profits and team satisfaction.”