Hobart tyre retail franchise recognised with national award

Geoff Duggan and his team at Bridgestone Select in Hobart have been announced as the winner of Bridgestone’s highest accolade – the National Dealer of the Year Award.

The Argyle Street tyre retail franchise fought off tough competition from across the country to win the award, which recognises excellence in customer service under Bridgestone’s Master Class program.

Geoff and his wife Debbie have been franchise dealers for 22 years and have consistently featured as state finalists in the awards. They were extremely happy about going on to win the national award this year.

“When it was announced that we were the winners of the National Dealer of the Year Award we were really surprised – it was overwhelming,” Geoff said.

“It was great to win the state award for Victoria and Tasmania, but to then go on and take out the national title was just terrific.

“The effort my staff have put in throughout the past 12 months has been outstanding and I really value their contribution. I have also been very well supported by my Retail Manager, Scott Turnbull, who has played an integral part in our success.”

Winning the award is a significant achievement for Geoff and his team at the retail franchise after completing a store refit to the new Bridgestone Select retail format just 8 months ago.

“It’s fantastic that we were able to win this accolade while undergoing such major changes at the store,” Geoff said.

“The Bridgestone Select concept eliminates the traditional barriers normally associated with tyre retailing – it’s all about creating a welcoming and user-friendly environment for customers and the feedback we’ve received from customers has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Geoff’s hard work has been rewarded with the prize of a brand new HSV Maloo ute.

“The prize is amazing – I couldn’t be happier,” Geoff said.

According to Anthony Hill, Bridgestone’s National Retail and Sales Manager, the Master Class program sets extremely high standards for customer service so winning the national award is a fantastic achievement.

“Geoff and his team have worked extremely hard this year and they should be congratulated,” MR Hill said.

“They’re certainly a huge asset to the Bridgestone franchise and are proof that great customer service gets great results.”