Kwik Kopy Ringwood scoops top national award

Printing franchise, Kwik Kopy Design and Printing , in Ringwood Victoria wins Franchise Council of Australia’s Franchisee of the Year (2 or more staff) 2009 award.

Owners of the printing franchise in Ringwood, Lou and Silvana Pannunzio, fought off competition from Australian franchisees in all industries and regions. They were declared the overall national winner at the MYOB Excellence in Franchising Annual 2009 Awards held in Perth last week by the Franchise Council of Australia.

Lou Pannunzio, who accepted the award from Steve Wright, CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia, said, “Winning this award is testament to how dynamic and strong the Kwik Kopy brand is. I am proud to accept this award and bring it back for the whole Kwik Kopy group.”

The Franchisee of the Year (2 or more staff) recognises excellence in business management and franchise citizenship for franchise owner operators. Areas assessed for the award include: business planning and performance, systems management, franchise citizenship, support networks and wellbeing, marketing and customer contact and community contribution.

David Bell, Managing Director of the printing franchise network, highlighted the importance of Lou’s contribution to the Kwik Kopy franchise system as a whole: “Lou is an incredible support to our whole network, always on hand to offer advice and assistance to new and established owners alike. We are delighted that his excellent citizenry and business performance has been rewarded with the highest accolade possible.”

Lou and his wife Silvana have owned their Kwik Kopy printing franchise for eight years, recording consistent growth during that time. A major factor in the success of Kwik Kopy Printing Centre Ringwood is the strong relationship that Pannunzio has with customers and suppliers. “Building and maintaining strong core relationships with existing and new clients is the key to our business. It’s about relationships - knowing your clients, always talking to your clients and always having a strategy in place to bring new business in.”

Since purchasing his Kwik Kopy printing franchise, Pannunzio has never looked back. “I love this franchise. It has given me the opportunity to use my skills in relationship-building and sales and to work with a wonderful team of enthusiastic, vibrant and customer-oriented people.”

Lou said winning the award has reinforced the focus and energy of his staff, proving to him and his team that excellent customer service and a commitment to developing relationships is the key to long-term success in business.

“For my family, Kwik Kopy Printing has altered our lives. Not only has it freed us financially, but it has given us an identity,” he said. “It has been a really enriching experience, not just for the two of us but also for my children. It has given us an incredible purpose in life.” he said.