Top performing franchisees in Bridgestone’s franchise and license store network have just been awarded with five franchisees named winners of Bridgestone’s 2009 Master Class Awards. Geoff and Debbie Duggan and their team at Bridgestone Select Hobart were announced as the winners of Bridgestone’s highest accolade, fighting off tough competition from across the country to win the National Franchise/License of the Year Award.

The Duggans have been franchisees for 22 years, consistently featuring as state finalists in the awards and were extremely happy about going on to win the national award this year, taking home a brand new $60,000 HSV Maloo Ute for their efforts.

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

The Master Class Awards, which were announced at the recent series of state retail conferences, recognise excellence in customer service under Bridgestone’s Master Class program.

Winners of the 2009 State Franchise/License of the Year Awards were Bridgestone Select Blacktown (NSW), Bridgestone Select Aberfoyle Park (SA), Bridgestone Select Esperance (WA) and Bridgestone Select Sandgate (Qld).

According to Anthony Hill, Bridgestone’s national retail and sales manager, the Master Class program sets extremely high standards for customer service for all Bridgestone outlets across Australia.

“Our franchisees find that the Master Class program helps to keep them motivated and ensures that customer service is always a priority,” Hill said. “We raise the bar on the Master Class benchmarks every year. To their credit our retailers take on this challenge, and I’d like to congratulate all of the winners on their significant efforts.

“Geoff and his team at Bridgestone Select Hobart are a huge asset to the Bridgestone retail group and are certainly proof that great customer service gets great results.”