It was the turn of Western Australia to celebrate high performing franchises at the recent  NAB FCA WA Excellence in Franchising Awards for 2013.

Carole Creed from Clark Rubber, was recognised as Franchise Woman of the Year; Craig Mason from Sign-A-Rama was named Multi-Unit Franchisee of the year; and the Field Manager of the Year was awarded to Darrell Doust from PoolWerx.

Bendigo Bank North Perth scooped two awards, taking home Franchisee of the Year, two or more staff and the Franchisee Community Service award.

Linda Steele from Think Done and the WA State Chapter Committee was honoured with the annual Paddy Thompson award, recognising contribution to franchising in the West Australian community.

WINNERS COMMENTS

Craig Mason, [pictured below] who also won Franchisee of the Year, two or more staff nationally in 2012 emphasised the importance of getting the structure of the business right before expanding to a multi-unit operation. The awards process helped him clarify the differences between his two businesses, he said.

“It (the awards process) helps me consider the different cultures we have in our business. I spend two days a week in one franchise, two days in the other, and one day on the business. I’m not necessarily the guy at the coal face anymore, so this process really helps to focus,” he said.

Clark Rubber franchisee and Franchise Woman of the Year, Carole Creed said her franchisor was paramount to her business success in a tough environment.

“We have an incredibly supportive franchisor. All together, I wouldn’t like to be involved in retail without being part of a franchise. I think it’s just incredibly difficult without that support,” she said.

PoolWerx field manager Darrell Doust said achieving balance between franchisee and franchisor is key to his role. “We’ve got to make sure it’s not always about us. It’s about the franchisee and what they need in their business,” he said.

Dean Franks representing Bendigo Bank on the night said “It’s great recognition within the group, particularly if the franchisor encourages the franchisees to enter, and it’s also encouraging for the rest of the group to know they’re within an award winning system,” Dean said.

All winners from the event now qualify as finalists for the NAB FCA National Excellence in Franchising Awards to be held at Jupiters Hotel and Casino on Tuesday 22 October at the culmination of the National Franchise Convention.

NAB FCA WA Excellence in Franchising Awards 2013 winners

Multi-unit Franchisee of the Year : Craig Mason, Sign-A-Rama, Joondalup and Malaga

Franchisee of the Year – two or more staff : Bendigo Bank, North Perth

Franchise Woman of the Year : Carole Creed, Clark Rubber, Geraldton

Field Manager of the Year : Darrell Doust, PoolWerx

Franchisee Community Service : Bendigo Bank, North Perth

Images: eventphotography.com