Franchisees Caroline and Paul Attard have been crowned National Franchise Partner of the Year for their outstanding contribution to the PoolWerx national network and business performance.
The Attards [pictured], who also operate a PoolWerx retail store in Balmoral and five mobile service vans as part of their pool and spa care business, also scooped the Queensland Franchise Partner of the Year and Outstanding Team Contribution awards.
Their Mount Gravatt store opened in 2006 and has since shown 20 percent growth most years.
But it wasn’t just the growth that saw the couple take top honours; their extra commitment to supporting fellow franchisees within the PoolWerx network cemented their recognition ahead of 105 peers across Australia and New Zealand.
Paul Attard said they were absolutely delighted with the awards which he put down to their commitment to the PoolWerx model.
“When we think about the other top performing franchise partners in the network it’s absolutely humbling to receive this sort of recognition,” he said. “To take out the National Franchise Partner of the Year award is something we never expected.
“We are lucky to have a fantastic team of people in our business and these awards are testament to their hard work and dedication. We have five pool technicians and three retail staff who are totally committed and they are a huge part of our business.
“PoolWerx has been operating for almost 20 years and by committing yourself to the system and using the tools it provides, we’ve established a successful business in the local area.”
Attard said a focus on customer service over the last 12 months had been crucial to their continued growth.
“Many businesses have taken a hit over the last year due to economic conditions but our focus on delivering high quality service has seen us retain strong customer relationships while generating new ones.
“We’ve also broadened our strategy to target the commercial market and now service all Sam Riley swim schools in the local area along with body corporate clients and local gyms contributing to around 40 percent of our business.
“The PoolWerx brand has brought a lot of credibility to the industry and our clients trust us to maintain their pools safely and within the legislation.”
On top of their duties as business owners, the couple contributed substantially to the PoolWerx network. Paul is a member of regional and national advisory committees and has been proposed as the national chair for the committee; Caroline has taken a key role helping new franchisees learn PoolWerx’s point of sale system.
“It is hugely beneficial to get together regularly with other franchise partners and share business experiences and we feel strongly about doing what we can to mentor others to grow their business as we have benefited immensely from mentoring over the years.”
CEO and founder of PoolWerx John O’Brien said the National Franchise Partner of the Year award was not to be taken lightly.
“Caroline and Paul have worked extremely hard over the years establishing their business and now they are reaping the rewards of their commitment,” he said. “To take out three categories is a fantastic achievement and it’s my pleasure they are the recipients of the Franchise Partner of the Year award.
“Not only are they astute business people, they both go the extra mile to contribute to the national PoolWerx network and they are an incredible asset to the brand.”