Past Winners

Home-based & Mobile : 21 - 100 Outlets

PoolWerx Corporation Pty Ltd

Profile
PoolWerx is a national network of pool stores and mobile service units poised to dominate every viable point of profit in the billion dollar Australian swimming pools and spas aftermarket after just 13 years of operation. It has entered a fragmented, disorganised, inefficient sector and used the power of franchised marketing and distribution to build a network which is already the largest mobile pool and spa servicing operation in the world.

Through highly developed systems, supplier support, intensive education and constant mentoring, it enables Franchisees to achieve excellence and succeed as businesspeople while providing pool and spa owners with value, convenience, and enjoyment.

Franchisor of the Year 2004 Category Winner
Retail & B2B : 0 - 20 Outlets

Endota
Belinda Fraser & Melanie Bourne

Profile
When Melanie Bourne and Belinda Fraser established the first endota spa down an obscure dirt road on Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula they were armed only with a credit card, a "naive" confidence that they could achieve anything they set their minds to and a HUGE dream.

That dream now leaps out from recycled timber receptions and cool, calm spa surroundings in Airlie Beach and Adelaide; from Hobart to the Hunter Valley. There are 12 endota spas Australia-wide. Each owned by a franchisee who is an incredible, successful businesswoman in her own right.

Today, Melanie and Belinda are exactly where they dreamed they'd be. At the helm of a nationwide spa franchise. Planning to open 100 endota's in the next five years.

And not yet 30.

Franchisor of the Year 2004 Category Winner
Retail & B2B : 21 - 100 Outlets

Autobarn

Profile
An Autobarn franchise business is a dynamic business concept that includes a proven management and business system, a powerful, easily-identified corporate identity and a well-established market profile.

Autobarn stores are recognised as businesses where franchisees and staff are dedicated to giving exceptional customer service, promoting a wide range of high quality products-at prices that are always very competitive! An Autobarn Franchisee never feels alone. National Office management and Franchisees help and treat each other in the same way that they look after their customers.

After nearly twenty years experience, Autobarn is one of Australia's most successful and best known specialist auto accessory retailers. 

Franchisor of the Year 2004 Category Winner
Retail & B2B : Greater than 100 Outlets

Cartridge World

Profile
Cartridge World operates in the fast-paced information technology environment. Advancements in information technology over the past decade have transformed business to be dependent on computers and printers. Consequently, refilling printer cartridges has become one of the fastest growing industries in the world.

In servicing this market, Cartridge World has successfully provided an environmentally sound, economical solution to the growing costs of replacing printer cartridges. A recycled printer cartridge that is refilled with toner can be resold for approximately half the price of a new one, providing substantial saving with equal function.

Additionally, refilling the cartridge supports local communities by reducing waste and protecting the environment.

Cartridge World is now the world leader in inkjet and cartridge refilling and one of the world's fastest growing franchises. The head office is based in Adelaide, South Australia.

There are over 536 franchised Cartridge World retail stores worldwide. In April 2004, there were 166 Cartridge World franchises in Australia and 370 overseas, spanning across New Zealand, USA, Canada, Singapore, UK, west and east Europe, the Middle East and into Asia.

Franchisor of the Year 2004 Category Winner
Home-based & Mobile : 1 - 20 Outlets

Jumping-Jay-Jays

Profile
The initial founders were John and Jane Newton and the first branch serviced the Western Suburbs of Sydney, NSW with the depot located in Plumpton. With the enormous response achieved through radio and direct mail another 3 branches were opened in the first year. Further franchises are being opened every month somewhere in Australia or New Zealand. With over 17 franchises just in Sydney, we are now responsible for over 10,000 parties per annum.

The current business locations can be viewed to the right of this page. If we show a franchise in the metro area of your state you are covered. Regional areas are coming on board every month.

All franchises throughout Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Geelong, Wollongong and Central Coast have been strategically placed to maximize some of the best hire rates anywhere in this country. We offer the same hire price for a castle in over 82% of metropolitan areas that we service, giving customers a better deal, greater choice and overall, an attitude in business and service greatly missed in this fun kiddie party market.

After years in the entertainment business we have built up a network of other business providing great service in the party and entertainment industries. Go to our links page to see more.

Franchisor of the Year 2004 Category Winner
Home-based & Mobile : 21 - 100 Outlets

Kwik Fix International

Profile
Kwik Fix is Australia's leading automotive paint and plastic repair franchise, servicing almost 50,000 cars per year across the nation. It specializes in repairing minor damage to cars on site at a fraction of the cost and in a fraction of the time of traditional repair methods. In fact, most repairs can be done in under two hours, and for less than the cost of an insurance claim excess.

Husband and wife team David & Kerry Bruckshaw established the business in 1993 after running their smash repair workshops in Australia and England. They commenced franchising in 1995, and today have 54 franchisees around the nation.

Western Australian Franchisee of the Year 2004 Retail & B2B

Gary & Vicki Delves
Bike Force South Perth

Profile
Prior to becoming a franchised store we existed as a single retail store named Cycle Inn . We had been operating since 1989 as a husband and wife team with 1 full time employee. We kept the same location, phone numbers and staff upon joining the franchise.

Initially starting with 3 stores and now with 15 stores, the Bike Force franchise operates throughout W.A. metro and rural. A traditional franchise in the Structural sense but unique in so far as there are no other bicycle retail systems like it in Australia. The Franchisor has an office and distribution warehouse in Malaga. We have regular monthly meetings and an annual conference to discuss business and survey the future.

Western Australian Home-based & Mobile Category Winner

Damian Arts
Mortgage Choice

Profile
Mortgage Choice WA Sole Franchisee of the Year 2002 and 2003, Damian Arts maintains his customer service philosophy of "Client for Life" is the key to his success.

Highly motivated, Damian always wanted to be a selfemployed mortgage broker and believes that his Mortgage Choice franchise has allowed him to realize his dream.

Formerly an electrician and an executive in the energy industry, Damian wanted to learn a new field but was aware of the dangers.

Becoming a franchisee provided him with the answer. The safety net he desired; a proven business model; accredited training and ongoing support.

Victorian Franchisee of the Year 2004 Home-based & Mobile

Belinda Richards
Aussie Pooch Mobile

Profile
Name: Belinda Richards
Age: 24
Background: Hairdressing, Mortgage Clerk, Aussie Pooch Mobile Operator
Date I began Operation: 8 June 2001

ââ¬Å"With the support of my partner Sean, On the 8 June 2001 at the age of 21, I commenced operation as an Aussie Pooch Mobile operator. I have never looked back. It has proved to be one of the most successful adventures of my life.

Being my own boss and having the freedom to direct my business where I want it to go is the most rewarding experience of my life. I love everything about my job from the lifestyle to the pooches I meet."

Victorian Home-based & Mobile Category Winner

Julie O'Shea
Fernwood Women's Health Clubs

Profile
Thorough, confident, experienced and always on the move - that's Julie O'Shea. With a wealth of business knowledge behind her, it's no surprise that Julie owns and runs one of the most successful Fernwood franchises in the country. She is always passionate about what she chooses to be involved in, which is why she is her state's FAC and National Marketing Committee representative. Within her Fernwood club, Julie works closely with her trusted staff in building quality experiences and results with her members. Throughout her work, Julie is a shining example of what happens when one's personal values come into alignment with one's business aspirations.

South Australia Franchisee of the Year 2004 Home-based & Mobile

Wendy Higgins
Mortgage Choice

Profile
Wendy Higgins is a consummate professional, whose commitment to ethical practices is only surpassed by her passionate, caring and courteous approach. A multi-award winner Wendy has been the subject of many news articles and has proven to be an excellent ambassador for the industry and Mortgage Choice.

Wendy has been the top Mortgage Choice franchisee in Australia, both for loans settled and dollar amounts for the past four consecutive years. In the last financial year Wendy wrote 900 loans: 2.5 loans for every day of the year! This is an excellent result especially by a woman in the male dominated field of mortgage broking.

South Australian Retail & B2B Category Winner 2004

John & Sue O'Brien
Gametraders

Profile
GameTraders Mt Barker are part of the National chain of GameTraders franchises, specialising in video games of all formats. GameTraders buys, sells, trades and rents games of all formats from the latest in Playstation2 and XBOX,to the classic Sega and Atari formats. Located in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, GameTraders Mt Barker continues to be one of the top performing stores in the GameTraders network. Owners John and Sue O'Brien are supported by a dedicated team instore, and together they combine top sales with savvy marketing and outstanding customer service.

New South Wales/ACT Franchisee of the Year 2004 Retail & B2B

Sue Stone
Fernwood Women's Health Club

Profile
Enthusiasm.  Energy.  Passion.  Commitment.
These are the four things that strike you when you first meet Sue Stone. The way she talks about her work, you can't help being swept up in her enthusiasm for it. But there's more to Sue than her go-go attitude. She has an innate ability to listen and respond honestly, which not only helps her find the right solutions for her clients, but displays a genuine interest in those around her. As the manager of Fernwood Woden, her openness is reflected in the professional but personal relationships she has built with her workmates. After waiting three years to open her own Fernwood club, Sue is proving that good things really do come to those who wait.  

New South Wales/ACT Home-based & Mobile Category Winner

Jim & Anne-Marie McGowan
Aussie Pooch Mobile

Profile
Name: Ian James (Jim) McGowan
Position: Director, Laika Enterprises Pty Ltd.
Master Franchisee, Aussie Pooch Mobile ACT.
Jim joined the South Australian Gas Company (SAGASCO) as a junior Clerical Officer in Adelaide. Over a period of 13 years, Jim achieved the position of Showroom Manager with the Retail Sales Department. Jim resigned from SAGASCO to relocate to Canberra as his wife Anne-Marie achieved a promotion to the National Training Centre with the Australian Customs Service Detector Dog Unit.

Due to his extensive sales background Jim quickly found employment as a Bank Officer with the Westpac Bank. After two and a half years Jim realised that his career did not lay within the bank so he and Anne-Marie decided to pursue their passion as dog lovers and the opportunity to run their own business. Jim found out and looked into the prospects of mobile hydrobathing for dogs.

Name: Anne-Marie Therese McGowan
Position: Director, Laika Enterprises Pty Ltd
Qualification: Anne-Marie joined the Australian Customs Service in 1987 in Adelaide. After 12 months of in house training she served in several diverse areas of Customs before being accepted in 1990 into the highly competitive area of Detector Dog Unit. She completed an intense three-month training course in Canberra and returned to Adelaide with her detector dog where they enjoyed much success locating narcotics.

In 1998, Anne-Marie transferred to the Commercial Branch of the Australian Customs Service and she is now involved in the targeting of risk importation's to the Community. Anne-Marie assists the business in her personal time by hydrobathing, marketing and keeping the accounts and other compliance requirements.

Queensland/NT Franchisee of the Year 2004 Retail & B2B

Grahame Evans
Autobarn Gympie

Profile
Grahame Evans, Franchisee of Autobarn Gympie, Queensland is uniquely qualified to place on record his submission for 2004 FCA Franchisee of the Year.

During a twenty-year history as a Franchisee Grahame has developed a franchise business that is a brilliant marketing success story. From a store of only 200sq.m he achieves gross sales of just on two million dollars, with a stockturn of over eight times! In addition, his personal attributes have contributed to his reputation within the Autobarn system as one of our most outstanding Franchisees, with particular skills in public speaking and an ability to effectively communicate to other Franchisees his formula for business success.

Grahame was awarded the highest accolade in the Autobarn organisation as year 2003 "utobarn Franchisee of the Year". Part of the criteria for this award includes sales performance over the past two years, store appearance, effective merchandising, record of outstanding customer service and adherence to business planning guidelines and the Autobarn franchise system.

Queensland/NT Home-based & Mobile Category Winner

Richard Ellmers
Aussie Pooch Mobile

Profile
Name: Richard Ellmers
Position: Regional Franchisee Aussie Pooch Mobile Gold Coast QLD.
My background before joining the Aussie Pooch Mobile team is not a long story, it starts in a little town in New Zealand where I used my love of the game of golf to start my working life. For nearly ten years I was Golf Course Greenkeeper and progressed to be 2IC before I left to take a gamble on a new concept in New Zealand called lawn-mowing franchising. This was a big gamble on my part as I was leaving my hometown and moving to the city of Hamilton.

Over a period of three years I built this franchise up to be a very successful business with two guys working one truck while I was specialising in laying new lawns and tractor work. After getting disillusioned with the management of the franchise system and a breakdown in communication between other franchisees, I sold the business and became a Head Gardener in the Hamilton City Council. Within a short period of time I found myself the turf consultant for the council in the inner city areas, however I soon found myself needing new challenge's so I sold up and moved with my wife to Australia.

Upon arriving in Australia and after my first ever holiday with my wife I soon needed something to do. My wife Annie was the one who discovered Aussie Pooch Mobile and suggested that with my love of dogs this would be like playing every day and be in the great outdoors for I really loved the Queensland weather. I hoped there would be more to this than just bathing dogs, I need to be challenged. Christine Taylor from Aussie Pooch Mobile handed me the challenge and welcomed me to the team. I was convinced that I had found it in Aussie Pooch Mobile so this is why I purchased the franchise of the Gold Coast.

New South Wales/ACT

Monica Longmire
Just Cuts Canberra

Profile
Monica believes a successful franchise requires people to work together as a team and to follow the franchise system.  Training is therefore a major component of operating a franchise successfully. The business needs to be driven from the top down and staff trained to operate the system the right way the first time.

After ten years in business, Monica believes she has gained valuable experience, knowledge and expertise in operating a franchise business.  The success of franchising has given Monica the confidence to research, develop and possibly expand into new and exciting franchises in the industry.  With Monica's past experience and accolades, she believes she will be able to deliver again exceptional franchising in the sector that promotes franchising as a reputable and professional business. 

Victoria/Tasmania

Sheryle Dalley
Brumby's

Profile
Sheryle Dalley has become a force to be reckoned with in the competitive retail baking sector since becoming a franchise owner of her first Brumby's Bakery in Victoria in 1996. Sheryle built her business one success at a time and now enjoys her reputation as the Brumby's 2004 Franchisee of the Year.

Brumby's Bakeries is a specialty bread retailer with a focus on retail, product and operational excellence. Brumby's bread is baked fresh daily at each location and has over 390 franchise stores across Australia and New Zealand.

Sheryle has re-energised existing stores and established profitable new Brumby's franchise operations. When Sheryle bought Brumby's Newmarket she increased sales by a record breaking 85% in it's first year.

South Australia

Wendy Higgins
Mortgage Choice

Profile
Wendy Higgins is a consummate professional, whose commitment to ethical practices is only surpassed by her passionate, caring and courteous approach.  A multi-award winner Wendy has been the subject of many news articles and has proven to be an excellent ambassador for the industry and Mortgage Choice.  Wendy has been the top Mortgage Choice franchisee in Australia, both for loans settled and dollar amounts for the past four consecutive years. In the last
financial year Wendy wrote 900 loans: 2.5 loans for every day of the year! This is an excellent result especially by a woman in the male dominated field of mortgage broking.

Western Australia

Raelene Rowland
Housework Heroes

Profile
Raelene Rowland has owned the Master Franchise for Housework Heroes Western Australia since its commencement in 2000. Housework Heroes is a franchised domestic cleaning company providing a range of cleaning services to its clients.

Raelene has grown the business at an exceptional rate, with currently 19 franchisees and one regional franchisee. The dedication and commitment to success shown by Raelene has been the catalyst for Housework Heroes' success.  The system has now expanded nationally with considerable further growth planned throughout Australia.

Raelene has developed Housework Heroes, to become a major force in the Domestic Cleaning Industry.   With no previous business experience Raelene has demonstrated the success that can be achieved by following the principles of franchising.

Queensland/NT

Peta Short
Mortgage Choice

Profile
In 2001, Peta Short started her business at home within two years she opened a shop front office and in 2002 and 2003 was named Mortgage Choice Queensland Single Operator of the Year. Ranked 25th in performance in the 400 strong Mortgage Choice franchise network, Peta gets her greatest accolades from her clients. They
acknowledge her kind and patient personality and her ability to exceed their expectations and then repay her with repeat business, referrals and accolades. A talented athlete Peta, competes as an A Grade
Squash player, is a Duathlon competitor, plays State Title Representative Hockey and is a National Championship medal winner in Outrigger Canoeing.