Charmhaven store takes out the top gong
Swimart's franchisees gathered at the beautiful Hamilton Island resort recently to meet, learn and celebrate each other's achievements at the company's 25th annual conference and awards ceremony. The chance to meet Swimart ambassador Susie O'Neill was the icing on the cake for those who attended the event.
Swimart’s 25th annual awards proved a charm for Andrew and Hollie Morton, who took out the top gong at the event on July 24. The Charmhaven store owners won the Australasian and NSW & ACT Franchisee of the Year awards at the ceremony, which recognised the best and brightest in the Swimart family.
Former Olympic gold medalist and Swimart ambassador Susie O’Neill presented the awards at the ceremony, which was the culmination of the company’s annual conference on Hamilton Island.
Not only did Swimart franchisees have an opportunity to relax in the idyllic surrounds of Hamilton Island Resort, they were able to spend time catching up with fellow business owners and update their product knowledge to ensure customers receive the most up-to-date information. Activities included a golf day and a visit to glorious Whitehaven Beach, followed by a three-day conference with presentations by key suppliers of their latest products. But the highlight for many delegates was keynote speaker, Ray Scicluna, who presented an intensive sales training program. Ray’s presentation included tips and hints that ensured every Swimart staff member had the specialised skills and knowledge to provide customers, new and old, with the best advice and service.
The award presentation ceremony was, as always, the culmination of the week. Special guest Susie O’Neill presented certificates to Swimart’s best and brightest. The categories included State and Australasian Retailer of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Marketer of the Year, Most Improved Franchise, Best Presented Business and Franchisee of the Year.
Swimart Charmhaven took home the top gong of Australasian Franchisee of the Year. The store also secured the NSW & ACT Franchisee of the Year Award. “Swimart Charmhaven really stepped up to the plate this year and put in the hard yards, which resulted in them being recognised as the most outstanding business within our group of 70 stores across Australia and New Zealand,” National Manager Chris Fitzmaurice says.
“By diligently following our proven franchise system, they were able to avoid known ‘pot holes’ and to exceed even their own expectations. The whole point of being part of a franchise is to leverage the 30 plus years of experience we have in the pool and spa industry, rather than reinventing the wheel.”
Andrew Morton from Swimart Charmhaven is understandably delighted with his win. “Really, this just shows how much we enjoy what we do,” Andrew says. “I have been in the industry for 21 years and my wife, Hollie and I are fortunate to have owned the Swimart business for nine years and to have fabulous, knowledgeable, long-term staff who all get on really well. Interestingly, we have had lots of customers comment in the past year on the happy atmosphere in the store.
"We also make an effort to embrace new products as they become available and we keep ourselves and our staff well trained so we can offer customers the most up-to-date information. I particularly enjoy how every day there’s something different, with new challenges and things to learn. I must say, I am never bored!”
Following are the winners of all categories.
Victorian and South Australian Regional Awards
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Citizen of the Year: Somerton Park
Best Presented Business: Cheltenham
Marketer of the Year: Balwyn
Retailer of the Year: Brighton
Best Sales Growth Franchise: Malvern
Most Improved Franchise: Somerton Park
Franchisee of the Year: Balwyn
NSW & ACT Regional Awards
Citizen of the Year: Campbelltown
Best Presented Business: Miranda
Marketer of the Year: Gladesville
Retailer of the Year: Blacktown
Best Sales Growth Franchise: Erindale
Most Improved Franchise: Campbelltown
Franchisee of the Year: Charmhaven
New Zealand Regional Awards
Best Presented Business: Pakuranga
Retailer of the Year: Greenlane
Best Sales Growth Franchise: Pakuranga
Queensland Regional Awards
Citizen of the Year: Aspley
Best Presented Business: Lawnton
Marketer of the Year: Cleveland
Retailer of the Year: Camp Hill
Best Sales Growth Franchise: Tweed Heads
Most Improved Franchise: Tweed Heads
Regional Store of the Year: Woree
Franchisee of the Year: Lawnton
Australasian Awards
20 Years Service: Stuart McArty (Brighton), Murray Lonie (Sunnybank), Reg Blue (Camp Hill) and Noel Ball (Kirwan)
Citizen of the Year: Somerton Park
Best Presented Business: Pakuranga
Marketer of the Year: Balwyn
Retailer of the Year: Blacktown
Best Sales Growth Franchise: Malvern
Most Improved Franchise: Tweed Heads
Franchisee of the Year: Charmhaven
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