Media Releases

PACK & SEND CHERMSIDE - FRANCHISEE OF THE YEAR FINALIST AT FCA NATIONAL AWARDS

Thursday, 06 November 2014

The night of nights for the franchising industry, the MYOB Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) Excellence in Franchising Awards, showcased the industry's most successful businesses and celebrated the industry's continued growth.

Testament to taking the opportunities of franchising by the horns was PACK & SEND Chermside. Franchisees Maria and Wayne Varkevisser made it as a finalist for the title of Franchisee of the Year 2014.

PACK & SEND Chermside was pipped at the post to take out Franchisee of the Year in the category 'Franchisee of the Year - less than two staff' at the black tie gala dinner, concluding the National Franchising Conference on Tuesday 28 October at Allphones Arena.

Maria and Wayne were thrilled to be recognized as a finalist at the national event after already having receiving the QLD/NT award in the same category.

Originally from South Africa, Maria and Wayne have operated the PACK & SEND Chermside franchise since October 2011. After an initial relocation and rebrand, the franchise has been a successful business venture for the Varkevissers, with the franchise's revenue for 2013/14 increasing 30% on the previous financial year. Maria also has mentoring role within PACK & SEND, talking to potential franchisees about successful franchise management.

"We came to Australia from South Africa to take on a business and push the boundaries - we wanted to run a business that was successful and really made us proud to own. That's exactly what we found being a part of the PACK & SEND network and at PACK & SEND Chermside.

"Nothing comes from nothing, so there's a lot of blood, sweat and tears that has gone into making our business what it is today."

PACK & SEND CEO, Michael Paul, said he was incredibly proud of the efforts of PACK & SEND Chermside. "With an estimated 79,000 franchise businesses currently operating nationally, to have one of PACK & SEND franchisee as a finalist for the National Franchisee of the Year award is beyond exciting," Paul said.

"We'd like to extend our congratulations from everyone at PACK & SEND to Maria and Wayne at PACK & SEND Chermside for their terrific efforts. They're a remarkable duo that have really set the benchmark for running a successful franchise, and we wish them every success for what we hope are many more fruitful years as part of our franchise network." The award was judged on highly selective criteria, including business planning and performance, systems management, franchise citizenship, openness to learning and change, and community contribution.