Tasmania shines bright at international franchise awards night!

Thursday August 14th saw Tasmanian Just Cuts™ franchisee’s Damian and Cassandra Colefax honoured with the ‘2013-2014 Australian Franchisee of the Year’ award at Just Cuts™ International Conference in Queensland. Owning five Just Cuts™ salons in Tasmania, this is not the first time the couple have received the prestigious award. Just Cuts™ CEO & Founder Denis McFadden said the Colefaxes were recognised for their continual contribution to building the Just Cuts™ brand. ‘Damian and Cassandra’s overall commitment and adherence to the Just Cuts™ brand has been a standout this financial year, McFadden said. ‘They have excelled in all areas of the business and their willingness to participate in pilot programs has helped Just Cuts™ achieve significant growth as a franchise system. They are true ambassadors of the brand and great mentors to other franchisees and potential franchisees.’ Humbled by the acknowledgement, Cassandra Colefax put it down to great management and team work. ‘Finding each other’s strengths and focusing on following the system are key to our success, Mrs Colefax said.’ ‘To receive this recognition is an absolute honour. Damian and I are not alone with our commitment to the brand. We have a small army of brand ambassadors that help us achieve our goals day-in, day-out that share the Just Cuts™ vision.’ The Colefax story is a true testament to the strength of franchising in Australia and the Just Cuts™ system. Cassandra started her career as a Stylist with Just Cuts™ in the Illawarra region (NSW), during the mid ’90s, while raising two children. Damian also launched his career working as a Stylist in a Sydney salon where he worked his way up to Team Leader. The entrepreneurial side in Damian shone bright when he saw potential in a life-changing move to Tasmania to open his very own franchise. Almost two decades later, the Colefaxes now own all five salons in Tasmania and have been integral in the growth and direction of the group. ‘We have conducted ourselves with a focus on following the system. Putting our faith into the finely tuned procedures developed over the past 25 years, said Mr Colefax. ‘This is made all the more possible with the support from the fantastic team at our head office. We thank Denis for both the acknowledgement and the chance to be part of the Just Cuts™ system.’ Just Cuts™ COO Amber Turnbull said the Colefaxes were rewarded for exceptional consumer experience, outstanding operational performance, engaging the local community with marketing activities and positive vision of the brand. Damian and Cassandra’s Just Cuts™ Glenorchy salons also took out the Australian 1st Place Mystery Shopper award on the night. Other Award Winners on the night: Local Area Marketing (Aus): Carmel Costa (Galleria, Plenty Valley) Local Area Marketing (Aus): Lynda Rennie (Most Improved: Home Hub Castle Hill) Local Area Marketing (NZ): Michelle & Diana (Pukekohe) JUSTICE Professional™ ANZ Retail Champion: Tammy Biglari (Hornsby, Top Ryde) Clients’ Choice award: This is based on the salon with the most positive feedback received by their Clients in the past 12 months. Australia: Cooleman Court – John & Monica Longmire New Zealand: Coastlands - Laurie & Paul Broomhall MYSTERY SHOPPER AWARDS This is based on the highest average mystery shopper reporting in the past 12months Australia: 1 – Glenorchy - Damian & Cassandra Colefax 2 – Dapto - Lynne Ryan 3 – Sydney Central Plaza - Kathy Vergotis New Zealand: 1 – New Lynn - Steven Mansell 2 – St Lukes - Gavin Platt & Carmin Douglas 3 – Hamilton - Paul & Linda Watts Australian Franchise Owner of the Year: Damian & Cassandra Colefax NZ Franchise Owner of the Year: Paul and Lynda Watts ENDS