Timaru Versatile Franchise Tops New Zealand

Timaru's Pierre Coulter has won the Versatile Buildings Franchise of the Year Award.

Coulter's win recognised the continuing strong growth of Versatile in Timaru.

John Allen, general manager of Versatile Buildings, said Timaru's customer satisfaction was consistently high and Coulter was always proactive in dealing with suppliers, contractors and staff.

³He's so passionate and has a great desire to grow the business.²

Allen said redevelopment of the Timaru site had seen Versatile make significant improvements in the home, farm buildings and garage markets.²

Coulter, who opened Versatile Timaru in 1988, attributed much of his growth during the year to more aggressive marketing.

³We've made a big investment in marketing this year and made a conscious effort to advertise regularly, especially our houses and garages. It's really paid off.²

Coulter said Versatile's new display area had attracted much attention and the move to have specialist sales teams in garages and housing was very well received by customers wanting expert advice.

³The enhancements made during the year put us in a very strong position to service our local market.

Versatile Timaru employs 25 staff.

Franchise runner-up was Versatile Tauranga, which opened in 2002. Run by Mark and Donna Steel, the franchise also claimed second honours in 2004. Tauranga is poised to make a significant investment in its display area.

Versatile Dargaville received the Franchise Merit Award. Owners John and Diane Hastings have transformed their previous bolt-on homes business into a flourishing franchise and this year established a new site.

Ends

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