Andy McDowell joined Fastway Couriers in 2007 as the Regional Franchise Manager for the Northland franchise. However it only took Andy less than a year to realise the full potential of the franchise, therefore the decision was made to purchase the business. This decision was made even easier by the fact that he managed to score the award for number one Fastway Regional Franchise in sales growth for the 2007/2008 year at an impressive 18%. Since purchasing the business, Andy, former Northland opening batsman, has taken it to even greater heights through focusing on the local community and building business relationships. “I take pride in the fact that the Northland Regional Franchise is now locally owned and operated which means I am making a positive contribution to the Northland business community by investing in other local businesses through local supply relationships, employing of local people and finally making a meaningful contribution to non-profit organisations including the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre and the Northland Cancer Society.” When posed with the question on what would be the number one business skill that would breed success at Fastway, his answer was simple – “Be sales focused!”

Malcolm Goldsworthy has been with Fastway Couriers for nearly 20 years. In that time, he has progressed from Courier Franchisee to Regional Franchisee. Malcolm took up the opportunity to purchase the Fastway Wairarapa Regional Franchise (depot based in Masterton) in 1996. In the fourteen years that Malcolm has been a Regional Franchisee, Fastway Wairarapa has gained a commanding market share in the Wairarapa territory.

Malcolm has been able to continue building his Regional Franchise in terms of both profitability and sales."With some hard work and persistence, the rewards that come from owning a Fastway Regional Franchise are great", says Malcolm. "That is what has made it so worthwhile for me moving from Courier Franchisee to Regional Franchisee".

Award winning Regional Franchisees Graham and Denise Clarke have been with Fastway Couriers for over 15 years now. Firstly in the capacity of Courier Franchisees for 5 years where the key to their success was the big personality they portrayed, being customer service focused and being good communicators.

Then the opportunity to purchase the Fastway Wanganui Regional Franchise was realised and they have not looked back since. With sales growth being in the double digits for the last four years, a large volume increase to their customer base and a national award under their belt (Westpac Franchise Association of New Zealand Master Regional Franchisee of the Year 2008) the question asked is what is their secret to success? “It would have to be the combination of compliance within the Fastway franchise system and the dedicated service we provide”, says Graham.

“Owning the franchises we have had with Fastway have helped us realise many personal goals also”, says Graham. “This year we have purchased our dream touring bike – Boulevard 1500cc. Next on the list is to take our two children on a holiday overseas to see the world!”

“Be patient but persistent, be accountable, be cheerful at all times and keep to the basics. It is a simple business to run but needs commitment from you. Just follow the Fastway model, it is proven and works”. This is the philosophy of Colin Lowe, one of Fastway Auckland’s most successful and motivational Courier Franchisees. Colin joined the Fastway group in May 2005 and put his philosophy into action. He built that territory successfully to the point that it sold for a substantial capital gain. The decision was then made to purchase his existing territory and once again by just simply following the Fastway model, he is experiencing phenomenal growth. “It is because of my Fastway Courier Franchises that I am able to have the ‘kiwi’ lifestyle I have always dreamed about,” says Colin.

No mountain is too high to climb for Fastway Courier Franchisee Bill Sampson. Since purchasing his first business with Fastway in 2005, Bill has notched up two prestigious awards, most recently the Westpac NZ Supreme Franchisee of the Year for 2009/2010, added another Fastway territory to his portfolio and welcomed his son and daughters into the business. It is Bill’s drive and motivation that are the keys to building and retaining his customer relationships. His belief in customer service is demonstrated in everything he does within his business. However Bill likes to describe it as “My customers are my whanau”. Describing his business, Bill says “The job is very active – I’m getting in and out of the van and speaking to people all the time. The business is challenging but I wouldn’t have it any other way – I love it, plus the bonus is that I remain physically fit all the time”.

As a former truck driver working the night shift, Barry was impressed by the 5 day working week Fastway offered, and saw the potential to grow the territory into a successful business. Several years down the track (over 15 in fact), Barry is still going strong and continues to build on his earlier success.

Why a Fastway Courier Franchise? He wanted to be involved in a people orientated business, something that he has definitely achieved at Fastway.

Barry believes his success comes from following “the four fundamentals”:

Personality – knowing yourself and making yourself known
Knowledge – know your customers, products and territory
Psychology – determining your customer’s needs
Technique – using the above three points to get results