Queensland Hardware Industry Awards 23rd July 2016

2016 Queensland Hardware Industry Awards

6:30pm Pre-Dinner Drinks and Registration

7:00pm

Entree Served

Welcome Chris ‘Bomber’ Bombalas

Special Guest MC

Official Welcome Clint Spence - Hardware Australia

7:15pm

Marty Coffey Act 1#

7:25pm Supplier Awards

Supplier of the Year - Bathroom and Kitchen Supplier of the Year - Building Supplies

Supplier of the Year - Hardware Supplier of the Year - Paint Supplier of the Year - Tools

2016 Queensland Hardware Industry Awards

7:50pm

Main Served and Program Interval

8:30pm Marty Coffey Act 2#

8:40pm

30+ Year Service Recognition Presentations

Individual and Major Awards Overall Supplier of the Year

Sales Representative of the Year Employee of the Year

Industry Legend Award

9:10pm Dessert Served

Jayde Duo – Music

11:30pm

Dinner Close

Gold Sponsor

The Valspar Corporation is one of the largest global coatings and high performance paint manufacturers in the world. Since 1806, Valspar has been dedicated to bringing the latest innovations, the highest quality and the best service in the industry to our customers.

Today our commitment is stronger than ever, with research and development facilities in several countries. We use our world-leading coating expertise and base technologies to exceed market requirements in delivering premium solutions with improved performance, consistent quality, and customer value. Valspar is investing in the strengths of Australia’s Leading Paint Brands Wattyl, Solver and Granosite. Our extensive coatings portfolio includes:

• Residential buildings • Marine & specialty facilities • Protective coatings • Commercial buildings • Packaging & automotive Wattyl Wattyl has been proudly providing paint and coatings solutions for 100 years. Trusted by Australians since 1915. Wattyl’s extensive range includes preparatory products, top-coats, sealers, stains, oils and varnishes; offering both interior and exterior solutions for: • Exterior facades & roofing • Woodwork & decking • Paving & concrete • Heavy duty marine & protective coatings • Interior walls & floors • Metalwork

Silver Sponsors

Home Timber & Hardware Group (HTHG) is the home of big brands, expert advice and top-notch service for the tradesman and home renovator. We’re a diverse and growing hybrid business with both a wholesale and retail arm to our business serviced by a broad mix of over 350 independently owned businesses and company-owned stores. Our retail banners include Home Timber & Hardware, Thrifty-Link Hardware and Hardings Hardware, and with 80 per cent of our sites are regionally based we have a strong presence in local communities and townships across Australia. Decades of experience in retail hardware has cemented our position as the home building specialist to the tradesperson and serious renovator. So if you’re serious about hardware….Go Where The Tradies Go.

Makita is the global market leader in Industrial Power Tools and Outdoor power garden equipment. With 100+ years of experience in advanced motor design, Makita is the innovation leader in power tools and outdoor power garden equipment - Makita’s vision is to constantly strive for innovation in our products and our technology

Bronze Sponsors

First established in 1928, Mayo Hardware Pty Limited is proudly recognised as a supplier of value to the retail, trade, government and commercial markets. We hold a market leading position in the covers, outdoor lifestyle and security categories. Our strategy is to develop branded products that are chosen by consumers for the value they deliver and to be recognised by our re-seller partners as a supplier of value for our full service offer. We are an Australian owned family company. We distribute throughout Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands and employ more than 120 staff. Tradeware is a national sales and distribution company servicing the Hardware, Paint, Plumbing and associated markets. Tradeware source and provide quality brands offering significant benefits through strong product knowledge, local experience and distribution. Tradeware has seven warehouses located in all states and territories including two in Queensland, positioned in Brisbane and Townsville.

The Retail Employees Superannuation Trust (REST) was established in 1988. Open to all Australians, REST is amongst the largest funds by membership, with over 2 million members and over $32 billion in funds under management. As a profit-to-members fund, we put our members first. Our fees are among the lowest of any superannuation fund. Over the last 12 months REST Super has been assisting our employers to transition to easier, more efficient administration methods in line with the new Stronger Super regulations. We have also placed a strong focus on working with our employers to engage with staff through various campaigns designed to protect, support and develop a healthy and productive work force. These programs are designed to dovetail with your existing employee engagement programs to deliver meaningful benefits to your staff at no cost to your business. For almost 100 years, the NRA has represented the interests of over 19,000 individual retail and service stores, from the smallest corner store to some of Australia’s largest retail chains and franchise groups. NRA has a close relationship with the Hardware Associations as a premium service provider of advice and support, training, advocacy and management services. NRA congratulates all nominees and winners of tonight’s awards.

Employee of the Year Finalists

Victoria Carroll Beaudesert Mitre 10

Victoria has been an integral part of the Beaudesert Mitre 10 team for the past 3 years. Victoria prides herself on being the first friendly and bubbly face that greets customers as they enter the store. With responsibilities over 3 sections of the store Victoria is often referred to as the smiling whirl-wind, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. Victoria is dedicated to all of her customers and takes a personal interest in everyone which sometimes sees her going above and beyond by travelling from one side of Brisbane to the other to source a particular item for a customer. Victoria was stunned to be nominated and truly honored. Troy Zimmerle Coopers Home Timber & Hardware Bundaberg Troy joined Coopers 2 years ago, already having a strong career in retailing in 12 years in senior roles in City Beach. Troy always had a passion from hardware and through Coopers has been able to combine his hobby interest and his career. Troy is a firm believer in ‘proper customer service’ in giving the customer what they actually need rather than just making the sale. Over the past 2 years Troy has been focused on building his knowledge of hardware products and has successfully gained the trust within the team being able to apply his retail experience to hardware.

Employee of the Year Finalists

Chris Devine Mackenzies Home Timber & Hardware Chris has been with Mackenzie’s HTH from over 13 years progressing to retail manager 4 ½ years ago and being part of the continuing growth of the business. Managing a team of 6, Chris is a firm believer in leading by example and bringing everyone in the team along the journey within the business and involved in decision. Taking a proactive approach Chris, with the support of business owner Clive Quartermaine, has been able to implement new initiatives including trade site visits to builders and painter trade customers where he’ll drop off morning tea or a carton of beer on a Friday afternoon. Relationships are more than just sales transactions. Chris is very happy to be nominated and be recognised on both as him individually and for the store team.

Paul Barber Sunshine Mitre 10 Paul will be celebrating 12 years in October within the Sunshine Mitre 10 Group. Over this time Paul has been involved with almost all aspects of the businesses from store management to buying and marketing. Never a dull moment in hardware with the variety keeping Paul challenged and on his toes. Highlights over the past 12 months have been involvement in the team with integrating 3 regional stores in Far North Queensland into the Sunshine Group including change overs of buying systems, training and data. Described as helpful, loyal and resilient by his colleagues and management, Paul is an integral part of the Sunshine Mitre 10 team. Paul aspires to one day become part of the executive team and assist in leading the organisation forward.

Sales Rep of the Year Finalists

Jodie Zanvliet Valspar

Jodie has been with Valspar for 4 years with a previous background as a trade tiler which gives her a great ability to relate and understand her clients. With a territory covering regional Queensland she loves the comradery within country Queensland stores and experiences their hardships first hand. As a strong advocate for regional operators Jodie fights with passion for her stores. Jodie continually strives to do her best and help her customers grow their businesses.

John Nixon Stanley Black & Decker

John has been with Stanley for 30 years as of May 2016 starting in the industry in Townsville. He is passionate about helping independents stay solid in their business strengths and building on their niches. As a rep he strives to provide tailored solutions and offering to each customer together with the advice and support to make hardware operators successful. John believes the key to being a rep is taking in real interest in people and selling more than just the product. Kim Crompton Valspar

Kim celebrates 11 years with Valspar moving from internal sales to on the road. Kim enjoys the thrill of helping people whether they be store owners or their customers. Kim is dedicated to achieving the impossible whether it be arranging to tint paint at another store for a customer or sourcing supply to tight deadlines. Kim’s energy and passion for the industry is infectious as she is a key member of Queensland Valspar sales team.

Sales Rep of the Year Finalists

David Edmunds Holman Industries

David has been with Holman Industries for 3 ½ years but has over 31 years across retail and supplier side of the industry. David grew up in hardware starting at 15 years old as a casual yard hand. David likens the role of the rep as building a brick wall, starting with the base of trust and then building relationships brick by brick. David is excited to be building the profile and Holman range within independent hardware with longer term goals of senior and leadership roles with the Holman group. Greg Volker Positec

Greg has been with Positec now for over 8 years coming from a background in the supplier and retail environments. Hardware is his life, “Mum didn’t give birth to me hardware did” he remarks. Greg is a Queenslander through and through and loves being on the road and dealing out in the stores and with Greg’s territory covering most of Queensland and Northern NSW, he enjoys the challenge of such a big territory. Greg is humbled and extremely grateful for the nominations in recognition of the effort he puts in and the time he spends on the road. Darryl Stewart Airco Brands

Darryl whilst only being on the road for some 13 months has a wealth of warehousing experience within Airco which gives him a unique ability to know what products are moving fastest in the warehouse and being able to offer that information to his customers. Darryl is passionate about the hardware industry and the great people who are his customers and colleagues.

Herb Tremschnig Otter Group – Airco Brands

Herb has been with the Otter Group for 9 ½ years but has spent a life time in the industry working for companies such as Span Fastenings and McDonald Brushware. The changes this year within Otter have reinvigorated Herb with an extended range of product that he can now offer his customers. Ever reliable, Herb provides consistent and dependable service to North Queensland. Herb is passionate about mentoring and fostering the next generations coming into the industry both in stores and within the Airco team.

Fiona Dawson Cabot’s

Fiona has been with Cabot’s for 7 years moving to Queensland just on 2 years ago. Initially as a color consultant Fiona moved into the sales executive side and hasn’t looked back. “Not just selling a product but selling a concept and finished project” is her passion. Fiona’s achievements over the past year include Queensland and National merchandising awards, numerous customer letters and opportunities to support stores with community fund raising. Fiona loves her role and would like to be involved in training and leadership in the future.

Recognition of 30+ Years of Service

Kerry Tienan Valspar

Having been with Valspar for over 5 years looking after regional Queensland customers. Kerry is hardware through and through with her career including time with Taubmans and also Mitre 10 Queensland offices. Kerry notes her achievements in the industry as having the opportunity to work with some of the leading companies but also the longevity she has had with customers. They are a part of her life and she a part of theirs. “The industry is all about the people and the relationships made”

Gary Vonhoff Simons Home Timber & Hardware

Gary has been in the hardware game for 36 years progressing from being on the tools in truss and frame production to management. Describing himself as a hands on manager he is always ready to pitch in where required. Throughout his time on the industry Gary has developed building skills that have enable him to build 3 homes and raise his family. He loves hardware and credits his success to good old fashion hard work and being part of the team/ In 30+ years Gary has seen the industry go from paper based plans and sketches through top 3D computer graphics and design.

Recognition of 30+ Years of Service

Kevin Kalinowski Simons Home Timber & Hardware

Having been in the industry since 1983 Kevin was originally a fitter and turner before getting into the prefab unit with Simons. Kevin has held a range of roles within Simons and enjoys seeing the construction process from beginning with estimating and detailing through to the finished product being delivered. Kevin takes a lot of pleasure from seeing young people coming into the industry and always encourages them to get an understanding of what products are used for and how they are used and not just see the product in isolation. Being in the estimating role for Simons, Kevin has seen first-hand the changes in technologies and their impacts on the industry from builders now having immediate access to order electronically through to drop boxes and file sharing.

Trevor Robinson Simons Home Timber & Hardware

Trevor has spent some 31 years with Simons as a forklift operator, a role which he does with passion and energy. Hi advice for young people coming into the game is that you always need to be looking for something to do as there is always plenty of work. Don’t sit idle. Trevor is very appreciative of the recognition award and to his employers Simons Home Timber & Hardware as a great place to work.

Recognition of 30+ Years of Service

Neville Scott Simons Home Timber & Hardware

Neville has over 42 years in the industry and has been with Simons for the last 20 years. Scotty as he is referred to strives to always ensure that the customer is happy, even the difficult ones. Scotty reflects on his time as an opportunity to continually learn and believes this approach needs to be instilled in the industry’s future. Throughout his time in the industry Scotty has noted the increasing level of competition and the need for hardware operators to focus on providing service and quality.

Noel Knecht Simons Home Timber & Hardware Coolum

Starting as a yard boy some 40 years Noel has just about done everything in the business from customer service, loading trucks, purchasing, stock control and more recently into management. Simons is a great place to work and always willing to back their staff. The industry provides endless variety of products and unique customer experiences so no day is ever what you expect and that’s what keeps it interesting. Key advice that Noel would pass on to young people coming into the industry is build your product knowledge and then keep learning. Learn how to find out what your customer is building and then you can give them the right advice and solution. Noel is greatly honored to be recognised as part of the awards.

Recognition of 30+ Years of Service

Ian Glover Simons Home Timber & Hardware

With over 50 years in the industry in the same company Ian is part of the furniture and the very fabric of Simons Home Timber and Hardware. The industry continues to be always interesting to Ian with something new occurring and no 2 days are the same. When looking back Ian has calculated he has travelled over 1.5 million km’s as a rep and seen the introductions of countless new products. One product which he regards as being the greatest thing since sliced bread was the introduction of laminated timbers. Having seen half a century in the industry with one employer, Ian is a rare commodity and is well deserving of tonight’s recognition. Phillip Sullivan Charleville Hardware

Philip has been the staple of Charleville Hardware having been through 5 different owners changing from an independent through to Homestead and now Home Timber and Hardware. Phillip has spent his whole life in hardware starting as a yard hand and working his way to store manager. He still maintains a passion for helping people which is something he tries to instill in his staff as well as a keenness to continually learn with new products, tools and techniques always coming in.

Recognition of 30+ Years of Service

Glenn Stewart Simons Home Timber & Hardware

Glenn is yet another life time employee of Simons Home Timber & Hardware with 38 ½ years. Leaving school at 15 Glenn’s first job was in the yard to learn all he could about timber and hardware. In the mid 80’s he undertook some management courses and began his career into management. Glenn believes the industry becomes part of you and you need to continue to evolve with it. Being most proud of being with one employer for his career, Glenn looks to instill the same loyalty in the young people and to help them earn their stripes in the game. Julie Maxwell Mitre 10 Queensland

Commencing in 1986 Julie has always worked with Mitre 10 Queensland. Working across all areas of the business Julie has become the go to person and refuse of history on the organization. If any one will know how to do something or what happened when, it’s Julie. Highlights in her career include receiving the Mitre 10 Blue Blood award for 2016 and being valued by her peers and colleagues. During her time in the industry she notes one of the biggest impacts as being the merging of Mitre 10 state offices in 2000 and then when Metcash bought Mitre 10. “The industry will continue to evolve and change, you need to be able to adapt and change with it”

Queensland Industry Legend Award

Chrys Robins Simons Home Timber & Hardware

Chrys has over 43 years’ experience in the industry from his days back in 1973 with TD Hardware through to 25 years with Taubmans and now back in the retail side of the industry with Simons. You can never know everything in this industry and that’s what the challenge is and what keeps it fresh. This industry is built on people and provides the rare opportunity to be able to help people build their homes. Achieving an aggregate growth of sales of 500% over his time with Taubmans is certainly a career achievement but more importantly is the trust and relationships built over the time. Chrys is one of those people who just seem to end up on committees as the secretary or president whether it be in the industry or community groups and is regarded as someone who gets on with the job. His words of advice to the next generation are to be true to the customer, treat them with respect and integrity and they will return it back to you time and time again. Chrys is extremely honored and appreciative to be nominated and recognised within such as industry full of great people.

Bronze Sponsors

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsors

We hope you enjoy tonight as we celebrate the Queensland Hardware Industry Awards.