Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers has named its top franchisees for 2013 at a gala awards dinner at the annual conference, held on the Gold Coast.

Smartline managing director Chris Acret said the winning franchisees were now reaping the benefits of having worked hard on all aspects of their business in recent years.

“While the market has recovered in the past 12 months and been stronger than in previous years, great operators do well no matter what the market is doing,” he said.

“Our top franchisees have put in a concerted effort in recent years on all fronts of their business. They have focused on developing a strong community profile, they have engaged with their clients and they have built strong teams around them.

“In an environment where businesses in all industries are facing margin pressures, they have focused on smarter ways of operating and have embraced innovation without cutting corners on customer service.

“These operators will continue to thrive in the coming years and are well placed to go from strength to strength, no matter what the market does.” 

THE WINNERS

Franchise of the Year (individual) – Ian Simpson (NSW) (assessed on numerous criteria, including loan volumes, growth of business, loan application quality and client service).

Franchise of the Year (business) – Dave Urquart and Sandy Mazzuchelli (WA) (assessed on numerous criteria, including loan volumes, growth of business, loan application quality and client service).

Above: Chris Acret, managing director; Franchise of the Year winners Dave Urquhart and Sandy Mazzucchelli; Joe Sirianni, executive director

Marketing Champion Award (awarded to the franchise owner who best markets their business to their clients and community) – Karen Le Comte/Jillian Clifford (Qld).

Lenders Choice Award (voted by the lenders’ loans assessors as to which Smartline Adviser had the highest quality loan applications and was the most professional in their dealings) – Cathy Anderson (SA).

Client Care Award (awarded to the franchise owner who has provided the highest level of client service. All finalists achieved an average client service rating of over 9.8 out of a possible 10) – Matt Brennan (WA).

Rookie of the Year (awarded to the best newcomer in their initial first full 12 months of business. The criteria includes loan volumes, business development and contribution to the team) – Helen Lossev (Vic).

Rising Star of the Year (the franchisee who has strongly grown their business over the year) – Bevan O’Farrell (WA).

• Wendy Perry from South Australia received the Spirit of Smartline Award as the franchisee who best reflects Smartline’s values and spirit.