Aucklands Ace landscapers win top award at the top NZ Action Coach business awards

Auckland landscapers Jan and Rod Frost of Ace Landscapes were tonight named the best New Zealand business at the fourth annual Action Coach NZ business awards in Auckland.

Seven other award winners were announced at a gala function in the Stamford Plaza Hotel.

The judges said Ace Landscapes systems were inspiring and they were rewarded for building strength right across their business. They ticked off the boxes by consistently delivering a quality product, establishing their industry niche and marketing. They maintained a very solid profit against the current economic uncertainty.

Action coach NZ business awards spokesman Bruce Wilson said most businesses in New Zealand have less than 30 employees and Ace Landscapes had shown that regardless of their size, a well-run business was the best way to deal to the tightening of the economic belt.

``To have a business owner invest in an Action Coach often involves a leap of faith as well as being brave enough to make a financial investment. Ace Landscapes is a shining example of what happens when people make the decision to take control of their business and their life; invest time in their re-education with a coach (Jerome Jacobs) and then by doing the hard yards reaping the rewards.’’

Other winners:

Out of the Blocks award: Electrico, Andrew and Lynne Arts, Matamata 07 8888245

Comment: There was strong evidence that businesses really can bolt “out of the blocks” and take control of their business and get their mindset in the right place to do it. The judges were struck by the amount of activity Electrico put into working ‘on’ their businesses while also having to work ‘in’ it. Gross profit jumped by 217% in just 3 months! The winner this year took a leap of faith to start coaching when their industry was in a downturn and that leap proved to be a catalyst for some great results.

Marketing award: Ace Landscaping, Jan and Rod Frost, Takanini, Auckland 09 299 3485

Comment: Ace landscaping stood out as having multi faceted marketing pathway to produce inquiries, encourage repeat business and directly produce referrals. Commercial and domestic markets are well researched and costing for each marketing initiative is documented so the return on marketing investment is known – something very few businesses can quantify. There was clear evidence that Action marketing material was used as it stands out and really does work. As the overall winner Ace Landscapes did a great job of marketing their marketing to the judges.

Financial award: Parker Bridge, Lucy McDonald, Wellington 04 910 3889

Comment: It was pleasing from a judging perspective that the focus was on increasing profitability and not just revenue. This is a valuable perspective given the current economic climate in a highly competitive industry. The winner increased profit and at the same time took time out of the business leaving the team to run it at the continued high level of performance. By following a policy of having clearly identified areas where costs could be reduced, strengthened the balance sheet and achieved a 65% return on investment.

Middle Distance award: Hutchison Builders, Jon Hutchison, Mt Eden Auckland 09 6383107

Comment: Middle distance is about entrants showing stickability to overcome the ongoing challenges that might have seen them exit the coaching programme or even give up their business. The businesses demonstrated the confidence that comes with a stable business platform in all the areas of marketing, sales, production, and financial performance. Hutchison Builders has secured this excellent foundation which means the business is ready to go to the next level. Get your coach to demand more of you for rapid growth from here on.

Leverage award: Plasterboard Finishing, Arjen Bloom, Ellerslie, Auckland 09 574 6763

Comment: By deliberately building his business around documented systems Arjen has ensured consistency and financial performance. Even something as simple as using quick set plaster reduced travel costs and meant that jobs are finished on time – a big issue in the construction industry. This is a business that allows their people to produce excellent results through systems and not depend on the owners minute by minute supervision.

Team award: Brown Drainage And Construction, Michael Draper, Te Rapa, Hamilton 07 849 2708

Comment: The power of a winning team was clearly evident in Browns Drainage entry. Each team member is identified as having their part to play and their input is taken into account both on the day to day as well as in the overall strategy to realise the vision It was great to see that having fun and having a successful business really does create a powerful story.

Entrepreneur award: Clint Barnes, Glenfield, Auckland, 09 4838294

Comment: Entrepreneur is an exciting category because entrepreneurs don’t follow rules. We have great admiration for all the finalists. These people go out on a limb when everyone is else is saying don’t do it! And this year’s winner went out on a personal limb - by making some fundamental changes both personally and in his business. In his words “both my private and business lives were existing in a state of constant motion with very little results when I took on Action. Running a business, property portfolio and a share portfolio takes a focus on performance and maximising opportunity.