40 | Skills and hard work bring success The scope of work extends across residential and commercial, with work on large-scale properties such as motels and hotels. CONTRACTING Exceed Windows and Doors T T Sue Russell “Now it’s been three years we have a good idea of the pattern of work. Our focus is to grow a little bit more in the commercial sphere, and get involved in schools.” As part of Exceed, New Zealand’s leading window and door repair franchise, Conrad and Tracy Kirk have combined local expertise with the strength of a nationwide network to deliver exceptional service across Hawke’s Bay. “Conrad was working for Exceed in another location, and because they didn’t have a franchise operating in Hawke’s Bay, when the opportunity came up, we jumped at it,” Tracy says. At that time, Tracy wasn’t involved in the operation of the busy company; however, over time she’s transitioned into very much being a part of the team, contributing to its success. Wanting to own their own business and be directly responsible for its success was a key driver in the couple’s decision to purchase the Hawke’s Bay franchise, and with the melding of Conrad’s past experience in the industry and Tracy’s business acumen, it soon started to grow. “Conrad knew people to introduce our business to, and that led to work,” says Tracy. “We also had the support of Exceed. We certainly grew a lot quicker than even Exceed thought. We’ve worked hard and got out in public and all this gave us a firm foundation to build well on.” Their franchise business extends over a large footprint; down to Dannevirke and up to Wairoa, covering all the Hawke’s Bay region. Working with Conrad and Tracy are two full-time technicians. Conrad is still actively engaged on the tools and, as Tracy puts it, the bread and butter is window and door repair work. “We also do security doors, not like the old ’60s, ’70s type at all. They are quite a premium door, and we also specialise in Japanese-designed retractable insect screens, which are becoming increasingly sought after with the heat we’re experiencing over summer.” All this hard work has been recognised nationally, with Conrad and Tracy named finalists in the Franchise Association of New Zealand (FANZ) Westpac Franchisee of the Year Award in the ‘Home and Lifestyle’ category. This prestigious recognition follows three years of receiving Exceed Franchise National Awards, including the Supreme Award in 2024 and the Emerging Award in 2023. “We also won the Exceed® Strategy Award this year and last, so we’re super proud of what we’ve achieved in a relatively short period of time,” Tracy says. Conrad’s work supporting others has also been recognised with a Peer Award, given for his commitment to helping other franchise owners. For its hard work and achievement, Tracy says the business is regularly placed in the top five Exceed franchises nationally for achieving or surpassing its KPIs. “It’s because of the relationship we build with our customers. “We don’t just get one job; we get repeat work because they know we do what we say we’re going to do.” Working from home has meant juggling the work-life balance, and to help this, the couple have built a wooden cabin on their section. It’s where they conduct business, rather than bringing it inside their home, and Tracy says it’s been a very good thing to have. “We also intended to make sure we had a successful business that operated within our wider lifestyles.” The scope of work extends across residential and commercial, with work on large-scale properties such as motels and hotels. “Now it’s been three years we have a good idea of the pattern of work. Our focus is to grow a little bit more in the commercial sphere, and get involved in schools.” Tracy acknowledges that both their technicians are not only very good at their craft, but are also wonderful with customers. “As demand for our array of services grows we’ll be looking to employ more staff. “With Conrad’s history in the industry and the capabilities of our technicians we’re certainly in a good position to train up new staff, as long as they have the drive and attitude we look for.”
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