Celebrating Our Licensees: Annual KiwiSpan Award Winners Announced

Building a successful licensee network would be impossible without the phenomenal KiwiSpan business owners who bring their regional passion and expertise to the brand.

Every year, our Head Office hosts the KiwiSpan Conference to bring together our growing licensee network for a social evening. Last month, over 60 people gathered at the Copthorne hotel in Wellington to share ideas and recognise one another for strides made over the last year.

The two-day conference featured talks on economic developments and trends that will impact the New Zealand shed-building industry in the coming years. Conversations focused on sharpening the KiwiSpan sales process and how to improve lead conversion.

“The conference is always such a positive experience. It gives us the chance to bounce ideas back and forth and build some great relationships with other regions,” says Stephen Cross of KiwiSpan Northland.

With representatives from around the country in attendance, we also announced the 2022 KiwiSpan Award Winners. We’re thrilled to celebrate the outstanding work and achievements of so many talented business leaders in our network.

LICENSEE OF THE YEAR – KiwiSpan Wairarapa

The top award of the evening went to owner and operator duo Rowan Thornton and Tonya Harrison, for their commitment to success in 2022.

“We are absolutely shocked to be this year’s winners,” says Tonya. “It makes us feel like all of the hard work and the difficult moments have been so worth it.”

Having only joined KiwiSpan two years ago, Rowan and Tonya have made impressive progress for the Wairarapa region – from developing a strong referral network to bringing the KiwiSpan brand into the local community.

“It’s been wonderful to see so much phenomenal feedback coming in. We really try to work alongside our customers, and make sure we’re the right fit for each other. We always try our best, and it’s great to see that effort rewarded,” says Rowan.

A family of four, Rowan and Tonya are passionate about their region, and have become involved with local charities, sports clubs, and community events.

“Our success is built on all of the support we’ve had from the network,” the duo says. “Thank you so much – we love being part of this brand and part of this family.”

LICENSEE OF THE YEAR RUNNER UPS – KiwiSpan Northland

With nine years of experience at KiwiSpan Northland, Stephen and Emma Cross are known by customers as exceptional communicators who always get the job done right.

“We emphasise to our customers that building is truly a journey, and it’s about so much more than just a transaction and a product. I think that approach is why a lot of our clients end up actually becoming our friends,” says Stephen.

This year Stephen and Emma have taken their region to new heights, finishing their biggest-ever build and taking on a variety of complex projects.

“Although receiving this award was a happy surprise for us, it’s great to see that our overall business process is being recognised in this way. KiwiSpan has become so strong over these last few years, and it’s wonderful to be part of this amazing network.”

LICENSEE OF THE YEAR RUNNER UP – KiwiSpan Tauranga

As one of the newest licensee teams, Jill and Darryn Astill are thrilled to take this award home for Tauranga. After taking over the region in September 2021, Jill and Darryn have signed on a host of new projects and hired another full-time staff member.

“What an incredible privilege to be recognised for our efforts of the past 12 months!” reflects Jill. “This award has really inspired us, and we are grateful for all of the support from the amazing KiwiSpan family who have made this possible for our team.”

BUSINESS EXCELLENCE – KiwiSpan Wellington & KiwiSpan Taranaki

It’s been a difficult year for the construction industry, but James Marsh (Wellington) and Joel Schrader (Taranaki) have taken every challenge in their stride.

This award demonstrates the impressive achievements from the past year in both Wellington and Taranaki.

OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE – KiwiSpan Waikato & KiwiSpan Counties

Boasting efficient systems and top-notch service, the teams at KiwiSpan Waikato (Ryan Mason) and KiwiSpan Counties (Andrew and Inger Craven) take home this year’s award for outstanding operations.

REGIONAL MARKETING CHAMPION – KiwiSpan Tauranga

Before joining the KiwiSpan network, the Astills had a solid understanding of their local market through running a fencing business for 15 years. They’ve used their deep regional knowledge to bring exceptional marketing and sales efforts to KiwiSpan Tauranga.

From investing in local initiatives to attending the 2022 Home & Interiors Show, James Marsh and the KiwiSpan Wellington team have shown enthusiasm and strength in their regional marketing this year.

OUTSTANDING SALES GROWTH – KiwiSpan Hawkes Bay

Ron Leijen has received this award for his dedication to improving sales for the Hawkes Bay region and moving business forward.

OUTSTANDING SALES GROWTH RUNNER UP – KiwiSpan Manawatu, KiwiSpan Christchurch & KiwiSpan King Country

Bruce Morris and Kerri-Ann McKenna-Morris (Manawatu) as well as Jina Andrews and Phil Duncan (Christchurch) and Hugh Lilley (King Country) have demonstrated impressive growth over the last year, earning them this achievement.

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR – Roofing Industries

100% New Zealand owned and operated, Roofing Industries offers superior cladding and roll-formed roofing solutions. They have been a key partner this year and continue to provide exceptional service for our KiwiSpan sheds.

NETWORKS CHOICE – Joel Schrader (KiwiSpan Taranaki)

Joel has operated the Taranaki region for over 10 years now, and never fails to live up to his exceptional reputation. From great customer service to top-notch business sense, Joel is great to work with and always willing to lend support for the KiwiSpan network.

Even amidst all of the construction industry’s challenges from the last year, KiwiSpan licensees from around New Zealand are celebrating huge strides for their regions and businesses.

To learn more about how our licensee network operates, and which regions are up for sale right now, explore our business opportunities and download the KiwiSpan prospectus.