2022 Award Winners

Minor Awards

Kickass Apprentice

Patrick Goodwin from Devo Designs

Paddy started with Luke & Renata from Devo Designs; A 22 year old who was working in the deli at Woolies. A short 2 years later, he is a 24 year old man who has found a career he loves and had never dreamed about being successful in. He is a massive contributor to the team culture at Devo Designs, and they foster his quirkiness and love of team activities. The judges all agreed this was great submission, and the supporting documents with the team’s comments were a great demonstration of what a valued team member Paddy is.

The Real Boss

Amii Jones from Touchwood Trees

Amii Jones is the General Manager of Touchwood Tree Services, a business she and her hubby started back in 2011. Her role consists of every aspect of business management from HR, admin, business development, marketing, system writer and implementer, AKA The REAL BOSS. And over the last 12 months we can also throw in school teacher too after being forced into homeschooling during covid. The judges all agreed Amii is the REAL BOSS, and a fantastic one at that.

Bang-Up Boss

Stuart Clear from Clear Plumbing

Stuart Clear has been leading Kerry Clear Plumbing since April. He now runs a team of 3 including two tradesmen and admin staff. On the award entry, it states “Stuart is just a good guy. A good guy to his business, his team, his friends and to his family. He is always the first one to shout a round of beers and strives for greatness. He is confronted with so many barriers in his life and that never stops him from being the good guy, the caring guy, the considerate guy! We feel so lucky that he is our boss!” And this obviously shone through in the submission, as the judges seemed to agree!

Best Mental Health Endorser

Tree Amigos (Taman Treweek)

Tree Amigos’ biggest mental health initiative to date has been the introduction of their Employee Assistance Program, which is a work-based intervention program designed to enhance the emotional, mental and general psychological wellbeing of all employees. The judges were impressed that several elements have been implemented in the initiative. They also loved the humour, and the way Tams personality showed through in his entry.

Authentic & Inspiring Online Presence

John Dale Motors Pty Ltd (Adam & Megan)

John Dale Motors P/L is an Automotive Repair & Servicing Workshop located on the Central Coast NSW, owned by Megan and Adam since 2002, with a team of 13. The judges were impressed with their implementation of an innovative online video system which helps engage their clients and get them more involved in their car repairs.

Best Forward Somersault

Beau & Co Construction (Beau and Ash)

Ash and Beau from Beau & Co Construction have shown impressive determination, true commitment and a lot of grit to get their business to the successful position of where it is today, and their financial position and personal wins reflect this. The judges agreed this was a strong application, with good detail.

Best Start-Up

Clear Plumbing (Stuart & Kylie)

Kylie and Stuart officially took over Kerry Clear Plumbing from Stuart’s parents in April 2022. And while Stuart and previous staff had learnt the trade and skills from Kerry, there was nothing set up on the business side. Kylie and Stuart were inspired to start up their business to continue the legacy that Stuart’s parents set up – good quality plumbing and advice. The judges recognised Clear Plumbing’s commitment to their education as business owners, and their positive steps moving forward.

Major Awards – Top of the Trade

Sole Trader

MOA Heavy Diesel Pty Ltd

MOA Heavy Diesel was founded in late 2021, and has continued to go from strength to strength in its year of operation. Ben’s passion and enthusiasm are truly unmatched in the industry. It has been unheard of for such a new, small company of one, to have the systems and structure that rivals some of its bigger competitors. The judges are really excited to see what the future holds for MOA.

One to Four - And No More

Touchwood Tree Services

Touchwood Tree Services was established in 2011. What stood out for the judges in this entry was Brendan and Amii’s commitment to continually working on themselves, as well as their business. The judges were impressed with their client retention rate, which is exceptional, with some clients being with them since they first started out 11 years ago. As well as their google reviews, of which they currently have 96 google reviews with 95 of them being 5 stars.

5+ Hardworking Wo(Men)

Trethowan Building Pty Ltd

Trethowan Building was established in 2017, after Liam decided to put his passion for quality and timeless design into his own residential building company, with Samara joining the team as Business Manager in 2020. Trethowan Building define their success by the way of progression – working their way up from small renovations to building custom home builds and commercial projects. The judges were impressed with the detailed written submission and the supporting evidence provided, and all agreed that they really are top of their trade!

Best of the Best

Trethowan Building Pty Ltd

Beginning as a literal chippy swinging a hammer, Trethowan Building has gone from strength to strength. Directors Liam and Samara have experienced some incredible growth but it hasn’t been without their fair share of struggle. From employee dramas to contractor issues, problem clients and personal burnout, Trethowan Building has managed to overcome all these challenges to continue to build (pardon the pun!) a strong business with impressive results. Their systems, processes and focus on quality projects for quality people sees them poised for continued growth into the coming years.

The judging team is looking forward to seeing Trethowan Building’s entry next year for the Excellence Awards and many years to come!