Hundreds of individual American Leak Detection owners gathered from across the globe in November for the annual company-wide convention hosted by corporate staff in Indian Wells Calif. The four day event incorporated an Awards Night Gala, training sessions, hands-on workshops and a sold-out floor trade show.
The following were recognized during the event:
-Canadian Leak Detection of Ontario Owners Paul and Evelyn Gavel were awarded the most prestigious honor, Franchisee of the Year. More than 140 offices in eight countries are considered for this award annually. It recognizes exemplary and model performance in customer service, increased revenue, franchise system participation and community service.
This was the first year a Canadian office was awarded Franchisee of the Year. For the fourth consecutive year, they were also named Outstanding Regional Performers in the Northeast Region. The Gavels, who reside in Frankford, Ontario, have owned their Canadian Leak Detection office since 1996. Their leak detection technicians service Toronto, Northern and Eastern Ontario.
“American Leak Detection franchisees are the best of the best,” says Bill Palmer, company president. “It’s always a pleasure to honor them with the recognition they so richly deserve. We’re proud of all of our franchisees and this year’s award winners clearly rose to the top of their game.”
-Phil and Robin Meckley of Fullerton, Calif. were named the franchise system’s Outstanding National Performer for 2010. This award recognizes the top producer amongst 140 offices in eight countries. They also received a Quality Customer Service Award for their Houston location. The Meckley’s have owned American Leak Detection locations for 25 years in Orange County, Riverside, Pomona, San Diego, Houston and Hawaii. They employ a total of 40 staff and operate 25 service trucks.
- Rick Winters of Spring, Tx. was named the company’s Office Personnel of the Year for 2010. This award recognizes an individual who strives to stay on top of the industry’s best practices, keeps the office running efficiently and exudes superior customer service. Winters has managed the Houston office for two years. He was nominated by Phil Meckley, owner of American Leak Detection of Houston, who was also named the franchise system’s Outstanding National Performer for 2010.
-Thomas Walker of Brighton, Mich. was named the company’s Technician of the Year for 2010. This award recognizes a technician who exemplifies the best qualities of the profession. Someone who strives to stay on top of the industry’s best practices, technologies and exudes customer service. Walker was nominated by Tom and Marcia Rose, owners of American Leak Detection of Southeast Michigan. He has worked as a technician for nine years.
-Wayne McCollough of Tulsa, Ok. was named the company’s Brand Champion for 2010. This recognition honors an individual that executes a successful marketing plan, one who makes the most of a broad mix of marketing activities and utilizes corporate programs to their advantage.
McCollough has acted as the Marketing and Advertising Director with American Leak Detection locations for 16 years in Eastern Oklahoma, Kansas, Kansas City, Southwest Missouri and St. Louis, Mo. His brother Vern McCollough owns the multiple locations where he employs 19 staff and operates 10 service trucks.
- Vern McCollough of Tulsa, Ok. was awarded the Richard B. Rennick Entrepreneur of the Year Award, named after the company’s founder. This recognition honors a team who demonstrates innovative management skills and is a risk taker in a franchise which remains active in the local community. McCollough was also named an Outstanding Regional Performer in the Midwest area for 2010.
-Joe and Aimee Bates of Redding, CA received the Rookie of the Year Award for 2010. This recognition honors a team member who has put American Leak Detection procedures into action pertaining to equipment, trucks, safety, the business plan and marketing tactics. The Bates purchased American Leak Detection of Northern California from Aimee’s parents, Tom and Karen Routon, when they chose to retire in 2008.
Members of the American Leak Detection corporate staff convene each fall to determine which team members will be recognized for their outstanding achievements for the previous year in categories including Franchisee of the Year, Technician and Office Personnel of the Year and Quality Customer Service Awards.
It’s official. The January 2012 issue of Entrepreneur magazine has hit the newsstands and American Leak Detection has once again been named the category leader in Miscellaneous Maintenance Businesses. The corporation has ranked first in this category consecutively since 2003.
