Local News

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 New Orleans. The four day event incorporated an Awards Night Gala, training sessions, hands-on workshops and a sold-out floor trade show.

Franchisee of the Year Rusty and Vivian Lee

American Leak Detection of Southwest Florida Owners Rusty and Vivian Lee were awarded the most prestigious honor, Franchisee of the Year. More than 140 offices in six countries are considered for this award annually. It recognizes exemplary and model performance in customer service, increased revenue, franchise system participation and community service.

The Lee’s, who reside in Punta Gorda Fla., have owned their American Leak Detection territory since April 1994. They employee two office staff members and operate five service trucks. They were previously named Franchisee of the Year in 2001. Their leak detection technicians service Sarasota, Lee, Collier, Manatee, Charlotte, Highlands, Hardee, Glades and Hendry Counties.

“American Leak Detection franchisees are the best of the best,” says Executive Chairman Patrick DeSouza. “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.”

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.

Other winners included:

-Bobby and Anne Knell, along with their son Will of Plano, Texas were 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.

The Knell family has owned and operated American Leak Detection of Dallas for 25 years and employs 13 staff while operating 9 service trucks.

-Business owners Matthew and Shari Botermans of Medford, Ore. were named the company’s Brand Champion for 2011. 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.

Aside from this achievement, the duo was also named the “Most Enthusiastic” team member in the franchise system and received First Place for their Quality Customer Service in the 4+ trucks category. The Boterman’s have owned and operated American Leak Detection of Portland and Southern Oregon since July 2001, employing 10 staff and operating 6 service trucks.

-Vern McCollough of Jenks, Ok. was recognized for his outstanding Community Service. This recognition honors a team who continually goes above and beyond to serve their community in both traditional and nontraditional ways. The McCollough’s office staff are involved annually with multiple local organizations. More than 140 offices in six countries are considered for these awards annually.

McCollough has owned and operated his American Leak Detection locations for 17 years in Eastern Oklahoma, Kansas, Kansas City, Southwest Missouri and St. Louis, Mo. He employs 19 staff and operates 10 service trucks.

-Phil and Robin Meckley of Fullerton, Calif. were named the franchise system’s Outstanding National Performer for 2011. This award recognizes the top producer amongst 140 offices in six countries. The Meckley’s have owned American Leak Detection locations for 26 years in Orange County, Riverside, Pomona, San Diego, Houston and Hawaii. They employ 40 staff members and operate 25 service trucks.