THE TEAM: Award winners at Pirtek are (from left) Jessica, Jason, Lucy and Wayne. PICTURE / PAUL BROOKS
THE TEAM: Award winners at Pirtek are (from left) Jessica, Jason, Lucy and Wayne. PICTURE / PAUL BROOKS
Winning industry awards and gaining peer recognition is nothing new to the team at Pirtek. After more than 10 years in the business of hydraulic and industrial hose and fittings, Pirtek Wanganui picked up Most Improved Pirtek franchise from 2011 to 2014 and has been named Franchise of the Year in2014 and again this year. Pirtek has been in New Zealand for 20 years and with more than 20 franchises around the country, the competition has been strong. Jason and Jessica Hatfull came on board 10 years ago, working out of a truck. Four years ago they settled into premises at 69 Wilson St. "Since I first started, the name of Pirtek New Zealand has definitely grown through their sponsorship of the New Zealand Kiwis and, obviously, V8 Supercars in Australia," says Jason. Winning Franchise of the Year is no casual feat. "There are some big franchises out there and to be up there consistently year after year - we got runner-up last year - it's not just a one-off," he says. What do they put it down to? Technician Wayne Riddiford says it's customer service, hard work, passion and determination. "Enjoying the work, too," says Jason. "And you meet so many friends - they're not just customers. And you try and do the little things right." Hoses and fittings are the little things that go wrong on big things, and a failure can stop a contractor in his caterpillar tracks. Hose technicians have to get there fast and get the business moving again, wherever it is. The Pirtek truck is fully equipped with fittings, adaptors, hoses and tools. "There's nothing worse than getting to a job and not having the fittings so we're pretty well stocked up. Jason is the first to admit it's hard work and sacrifices are part of the job. Being on call 24/7 means the phone is a permanent wardrobe accessory. The team consists of Jason and Jessica, Wayne, Lucy Allpress and another hose technician Wes Johnston. "We're in the hunt for another person to help in the truck," says Jason. Long-time admin person Melanie Watt recently left to study to become a teacher.
