CoolDrive Celebrates at Annual Branch Manager’s Conference

30 Jul, 2024

The CoolDrive Auto Parts family from across Australia and New Zealand came together in July for the company’s annual Branch Manager’s conference.

Held in Melbourne, representatives from all 38 branches participated in a series of interactive sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, with the conference providing a platform for collaboration, idea exchange, and strategic planning to drive the future growth and success of the company.

“The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Shaping our Future’, which represents CoolDrive’s commitment to innovation, and continuous improvement in order to better serve an ever-evolving automotive industry,” said Tim Blanchard, Chief Operating Officer at CoolDrive Auto Parts.

“The conference provided the ideal opportunity for various CoolDrive teams and industry partners, including our sponsors REDARC and Bosch, to connect with our branch network teams.

“It also enabled us to acknowledge and reflect upon the growth and success of the business over the past 12 months with achievements including expansion of the CoolDrive and Racer Industries’ branch networks and product ranges, as well as continual investment and development into our people.

“We also reflected upon the success of AAAE earlier this year, and our support of young automotive apprentices at the Global Skills Challenge and WorldSkills National Championships, plus multiple activations and events with customers across the country.

“The Blanchard Racing Team was also highlighted following the team expanding to two cars in the Supercars Championship this year, with the four BRT drivers – Aaron Love, James Courtney, Jack Perkins, and Aaron Cameron – attending the conference to share their fascinating careers and connection to CoolDrive and the Blanchard family.”

Presented at the conference were CoolDrive’s annual Branch of the Year awards. 

Measured on a number of performance criteria, the awards are split into revenue turnover and regional categories, with the awards themselves named after the company founders and key personnel.

The winner of the WJ (John Senior) Blanchard Large Branch of the Year award was the Australian Capital Territory’s Canberra branch, with Western Australia’s Perth branch the runner-up.

The SL (Shirley) Blanchard Small Branch of the Year award was presented to New South Wales’ Orange branch for the second year running, with Western Australia’s Wangara branch the runner up.

The top-performing region was Western Australia/South Australia, which received the JW (John) Blanchard Award for Region of the Year in reflection of outstanding growth over the past year.

Other awards presented at the conference were the recent inductees into the CoolDrive Hall of Fame, who for 2024, were Jock Harris and Johndin Chen.