There was plenty to celebrate for CoolDrive Auto Parts at its annual Branch Manager’s conference in July.
Representatives from all 38 branches engaged in interactive sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration, idea exchange, and strategic planning for the future growth and success of the company.
“This year’s conference theme, ‘Shaping our Future,’ embodies CoolDrive’s dedication to innovation and continuous improvement to better serve the evolving automotive industry,” CoolDrive Auto Parts Chief Operating Officer Tim Blanchard said.
The event offered a prime opportunity for various CoolDrive teams and industry partners, including sponsors REDARC and Bosch, to connect with the branch network teams.
“It also allowed us to celebrate the growth and success of the business over the past 12 months, including the expansion of the CoolDrive and Racer Industries’ branch networks and product ranges, as well as ongoing investment in our people,” Blanchard added.
Highlights included the success at AAAE earlier this year, support for young automotive apprentices at the Global Skills Challenge and WorldSkills National Championships, and multiple activations and events with customers nationwide.
Thursday 9th March to Sunday 12th March 2023.
World Copyright: Daniel Kalisz Photographer
Speeding up
The Blanchard Racing Team, which expanded to two cars in the Supercars Championship this year, was also featured. The four BRT drivers – Aaron Love, James Courtney, Jack Perkins, and Aaron Cameron – attended the conference to share their careers and connection to CoolDrive and the Blanchard family.
The conference also presented CoolDrive’s annual Branch of the Year awards, evaluated on performance criteria and divided into revenue turnover and regional categories. These awards are named after the company founders and key personnel.
The WJ (John Senior) Blanchard Large Branch of the Year award went to the Canberra branch in the Australian Capital Territory, with Perth, Western Australia, as the runner-up.
The SL (Shirley) Blanchard Small Branch of the Year award was given to New South Wales’ Orange branch for the second consecutive year, with Wangara, Western Australia, as the runner-up.
Western Australia/South Australia was recognized as the top-performing region, receiving the JW (John) Blanchard Award for Region of the Year, reflecting outstanding growth over the past year.
Additionally, the conference honored the newest inductees into the CoolDrive Hall of Fame for 2024: Jock Harris and Johndin Chen.