Name Game

Vaughan Petzer (second left) and Neil Cahill (second right) with the Anchor team

Hard work and commitment deliver stellar results for new Anchor franchisees

When Vaughan Petzer and Neil Cahill began searching for a business opportunity in Hawkes Bay in 2019, they found the local Anchor franchise a highly attractive proposition. Newly-arrived from South Africa, Vaughan and Neil’s previous business experience straddled labour law and industrial relations, medical education and strategic business management – but they knew nothing about franchising.

‘What we did know is that Anchor is a globally-acknowledged brand and a household name around the world,’ says Vaughan. ‘We wanted a business partner that was committed to us, to New Zealand and to product excellence – a business where we knew our commitment would contribute to the local economy. Anchor is a subsidiary of Fonterra, so there’s no better proof of that.’

Anchor franchisees sell and deliver 70 percent of Fonterra’s consumerbranded products such as Anchor, Mainland and Primo. With 38 depots throughout the country and over 175 trucks on the road, they service over 20,000 customers, including cafés, schools, bakeries, dairies, supermarkets and other locations.

Great outcomes

While they carried out thorough due diligence, and spent time with other franchisees to see what managing a regional distribution franchise entailed on a daily basis, Vaughan says their decision to invest in Anchor was also a ‘follow-your-gut’ process – and a good one.

‘It turned out to be the greatest choice. With a bit of hard work and commitment, we’ve enjoyed great personal outcomes and financial growth as well as a wonderful partnership with local businesses, schools and aged care facilities, as well as major national retailers.

‘An added bonus is that many of the dairy products we supply come from Hawkes Bay and the lower North Island, which makes us feel really proud of our local business.’

Value for money

Vaughan and Neil believe their franchise represents excellent value for money, backed as it is by a top-tier brand, first-class support, and a reputation that has been 136 years in the making.

‘Working with Fonterra Brands New Zealand, our team of drivers and staff and a network of extremely dedicated franchisees is inspiring. Every day is uniquely challenging, which makes the business exciting, but the sheer professionalism of it all makes success replicable and sustainable. Support is always only a call or mouse-click away.’

That support comes from a team including a business consultant, a regional sales manager and a business development manager. There are also dedicated franchise support specialists who cover sales, marketing, IT and customer support, depot management, health and safety management, and numerous other roles.

'There’s also help and friendship from other Anchor franchisees, led by a very capable franchisee leadership team,’ adds Vaughan.

And in addition to the Fonterra products there are partnerships with 23 third-party suppliers to create a ‘full basket’ offering to retailers. Both Vaughan and Neil say it speaks volumes for the Fonterra Brands partnership that they’re able to incorporate these other brands into their business model.

Grab it with both hands

There are currently a number of Anchor franchise opportunities around the country for people with the skills to operate a fast-moving distribution business. The capital investment required is over $1 million in most cases, but Vaughan says they found applying for finance easier than expected because the banks hold Fonterra Brands franchises in the highest esteem.

Shannon Davidson, National Franchise Manager for Anchor, says candidates must:

• Communicate effectively

• Have strong sales skills and experience

• Demonstrate solid business acumen

• Understand how to motivate and manage people

• Have a can-do attitude and be physically fit •

Show leadership qualities F

or Vaughan and Neil, joining Anchor made the transition to a new country, new industry and their own business so much easier. ‘A massive shout-out to Dave and Trace, our right and left hands, and to the incredible team both in our business and the wider network,’ says Vaughan. And it’s the whole team that he credits with their having been named Anchor’s Franchisee of the Year, as well as winning the Sales, Marketing, Pricing and Distribution Award.

To anyone weighing up an Anchor franchise, Vaughan ends, ‘Be prepared to roll your sleeves up and grab the opportunity with both hands. If you do, the results can be amazing.’

Advertiser Info

Fonterra Brands (New Zealand) Ltd

www.anchordairy.com/nz

Contact Anchor Franchise Recruitment Team

anchorfranchise@fonterra.com