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MARK FERNANDEZ
Certified Franchise Executive CEO, FranchisingWA

From Our CEO…

We are excited to announce that the FranchisingWA Australian Franchise Conference 2024 will be held on Wednesday 18th September 2024 in sunny Perth, Western Australia.

Our theme this year is ‘Survive, Adapt and Thrive’ encapsulating the essence of resilience and growth in the franchising world. We're diving deep into the diverse stages of the journey for franchisees, franchisors, suppliers, and business owners as they strive to build sustainable franchise businesses.

Whether you’re navigating challenges, adjusting approaches, or flourishing in success, our conference aims to provide valuable insights and strategies for every step of the way.

Join us as we explore strategies for Resilience. Flexibility. and Success. towards a more sustainable future in the ever-evolving world of franchising.

Following the conference, we will be hosting our FranchisingWA Gala Awards Night. The Gala Awards Night is a culmination of our 2024 Industry Awards wherein we will announce the winners and celebrate their success over a 2-course meal, live music, and dancing.

Come along as we embark on this journey through the FranchisingWA Australian Franchise Conference 2024 and Gala Awards Night, where we'll gather valuable insights and recognise outstanding achievement within the WA franchising community.

Our outstanding program is designed to educate and facilitate networking opportunities with fellow members of the Australian Franchising Community.

I look forward to catching up with you there!



Mark Fernandez
Certified Franchise Executive
CEO, FranchisingWA

Conference Speakers

Dean McAskil

Dean has nearly 30 years’ experience in shopping centre and retail property management, marketing and the leasing industry in Western Australia and Australia.

Starting as an onsite hands-on Shopping Centre Manager, by the year 2000 Dean was the Director Retail Property Services for Knight Frank, responsible for the management, marketing and leasing of what was the largest shopping centre portfolio that has possibly ever existed in Western Australia. This role included regional and sub-regional shopping centres such as Lakeside Joondalup, Belmont Forum and Midland Gate, as well as more than 30 neighbourhood convenience centres. Dean was responsible for reporting to large corporate institutional owners, as well as many private investors. In that position he managed more than 50 professional staff and approximately 100 technical and contract staff, this often included more than 10 direct reports.

At the beginning of the 2000’s Dean started his own consultancy practice providing advice to retail property users, including major brands like RAC, Zamels Jewellers and Price Attack. He stopped counting long ago, but Dean estimates in his career he has administered, negotiated or documented in excess of 3,000 retail leases.

This unparalleled depth of market experience, from representing the small retailer at the coal face to asset management of major retail properties, gives Dean an extraordinary perspective of every aspect of the retail leasing transaction, making his advice invaluable

Dean McAskil

Dean McAskil

Retail Property Consultant BDA Expense Reduction Analysts
Mark Fernandez

Mark is a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) and brings over 25 years of senior management experience in franchising and strategic thinking to our team and to your business. This valuable experience ranges across many business models including multi-international companies and local Western Australian systems. Mark has been influential across a number of key industry sectors, including Retail, Manufacturing, Transportation, Childcare, Shipping and Hospitality.

As a growth strategist, Mark specialises in delivering solutions that perhaps haven’t been considered or given enough attention. He brings clarity in determining the way forward and as a natural problem solver he takes a keen interest in teaching clients how to focus on solutions rather than getting caught up in the many day to day challenges that they face. His passion lies in instilling a strong culture of best practice and service excellence with all his clients and stakeholders.

Mark is a Lean and 6 Sigma Practitioner and an Accredited Consultant/Facilitator of DISC Advanced Psychometrics. Mark is a Keynote speaker, MC, Motivational Presenter and Panel Facilitator. He has presented at industry / corporate conferences and various expos and aims to not only educate through speech but to entertain as well. Currently I am a Committee Member of the ACCC Small Business and Franchising Consultative Committee.

In summary, Mark brings many valuable lessons and skills to the table – all of which are available to assist you to grow and improve your organisation’s leadership and profitability.

 Mark Fernandez

Mark Fernandez

Certified Franchise Executive CEO – FranchisingWA Expense Reduction Analysts
Carolyn Meighan

Carolyn has more than 20 years’ experience assisting clients in relation to a broad range of matters, including property and strata title disputes, trust and estate disputes, planning matters, employment matters, franchising matters, competition, and consumer matters, regulatory matters, and contract disputes. Carolyn has represented clients in proceedings before various Courts and Tribunals, including the Federal Court and the High Court.

Carolyn prides herself in being pragmatic and outcomes focused. She understands how important it is to consider her clients commercial and other objectives and to deal with disputes in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible. Carolyn Meighan

Carolyn Meighan

WA Women in Franchising Committee
Chris White

Chris is an experienced Finance Broker and specialist with an extensive history in public sector finance and the finance industry. In essence, Chris White knows money.

As a dedicated family man, Chris pours his heart into everything he does. You will find him open, trustworthy and knowledgeable about finance. Whatever your franchise finance needs, you can trust that Chris will do his utmost best to assist you.

Chris understands his role is not to sell finance. Rather, he sees his role as helping you understand your financial goals and how to achieve them. He applies his experience in this nuanced industry to offer practical and effective ways to support you in doing so. People come to Chris (and keep coming back) because of his quality service and personal touch.

BDA Capital is led by Chris himself, and works to research, develop, recommend and implement finance solutions tailored to each of their clients’ needs. To ensure that their clients have the best chance of accessing a suitable funding option, they have built relationships with mainstream and specialist finance providers, as well as a range of second tier and private lenders. Chris White

Chris White

Finance Specialist BDA Capital
John Dorazio

John has over 20 years’ experience working with a broad range of businesses and specialises in assisting SME’s and larger private family groups transitioning intergenerational control, developing growth plans and transitioning to an IPO.

He is dedicated to creating business efficiencies and improve profitability and value through for his clients through the development of bespoke systems, reporting processes, dashboards and data management.

John is passionate about working with sporting organisations, franchise businesses, large family businesses, mining services and health service businesses including private hospitals, pharmacies and medical practices.

 John Dorazio

John Dorazio

Director, Business & Private Client Advisory
Breanna Lane

Breanna Lane is a dynamic retail executive and advocate with over 20 years of experience in commercial retail leasing and management. Breanna’s career is marked by her ability to navigate complex negotiations, manage extensive portfolios, and deliver significant ROI through strategic decision-making and innovative solutions. She has held high-profile roles, including Development Manager at Hungry Jack’s CFAL and Asset Manager at Craveable Brands, demonstrating her expertise in relationship management, business development, and leadership.

As a co-founder of Glossy Boys Pty Ltd, an inclusive e-commerce beauty brand specializing in nail polish for male-identifying individuals, Breanna champions inclusivity within the beauty industry. Her entrepreneurial spirit has grown Glossy Boys into a six-figure business operating in three markets worldwide, securing multiple national media appearances.

Beyond her professional achievements, Breanna is committed to community engagement and social justice. As the Founding Board Chair of The Boxing Project, she promoted inclusivity and self-sufficiency, and she has raised substantial funds for LGBTQIA+ initiatives. Breanna’s advocacy extends to various speaking engagements, where she shares her insights to inspire others.

With a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Western Australia and multiple certifications in marketing and real estate, Breanna combines her expertise with a dedication to positive social impact, making her a transformative leader in retail and beauty. Breanna Lane

Breanna Lane

Development Manager, Hungry Jack’s Pty. Ltd.
James Bryden

Prior to joining Harrison, James ran his own Electronics Business for 25 years, employing 10 staff, and then held a full-time position as Head Coach of the Indonesia National Youth Soccer Team for 2 years.

Through these experiences he realised that when people are able to enjoy their career journey, this cannot help but positively impact the health and well-being of families, businesses, communities, and society in general…For the past 18 years, he has partnered with organisations to recruit and develop managers and employees whose behaviours align with both the specific job requirements and the broader organisational culture.

Coaching & Mentoring Managers and their staff Strategic Talent Management Employee Development & Engagement programs that get resultsIn his spare time, James has a keen interest in exercising, reading, and staying as healthy as he can. James Bryden

James Bryden

Country Manager, Harrison Assessments
Peter Dohnt

Prior to commencing the “Hire A Hubby” business on the 1st of February 2005, Peter had been a self-employed businessperson for thirty years. He became a member of the company director’s association of Australia on 28th November 1983.

In the past 10 years he has operated and owned a passenger truck and mining equipment tyre and exhaust and brake repair outlet in Port Hedland, charter boat tourism business in Broome, Bicton Newspaper delivery license including sales and distribution of newspapers, and Bicton seafood retail outlet company. These operations were carried out from 1992 – 2004. He is also a founding seed capital investor and shareholder in a mining company called Ethan Minerals that was floated on the ASX.

Peter was a founding Partner and Director of Toms Tyres Corporation (TTC) for 27 years. This company started with one retail outlet in Perth and over the years grew to become a national operation with 35 outlets across Darwin, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia and an annual turnover, including wholesale and retail, of approximately $45 million with an advertising and marketing budget of $900k.

Peter assumed a number of executive positions at TTC but primarily that of General Manager of Retail Operations including all marketing, advertising and public relations. The company started franchising its retail outlets in 1990 and Peter continued as Group Manager responsible for 13 metropolitan stores and five franchise outlets. Eventually, the business was sold to Bob Jane T-Mart, a franchised tyre retailer. James Bryden

Peter Dohnt

Owner, Hire A Hubby WA/NT
Rick Hemphill

Rick leads SW’s Software & Digital Advisory services as a Partner in the firms Business & Private Client Advisory Division. He is a subject matter expert in cloud accounting software and has delivered on a range of Power BI reporting projects. He is client and solution focused, driving the projects to deliver the outcomes desired. James Bryden

Rick Hemphill

Director, SW Accountants & Advisors
Mike Barr

Mike Barr has over 45 years’ experience in retail in the UK and Australia. Between 1986 and 2000, Mike and Wendy Barr owned a retail chain of 6 news agencies in Perth including the following:

• Shamrock News, Barrack Street
• Doogues, Murray Street
• Forrest Chase, Forrest Chase
• London Court News, St George’s Terrace
• Cloisters News, Hay Street

With the exception of Shamrock News, all outlets were run and managed by the two simultaneously as one group, and all the shops underwent extensive refits during that time. The outlets in London Court and Forrest Chase were new sites and Mike and Wendy were responsible for designing these stores and implementing their fitting out. In recent years the Barrs have been involved in the development of the Caffissimo business.

Mike Barr’s specific expertise is in the area of cafe site selection, coffee roasting and general management of the Caffissimo business. James Bryden

Mike Barr

Founder, Caffissimo
Anastasia Gazis

Anastasia is a visionary in sustainable fashion, whose career began in the early 1990s when she founded Eco Clothing. This innovative label was a leader in environmentally friendly and ethically produced garments, using a made-to-order model that minimised waste. By employing a network of party plan consultants, Eco Clothing not only sold unique clothing but also educated consumers about the harmful effects of fast fashion.

After a decade of success with Eco Clothing, Anastasia embraced motherhood, raising three children while expanding her expertise as a fashion lecturer. She applied her skills in design and project management to building family homes and coordinating renovations. Throughout these years, she has remained connected to the manufacturing industry through the family business. In recent years, Anastasia reignited her passion for addressing social and environmental issues through studies in behavioral science and social justice. She now focuses on addressing the fashion industry’s pressing challenges.

Her latest venture, Aeiphoria Pty Ltd, aims to be a key player in Australia's circular fashion industry. Aeiphoria seeks to enhance shared technology and support the textile sector while empowering consumers and micro-producers toward sustainable practices. The company’s first subsidiary, "To the Power of You”, specifically promotes consumer behavioral change and nurtures micro-producers dedicated to slow fashion principles.

Anastasia’s career reflects her deep commitment to transforming the fashion industry through innovation, education, and ethical practices, inspiring meaningful change for a more sustainable future.

 James Bryden

Anastasia Gazis

Founder & CEO, To the Power of You
Brittany Garbutt

  Originally from South Africa, Brittany embarked on a transformative journey when her family relocated to Perth when she was just four years old. Growing up under the guidance of hardworking parents, she developed a strong work ethic from an early age, complemented by an innate flair for creativity and a boundless vision.

Her pursuit of academic excellence led her to secure a "life-changing" scholarship in Curtin University, where she successfully completed degree in Creative Advertising and Graphic Design, Photography, and Illustration. At the tender age of 23, armed with her newfound knowledge and hard-earned savings, Brittany sunk her teeth in a humble pretzel business.

After countless hours perfecting her recipe, Brittany unveiled Pretzel Australia, planting a vibrant pink shipping container in Northbridge, thus opening Australia's most vibrant pink-themed bakery. Today, boasting seven bustling stores in Perth and four more in Victoria, Brittany oversees a dedicated team of 250 individuals, whom she affectionately refers to as her "kids," leading them with her infectious passion for her craft through her delicious, pink phenomenon.

Since its inception in 2017, the exponential growth of Pretzel Australia epitomizes the cult-like following cultivated by this Perth-born enterprise. Selling over 650,000 pretzels annually, Brittany's creation has not only satiated the palates of countless West Australians but has also gained international recognition.

Beyond the doughy delights of Pretzel Australia, Brittany’s creative genius extends to some of Perth's most cherished hotspots including Voodoo Cafe and Voodoo Priestess. Her visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit have taken a simple Western Australian startup into a thriving multimillion-dollar empire, poised for global expansion.

In recognition of her flavorful impact on Western Australia's gastronomic landscape and her unwavering dedication to excellence, Brittany’s remarkable journey deserves to be celebrated, recognizing her as a shining example of leadership and entrepreneurial prowess.

James Bryden

Brittany Garbutt

Founder, Pretzel Australia

FranchisingWA Australian Franchise Conference

  • Wednesday

    18th September 2024

Beaumonde on the Point
Theme: ‘Survive, Adapt, and Thrive’


Welcome:

11am - 12pm

Registration

Session 1:

12pm - 1.50pm

12pm - 12.05pm

Welcome Address


12.05pm - 12.07pm

Event Sponsor Address
– John Dorazio
- Director, SW Accountants & Advisors


12.07pm – 12.10pm

FranchisingWA Updates
Mark Fernandez, CFE - CEO, FranchisingWA


12.10pm - 12:50pm

Keynote Speaker:
Breanna Lane
- Development Manager, Hungry Jack's

Session Title:
How to successfully manage organizational growth through leasing advocacy!

Session Description:
Growth through commercial leasing, relationship management, and community engagement


12:50pm - 1:30pm

Networking Lunch


Session 2:

1.30pm – 4.30pm

1:30pm – 2:00pm

Keynote Speaker:
Rick Hemphill
- Director, SW Accountants & Advisors

Session Title:
Data Driven Insights, through analytics!

Session Description:
A case study using Microsoft Power BI for financial analysis and benchmarking


2.00pm – 2:25pm

Keynote Speaker:
Mike Barr
- Owner & Founder, Caffissimo

Session Title:
Franchising with Fernandez: An interview with Caffissimo Founder Mike Barr

Session Description:
Behind the scenes of one of Perth's franchise brands


2:25pm-2:29pm

WA Women in Franchising (WAWIF):
Carolyn Meighan
- WA Women in Franchising Committee

Session Title:
WA Women in Franchising Update

Session Description:
Updates on the WA Women in Franchising group and their activities

2:30pm - 2:45pm

Refreshments Break (15 min) – Afternoon Tea


 

2:45pm - 3:10pm

Keynote Speaker:
James Bryden
- Country Manager, Harrison Assessments

Session Title:
WisDumb-Driven Leadership for High-Performing Teams

Session Description:
Three pillars of authentic leadership for developing teams


3:10pm - 3:35pm

Expert Franchising Panel:
John Dorazio (SW Accountants & Advisor),
Chris White (BDA Capital),
Dean McAskil (BDA)

Session Title:
Ask the Experts

Session Description:
Bring your questions for our panel of franchise experts


3:35pm - 4:00pm

Franchisor Panel:
Peter Dohnt (Hire A Hubby),
Mike Barr (Caffissimo),
Brittany Garbutt (Pretzel Australia)

Session Title:
Franchisor Panel

Session Description:
What does it mean to be successful in today's world


4:00pm - 4:25pm

Keynote Speaker:
Anastasia Gazis
- Founder & CEO, To the Power of You

Session Title:
The value centred, purpose driven future

Session Description:
Integrating with the circular economy through shared values and common purpose: The only way to ‘survive, adapt and thrive’


4:25pm-4:30pm

Conference Wrap Up and Door Prizes Winners Announcement


Close :

4.30pm - 5.30pm

Networking Cocktail Function

Session Info

Speaker Company Logo Session Title Session Description Session Time

Breanna Lane
Development Manager, Hungry Jack's Pty. Ltd.

How to successfully manage organizational growth through leasing advocacy!

Title:

How to successfully manage organizational growth through leasing advocacy!

Description:

Growth through commercial leasing, relationship management, and community engagement.

12:10pm - 12:50pm
12:10pm - 12:50pm

Rick Hemphill
Director, SW Accountants & Advisors

Data Driven Insights, through analytics!

Title:

Data Driven Insights, through analytics!

Description:

A case study using Microsoft Power BI for financial analysis and benchmarking.

1:30pm - 2:00pm
1:30pm - 2:00pm

Mike Barr
Founder, Caffissimo

Franchising with Fernandez: An interview with Caffissimo founder Mike Barr

Title:

Franchising with Fernandez: An interview with Caffissimo founder Mike Barr

Description:

Behind the scenes of one of Perth's Franchise Brands

2:00pm - 2:25pm
2:00pm - 2:25pm

Carolyn Meighan
WA Women in Franchising Committee

WA Women in Franchising Update

Title:

WA Women in Franchising Update

Description:

Updates on the WA Women in Franchising group and their activities

2:25pm - 2:29pm
2:25pm - 2:29pm

James Bryden
Country Manager, Harrison Assessments

WisDumb-Driven Leadership for High-Performing Teams

Title:

WisDumb-Driven Leadership for High-Performing Teams

Description:

Three pillars of authentic leadership for developing teams

2:45pm - 3:10pm
2:45pm - 3:10pm

Expert Franchising Panel

Ask the Experts

Bring your questions for our panel of franchise experts

3:10pm - 3:35pm

Expert Franchising Panel

Ask the Experts

Bring your questions for our panel of franchise experts

3:10pm - 3:35pm

Franchisor Panel

Franchisor Panel

What does it mean to be successful in today's world

3:35pm - 4:00pm

Franchisor Panel

Franchisor Panel

What does it mean to be successful in today's world

3:35pm - 4:00pm

Anastasia Gazis
Founder & CEO, To the Power of You

The value centred, purpose driven future

Title:

The value centred, purpose driven future

Description:

Integrating with the circular economy through shared values and common purpose: The only way to ‘survive, adapt and thrive’

4:00pm - 4:25pm
4:00pm - 4:25pm

Our Sponsors

For Conference Sponsorship Opportunities, please contact us at admin@franchisingwa.com.au or call us direct on on 08 9228 9812

 

Event Sponsor

 
 


VIP Sponsor

VIP Sponsor

Photography Sponsor

Media Sponsor

Alliance Partner

Afternoon Tea Sponsor

 

Terms and Conditions

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