Maxine Prime owns the Manawatu Regional Franchise. She drives herself hard because she enjoys her business and wants to be successful. The reward is that if she's successful, the others around her will also enjoy the same success. "There is no reason why a woman cannot achieve this. Certainly any woman who is prepared not to let men dominate can do it. And don't be frightened to say what you think." Her prime day-to-day responsibility is to ensure freight keeps moving. Nothing remains undelivered and the office is efficient. Keeping the systems flowing efficiently involves everyone working together as a team. Maxine investigated the option of buying a courier franchise of her own but ended up buying the whole Palmerston North Regional Franchise. There are now 14 Courier Franchisees within her network.

Malcolm Goldsworthy has been with Fastway Couriers in excess of 10 years. In that time, he has progressed from Courier Franchisee to Regional Franchisee. Malcolm took up the opportunity to purchase the Fastway Wairarapa regional franchise (depot based in Masterton) in 1996. In the seven years that Malcolm has been a Regional Franchisee, Fastway Wairarapa has gained a commanding market share in the Wairarapa territory. Malcolm has been able to continue building his regional franchise in terms of both profitability and sales. "With some hard work and persistence, the rewards that come from owning a Fastway regional franchise are great", says Malcolm. "That is what has made it so worthwhile for me moving from Courier Franchisee to Regional Franchisee".

Award winning Regional Franchisees Graham and Denise Clarke have been with Fastway Couriers for over 14 years now. Firstly in the capacity of Courier Franchisee for 5 years where the key to their success was the big personality they portrayed, being customer service focused and being a good communicator. Then the opportunity to purchase the Fastway Wanganui Regional Franchise was realised and they have not looked back since. With sales growth being in the double digits for the last four years, a large volume increase to their customer base and a national award under their belt (Westpac Franchise Association of New Zealand Master Regional Franchisee of the Year 2006) the question asked is what is their secret to success? “It would have to be the combination of compliance within the Fastway franchise system and the dedicated service we provide”, says Graham. “Owning the franchises we have with Fastway have helped us realise many personal goals also”, says Graham. “This year we have purchased our dream touring bike – Boulevard 1500cc. Next on the list it to take our two children on a holiday overseas to see the world!”

New Zealand's 'Face of Fastway' Dean Ferguson took on a Fastway courier franchise in order to fulfil his dream of being self employed, and determine his own earnings and future. “My short term business goal is to ensure a strong relationship with my customers as a means to grow the level of business we do together. I intend to increase my turnover through this strategy.” Dean saw the franchise structure of Fastway – with the accompanying support and assistance – as the ideal way to achieve his goals. “The Fastway system offers back up and support of a level that small business people simply can’t provide for themselves. For example, the sales assistance, national advertising and local marketing tools that are provided would be beyond the reach of an individual courier operator.” Dean is one of 1000 plus franchisees that operate within the Fastway franchise system, and sees the ongoing growth and success of the business as further reassurance that he made the right decision to purchase his franchise. “I was impressed with the number of awards Fastway has won, and I liked the fact that the company has operated since 1983. That showed me that they have a formula for success, and I wanted to be part of that,” he said. And he has found that Fastway has proved to be a good investment.

Former small business consultant Malick Mather has found the ideal vehicle to grow his own business, by becoming a Fastway Courier Franchisee. With forty new customers a month signing up for Malick’s service he is certainly well on the way to achieving his long term business goals. “The demand for the service is so extraordinary that I’ve already purchased another two franchises, and my entire family has become involved,” he said. “This is an opportunity too good to miss,” he continues, and “I have a very specific vision for the sales growth I plan to achieve with my franchise.” Malick sees his role as helping businesses to change the way they manage their deliveries; saving them money on what they currently pay for their own drivers being the key proposition, but also assisting them to further expand and develop through the provision of his efficient, easy to use, and competitively priced, service. “It isn’t often that an opportunity comes along to be involved at the grass roots level of a new business concept,” he said, “and to see the rapid take up in the South African marketplace is very exciting indeed.” National Master Franchisee for the Fastway Couriers brand in South Africa, Mark van Niekerk agrees. “Coming from a background in the transport industry I can attest to Malick’s comments that the Fastway concept is indeed a unique offering in the South African marketplace.” Mr van Niekerk says that there are now over 40 Courier Franchisees based at the Pretoria and Johannesburg depots, but that number needs to double in the short term in order to cope with the existing customer base as well as the expected growth. Fastway Couriers South Africa is currently operating in Pretoria and Johannesburg but has plans to expand nationally long term.

"Piet & Annatjie Loots joined Fastway Johannesburg in August 2010 obtaining Kempton Park East franchise. During September 2010 we purchased the Pomona franchise. Pomona has grown dramatically and are running with two vechicles to service customers the Fastway. Piet is now consulting in both areas as from mid September 2011 and Kempton Park East has grown with six new customers since. Our moto is to service the customer to their requirements and the rest of the sales will grow automatically without attempting to over sell at the first sale. Emphases on SERVICE. When we joined Fastway a year ago services to Johannesburg & Pretoria were rendered. The growth is there as Fastway is now also servicing Gauteng outlying areas, Durban and Cape Town with Bloemfontein, Polokwane, Rustenburg and Klerksdorp regional franchises operating locally with a link to Johannesburg in the very near future. Work hard to grow your business and the fruits will appear. This is not a get rich overnight venture."

Dewaal van Wyk’s courier business is growing steadily, despite recession setbacks. He mentioned that the following reasons have been critical to his success. Following the Fastway system and applying the saturation marketing process has made the difference between success and failure. This unique marketing system has been tried and tested in 8 other countries around the world. He has followed the system since day one and is reaping the rewards. He formulates a comprehensive list of questions for all his clients in order for him to be well prepared to provide efficient and consistent service. Dewaal is well aware that getting to know your clients needs is essential to the success of any business. Dewaal’s commitment to his customers and his overall positive attitude is what gets him a step ahead. He places emphasis on friendliness, honesty, good people skills and building strong customer relationships. Dewaal’s motto in his business is that anything is possible if you are willing to go the extra mile for your customers.