Kwik copying with longer-term client relationships

SIGNING contracts to takeover Bakery Hill’s Kwik Kopy last December, Stewart Hynes didn’t know the economic challenges on the horizon.

But with a 20-year financial advisory background, he hit the ground running as operator in June, enjoying his new venture, which he said is “very dynamic.”

“It’s a challenge to change the mindset, but it’s exciting. A few of the things that resonated with me is the fact its only had two owners in 26 years, so that speaks volumes of its good, active, loyal client base,” he said.

“There’s always something different going on. It’s a steep learning curve because I’ve come from a different industry, but I have a great team I can lean on, get answers from and find solutions with.

“The brand is very strong and that will stand us in good stead when the business environment turns more positive.”

Bringing financial knowledge to the enterprise, which is a “business to business service” working daily for clients challenged by the COVID-19 climate, Mr Hynes encourages people to focus on the things they can control.

“You can’t control the external pandemic, but what you can control is relationships with existing clients, and that’s where I’ve started,” he said.

“Stay connected, don’t put your head in the sand. Existing clients will be the first ones that come out of the dark hole, in maybe six or 12 months, and back to what they know.

“Even though marketing, meeting and greeting is challenging, you’ve just got to keep talking to clients, make sure they know you’re around, you’re still open for business and ready when they are.”