There are 3 significant dates in Colin Fribbens life – 1989, 2005 and 2009. In 1989, as a biker, he walked into a courier office and in true BNI fashion said ‘I need a referral – where am I going to deliver your next item?’ His lust for the open road on his Kawasaki made him a star delivery guy and it was not long before he was running the show.
After a 17-year apprenticeship with an owner who he deeply respected he formed his own courier company. And now, just 4 years later, the award of Best Small Business in Exeter Award 2009 is his latest honour. Each year the FSB hold these awards and they are a signal to great small businesses. Congratulations flooded into Colin’s office from customers and BNI members when the news broke. In support Nigel Hillier, Chairman Exeter FSB said “he works long hours to provide a quality service and product, often without recognition”
“The Awards identify great customer service, dedication and reliability”
The Lord Mayor of Exeter presented the awards. In his address he told the owners and staff of the businesses “On behalf of the city I want to thank you for the tremendous job you are doing during this long recession”,
“I aim to give a best same day service in the area. When I entered this competition I never dreamt that I had a chance of Gold. It goes to show that a little determination and a positive target gets results” said Colin. “Being a member of BNI has taught me a lot about presentation and business. Without my membership I would not have progressed so far and so fast” he went on to say.
Perhaps members spotted his success earlier than the award as they made him Education guru. Every Thursday Rougemont Chapter welcome his individual style and comments. His motto could be “do not do as I say, do as I do”. His chiding of the regional Director is typical. The director, having spent 10 minutes talking about referrals, Colin noted that every member had brought some. “So you don’t have a referral” he said to Clive. The chagrin of it all! A timely lesson to members from Colin.
