National hydraulic hose, fittings, and service organisation, Hydraulink, recently hosted its annual conference and awards night to recognise high achievers in the network.

With Hydraulink network partners, franchisees and HSSTs (Hydraulink Sales and Service Technicians) all showing their “Best Under Pressure” attitude, it was tough competition to take out this year’s awards.

“I’d like to thank everyone who participated in the conference, and everyone in the Hydraulink family that embraces the can-do attitude and goes above and beyond for our customers on a daily basis,” said Hydraulink Australia Managing Director, Denis Matulin.

“It was hard to pick between so many hard workers, but in the end, we found three exemplary examples that truly deserved recognition this year,” he said

Network partner of the year – Hunter Valley Hydraulink

Hunter Valley Hydraulink Manager, Shane Goodwin, has served his region for more than 18 years, where a focus on service has helped drive expansion over that time.

“I wasn’t expecting this, but I’m incredibly proud to receive this award, in a field with so many quality Hydraulink partners. We’ve got a fantastic crew at Hunter Valley Hydraulink, and this is recognition of their above-and-beyond attitude,” said Shane.

Shane and his team service a diverse range of industries, including mining, agriculture, engineering, earthmoving, and civil works (including a new bypass and a highway re-direction).

“Customers value prompt service and quality product. We get some tricky enquiries, but nothing goes in the ‘too hard basket’ – we do what we can to help each and every person that comes to us, and I think that’s what sets Hydraulink apart in the industry,” says Shane, who adds that his region is booming and Hunter Valley Hydraulink is looking to expand again, with opportunities for staff with a “can do” attitude to join the Hydraulink family.

“The conference gave us the chance to chat with likeminded Hydraulink staff from across the country so that we could share knowledge and interesting problems.

“Our aim now is to not only maintain this standard of excellence, but to continually improve and keep delivering for the Hunter Valley region.”

 HSST of the year – Jonathan Gaske (Southern Downs Hydraulink)

Southern Downs HSST Jonathan Gaske has been with the Hydraulink network for more than two years, and was pleasantly surprised to receive this award.

“As a smaller, country-based HSST, I wasn’t expecting this – with some of the bigger Hydraulink operators in city areas having a larger scale than I do – but we all share the same focus on unwavering customer service,” says Jonathan.

In the Southern Downs area, Jonathan services industries such as agriculture, earthmoving, renewables (including new wind farms being installed), hobby farms, and quarries.

“The customers really value our mobile service, which wasn’t available previously. They used to have to take the time to bring the machinery into a workshop for repairs, causing costly downtime. Now I can come out to them, and they can keep using other machinery while I work on the one that needs maintenance,” he says.

“For me, one of the greatest assets of being part of the Hydraulink network is being able to connect with others, and share knowledge. The conference was a great opportunity to make these new connections. Sometimes you have a new problem to solve, and someone within the Hydraulink family has faced a similar situation, so they can provide valuable advice.”

New Franchisee of the year – Gold Coast Hydraulink

Gold Coast Hydraulink owners Tim and Katrina Phillips joined the network in May 2022, and have already built up a reputation for customer care and maximising uptime.

“The award was great recognition that we’re doing something right,” says Tim, who adds that customers have given similar positive feedback, and that’s the most important of all.

“It’s a credit to the fantastic team here at Hydraulink Gold Coast – they are what has made our franchise such a success.”

“We take care to look for the little things. Every time we are given a machine to repair, we’ll check that the entire machine is good to go before we give it back – even if our initial job was to change one hydraulic hose,” he says.

Hydraulink Gold Coast services a broad range of industries, including waste management, earthmoving, light vehicles, pressure washing, and small businesses that need minor hydraulic repair work.

“Customers value our machinery knowledge, which allows us to maximise their uptime and get them working again as quickly as possible,” says Tim.

In addition to hydraulic hose repair and emergency work, Hydraulink Gold Coast also provides brake lines, power steering hoses, remanufacturing work, repair and overhaul of cylinders, and supply of hydraulic oil.

“The conference was an excellent chance to meet colleagues from different regions and network, share knowledge, and make valuable connections for the future,” says Tim.