Paul Armstrong - Retail Partner

Why APCO?

Back in 2009, I had been looking for a small business to purchase. I knew someone that had recently gone into an APCO store and, after six months, couldn’t fault the formula. I still remember taking the big step all those years ago, stepping away from a weekly paying job. It was a huge decision, but looking back it was the best decision I have made in my career.

APCO is a well-structured company with a motivation to succeed, and the support office is there to help Retail Partners achieve their sales goals. You become your own boss, but have a good support system to back you up including marketing, purchasing power and Business Managers that actively help grow your business. And the system is tried and tested: it works.

Your work history

Prior to joining APCO, I had spent 20 years in the retail area. This included working in a retail environment as well as being a rep for a liquor company, in both corporate and independent retailers.

Benefits and rewards

Where do I start? Obviously, it has been rewarding financially, following the system that is given to us as Retail Partners and making it work. I think also the many skills that you pick up along the way such as management of staff, customer service, stock control, running the financials of the business – all of which hold good for a varied and challenging career.

Highlights to date

The key success and highlight is continually growing sales, in both the Albury and Wodonga sites. Whilst in Albury I was the second place in the APCO Network Store of the Year; and in Wodonga the site came third in the Network. Both results are rewarding in that you are being recognised by the company for overall performance.

Word to the wise

As a Retail Partner at APCO, if you are prepared to put in, you will be rewarded.

It is a big learning curve and it comes with its challenges, but having said that it has been a very rewarding career move. I love being in charge of my employment and also the variety of roles that I perform.

There is also plenty of support from APCO along the way – from HR support to retail support, there is someone there to help if you have an issue.

Paul Armstrong - Retail Partner