Franchise Woman of the Year Reveals Juggling Act in Male Dominated Arena

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. 12 JULY 2013 - Debb Meyer has seen the franchise industry from all angles. She’s advised franchise groups across numerous industries and now is an integral part of the unique Australian franchise Narellan Pools - a role that has seen her recently named the NSW/ACT Franchise Woman of the Year.

This achievement honours Debb’s dedication to the franchise industry and celebrates her ability to marry the demanding and often conflicting roles of career woman and mother.

“This award is representative of the things women can achieve. We really can do extraordinary things. Determination and self-belief is something I’m really passionate about” said Debb at the Franchising Awards Gala Dinner.

Debb first realised the importance of self-belief when she was a young girl, and has felt developing people to realise their full potential is what she was meant to be doing with her life. Debb has infused this passion into her career, with themes of ‘bringing the best out of people’ and ‘encouraging people out of their comfort zones’ prevalent in her roles across the many National franchise networks Debb has been involved with.

“Debb’s contributed invaluable experience and knowledge to the Narellan Pools strategic business development, and is in possession of an abundance of qualities that deserve recognition. With Debb’s input, Narellan Pools has seen significant changes in the way we operate to become a better, smarter business”, said General Manager Franchise Andrew Latta.

In her role as strategic advisor and board member of Narellan Pools, Debb has helped to grow the award winning franchise business with her husband and business partner Chris Meyer.  Debb has found a way to navigate the demanding role of leading an international company while integrating her important role as a mother.

While Debb has experienced the highest of highs in her career, she has suffered the most devastating lows.  Debb and Chris tragically lost their first son Xavier with Debb almost losing her life also. The tragic death of her beloved son forced Debb to rediscover her mantra of personal empowerment which she has helped foster in so many people. In her darkest hour, she made a decision not to let Xavier’s death see her fade away, to lose who she was. From that moment, she started clawing her way back; including launching Xavier’s legacy to the world; Xavier Bear. Debb is actively involved in the Bears of Hope Pregnancy and Infant Loss charity, helping to raise awareness for those suffering infant loss, a beautiful reflection of her desire to help others and ability to turn a tragic situation into something constructive and meaningful.  

Now a mother to baby daughter Eliza, Debb has deepened her passion of developing women within the realms of supporting them to juggle their many roles; woman, career woman, wife and mother.

Debb is now in contention to take out the National Award as part of the Franchise Council of Australia’s 2013 Excellence in Franchising Awards. The objective and rigorous judging process applied to the NSW/ACT finalist awards will be amplified for the NAB FCA National Excellence in Franchising Awards. The sold out event, which will announce the National Winner for Franchise Women of the Year 2013, will be held at Jupiters Hotel and Casino on Tuesday 22 October. For more information on the FCA Franchising Awards visit http://www.franchise.org.au/awards.html

- ENDS -