A family-run power tool shop that was devastated by fire earlier this year has received bittersweet recognition for its business efforts.
Andrew and Catherine Kendray’s Stihl Shop in Nambour was gutted by the fire in February. They have been unable to return since, instead operating from makeshift premises.
But in positive news, the Kendrays have been named as Stihl’s statewide regional dealer of the year, recognising their outstanding business practices and principles.
“It’s great to be acknowledged for the hard work our team has delivered in the past year,” they said.
The couple, along with their daughters Dana, Rebecca and Georga, also share their gardening expertise through their podcast, The Contractors Club.
Georga said the recovery from the devastating fire had been tough for the whole family.
“The effect that the fire has had on our business and ourselves has been extremely challenging,” she told Sunshine Coast News.
“Because we are a family business, all of us has felt the impact and it’s honestly been really hard. To not only have your place of work turn upside-down but also your families’ lives is heartbreaking, and I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.
“In saying that, we are extremely lucky to have each other through this hard time to lean on for support.
“I think half the reason I started the podcast with dad was to take our minds off what was happening and express our emotions in a positive way.
“I think this experience has taught me how important it is to check in on your mates and family.
“Everyone has their own battles that you wouldn’t even suspect because they hide it so well.
“I’ve seen both my family and I struggle immensely mentally since the fire and if we weren’t such a close-knit and supportive bunch, I’m not sure if we would all be here today.
“Be kind and take the time to make sure your loved ones are doing okay.”
Georga said continuing to run the business had been difficult.
“The recovery process honestly hasn’t even begun yet, it’s more like we’re still in crisis mode,” she said.
“We are operating out of multiple buildings and shipping containers, which makes things difficult to say the least. To find something so simple can turn into a challenge as you’ve got to figure out where it would have been put in the first place.
“It’s taken so long to start repairs on the building due to insurance drawing out the process as long as possible. They fired the loss adjuster about five months into the claim and started from scratch – meaning they had to get another engineer to come and assess the building as well as the builders to do quotes again.
“Things won’t be normal again until the building is repaired, which will hopefully be before Christmas.”
She paid tribute to the community support the family had received to help them recover from the fire.
“The community of Nambour has been incredible,” Georga said.
“The support we have received since the fire truly highlighted what a beautiful place Nambour is and that it is filled with compassionate and selfless people.
“We are so lucky and we really appreciate how understanding our customers have been throughout this time. There’s no other place on the Sunshine Coast that we would want to be a part of.”
Stihl marketing director Joanne Katsos said the efforts of the Kendrays was inspirational.
“The Stihl dealer of the year award recognises those who have gone above and beyond for the brand and for their local community,” she said. “We thank them for their passion for providing customers with premium products and service excellence.
“We congratulate Andrew and Catherine, and their team, on winning the 2022 Stihl award. Their performance in the varying areas of sales, marketing and service make them nothing short of exceptional.”
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