Cam and Kat have their hands full. With four children under 11 and four stores to run, stretching from Taupo to the Tron, they are no strangers to hard work and perseverance. Opening their first store in 2008, 12 years on, Cam is still entrenched in the daily operations of BurgerFuel’s Frankton, Rototuna and Five Cross Roads stores. BurgerFuel Taupo is run by shareholder, Cain. Previously a dedicated and driven staff member, he operates the store with enthusiasm and care, leaning on Cam for his experience and knowledge as needed.
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of what Cam brings to BurgerFuel as a franchisee is his ability to lead a team of young employees. He provides clear expectations and direction, balanced with unwavering support. His leadership has fostered loyalty, comradery and an exceptional culture that is held up as a model that other franchisees aspire to attain. So much so, that his staff endearingly refer to the wider team as, ‘The Cam Fam’ (#Camfam). Aw!
The concept of hospitality as a career pathway is one that Cam wholeheartedly supports and it is demonstrated when sitting in on a store manager meeting and being surrounded by a group of young people all motivated to succeed within the business and beyond. Or take the time to chat to Cain running the Taupo store and learn more about the opportunities that were put in front of him as a keen young staff member, wanting to own his own business.
Under Cam’s directive, community involvement is paramount and the staff are all in. With an active promotions team, you will regularly see the Cam Fam out and about, getting amongst promoting new product launches, or activating at events and driving local brand awareness (like Waikato Uni O-weeks or BurgerFuel Cruise Nights). They keenly promote both the burgers and the pillars of the brand – car (Speed & Custom), creative (Creative, Sweet) and music (Radio BurgerFuel) culture. “I enjoy seeing my staff loving their jobs all whilst getting involved in everything else we do. We’re more than just great burgers and we love the opportunity to let customers know what we’re all about”.
Now a Hamilton local for the past four years, he’s hard to miss, owning, not one, but two BurgerFuel custom classics - a 1971 Ford Ranchero and 1969 Plymouth Barracuda (not to mention a BurgerFuel branded Trike that his staff hoon around on at events). He recommends the 4 Seasons River Run – a series of fun runs and walks in Hamilton, year-round, designed to get people outdoors and bring the community together. The perfect solution to a work/life balance when you own four burger joints.
#Camfam
BurgerFuel Five Cross Roads: 230 Peachgrove Road, Claudelands, Hamilton | Ph: (07) 855 0088 | Sun – Thurs: 10am – 10pm | Fri: 10am – 11pm
BurgerFuel Frankton: 85 Greenwood Street, Frankton, Waikato | Ph: (07) 846 0334 | Sun – Thurs: 11am – 10pm | Fri: 11am – 12am | Sat: 11am – 11pm
BurgerFuel Rototuna: Countdown Centre, Horsham Downs Road, Rototuna | Ph: (07) 829 4555 | Sun – Thurs: 11am – 9pm | Fri – Sat: 11am – 10pm
BurgerFuel Taupo: 2 Roberts Street, Taupo | (07) 378 0002 | Sun – Thurs: 9am – 9pm | Fri – Sat: 9am – 10pm