Sherpa Group’s Chief Sherpa, Vicki Prout, has been named the Franchise Council of Australia South Australian Franchise Woman of the Year for the fourth time, after winning the award in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

After spending a decade in the Navy, Vicki decided to enter the small business arena and bought a pet food delivery company. Her franchising journey took off when she became the International Development and Marketing Manager for Cartridge World, giving her real-life experience franchising in more than 40 countries.

With a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the franchising sector she started her own consultancy Sherpa Group in June 2009.

Vicki says she has learned many valuable skills along the way but determination, motivation, and self-reliance have been the contributing factors to her successes so far and acknowledges that winning this award again is just as exciting as the first time she won in 2006.

“It’s still very exciting to be named South Australian Franchise Woman of the Year even if it is the fourth time around," Vicki says.

“I am truly passionate about this industry, I live, breathe, and eat franchising, and I strongly believe in guiding people throughout their franchising journey.

"Although owning your own company is hard work I feel very lucky and can honestly say I absolutely love my job - how many people can say that!”

Sherpa Group has become a national and international consultancy with offices in Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Auckland, and London.

Sherpa Group offers a variety of products and services including Workshops, Viability Studies, System Development, International Growth Strategies, International Manual Preparation, Documentation, Training and Recruitment, Branding and Marketing Strategies, and Mentoring and Support Services.