After almost half a century of operating the local Poolmart at the Kenmore Village Shopping Centre, Mr Damon Bickle was joined by friends and fellow small business owners for a celebratory morning tea, ahead of his retirement this month.
In many ways, Mr Bickle was a pioneer of looking after the great Australian backyard swimming pool, having started his pool servicing business in 1970 in Kenmore. A few short years later, he established a business presence in the Kenmore Village Shopping Centre, where the business has continuously operated for 47 years.
In that time, Mr Bickle has also operated 9 retail centres across Queensland.
Speaking at the morning tea, Dr Christian Rowan MP, the State Member for Moggill, acknowledged the lifetime of work and service by Mr Bickle to the western suburbs community.
“Since I was a young child growing up in Kenmore, I can still remember coming to the Kenmore Village Shopping Centre with my family and seeing Damon, busy as always, with his business.
“Damon is something of a local small business icon for our community, which is why I was delighted to present, on behalf of the Moggill electorate, a special Community Service Award recognising Damon’s outstanding small business contribution and service to our local area,” Dr Rowan said.
On receiving his award, Mr Bickle offered his thanks to the many people that have helped make his business the success that it is.
“Much of the credit for the goodwill and successful operation of the business over all these years belongs to my former partner, and partner in business, Barbara Bickle.
“Over the years we have employed literally hundreds of people, many of whom I’m proud to say have been locals, and there’s nothing better than seeing the young ones you employ go on and achieve great things for their own careers.” Mr Bickle said.
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