Exceed: Recognising Long-Term Success in Windows and Doors

Exceed’s story began in Wellington in 1991, when founders Karen and David Dovey saw a gap in the market: aluminium joinery manufacturers were not set up to provide effective after-sales maintenance for windows and doors. As aluminium joinery became more common through the 1980s and naturally began to age, demand for specialist repair and maintenance services grew and Exceed grew with it.

More than 30 years on, Exceed is recognised as New Zealand’s market leader in window and door repairs and maintenance, providing reliable solutions for most window, door, conservatory joinery and security issues. The company has expanded to a national network of franchise owners supported by a strong central team, and in 2021 joined Smith&Smith® and Laser® as part of the Belron NZ Group – adding further depth and resources behind the brand.

At the heart of Exceed is a clear culture captured in the K.I.T. values: Knowledge, Integrity and Teamwork. Knowledge drives respect, fairness and development; integrity underpins accountability; and teamwork fuels innovation and continuous improvement. The franchise vision is to create a team where everyone works hard and smart for mutual benefit, with franchise owners encouraged to think and act like business owners while collaborating rather than competing. The core business, as the support office puts it, is helping franchise owners succeed.

Exceed also stands out for offering a complete solution. Franchise owners provide repairs, maintenance, upgrades and security services for windows and doors, alongside an evolving range of seasonal products such as retractable insect screens, security doors, EVS Triple Glazing and draught stops. As customer needs have changed, Exceed has developed efficient business systems, cloud-based CRM tools and a coordinated marketing strategy to keep pace with demand.

Behind every local owner sits a comprehensive support structure. The support office team includes general management, IT, systems and training, parts specialists, marketing and a customer care centre that handles enquiries and allocates jobs directly to franchisees via the CRM platform. New owners work through a tailored induction covering everything from quoting and business planning to hands-on repair training, with ongoing conferences, roadshows and workshops to keep skills and performance growing.

This mix of experience, systems and support was reflected at the 30th Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards, where the country’s franchise community gathered at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel to celebrate excellence across a $47 billion sector. Exceed was represented among the Home & Lifestyle Franchisee of the Year finalists, with Tracy and Conrad Kirk of Exceed Hawke’s Bay recognised for their performance alongside other leading home services brands.

Exceed’s long-term strength was further highlighted in the Long Tenure Franchisee Recognition segment. Three franchise owners were acknowledged for more than 15 years in business: Paul and Lee Brumby (Rodney West & Takapuna – 25 years), Craig Burrows (Wellington CBD, Wellington South, Kāpiti Coast & Karori – 20 years) and Dave Impey (Hamilton West – 15 years). Their longevity underlines the stability of the business model and the enduring relationships built in their local communities.

Although Exceed did not take home a category trophy this year, its presence among the finalists and long-tenure honourees sends a clear message: this is a mature, respected franchise with a proven track record. For prospective franchise owners, the combination of strong market demand, established systems, national marketing and a collaborative network offers a compelling platform to “open your window of opportunity” and build a long-term, lifestyle-friendly business with the backing of New Zealand’s leading window and door repair brand.