How Kurri Kurri local Laura Johnson turned her family’s country pub from a hotel facing an uncertain future, to a global brand and multi-award nominated business in just two years.
To some it could look like a case of David and Goliath, as local Kurri pub the Chelmsford Hotel comes up against a list of business giants in three finalist categories of the 2019 Hunter Region Business Excellence Awards.
But chat with hotelier and business entrepreneur, Laura Johnson for a few minutes and you will soon see why the little hotel that could, is certainly destined for greatness.
The hotel is a finalist in the categories of Hospitality & Tourism, Customer Service, and Laura herself is up for Business Woman of the Year.
"It's very humbling to think that in this area you are seen to be making a contribution that is bigger than yourself," she said.
"I love to be able to help and support other people. I'm still a bit floored to be even nominated as there's some really deserving business women in the final.
"But in saying that, I would like to think I have found the right balance between business success and being a good human being, and what I mean by that is always making choices in line with my values as a person, a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a mother, and a member of this community."
"I would like to think I have found the right balance between business success and being a good human being, and what I mean by that is always making choices in line with my values as a person, a wife, a friend, a sister, a daughter, a mother, and a member of this community..."
And her nomination is certainly well-deserved.
Two years ago, Laura and her husband Jay Jay were running a successful transport company, raising four children, and dealing with life's ups and downs. Then Laura received news her brother was ill and the family pub was facing uncertainty.
"Even though I had a full-time job running our transport company, I knew it was up to me to save our hotel," she said.
"Over a two-year period I have fortunately been able to bring us to the point where we are now able to invest in renovations. This is all while maintaining a marriage, raising four children, and running our transport company.
"In fact, for the past two years I haven't even taken a wage from the Chelly. I just wanted to save it."
