A BURTON businessman who has helped transform the fortunes of several successful companies is on a mission to support and challenge others.
Tony Prueitt is celebrating his first year as owner of ActionCOACH Derby and was recently commended for his efforts, being hailed as one of 11 breakthrough stars by ActionCOACH; the international business coaching firm which is approaching its 30th year.
One of his proudest moments in a 30-year career with Stanley Black & Decker – the global manufacturer of industrial tools and household hardware – is transforming Mac Tools Europe into hugely profitable franchise business.
But while Tony is humbled to have been recognised by his peers, he says that he gets far greater satisfaction from seeing the success of others including clients Fox Vintage Wholesale, an up-and-coming clothing business, and Derby giftbox company Colleague Box, who he has worked with in the past.
ActionCOACH Derby owner Tony Prueitt with wife Vanessa (left) and daughter Fran.
“I was absolutely over the moon for Natalie Bamford (Managing Director of Colleague Box) for winning the Business Woman of the Year award at the Enterprising Women Awards recently,” said Tony, who runs his business from the Anson Court Business Centre, in Burton.
“What she and husband Adam have achieved is incredible; they saw a gap in the market and set up their personalised letterbox gift business during the first UK lockdown, at a time when we all needed something to smile about.
“They have a good, experienced team around them, and it is a joy watching them grow.
“I’m also incredibly proud of clients Fox Vintage Wholesale, a Derby-based family business who sell vintage clothing – brands like Champion, North Face and Ralph Lauren – to small start-ups, high street stores and online retailers around the world. They have also won an industry award, which is fantastic news.”
Tony and his team specialise in working with small businesses and corporate executives in South Derbyshire and they’re keen to bust the myth that only those who need support from a business coach.
He cites Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, reigning Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, former US president Barack Obama and ex-Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson – arguably one of the greatest football managers of all time – as successful people who work with coaches.
“Lewis Hamilton regularly credits his coach, Angela Cullen, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s coach – Frank Dick – has also worked with some of the most successful sports people ever, people like Seb Coe and tennis ace, Boris Becker,” said Tony.
ActionCOACH Derby owner Tony Prueitt with his dog, Buddy
“At the top tier of just about any sort of endeavour, you’ll find that the performers have coaches.
“I have a business coach who helps me, too. Coaching is for those who are good but who want to be great, people who are ambitious and want to build up their business. The paradox is that the very things that hold us back from choosing to hire a business coach are the reasons we need a coach in the first place.
“We work with clients that have a growth mindset and are seeking to bring structure, focus and accountability to their business goals and plan. We challenge and support to instil belief and confidence in their vision, purpose and values which, in turn, delivers growth.
“We saw a boom in entrepreneurs during lockdown as people began to reassess their work/life balance and now, almost two years later, things are getting more serious and we’re here to help restore belief, to create an environment that inspires people to become the very best version of themselves.”
Tony left the corporate world to spend more time with his family – wife Vanessa, daughters Francesca and Isabella and their dalmatian, Buddy – and says that setting up on his own, under the hugely successful ActionCOACH umbrella, has helped to bring the Prueitt family closer together.
Francesca currently works with her dad at ActionCOACH as general manager while Vanessa, who has a background in banking and customer service, plays a key role behind the scenes.
Fran and Tony Prueitt of ActionCOACH Derby at their Burton office.
Fran started out in a part-time admin for ActionCOACH, loved the positive difference it makes to people’s lives and decided to go full time to help promote the business. Fran is now a very important cog in the family business,” said Tony, “she still lives at home with Vanessa and I – for the time being – and it can sometimes be difficult to switch off, but that’s only because we care about the work we do and want our business to be a success.
“We have built a solid business to date focusing on coaching business owners one-to-one as well as their executive leadership teams. We will shortly be launching our group coaching programme called ActionCLUB based at our office conference facilities – an opportunity for business owners to network, learn and benefit from accountability coaching.
“It will be brilliant to work with more young entrepreneurs. Derby appears to be a hot-bed of talent and I would love to help these businesses to grow, just like we’ve helped Fox Vintage Wholesale to flourish.”
ENDS
For further information, contact Kerry Ganly at Penguin PR on 07734 723951 or email [email protected]
