The National Retail Association is excited to welcome our new National Relationships Manager, Colin Fruk, to our team.
Colin will be leading and nurturing all relationships with our members and partners, and focussing on delivering an even higher level of service and attention within our valued network.
Colin Fruk is an accomplished and well-respected membership executive who has a track record of strengthening associations and profit-for-purpose businesses including the American Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Commerce & Industry Qld (CCIQ). Most notably, he played a central part in CCIQ’s growth, doubling membership and revenue over eight years, and representing the small business sector through the emergency response phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Colin says he is excited about the opportunity to work more specifically with retailers across the country.
“The retail sector is the beating heart of our economy, giving jobs and financial security to so many Australians; it’s critical the industry has a voice which represents them accurately and the backing of a professionally-run association,” he said.
“Retailers know they have to be creative and adaptable to win in business, and this couldn’t be truer given some of the headwinds which are forecast for the coming year. I’ll be working across the NRA team to make sure members gets the advice and insights they need to give them every possible advantage, when the need it, to buck these predictions in 2023 and beyond.”
Over the course of his career, Colin has built a reputation as a positive, energetic and collaborative leader, something he chalks up to being raised in a small business family.
“My old man was a small-time builder for more than 30 years, and while there were definitely good times in our household, there were plenty of tough times too. Working hard, keeping your word, and getting the best out of a team – these values drive retail success, and I’m counting on the same values to grow our Association as well.”
Colin was the first in his family to attend university, graduating with a Bachelor of Business. He started his career in not-for-profit marketing with the Endeavour Foundation and the Abused Child Trust, and later worked as GM Marketing for Queensland Theatre Company. For a short time he ran a digital marketing agency and he has also been chief of staff for a Federal Government minister. He lives in Brisbane with his wife Ivett, son Xavier and labradoodle Barkley.
NRA members are welcome to contact Colin anytime on 0409 622 297 or c.fruk@nra.net.au.