Day Clean Believer

Romita Prasad and Vinel Kumar: ‘I get 99.9 percent positive feedback. Along with good money, that makes me very happy.’

With support from Paramount Services, a little hard work can turn big dreams into reality

Romita Prasad purchased a brand new five-bedroom house earlier this year, and there’s no doubt in her mind that buying a Paramount Services franchise was key to achieving her dream.

Romita and husband Vinel moved to New Zealand from Fiji in 2010, bringing their three little girls and settling into a very different life from what they’d been used to. Renting a home, Romita secured part-time work and subsequently worked shift hours at an Auckland Airport money exchange.

‘Times were very difficult back then, as my kids were still in primary school and the 4am starts were stressful,’ she recalls. ‘There was just no time for the family.’ With Vinel’s parents coming to live with them, and the three girls each wanting their own bedrooms, buying a large house seemed an impossible dream. But in 2017, that started to change.

‘My sister knew a few people who owned Paramount Services franchises, and she insisted that we start our own business,’ says Romita. ‘Then I met Stella Blake, Paramount’s national franchise manager. She made our transition to owning our own business very smooth, and helped us get finance approved so we were able to make a start quite quickly.’

Consistent help

Paramount Services is one of the country’s leading providers of commercial cleaning services, and an award-winning franchise business – in fact, Paramount franchisees Gary and Kirsten Camoin are the reigning Westpac Supreme Franchisees of the Year, while Paramount has won the Supreme Franchise System of the Year title on three occasions.

The franchise gave Romita and Vinel the training and support they needed to get started. The couple admit they found the physical work a challenge to begin with, but within a few months had found their rhythm and their new business was starting to grow. ‘Whenever we needed any help, Paramount was always there for us,’ Romita says.

It was Paramount’s national manager Murray Hamilton who suggested that Romita expand the business through day cleaning contracts.

‘Murray had already helped me secure lots of my sites, and he raised the idea with me one day,’ she recalls. ‘Day cleaning differs from night cleaning in that there are people in the office you must work around, but it means you can work while your family is out.’ M

urray organised some hours for Romita cleaning Paramount’s own head office in Avondale, which gave him and the rest of the management team an excellent opportunity to witness her skills up close. Romita was soon comfortable with the concept, and now has eight daytime sites. ‘I actually like day cleaning, there’s more interaction with people and you’re always getting feedback. I feel part of the teams I clean for during the day – I’m a bit like the mother who keeps the house clean and organised,’ she laughs.

‘I get 99.9 percent positive feedback. Along with the good money, that makes me very happy.’

Dreams are for families

After four-and-a-half years growing their Paramount business, Romita is thankful to her parents for their support. The couple were thrilled to move into their new home and are looking forward to Vinel’s mother moving in with them this November. Sadly, his father was a victim of the Covid pandemic, so they are thankful that Paramount made their dream a reality.

Romita Prasad and her family: 'The company truly looks after its franchisees like a family.'

‘The company truly looks after its franchisees like a family. My advice to anyone thinking about investing in a Paramount franchise is that you’ll have absolutely no regrets. Sure, there is a little hard work to be done, but there are also many opportunities. You are never left alone or stressed.

‘Paramount don’t just train you how to clean – they teach you how to manage your own business and run it successfully.’ And that’s the way to achieve your dreams.

Just rewards

Murray Hamilton was not surprised to see Romita succeed in her day cleaning business. He first got to know her when she agreed to take on a large day cleaning contract at a retail premises located in Auckland’s North-West.

‘Day cleaning means you must disrupt the business as little you can – it’s much like being a waiter; you only disturb people when it’s absolutely necessary,’ he explains. ‘So, if you’re vacuuming or something then you make sure you do it at the best possible time.

‘I immediately saw that Romita was conscientious in her work and personable, and therefore easy for customers to talk to,’ he remembers. ‘She was committed to providing the very best service she could, and so when other day cleaning contracts became available, her track record meant she was the ideal candidate.’

Romita Prasad: committed to providing the very best service

Grasping the opportunities that have come her way and fitting them within her schedule is the key reason behind Romita’s business success, Murray believes. ‘She’s worked hard, that’s very evident, and she’s achieved the reward of a brand-new home as a result.’

More opportunities

Romita says day cleaning has also opened the door to many new opportunities. ‘I’ve been able to try out new cleaning machines and join the Paramount team in new ventures. I enjoy being part of meetings, going carbon zero, learning about zero-to-landfill, as well as being given the opportunity to trial new cleaning products and disinfectants,’ she says.

One of the opportunities she’s most excited about is becoming a registered assessor, in order to train new Paramount franchisees in general cleaning. She admits to being a little hesitant about taking on the teaching role, but Paramount already knew she had the right skills and attitude. ‘It just required a little study to become a qualified assessor and to realise how good it would be for me.’

Romita is loving her new responsibility. ‘I am 80 percent through the course, and life is full-on. But I’m really enjoying it, and looking forward to the assessor job,’ she says. ‘It absolutely suits me, and my husband and girls, now aged 12, 13 and 15, are my biggest supporters as always.’

Opportunities day and night

Murray reports that, following the turbulence of the pandemic, people are recognising the need for good cleaning and hygiene more than ever. ‘As a result, there are some major opportunities opening up in 2022 as well, particularly around day cleaning,’ he says. ‘For example, our reputation and national reach means Paramount franchisees can now expand their businesses by securing day-cleaning contracts for house cleaning.

‘Our new business development manager has also been successful securing additional night cleaning contracts, which means more exciting growth opportunities for our franchisees.

‘We arrange the contracts, so you don’t need to worry about that – you can focus on carrying out the work and building your own reliable team. If you’re willing to work hard, prepared to provide a high quality of service, and able to build solid customer relationships, then a Paramount franchise could be the perfect risk-free business for you. ‘

To give you a real insight into what’s involved, we can arrange for you to spend some time alongside a successful franchisee like Romita. Contact me today to learn more.’

Advertiser Info

Paramount Services

Contact Murray Hamilton

P 0-9-376 7850 M 027 467 1688

mhamilton@paraserve.com

www.paraserve.com