A Business With Real Prospects

Jani-King franchisee takes top award in his first year in business

Abbin Peter bought his Jani-King business in Christchurch just a year ago. ‘It had been a very good first year anyway, but I was completely thrilled to be named Jani-King’s South Island Franchisee of the Year in July. I had no idea until my name was called from the stage!’

Abbin came to New Zealand from India in 2011 to study business management. ‘I then started working in service stations and became operations manager for Z in Christchurch. It was an excellent job,’ he continues, ‘but it brought a lot of stress and responsibility and I was frequently on call 24 hours a day. With my wife, Litty, being a full-time registered nurse, I really needed more flexibility so I decided to take a break for a few months to spend time with my little boy – who’s now four – and research options for my own business.’

As you’d expect, Abbin’s research was thorough, involving accountants, business consultants and friends. ‘I decided upon the cleaning industry, as it is a relatively inexpensive way to get into a business that you can grow. I immediately liked the people at Jani-King as our interactions had a very positive vibe. In addition, the company is pursuing a sustainability policy, which makes great sense. I decided, “Right, I’m ready for it,” and bought my own franchise. I haven’t looked back since, and winning the award was the icing on the cake.’

Research pays off

Jani-King is one of the best-known commercial cleaning brands in the world. The company has been operating in New Zealand since 1997 and has over 400 franchisees here servicing both corporate and individual clients.

‘Although I’ve been in retail all my working life, cleaning was new to me,’ admits Abbin. ‘But I know the principles of business, and I also knew the value of having a global brand and system behind me. Some of my friends and colleagues expressed surprise I was not going into a high-paid nine-to-five job given my qualifications, but there would be no flexibility and no family time in that.

‘Jani-King is a great way to start small in a successful business – you can manage everything on your own to begin with, then know that the company will be right behind you when you have built your team and the time is right to bid for those million-dollar contracts.’

Abbin found his start-up was made very easy by Jani-King. ‘I was able to get a 100 percent loan through the company to purchase my business, and the training is very thorough. There’s help on-site and support to make sure you are managing your first client sites properly before you get offered more business. It’s a slow-and-steady approach which allows you to settle into the business and develop it properly, rather than crashing from exhaustion.

‘Using probiotic cleaning materials instead of harsh chemicals has also been really popular – it’s a positive for the clients, better for my health and the health of my employees, and better for the environment.’

I love it and you will too

Abbin’s family has grown since he bought his franchise, and he and Litty now have a three-month-old. ‘It has been the right move at the right time,’ he says with emphasis. ‘I have time for my family and a great business with real prospects. If anyone asks me, I’d say get a Jani-King franchise – I love it and you will, too.’

Litty and Abbin Peter and their young family

Eddie Hooft, Jani-King’s Christchurch Regional Manager, says, ‘JaniKing’s success and growth are down to the fact we invest in people, like Abbin, selecting, training and supporting them to succeed. Our clients like that we are committed to sustainability and this year we achieved Toitū Enviromark Gold certification. Demand for our services throughout New Zealand means we are looking for many more people who want to start their own profitable business with a view to long-term growth. The average investment is around $35,000 +gst. We provide the clients, and then you can grow as big as you like.

‘That’s why we’re not looking for people who just want to buy a job. We want people like Abbin who have the determination and skill to grow a successful business while enjoying a familyfriendly lifestyle. To see what you could earn, use the franchise calculator on our website.’

Advertiser Info

Jani-King

Contact P 0800 526 454

reception@janiking.co.nz

www.janiking.co.nz/franchise-opportunities