700 And Counting For Top-Ranked Franchise

Commercial cleaning franchise CrestClean is celebrating another milestone

Andrew De Castro and Rezzi Sumagang unwittingly made history when they purchased their CrestClean franchise together in Palmerston North. The brothers-in-law became the 700th franchisees for CrestClean, making the 100 percent Kiwi commercial cleaning company the largest franchise system of its type in New Zealand.

The milestone comes in the same year that CrestClean celebrated its 25th anniversary, and was named Supreme Franchise System of the Year in the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards.

To mark the occasion, Andrew and Rezzi were presented with special 700th Franchise plaques by Palmerston North Regional Master Franchisee Shareen Raj. ‘I was very surprised when I found out,’ says Andrew. ‘I feel very lucky!’

Originally from the Philippines, Andrew moved to New Zealand eight years ago seeking a better future with his wife Rizza and their two-year-old son Andrick. They have since grown their family with the addition of Azelle, two, and Adaline, who was born last month. Rezzi and his wife Loren followed a year later, and now also have a Kiwi family – Yuri, five, and Yuna, two.

Rezzi left his job as a telecommunications technician and moved from Kāpiti to go into partnership with Andrew, after talking to friends who owned successful CrestClean businesses. ‘I like being my own boss,’ he says. ‘I am working less hours for more money, I don’t have to travel as far to work, and I am closer to family so we can help each other out with looking after the kids.’

Andrew, who previously worked as a night-fill supervisor at a supermarket, admits he never thought he would own his own business. ‘I take pride in it and feel really happy about it,’ he says. The pair are already looking to grow the business, with plans to each have their own franchise in the future.

Build your own business

The last few years have seen rapid growth for CrestClean. It has been just five years since CrestClean welcomed its 600th franchise team, during which time system-wide turnover has increased by an impressive 68 percent.

‘It’s the result of a deliberate strategy to help existing franchisees to grow their businesses,’ explains Managing Director Grant McLauchlan. ‘We increased gross turnover by $36 million, while adding only 100 new teams. This shows a shift away from part-time businesses to full-time, and demonstrates the potential for franchisees to build larger-scale business with incomes to match.’

Move to the regions

While CrestClean continues to grow throughout New Zealand, six regions have enjoyed particularly high growth over the past five years: Palmerston North, Tauranga, Taranaki, Kāpiti Coast, South Canterbury and Otago.

‘With the disruptions and uncertainties of the past couple of years, we are seeing an increased interest in the regions, in line with a global shift in people’s priorities,’ says Grant. ‘Lifestyle factors are top of mind for many people, but finding work in the regions can sometimes be challenging. A CrestClean franchise solves that problem, and in the regions it comes with the added benefits of lower travel and housing costs. Visit our website to see details of our unique Move to the Regions programme.’

And while many small businesses – including franchises – suffered during the pandemic, the cleaning industry has remained strong. ‘In fact, with an increased awareness of hygiene in the workplace and the addition of sanitising services, most of our franchisees have grown their businesses and profitability,’ says Grant. ‘The stability offered by both the industry and our supportive franchise system continues to be an attractive proposition in today’s climate.’

Helping people into their own homes

One statistic of which CrestClean is particularly proud is that 68 percent of its franchisees own their own homes. The company also has an impressive retention rate, with more than 100 franchisees (15 percent) having been with the company for more than 10 years.

‘As we build our franchise network, we are also helping people build successful lives,’ says Grant. ‘Knowing that many of our franchisees own their own homes and have been able to support their families in other ways, such as educating their children, is very satisfying.’

And many of those success stories belong to immigrants. CrestClean has 59 nationalities represented in its franchise network already. ‘With the borders open again and families being reunited, we expect to see even more franchisees coming on board,’ Grant suggests. ‘Despite a tight labour market, we have been able to hold our own, but we still have regions where demand outstrips supply.

‘Referrals from happy franchisees to their family and friends account for many of our new sign-ups, so it’s great to see the borders open again. We are already welcoming franchisees who have returned from the islands after being stranded overseas, which is heart-warming.

‘If we continue to grow at the current rate, we look forward to welcoming our 800th franchise in the not-too-distant future. Call us to see if we have the right opportunity for you.’

Advertiser Info

CrestClean

Contact Rene Mangnus

P 0800 273 780 M 027 434 9934

rene@crestclean.co.nz

www.crest.co.nz/cleaningfranchise-opportunities/