Family Ties

Edwin, Nicky and Elvis Narayan: 'Do we recommend Jani-King? You bet we do!'

Jani-King franchisees strike gold after moving for opportunity.

For Edwin Narayan and his family, servicing a five-star hotel in one of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations formed the base of a business that has brought financial security – thanks to Jani-King.

In 2009 Edwin left Fiji for the Waikato, where his dad was employed on a dairy farm. When Dad passed away in 2017, Edwin stepped into his boots as a farm manager. As much as he loved farming, the now 32-year-old says he could see many years working for someone else before he could afford his own herd.

‘After four years I felt stuck, and started to talk seriously with two Auckland friends who kept telling me about their Jani-King franchises. Their feedback was very positive: they praised the levels of support, the type of work and the systems, and above all the income their businesses created. Everything they told me sounded good.’

Edwin decided to check it out, and discovered Jani-King is one of the world’s biggest commercial cleaning brands with over 6,600 franchises, including over 450 in New Zealand who are supported by a dedicated sales team to bring customers to franchisees.

The company is also a genuine and active supporter of sustainability. ‘Harsh chemicals are out, probiotic cleaning materials in,’ says Edwin. ‘This is so much better for people and the environment, and is appreciated by clients – now even more so with Jani-King having achieved Toitū Environment Diamond certification.’

Side hustle or full-time business?

With an affordable franchise fee of around $35,000 +gst including training, start-up package and customers, many new franchisees begin their Jani-King involvement as a side hustle. For Edwin though, the objective was full-time, substantial earnings. He recruited wife Nicky, and encouraged younger brother Elvis to come on board to make up an initial Narayan team of three.

‘Shortly after New Year 2021 we met with Jeff Groenewald, the Jani-King Central North Island Regional Manager. He guided us through the Jani-King training as well as giving invaluable business advice. Jeff still plays a big role in my life and we wouldn’t be where we are today without him.’

Seizing the opportunity

A couple of months after launching in Matamata, the industrious three were approached by the Jani-King franchisor team with a new proposal. Jani-King had secured a huge contract with a 100+ room hotel in Taupo. Would the Narayans be interested in taking it on?

‘We knew it would mean relocating to Taupo, but this was an opportunity too big to turn down. We were prepared to put in long hours and hard work to achieve our goals, but we needed more people, too. Fortunately, we didn’t have far to look. With our sister Eshriya and Elvis’s wife Shayal joining us, we became a family team of five.’

Edwin makes the point that being able to shift so easily to Taupo is a benefit of Jani-King franchises not being restricted territories but based on how many contracts a franchisee needs to achieve a certain income.

‘Here in Taupo, there are four other Jani-King franchisees. We’re all busy, and we all get on well. We have grown, too – besides the five-star hotel, our own franchise now services two childcare centres, a kindy, a restaurant and a building supply company. Thanks to the efficient systems, even with all this work we are finding time to enjoy the Taupo lifestyle. It really has strengthened family ties.’

Secure future

Investing in the franchise has created a secure future for the family and they are reaping the rewards of their hard work. ‘We are young and we are all earning far more than we ever envisaged. As a team, we are the 2023 Central North Island Jani-King Franchise of the Year and we intend to keep growing. Do we recommend Jani-King? You bet we do!’

Jeff Groenewald says demand throughout New Zealand means Jani-King is looking for many more people who want to start their own profitable business with a view to long-term growth.

‘We provide the clients, and then you can grow as big as you like, either with family members like Edwin or with staff. Use the franchise calculator on our website to see what you could earn.’

Advertiser Info

Jani-King

www.janiking.co.nz/franchise-opportunities

Contact

P 0800 526 454

reception@janiking.co.nz