5 minute read
FUTURE DRIVEN
New lead at Cleantastic pushing extra growth
Since 1995, commercial cleaning company Cleantastic has been demonstrating a successful system with an enviable record. “The proof in the pudding is the endorsement of Cleantastic’s long-term successes at the Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards, starting with winning the Supreme Award back in 2004,” says new owner Tom Lowe.
“In recent years, Cleantastic was a finalist three years in a row, between 2021 and 2023, and won the Business to Business Franchise System of the Year title in 2022. I’d been acutely aware of this success as I looked for my next investment. And I reckon I’ve bought the best of the best!”
Tom has owned a range of businesses over the past 22 years. He moved into the commercial cleaning sector in 2011 as a hands-on operator with an independent cleaning company.
“Just like any franchisee, I started small, on the tools. I learned the processes intimately. I think this is vital for anyone who wants to understand business; you must understand the fundamentals. The best way to do that is to live it!”
Cleantastic has almost 300 franchisees across New Zealand. It is a franchise that attributes its success to its highly effective support system – one of the chief reasons Tom sees the business as such a smart investment. New franchisees are encouraged firstly to learn the business thoroughly and gain confidence at their own pace. When they are ready, they can expand to take on more hours and more work, moving into fulltime hours as, when and if, it suits them.
Confident, and beyond
“It is a big step for anyone to take on a new business,” Tom says. “What I really liked about Cleantastic was that, as a company, we recognise that new franchisees want support, particularly in their early days. We don’t just chuck them in at the deep end; we go with them during the whole process until they are confident, and beyond. Our aim remains to get them to be successful business owners.”
Cleantastic provides franchisees with a suitable number of clients for their new business, so they can start confidently. Franchisees are fully trained in all areas of the business from cleaning ‘The Cleantastic Way’, through to client communication and invoicing.
“We provide a whole system, brand and know-how,” says Tom. “An advantage for new franchisees is that they are backed with our knowledge, based on nearly 30 years of experience in commercial cleaning. Our point of difference in this field is that we want our franchisees to see themselves as business owners in their own right. Our mission is for them to be as successful as the company, so we give them the tools to do that.
“Franchisees also have the autonomy within the system to run things as they want, based on their experience and interactions with clients.” For example, Tom says, franchisees invoice their clients directly. “Most other franchises reverse that process by handling the invoicing and passing on the revenue to the operator.
“That’s a double-edged sword, however,” he explains. “From a brief survey, our franchisees much prefer our method. As one long-standing couple with Cleantastic commented, ‘We much prefer to invoice our clients and collect payments as it is preferable to paying higher fees.
“And you don’t need cleaning experience,” Tom explains. “We can train you in everything you need to know. But you do need the right attitude to put your clients’ needs first. Good communication skills are also necessary to ensure you understand and meet those needs every time.”
The sky is the limit
Expansion is a must for Cleantastic now, says Tom. “We have around 300 franchisees, but not only am I looking to expand, it is essential I do so, because there is a big and growing market out there. This represents a magnificent opportunity for motivated people who want to take the big step to own their own business.
“We offer a system of training and support that is second to none and that is dedicated to your success. You can start small and part-time. Many of our most successful franchisees have done just that, and some are now running very big operations indeed.
“If you are looking for something small, which you can grow at your own pace to achieve your dreams, we can provide that. We take pride in developing motivated individuals on their business journey, to grow to whatever size they are comfortable with.”
New owner Tom has big plans for the brand but, he says, one thing is certain not to change. “That is, best of all, a new Cleantastic franchise comes with a guarantee of income for 24 months. This allows a franchisee to more than double their investment in their first two years. It’s a reflection of the confidence and experience we have in this business,” says Tom. “Would I change that? Good gracious, no! I’ve bought a winning formula, and the sky is the limit!
“Investment starts from just $23,200 plus GST so contact me now to find out more.”
Advertiser Info
Cleantastic
Contact
Tom Lowe
021 425 853
