Switching from horticulture to commercial cleaning was a fruitful move for Jay Gounder who is celebrating a personal milestone with his business.
Jay, who has been running his own successful CrestClean franchise for the past 10 years, says he hasn’t looked back since changing careers.
He was encouraged to join CrestClean while he was still working in the horticultural industry in Hawke’s Bay. “One of my family had a cleaning business in Auckland and said ‘just go for it’,” recalls Jay.
He started part-time but as his business took off, Jay and his wife Urmila decided to go all out and made cleaning their primary income.
“I plan to stay doing the same as I’m really happy with my business,” says Jay. “I enjoy the work and dealing with customers.
“It’s important to keep them happy by doing something extra as this goes a long way,” adds Jay, who has looked after several of his customers for eight years.
Jay enjoys the good relationship he has with Hastings Christian School, one of the 15 customers he and his team looks after. A highlight was when he was asked to be a guest speaker and chat to students about his Hindu faith.
Jay and fellow CrestClean franchisee Milvin Raniwere spoke for an hour and answered questions as part of a classroom project that invites guests to share their life experiences.
Abby Latu, CrestClean’s Hawke’s Bay Regional Manager, says Jay and Urmila have dedicated 10 years to running a highly successful franchise in Hawke’s Bay.
“He manages his employees really well and I get great feedback from his team’s work.
“He has built up his business and is enjoying the income his large business is providing, with a trip to Fiji on the cards in a few months.
“Jay and I have worked well together and he has been a huge help to me when I have needed help in managing new contracts.”
To celebrate their long service the couple are planning to use the $2,500 bonus from CrestClean for a big holiday in 2020.
“Next year we plan to go to India for a holiday to look around and visit some temples,” says Jay.
