Three years ago, Royce Park was managing the Dollar King shop in Napier — now he owns the largest CrestClean franchise in the region.
The switch in careers has seen him build up a successful $400,000 business, earning him the title of Franchisee of the Year.
Hawke’s Bay Regional Manager Tim O’Leary says Royce’s strong work ethic and ‘can-do’ attitude have seen him grow the business quickly.
“He’s constant and consistent, nothing’s ever a problem,” says Tim.
“He’s very family orientated; all his team are either his family or friends from his church, so he has a nice steady team. And he’s a really nice person, so people want to work for and with him.”
Royce says he was surprised, but pleased, to win the award, which was presented at the Hawke’s Bay region’s end-of-year function.
“Tim told me I had to come; he didn’t tell me I was getting an award. I was really surprised,” says Royce.
“I’ve had a lot of support from CrestClean, especially Tim. He has always helped me to get more jobs without any stress,” says Royce.
“It has been a good time for us to expand the business. We’re very satisfied with what we do now.”
At first it was just Royce and his wife Hannah working in the business, but now he has a team of eight staff, including his mother and father-in-law.
With 40 customers and a steady stream of additional jobs, there is plenty of work to go around.
Being able to employ family and friends, helping them get ahead, has definitely been a plus, says Royce.
And, his CrestClean team is not the only thing that is growing. Royce and Hannah are expecting their fourth child — a son, to join their three daughters.
“It’s going to be even busier soon!” says Royce.