South Auckland franchise owners Afhzal and Rihana Ali are celebrating a big milestone this year, five years as CrestClean franchise owners.
Regional Manager Viky Narayan says the couple have consistently shown real commitment to delivering quality service, along with a strong work ethic and a genuine focus on building a successful business.
“Customers regularly comment on their professionalism and the pride they take in their work,” says Viky.
“We look forward to supporting their continued growth and seeing what the next five years will bring.”
Afhzal was first introduced to CrestClean through his nephew Mohammed Ashad Ali, who is also one of the top trainers at the Master Cleaners Training Institute. But five years ago, life looked very different for Afhzal. He was working away from home laying fibre cables, often gone for up to two weeks at a time. This was Afhzal’s routine for three years.
When their children moved out of home, Afhzal and Rihana decided it was time for a long-awaited lifestyle change.
Their CrestClean franchise gave them exactly that. The flexible hours and nearby sites have meant less travel, more time together, and a much better work–life balance.
“The credit goes to Viky for giving us a very good site in the daytime,” says Rihana.
This site is the Danone ‘mega-facility’, where infant formula is blended, processed and packaged. Working there Monday to Friday means Afhzal can clean during the day, often finishing by lunchtime before heading out to his afternoon office sites. He is always home for dinner – something that wasn’t possible in his previous role.
“It’s very convenient for me. I very much have my own hours now,” he says.
Over the years, Afhzal has also built strong relationships with his customers who are all still with him five years on.
“The staff are all very friendly in all my sites,” he says. “They’re more like family.”
As they look ahead, Afhzal and Rihana are focused on continuing to grow their business at a steady pace, taking things one step at a time. With Viky’s ongoing support, they feel confident and well supported as they plan for the future.
“Viky is very helpful,” says Afhzal. “If we have a problem, he helps us sort it out.”
“We thank you, Viky!” add Rihana.
As a qualified pastry chef who once worked in a commercial bakery, Afhzal now has more time to enjoy baking at home — much to Rihana’s delight.
“Every weekend there is a cake, there are muffins, there are cupcakes,” laughs Rihana.
With steady support and a clear focus on what’s ahead, Afhzal and Rihana are looking forward to what the next few years will bring.
