When Rolly Abangan arrived in New Zealand in 2015, he had just $100 in his pocket. Fast forward to today, and he’s the proud owner of CrestClean’s largest franchise in Tauranga. And he’s about to buy the very restaurant where he once worked as a chef.
It’s been a whirlwind few years, and Rolly’s financial situation has changed dramatically.
Before joining CrestClean, Rolly spent seven years working as a chef. During COVID-19 lockdowns, he found himself stuck in Australia. As soon as the opportunity to gain New Zealand residency came up, he jumped at it and finally became a resident in March 2021.
But returning to New Zealand wasn’t easy. Rolly began delivering Uber Eats while his wife continued working in hospitality.
Despite both working full-time, they were still struggling to make ends meet.
That’s when a friend and fellow franchisee, Cesar Rogacion, introduced him to CrestClean and encouraged him to start his own business. Despite the tight financial situation, Rolly believed in the opportunity and managed to secure a business loan to get started.
“I started with nothing. But I really believed in CrestClean,” he says.
In 2022, Rolly officially joined CrestClean. In just three years, his business grew to be the largest franchise in Tauranga. He now leads a team of four employees and services a wide range of customers, from schools to offices.
“Things have really changed. Thank god!” he says.
Although the growth came quicker than expected, Rolly says it was simply hard work and great service that got him to where he is today.
“Work hard and just love what you do,” he says.
“Customer satisfaction is very important. That’s where you grow.”
This simple approach continues to pay off, with new customers coming in through referrals and word of mouth.
In an unexpected twist, Rolly is now on the verge of buying the restaurant where he once worked. If all goes to plan, he and his wife Maria will begin running it this month. Maria will manage the restaurant, while he continues running the cleaning business full-time.
“I didn’t see it coming, but I’ve just worked hard and taken things one step at a time.”
Owning a business has brought Rolly more than just financial security. It’s also given him the freedom to enjoy life with his family.
“I can spend time with my kids whenever I want to,” he says.
He now has time to coach his son’s basketball team and is making plans for the future, including buying a house next year. And as a car enthusiast, he’s also been able to treat himself to a few new vehicles.
Looking back, Rolly still finds it hard to believe how far he’s come.
“I came here in 2015 with $100 in my pocket. But now I’m about to buy a restaurant and I have my own cleaning business,” he says.
“CrestClean has helped me achieve my dreams.”
