Joining CrestClean was a gem of an idea for jewellery experts Nalin and Nadeesha Dissanayake.
When the Christchurch couple were looking to set up their own business CrestClean ticked all the boxes. They say it gave them peace of mind that they would have the backing of a successful company, with well-proven systems and procedures, and the guarantee of a regular income.
The husband and wife team, who met in Sri Lanka when they worked at the same jewellery company, arrived in New Zealand in 1998. Both are qualified jewellery makers and have been working here ever since.
Nalin specialises in setting diamonds in rings and works for an export jewellery company in Christchurch.
Joining CrestClean began when Nalin searched for a business that would give them a secure income and a good lifestyle. He approached Yasa Panagoda, CrestClean’s Christchurch North Regional Manager, to find out about buying a cleaning franchise.
After receiving all the information and few meetings later, Nalin and Nadeesha became the proud owners of their very own cleaning business.
They are aiming to expand the business over time so they can buy their own home. “If I can extend the business and increase the income it will make it easier to pay a mortgage,” said Nalin.
He says in future they may consider adding Carpet Cleaning to the services they offer their customers. Many CrestClean franchisees go into specialist areas, such as Pure Water Window Cleaning and Hard Floor Care, to earn additional income.
As well as running a thriving business, Nalin says there are some health benefits from the physical work of cleaning. He still works part time as a jeweller, where he is sitting down for long periods.
“When I’m at my CrestClean job I’m getting a lot of exercise as I’m on my feet all the time walking around. It saves me going to the gym and I can keep fit while working!”
And running their own business means Nalin, 43, and Nadeesha, 41, who have three young children, have a better quality of life.
”It gives me a lot of flexibility with the working hours and means I can spend more time with my family,” added Nalin.
He said they had been impressed by the support they had received from Yasa.
“The management at CrestClean is very helpful and they make it easy to start a business.”
Yasa said he’d been impressed by the couple’s commitment to their business and how they had taken their training in their stride.
“Nalin and Nadeesha understand the key to their success is looking after their customers and following all CrestClean’s systems.
“A key part for them was their training and learning how to work smarter,” he added.