Ali Irshad and Sheema Ali have been part of the CrestClean Auckland West family from the very beginning. Becoming the region’s first-ever franchise owners in 2012 is a milestone they’re still incredibly proud of today – and now they’ve got the number plate to prove it.
Ali had always wanted something personal that showed his pride in the business. The idea of a number plate first came up over dinner with family and friends, when he casually mentioned he’d love to have one reading AKW01, his CrestClean franchise number.
Then, for his birthday, his family surprised him with the plate.
“Auckland West number one! I’m so happy to have that on my car now,” he says.
“The number plate means a lot to me.”
The couple originally started their franchise part-time while keeping their day jobs. Ali was working as an automotive technician at VTNZ, while Sheema worked nights as a supervisor at a food manufacturing company. It didn’t take long for them to realise they were onto something special, and just four months later they made the decision to run their CrestClean franchise full-time. Ali describes the move as the “best decision of his life.”
“I have zero regrets,” he says.
That decision was truly tested during COVID. While many businesses struggled through lockdowns and economic uncertainty, Ali says it was one of the busiest periods they have ever experienced. With the support of Regional Manager Caro Wedding, Ali and Sheema have continued to thrive throughout their time as business owners.
“She’s a great friend,” says Ali.
Ali’s relationships with his customers are also very special. Many have been with him since day one. Although he works mostly in the evenings, he tries to pop in and see his customers whenever he can.
“I’m very close with my customers – I’m very lucky,” he says.
“They’re all beautiful people.”
For Ali and Sheema, owning a CrestClean franchise is truly a joy. They never imagined the life it would give them. What they love most is the freedom it brings, from financial security to the flexibility to work on their own terms. Along the way, they’ve also been able to achieve major goals, like buying family homes and investment properties. Ali says money is never something they have to worry about.
Fifteen years on, Ali and Sheema are still going strong. With their daughter, son, and daughter-in-law now onboard as employees, they now have the flexibility to take a break when they need to.
Keep an eye out for AKW01 on the road!
