Doing a great job for their customers has been a hallmark of success for CrestClean couple Stuart and Raylene Price.
The Whakatane kiwifruit farmers, who are celebrating 10 years with the company, have built a strong business by putting their customers first and offering a dependable and reliable service.
After joining CrestClean a decade ago the couple gradually picked up new contracts as their reputation for quality spread through word of mouth.
It’s something Stuart takes pride in. “We are proud that we’ve got good work ethics and we’re reliable and honest,” he says.
They have many longstanding customers, with several having been with the couple for in excess of five years, including one company they’ve been looking after for 10 years.
But apart from providing a good service, Stuart says he enjoys the interaction they have with customers. It’s been a big factor in their satisfaction and pleasure of running their own business.
“We’ve met a lot of interesting people that we wouldn’t have done otherwise. It’s been really good.
“You’re running into CEOs of companies and they take the time to have a yarn to you like any other person. You’ve built up that relationship and you get to pass the time of day with them.”
CrestClean came onto their radar at a time when they were turning over some of their dry stock farmland for kiwifruit. “We decided we would have a look at kiwifruit and start from there.
“I decided that we needed something to do while we got this up and running,” says Stuart. “I saw a CrestClean advert in the paper and thought, ‘ah yeah, I can do this at night’.”
Another major drawcard was the fact that CrestClean provides its business owners with a regular income, he says.
“The guarantee of cashflow and you can pick up extra work. For us it was the certainty of it. You do a good job and get paid.”
Although Stuart and Raylene get positive feedback about their work, it’s not something Stuart makes a lot of fuss about.
“I’m not one to get too carried away with a pat on the head for being a good fella and doing a good job. My theory is that if I’m not hearing from my customers, that’s good and they are happy with our work.”
Bill Douglas, CrestClean’s Rotorua, Whakatane and Taupo Regional Manager, says the couple are excellent ambassadors for the company.
“Nothing is ever too much trouble and Stuart is always willing to help. Through his work he’s made a lot of friends around the Kawerau and Edgecumbe area. Everybody knows him.
“When people do a good job of the cleaning and they are reliable and dependable they are sought after by customers.”
