Trophies for tidiness – Dunedin franchise owners motivate students in Cleanest Classroom competition
George and Michelle Montalban haven’t wasted a moment since purchasing their CrestClean franchise two years ago. Their dedication to growing the business has enabled them to leave their previous jobs and focus solely on their franchise.
Financial independence fuelled the couple’s decision to become business owners. Now that they’re in control of their business growth, the sky is the limit for the Montalbans.
“We wanted to have more freedom. Being employed didn’t offer us much – just the basics. We can grow more with a franchise,” says Michelle.
“We also like it because we have more free time. We’re happy.”
In their two years with CrestClean, George and Michelle have developed strong connections with their customers, particularly with the teachers at Ōpoho School and George Street Normal School. Their commitment to exceptional customer service has blossomed into genuine friendships that extend beyond the workplace.
“We’ve built friendships with some of the teachers. They sometimes come to our house. We have a good friendship outside of work,” says Michelle.
They also have a great relationship with the students, who often stop to say hello to George and Michelle when they arrive at the end of the school day.
“When we arrive at the school, the children say hello to us. They are lovely children,” says Michelle.
To boost cleaning efficiency and foster a sense of responsibility, George and Michelle launched the Cleanest Classroom competition at Ōpoho School and George Street Normal School. This initiative is already popular in many CrestClean schools and encourages students to keep their classrooms tidy throughout the term. The winning classroom gets a delicious pizza party as a reward for their teamwork and commitment to cleanliness.
It’s the first term that George and Michelle are running the Cleanest Classroom competition and they decided to add an extra layer of motivation. The couple have introduced shiny new trophies for the winning classroom that they can showcase proudly.
“I thought having a trophy would give them additional motivation. They’re all eyeing it up and looking forward to having it,” says Michelle.
“We’re also teaching the children how to be responsible.”
The students at both schools are already demonstrating their eagerness to win the Cleanest Classroom trophy at the end of the term.
“After they saw the trophy, we noticed that crumpled paper wasn’t on the floor anymore!” laughs Michelle.
The efforts that the students are making towards keeping their classrooms tidy is helping George and Michelle get through their school cleans faster. Michelle says the students are motivated and excited to keep their classrooms clean.
“It’s tidier compared to before we announced the competition, so it’s a really big help to us.”
