From employee to entrepreneur – Fiva reflects on 15 years in business
Fiva Latu has just reached his 15-year milestone as a CrestClean franchise owner. Over the years, the Hawke’s Bay franchisee has worn many hats, including stepping into leadership roles while continuing to grow his own business. Through it all, his passion for delivering the very best service to his customers has stayed strong.
“I love working for CrestClean,” he says.
Before joining CrestClean, Fiva worked for Accor Hotels as an executive housekeeper for eight years. It was during that time he realised he could be doing similar work while being his own boss. That thought sparked a search for franchise opportunities, and when a CrestClean ad popped up, it immediately caught his attention.
“I thought it sounded like me, so I applied and that was the end of it. I left my job,” he laughs.
“It was the best decision I’ve made.”
Fiva initially launched his franchise in Wellington, but after he and his wife welcomed their first child, they relocated to Hawke’s Bay to be closer to family and establish a better work-life balance.
Known for going above and beyond, Fiva is always ready with a listening ear and genuinely understands the pressures his customers often face in today’s economy. He views them as the backbone of his success and takes great pride in building strong, lasting relationships which he says is among the most rewarding parts of owning a business.
“They keep me going. I just want to keep them all happy,” he says
“I do my best to try and support them.”
Fiva says working for CrestClean gives him the freedom to do more of the things he loves like spending time with his family and getting out for a fish.
“All the locals and friends know when I’m out fishing because they see my van parked along the beachfront in Hawke’s Bay,” he laughs.
“Lots of them ask me if I even work!”
For Fiva, the last fifteen years have flown by thanks to the connections he’s made and the opportunities his franchise has provided. He’s achieved many personal and financial goals through CrestClean, from homeownership to overseas travel.
“It’s been a good venture,” he says.
He credits a lot of his success to the support from CrestClean’s leadership. He especially acknowledges Managing Director Grant McLauchlan and General Manager of Franchise Services Sam Lewis.
“They make it possible for me to do my job and reach my financial goals,” Fiva says.
“If it wasn’t for their support, I wouldn’t be here.”
Fiva’s journey is a great example of where hard work and dedication can take you. He encourages new franchisees to dive in and embrace the opportunity.
