Baukie and Teri build a business and a better work-life balance
Baukie Eneta and Teriribwe Taukoriri have come a long way since starting their CrestClean franchise in 2022. What began as a part-time business has grown into a successful operation, earning them North Harbour’s Franchise of the Year award.
Life looks very different for Baukie these days. Instead of spending long days in a hot greenhouse and working weekends, he now has the freedom to enjoy his mornings with his family, get out on his boat and go fishing before heading to his cleaning sites in the afternoon. It’s a lifestyle he’s worked hard to create.
Baukie now works in the business full time, while Teri continues teaching at a school. The pair have put in plenty of hard work along the way, and with the business going well, they’re already looking at ways to grow further.
Before joining CrestClean, Baukie spent his days working nine-hour shifts in a greenhouse, growing capsicums and tomatoes. The work was physically demanding, particularly during the hot summer months, and often meant working weekends.
When his friend Bura Takinoa told him about CrestClean, Baukie thought it sounded too good to be true. He decided to find out more, getting in touch with regional managers Rachel and Neil Kumar. Before long, he had his own franchise.
At first, Baukie kept his greenhouse job while building up the cleaning business, heading to his cleaning sites in the evenings. It was a tough routine, but he wanted to make sure the business was on solid ground before giving up his regular income.
Juggling two jobs left him with little time for himself or his family. One thing he particularly missed was getting out on his boat for a spot of fishing.
After three years, Baukie felt confident enough to leave his day job and focus on the cleaning business full time.
These days, he heads to his cleaning sites around 3pm, leaving his mornings free to enjoy the things he loves.
“I have free time now. Sometimes I go our fishing in the morning and come back to clean in the afternoon,” he says.
It’s a big change from the long days he used to put in. Baukie has even treated himself to a brand-new BYD hybrid ute, which is helping him save on fuel costs.
He recently bumped into Neil at a charging station, where both were charging their BYD vehicles. The pair had a laugh about who had the better car.
With the business continuing to grow, Baukie is now looking forward to paying off his mortgage and renovating his home. After all the hard work he and Teri have put in, he’s well on his way.
Rachel and Neil are proud of what the pair have achieved and see them as a standout team in the North Harbour region.
“This team always surprises us with their excellent customer service, showing positive commitment to their business and strong leadership.”
“Just love this team.”
