Becoming business owners a dream realised
Karamjit Kau and Amrit Singh at Southern Health School, one of CrestClean’s new customers at Timaru.
Amrit Singh couldn’t be happier now he’s finally realised his dream of being his own boss.
Buying a CrestClean franchise with his partner Karamjit Kau has brought big changes for the Timaru couple, who are enjoying the extra time they get to spend together.
Amrit, 29, who came to New Zealand in 2009 to study for a business diploma, had a number of different jobs before finally deciding it was time to work for himself.
After graduating he got a job as a manager for a Burger King restaurant in Christchurch and later moved to Timaru when he worked as a store manager for Domino’s Pizza. He’s also worked in a freezing works and at a fish processing company.
“All this time I was always thinking about running my own business,” he said.
He said CrestClean came onto his radar from a TradeMe advert. They had been looking for a business that had a “professional image and great reputation”.
“We decided to ask some questions from our friends to see if anybody knew any information about CrestClean Timaru,” said Amrit.
“We found Randeep Singh who owns a CrestClean franchise in Timaru and we met with him and asked a lot of questions. We liked what we heard.”
After meeting Robert Glenie, CrestClean’s South Canterbury Regional Manager, the couple knew it was an opportunity too good to miss.
“He told us what CrestClean could offer us and it was all very exciting,” added Amrit.
Having their own cleaning company has given them a great work/life balance, they say.
“We’re loving our lifestyle now. We can go out together in the mornings or spend time walking on the beach before we start work. It’s very relaxing,” said Amrit.
For Karamjit, 25, having their own small business means life doesn’t get much better. “I’m loving it. It’s great being my own boss,” she says.
She enjoys the flexible hours and working is “fun” as she gets to play her favourite Indian music on her phone. “I like doing my work while listening to music. It’s the best job I’ve had.
“I’ve got my husband around me and we’re both working and I’ve got my music on and it doesn’t really feel like work.”
Timaru is a town included in CrestClean’s Move the Regions Programme.
As part of the programme, CrestClean currently has franchise opportunities throughout Central Otago. Areas include Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra, and Queenstown. The programme pays up to $3,000 relocation costs to help families settle to areas where Crest needs personnel.
Karamjit says they love Timaru. “It’s the best place to live. It’s nice and quiet – it’s not a boring place.
The couple, who are both from Punjab, are looking to get married early next year and have their sights on homeownership.
“Our income is stable and we can now look at buying a home,” said Amrit.
Rob says Karamjit and Amrit are hardworking and have made a big impression at Beaconsfield School.
“I was talking to the principal of the school where they are cleaning. He’s over the moon with them. He loves having a husband and wife team there and they’re doing a great job.”
It’s the personal touch from the couple that has particularly impressed the school’s principal.
“They call in and see him every day before they start work and just check if everything is okay and if there’s anything they need to know.
“He says he’s always greeted with a friendly smile and a ‘hello’.”
