From franchisee to QA, Melanie is building a successful career with CrestClean
You could say Melanie Fearn has grown up with CrestClean.
When she was 23, she became the company’s youngest franchisee, and now 13 years later she has taken on the combined role of Quality Assurance Co-ordinator and Trainer with CrestClean’s Master Cleaners Training Institute (MCTI).
“I’m excited about the new role. I really enjoy meeting customers and helping franchisees succeed,” says Melanie.
“I’ve built a really successful business with CrestClean and now I’m looking forward to the next phase.”
Melanie started her business in Nelson as a sole trader, with a turnover of $75,000. As the business grew, she convinced her mother Robyn to come on board, initially as an employee and then as a business partner.
Together they grew the business, at its peak achieving a turnover of $140,000, and employing two staff.
“We had worked together previously in a rest home, so I knew we worked well together,” says Melanie.
“Before I was with CrestClean, I was single mum on a benefit. A CrestClean franchise worked perfectly because I was able to do the mum stuff during the day and work at night. I had a lot of support, especially from my dad who played a huge role in looking after my daughter in the evenings.
“I had part-time cleaning jobs prior to owning a franchise, but I wasn’t really thinking about the bigger picture, whereas owning a franchise you’re running a business. I’ve learnt a lot about customer service.”
Over the years Melanie has taken on more and more roles within CrestClean, becoming both an induction trainer and Module 1 and 2 trainer with MCTI. She also recently completed a Carpet Care course.
In her new role, Melanie will be a Quality Assurance Co-ordinator for the Nelson region, while continuing to help train franchisees throughout Central New Zealand.
“I really enjoy helping franchisees — it can be that they need to learn a better way of being able to do a task, or helping them look outside the square.”
General Manager of Training Liezl Foxcroft says Melanie is a great addition to the MCTI and Franchise Services teams.
“Melanie has a lovely sunny disposition and is dedicated to ensuring the standards at CrestClean remain high. She is well liked and respected by her peers and has vast experience in the cleaning industry,” says Liezl.
“She looks for solutions to problems and works with others to ensure a positive outcome for all.”
