Dilip’s Matariki celebration – a welcome surprise at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Naki Paewhenua
Dilip Prajapati has been cleaning Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Naki Paewhenua (North Shore Māori School) for nearly six months. In that short time, he has built strong relationships with the school’s principal, staff, and students.
“We’re well connected with all the staff. Whenever we see them, we say hi and have a chat,” says Dilip.
Alongside his two staff members, Himanshu and Nikunj, Dilip cleans Te Kura five days a week, ensuring a high-quality clean throughout the large site.
Inspired by North Harbour Regional Master Franchisee, Neil Kumar, Dilip recently organised a morning tea to celebrate Matariki with Te Kura staff. The impressive spread required two large tables and included everything from fresh fruit to chocolate muffins.
Neil encourages his region’s franchise owners to find moments to celebrate with their customers, stating that “those who do the extraordinary will stand out in a crowd.”
“Neil motivated me. He has always been a great support for me and others too. He sparked me to engage with my customers,” says Dilip.
Although Dilip couldn’t be there himself, he ensured the celebration went smoothly and the school staff were thrilled to have Himanshu and Nikunj join them.
“Everyone, along with the school’s 17 staff, were happy. They said we’re also part of the team and like family to them. We were very happy to hear that,” he says.
A mechanical engineer by trade, Dilip manages his CrestClean franchise in the evenings alongside his full-time job.
“I finish work around 4pm and start on my business around 5pm,” he says.
“I’m free on the weekend, so I get good quality time with my family.”
Owning a CrestClean franchise was a long-term goal for Dilip, and he had been looking into it for almost five years. By the time he purchased the franchise, he had extensive knowledge of the CrestClean brand.
“I found that CrestClean was the best and when I met with Neil Kumar, he cleared all my doubts and supported me to get into the franchise,” says Dilip.
Dilip has now been a business owner for two years and says the time has flown by. His customers include healthcare facilities, schools, childcare centres, and offices. He has a flexible approach to work and remains dedicated to expanding his business, accepting new customer opportunities whenever they arise.
“Two years have passed in the blink of an eye. I’m looking forward to growing my business more,” he says.
Being a CrestClean franchise owner has given Dilip and his family the kind of financial freedom he couldn’t get from his previous income.
“I have more opportunity. If I want to buy a house, I now have a chance. If I want to go on holiday, I can afford it. I can do so many things with the help of CrestClean,” says Dilip.
“I’m happy to be able to call myself a businessman.”
Dilip encourages others to reap the benefits of owning a CrestClean franchise.
“CrestClean is the best. I would be happy to talk about it with others and explain what they can achieve,” he says.
With his unwavering enthusiasm and excellent customer engagement, the future looks bright for Dilip and his team!
