From teacher to franchise owner – Renuka finds success where she least expected
Dunedin franchise owner Renuka Reedy has just marked seven years with CrestClean – and what a journey it’s been! She’s the first to admit that achieving this success has meant stepping boldly out of her comfort zone.
Originally from Fiji where she worked as a secondary school teacher, Renuka was used to a very different lifestyle. Moving to New Zealand brought big changes, and joining the cleaning industry wasn’t something she ever imagined doing.
“I’d never done anything like this in my life. This job was totally new for me, so it took me a while to really get used to how it’s done,” she says.
Her decision to join CrestClean came from a clear goal – to save enough money to buy a home. Encouraged by friends who were already part of the CrestClean family, she saw owning a franchise as a smart way to reach that goal, while still working full-time in a food chemistry lab during the day.
She was looking for something she could do in the evenings that would give her a solid return for her efforts, and CrestClean ticked all the boxes.
For five years, she worked back-to-back shifts, going straight from the lab into her cleaning jobs at night. It was a tough schedule, but she never gave up, and her hard work paid off. Within just three years, she had saved enough to buy a section in Mosgiel.
But then came COVID, and with it, a surge in building costs. Renuka made the practical call to shift plans and bought an existing home two years ago instead. And she absolutely loves it.
“I’m happy. I’ve got a really good house,” she says.
Learning to juggle her day job, family, and business wasn’t easy at first. But over time, Renuka settled into a rhythm that works for her.
“After a while I came to know my customers well and it became much easier. I really enjoy it now.”
Support from her family was a big motivator in those early days, along with the strong backing of the Dunedin CrestClean team. Renuka is especially grateful to Quality Assurance Co-ordinator Antoine Zoghbi and Regional Managers Tony and Nicky Kramers for their ongoing support.
“Antoine has always been very humble and supportive. He gives great advice and he’s very approachable,” she says.
“I also want to thank our Dunedin Managers. We as franchisees feel safe with the regulations they have set up, so it’s great to be part of the Dunedin CrestClean team.”
These days, Renuka still keeps a full plate. She now works as a Pharmacy Technician at her daughters’ pharmacy, offering her a little more flexibility. After work, she heads home to prepare dinner for the family, then heads off again around 5:30pm to her cleaning sites.
“It’s good – I like to keep myself busy,” she says.
Renuka intentionally runs her franchise at a size she can comfortably manage on her own, which gives her the flexibility she needs, and the financial freedom she was aiming for from the start.
“The money makes a big difference. You have the freedom to do whatever you want with it and it’s a guaranteed fixed income,” she says.
With no complaints from customers, a strong routine, and years of experience under her belt, Renuka is thriving. Her advice to new franchisees is simple.
“Work sincerely and be honest. Make sure you provide the service that is expected by CrestClean and you will love it.”
