Atul goes the extra mile for Ormiston Primary School
For the past six years, Atul Chopra has been a quiet yet constant presence at Ormiston Primary School, ensuring every space is not only spotless but also safe and well-maintained.
Atul’s commitment to the school goes well beyond cleaning. With a keen eye for detail, he regularly picks up on minor maintenance issues while on the job, never hesitating to step in. Whether it’s a plumbing problem or a loose door handle, Atul is quick to resolve it.
“If I find something that might be unsafe for the kids, I fix it,” says Atul.
“I don’t want to leave things unattended.”
His diligence doesn’t go unnoticed. Quality Assurance Co-ordinator Tessa McKnight is consistently impressed by the high standards Atul upholds.
“From my point of view the school is always in excellent shape – very clean and tidy,” she says.
Principal Heath O’Neill echoes that sentiment, describing Atul as an integral part of the school.
“Atul is an incredibly valued member of our Ormiston Primary School community,” he says.
“His work plays a big part in creating a safe, welcoming environment for our learners and staff.”
From streak-free windows to sparkling sinks, Atul’s attention to detail is unmatched. But it’s not just about appearances, it’s the sense of responsibility and pride he brings to the job that truly sets him apart.
“His contribution goes well beyond just cleaning – he truly treats the school as if it were his own home,” says Heath.
“He’s also the first to offer help if something extra is needed and he’s a friendly, reassuring presence around the school.”
Every evening, Atul ensures the school is secure. He double-checks doors, locks security gates, sets alarms, and keeps a lookout for anything out of place, whether it’s a dripping tap or a faulty window latch. More often than not, he goes ahead and fixes it himself.
“We’re incredibly grateful to have Atul with us. He truly goes above and beyond, every single day,” says Heath.
While Atul and his team clean the school every weekday, their term cleans are a more intensive effort. These deep cleans include top-down tasks like removing cobwebs, cleaning air conditioning vents, and thoroughly vacuuming every corner of the school.
“We make sure it’s spotless,” says Atul.
For Atul, going the extra mile for his customers isn’t an exception – it’s simply part of who he is. Behind the scenes, his dedication is backed by Auckland East Regional Manager Deane Rogers, whose support has helped him grow his business.
“He’s a good man. We need that kind of person leading us,” says Atul.
Atul takes great pride in his team’s efforts and says becoming a CrestClean franchise owner has been one of the best decisions he’s ever made. Looking back, he often wonders why he didn’t do it sooner.
“I love this company, and I love being part of it.”