Seven years of giving back – Karl’s passion for helping others
For the past seven years, Nelson franchise owner Karl Parker has gone from strength to strength. Alongside recently celebrating his long service milestone, Karl has also taken on the challenge of becoming the lead communications contact at Nelson Girls’ High School.
Karl is no stranger to stepping up to help others. As an induction trainer, he takes real pride in supporting franchisees as they begin their business journey. He especially values being able to encourage people who have moved to New Zealand and chosen CrestClean as a way to build a future for themselves and their families.
“I get a real buzz out of seeing people grow and take on something new,” he says.
One of Karl’s favourite things about owning a CrestClean franchise is the opportunity to be active in the community. Through the schools he cleans, he sees firsthand the difference a clean learning environment can make for students. By preparing classrooms and helping maintain high standards of cleanliness, Karl knows he’s playing an important role in supporting the next generation of New Zealanders.
“Kids in schools are our future, so if I can make their environment cleaner for them to learn in, it’s better for our country,” he says.
Karl’s impact goes far beyond cleaning. At Appleby School, he continues to mentor students, spending Monday mornings doing fun activities with them to help start their week positively. The school considers Karl part of the family and deeply appreciates the extra time he gives to supporting both the students and the school environment. Every student knows Karl by name.
He also gives back in practical ways, donating each year to the Appleby School senior camp and contributing to the Nelson Girls’ College prizegiving. After Appleby School’s large annual country fair, Karl even cleans the school free of charge so it’s ready for students by Monday morning.
“It doesn’t hurt to give a little back,” says Karl.
Karl’s generosity extends to fellow franchisees as well. Recently, he has been helping train a new team, fitting the work around his own cleaning schedule and sometimes not getting home until 2am.
“I want to see this team succeed. Hopefully by me doing this, it’s going give them a better chance of hitting the ground running,” he says humbly.
“It fills my cup to help others.”
Understanding the importance of quality training in maintaining CrestClean’s standards, Karl is always willing to lend a hand wherever he can. His commitment to helping others succeed and ensuring customers consistently receive high standards makes him exactly the kind of trainer new franchisees hope to have beside them.
Before purchasing his CrestClean franchise, Karl admits he went through a difficult period where he was out of work and struggling with confidence. Seven years later, he says the business has completely changed his outlook, helping him rediscover confidence and genuine enjoyment in his work.
“CrestClean gave me my confidence back,” he says. “It’s not a job to me. I actually enjoy going to work.”
“The one thing I enjoy the most about CrestClean is that they’re all about their people.”
Karl Parker is known for his hard work, kindness and willingness to help others. Whether he’s supporting fellow franchisees, building strong relationships with customers or giving back to his community, Karl leaves a positive impact wherever he goes.
