Subin Shajan received a stack of thank-you letters from students at Sawyers Bay School after leaving them a bag of lollies and a lovely note to welcome them back for the new term.
Working part-time in flight operations at the airport for Air New Zealand, Subin was given a large bag of Air NZ lollies and decided to surprise the students with them on their first day back.
It was a small gesture that clearly meant a lot. The thank-you letters he received in return are something Subin says he will always treasure.
“They truly mean so much to me,” he says. “Knowing that my work makes a positive difference is the greatest reward.”
Subin has 12 years of experience in flight operations and cargo having previously worked for Air India at Jeddah Airport in Saudi Arabia. When his wife was offered a job in New Zealand, the family decided to make a bold move to the other side of the world.
That move also led Subin to an unexpected career change. On the advice of friends, he decided to buy a CrestClean franchise. They told him the work-life balance was too good to pass up.
Starting in April 2026, Subin has been a franchise owner for less than six months, but he has already made a big impression on the staff and students at Sawyers Bay School.
Just a few weeks after he started cleaning the school, Principal Gareth Swete wrote a note in the CrestClean communications book to let Subin know what a difference he was already making.
Gareth says Subin has become a respected member of the school community.
“Subin has become an integral part of the school and how we operate, and the environment that we expect for our learners. He takes obvious care in his work and does not hesitate to go the extra mile.
It is very telling that not only have we noticed this as adults, but the efforts have been noticed and recognised by the kids as well. They appreciate their school being so well looked after and were delighted to be able to share their appreciation with Subin in a frenzy of thank you cards and artwork.
We appreciate what Subin does for us, his positive friendly manner, and the dedication to the role.”
Gareth Swete, Principal at Sawyers Bay School.
Despite having no previous cleaning experience, Subin has hit the ground running, with customers praising his high standards and reliability.
“I’m so happy. I get positive feedback from my customers, and it feels really good,” he says.
For Subin, one of the biggest rewards of owning his own business is having more time with his family. Working in the evenings means his days and weekends are free, giving him a more consistent and sustainable routine than the shift work he experienced at the airport.
“I like the balance. I can manage my time and have lots of time with my family.”
He has also been particularly happy with the support from Regional Managers Tony and Nicky Kramers and Quality Assurance Co-ordinator Antoine Zogbhi. Subin says their guidance has helped him learn quickly as he gets used to running his business.
With plans to grow his business, Subin is in it for the long haul. After making such a strong start in his first few months, he’s looking forward to seeing where his new career takes him.