franchise.co.nz – PUTTING PEOPLE IN BUSINESS
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Verghis Kuriakose recalls the very first time he met with Jani-King New
Zealand. He had arrived at the meeting with pre-conceived concerns about
cleaning franchises – believing sales material sometimes only highlights
top-performing operators, rather than ‘average’ outcomes– and he admits his
prime concern was basically around trust.
However, he describes his first session with Jani-King as very promising
– crystal clear and transparent. “Instead of just highlighting the monetary
profits for franchisees,” explains Verghis, “my experience is that Jani-King
prefers to focus on what the business is all about, how long it takes to build
the business, and what the fixed and variable expenses really are. This gave
me a clear picture of what my Jani-King business would look like, and how
much I would earn by the end of each month.”
Having previously spent more than 17 years in corporate management as part
of a large team, Verghis understandably had doubts about whether he could
succeed as an owner-operator franchisee. But he has found the support and
continuous backing from Jani-King extremely helpful.
“Before joining I expected there would be guidance only during the
onboarding process. I didn’t realise how much ongoing support and shared
knowledge there would be. Even during challenging times, Jani-King has
always maintained a clear direction and strong operational support, making
sure I’m never left alone.”
Start small, make growing easy
Prior to signing up with Jani-King, franchisees Richard and Minnie Villon
had previously rejected a number of other commercial cleaning franchise
opportunities due to their hefty initial investment and the lack of existing
business clients.
They also found that some other franchises required them to invest in a
specific model of trade vehicle, complete with signwriting. “Jani-King gave
us the opportunity to start small with minimum funding, a guarantee on
providing customers, and no need for any specific vehicle or signwriting,”
says Richard.
In fact, Jani-King New Zealand has no requirement for new franchisees to
purchase a specialised vehicle in addition to the initial franchise investment,
and vehicle branding is optional. “It all made it so easy for us to run with the
franchise and to grow the business.”
Richard and Minnie, who both still maintain full-time day jobs, didn’t have
any prior experience in the cleaning business sector so it was helpful to have
ongoing training, systems and support.
“With Jani-King there is constant advice on how to improve the business,
as well as ongoing opportunities to earn extra income. They are just so
well organised,” says Richard, “helping us on everything, such as training
schedules, travel, business set-up and any necessary documentation.
“The different departments within the Jani-King franchise support system
work together really well for the benefit of each franchisee. There are even
fun events arranged for all the franchisees and their families, as well as
community services delivered to good causes.”
Both Verghis and the Villons love the fact that you don’t need to begin
with a big Jani-King business. It’s perfectly alright to start with just a small
investment and be hands-on right from the get-go.
“Build trust with your clients from ‘day one’ and those solid relationships will
keep you going strong in the business,” says Minnie.
A model that breeds confidence
“I found that the well-known Jani-King name definitely shortened the time
needed to initially build trust and gain customers,” explains Verghis.
“Smoother documented workflows, operating procedures, pricing structures
and supplier relationships also reduce early trial-and-error,” he adds. “There’s
a predictable financial model as well. Jani-King provides very accurate data
on average margins, customer acquisition costs, finders’ costs and royalty.
“Never underestimate the importance of the training, systems and ongoing
support in helping reduce business risk either. Experienced trainers, well-
defined training, and proven onboarding procedures helped me learn about
cleaning methods and standards, the use of chemicals and equipment,
customer service, as well as health and safety compliance and requirements.
“It also helped me understand how to handle poor cleaning quality and
customer complaints, any damages to client property and inconsistent
service delivery.”
Eco-friendly and loving it
Jani-King is a globally recognised franchise
known for prioritising ‘people and planet’
over profit. The New Zealand business’s
Sustainability and Compliance manager
Polina Maslova says the franchise’s focus
on sustainability has definitely had an
impact across the country, which is why
there has been a 40% increase in the
number of franchisees joining the system in
the past two years, and more clients on the
waiting list for any new franchises.
“Kiwi clients everywhere are impressed by Jani-King’s sustainability
initiatives,” she says. Parent company Jani-King International, based in the
United States, has also commended the New Zealand team’s success in
promoting its innovative eco-friendly solutions, which helped it take out the
Excellence in Sustainability title at the 2024 Westpac New Zealand
Franchise Awards.
Does this sound like you?
Polina has a few initial questions for people interested in becoming Jani-King
commercial cleaning franchisees: “Are you a motivated and positive person
who can visualise a successful career as a business owner? Are you good at
communicating and building relationships, have good numeracy skills and a
positive, energetic attitude?
“If the answer to these questions is
yes,” she says, “and you’re a New
Zealand citizen or have permanent
residency, then contact us today. And
if finance is a concern, remember
that Jani-King can assist you with
your funding application through any
major financial institution.”
Jani-King is a commercial cleaning
business built on openness and trust
TRANSPARENCY
MATTERS
Opportunity: Business & Commercial
Jani-King
www.janiking.co.nz
Contact
0800 526 454
franchisesales@janiking.co.nz
Advertiser Info
Minnie Villon
Verghis Kuriakose: ‘Jani-King has
always maintained a clear direction
and strong operational support’