A Family’s Leap of Faith
Gurpinder Singh and Sheril Ali-Singh were no strangers to hard work. Living in Hamilton, they had built stable careers—Gurpinder as a machine operator and Sheril as a dental assistant. They took pride in their jobs and the financial security they provided. But when their daughter, Ariana, was born, their perspective shifted.
Like many working parents, they faced a tough reality—long hours, rigid schedules, and precious little time together as a family. “We were both working full-time, coming home late, exhausted, and missing out on those little everyday moments with Ariana,” Gurpinder recalls. “It just didn’t feel sustainable. We wanted something more—something for ourselves, something that would allow us to build a future while still being present in our daughter’s life.”
Determined to make a change, they began searching for opportunities that offered both financial growth and flexibility. That’s when they discovered Clean Planet.
Taking a leap of faith, Gurpinder and Sheril invested in a Clean Planet franchise. Today, they successfully own and operate both Commercial and Residential Cleaning Franchises in Hamilton, managing a growing team and expanding their business year after year.
Facing Fears and Doubts
The idea of owning a business was both exciting and daunting. “We weren’t businesspeople. We had never run a company before,” Sheril admits. “There were a lot of ‘what ifs.’ What if we failed? What if we couldn’t make it work? What if we put everything into this and it wasn’t enough?”
Doubt lingered in their minds as they weighed the risks. Neither of them had experience running a business, and the thought of managing finances, customers, and operations was overwhelming.
They worried about maintaining a work-life balance, about stepping into something unknown, and about whether they could truly make it work. Yet, deep down, they knew they had to take control of their future.
Starting a business meant giving up the security of a steady pay check and stepping into the unknown. They had no guarantees, no fallback plan—just their determination and the hope that they could make it work. It was a defining moment, where fear clashed with ambition, but their desire to create something better for their family won out.
Why Clean Planet? The Perfect Balance
As they explored their options, Clean Planet’s franchise model stood out. It offered them a way to step into business ownership without having to start from scratch. With an established brand, proven systems, and ongoing guidance, they found the support they needed to take the leap.
“Being a Clean Planet franchisee offers a great balance of independence and support,” Gurpinder explains. “We benefit from an established brand, a structure that helps us run the business efficiently, and a network of people who genuinely want to see us succeed.”
From comprehensive training to business mentorship, they had access to a structured path that reduced the uncertainty of running a business. They learned how to manage client relationships, handle financial aspects, and grow a business sustainably. Over time, their confidence grew, and they started to see the results of their hard work.
Raman Maan, Waikato’s Master Regional Franchise owner, has watched their journey unfold firsthand. “I’ve worked closely with Gurpinder and Sheril over the past nine years, and it’s been incredible to see their growth—both personally and professionally. Their confidence, self-belief, and leadership have flourished. They’ve transformed from cautious new business owners into seasoned professionals running a thriving operation. Their business has expanded in size, revenue, and professionalism, and I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished.”
“Now, I manage the franchise full-time, and Sheril helps out while still working as an Oral Health Therapist,” Gurpinder shares. “We have a small team, and we’ve learned how to balance work and family life in a way that simply wasn’t possible before.”
Freedom, Flexibility, and Family First
Today, their Clean Planet franchise is thriving, and they have something even more valuable than financial stability—freedom. “I get to be there when Ariana needs me. We can plan our time around our lives, not the other way around,” Sheril says. “That’s the biggest win.”
Their franchise has not only provided financial stability but also allowed them to build a legacy—something they can pass down to their daughter if she chooses to follow in their footsteps. It has given them control over their schedules, the ability to create employment opportunities for others, and a sense of accomplishment they never thought possible.
For anyone considering business ownership, Gurpinder has one piece of advice: “It’s scary. There will be doubts. But if you’re willing to work hard and take that first step, the rewards are worth it. Clean Planet gave us the opportunity to create the life we wanted—one where we can build our future without missing out on the present.”
Tony Pattison, Chief Executive of Clean Planet, is proud of what Gurpinder and Sheril have accomplished. “Seeing franchisees like Gurpinder and Sheril succeed is incredibly rewarding. Their journey is a testament to what’s possible with hard work, dedication, and the right support. Helping new business owners achieve financial stability and personal fulfilment is what drives us at Clean Planet.”
A business that provides both stability and freedom—that’s what Gurpinder and Sheril have built. And for their family, it has made all the difference.
