A New Chapter in Aotearoa
Fifteen years ago, Jagsir Dhillon moved from India to New Zealand to start a new chapter. Like many newcomers, he arrived with big dreams and a willingness to work hard, but limited resources. His first job in Aotearoa was at a local grocery store in Waikato, where he worked as a team member while planning for something more.
Today, Jagsir owns and operates a successful Clean Planet commercial cleaning franchise. His journey shows what’s possible with the right support, structure, and determination. For those considering a franchise, his story is proof that you don’t need to start from scratch to build something of your own.
From a Facebook Ad to a Fresh Start
Jagsir had seen Clean Planet ads popping up on Facebook and started to take notice. The idea of owning a business had always appealed to him, but the financial risk of starting from scratch felt out of reach. The franchise model offered something different. It gave him a chance to build his own business with lower upfront investment and the backing of an established brand.
“I wanted to start my own business,” says Jagsir, “but I didn’t have a lot of money to invest. Clean Planet offered a way to do that without taking on too much risk.”
What stood out was the structure and support on offer, from training to securing clients, giving him the confidence to take the leap. He saw that he wouldn’t be starting alone, and that made all the difference. Clean Planet’s systems made it easier to focus on providing great service, knowing there was help available in the background.
Getting Started and Getting Through the Early Days
Starting out wasn’t easy, but Jagsir stayed focused and committed. Like many new business owners, he had his share of doubts and hurdles, but he used each one as a learning opportunity.
Here’s how he navigated the early stages of running his franchise:
- Evening Hours, Full-Time Effort
Jagsir began working full time in the evenings, starting around 5:30pm, managing everything on his own, from cleaning to customer communication. - Uncertainty at First
Like many new franchisees, he had doubts. Would the client contracts stick? Would the business grow? It was a leap of faith. - Hands-On Learning Curve
Jagsir faced a few customer complaints in the early days but used them as opportunities to improve his service and systems. - Growth Through Experience
With time, he built confidence in how Clean Planet’s model worked and began to understand how to retain and satisfy clients. - Solo Operator to Team Leader
As his client base grew, he hired his first staff member, Amandeep Kaur, to support operations. It marked a major step forward in his business journey.
That first year involved long hours, late nights, and plenty of trial and error. But over time, Jagsir built strong relationships with clients, learned to manage different site requirements, and developed a rhythm that allowed his business to run more smoothly.
A Business That Keeps Growing
Over the past four years, Jagsir’s business has steadily grown. From working alone, he now has support in the field and a strong base of recurring clients. He’s gained confidence not just in operations, but in managing contracts, understanding client expectations, and delivering consistent results.
As a Clean Planet franchisee, Jagsir has benefited from proven systems, national marketing, and expert guidance when needed. From day one, the Clean Planet team provided operational support, compliance tools, and access to opportunities. That allowed him to focus on doing great work without needing to reinvent the wheel.
“The best thing is you have more freedom than being employed in a job. You can make your own decisions and have the chance to grow the business at your own pace.” he said.
That sense of ownership is what drives him. With every site cleaned and every happy client, Jagsir is not just building a business, he’s building something of his own.
Local Roots, Long-Term Vision
Now based firmly in Waikato, Jagsir has built a strong local reputation. With help from Amandeep and a growing network of satisfied clients, his franchise is thriving. His experience also reflects the strength of Clean Planet’s national reach, supporting franchisees across Aotearoa to build local success stories.
“At first, I wasn’t sure if the clients would stay or cancel. Now I’ve got confidence in how everything works.”
The franchise model has given Jagsir not just income and flexibility, but stability. He’s proud of the reputation he’s built and the ability to create work for others as the business grows.
The Value of Starting Small and Thinking Big
Jagsir started with limited resources and plenty of uncertainty, but through steady effort and a willingness to learn, he’s built something of real value.
His story shows that:
- You don’t need to start from scratch to build something meaningful.
- With the right support, growth is possible, even when the early days are challenging.
- Confidence builds over time, especially as experience and relationships grow.
- Taking the first step, even when unsure, can lead to long-term success.
Jagsir’s path offers more than just inspiration. It’s a reminder that success often starts with small steps, and that real progress comes from showing up consistently and learning as you go.
A Story That Inspires Others
Jagsir’s story is one of persistence, growth, and belief in a better future. For those thinking about taking the leap into franchise ownership, especially anyone new to New Zealand or looking to take control of their income, it’s a reminder that real success often starts small.
Clean Planet gave him a platform to move from employment to ownership. One step at a time, with guidance and systems to support him along the way. His journey shows that you don’t need a business background, big capital, or years of experience to make it work. You just need commitment, care, and a willingness to grow.
As Jagsir continues to expand, he’s not only providing a service. He’s proving what’s possible when the right opportunity finds the right person.
