A Leap of Faith into Business Ownership
Gurwinder Singh’s journey to success wasn’t one of overnight transformation. Sixteen years ago, he moved from Punjab, India, to New Zealand, seeking new opportunities. Settling in Hamilton, he built a steady career as a retail manager at a fruit and vegetable shop, but something was missing. The long hours, lack of flexibility, and limited growth potential made him rethink his future. He wanted more control over his work-life balance and financial future.
That’s when he heard about Clean Planet’s Commercial Cleaning Franchise. A friend, already a franchisee, mentioned he was looking to sell his business. For Gurwinder, it was the perfect chance to step into ownership without starting from scratch.
“I had always thought about running my own business, but the risk of starting from zero was intimidating. With Clean Planet, I knew I’d have a client base and support to help me grow,” he explains.
Overcoming the Initial Hurdles
Taking on a new business came with its fair share of challenges. Despite having a decade of management experience, Gurwinder found himself in unfamiliar territory when it came to client management, financial oversight, and business operations.
“At first, I wasn’t sure how to handle everything—especially managing finances and dealing with clients directly. But the Clean Planet training and support made a big difference,” he shares.
Learning the ins and outs of a new industry can be daunting, but with the right mentorship and training, Gurwinder quickly adapted. Through Clean Planet’s structured approach, he developed a deeper understanding of how to manage client relationships, improve service quality, and expand his business.
Fortunately, he wasn’t alone. Raman Maan, Master Regional Franchise Owner for Waikato, was there to guide him.
“Watching Gurwinder’s growth has been inspiring. He took the time to learn, asked the right questions, and put in the hard work. Now, his success speaks for itself,” Raman says.
From Struggles to Success
Fast forward four years, and Gurwinder’s business has quadrupled in size, growing from a $40,000 turnover to over $160,000 annually.
Today, his business operates across a range of commercial sites, including offices, retailers, kindergartens, and industrial facilities. His team has expanded as well—two family members now work alongside him, helping him manage the growing workload.
His dedication and achievements were recently recognised when he was awarded Clean Planet’s 4-Year Milestone Achievement Award, celebrating his commitment to excellence and growth.
“This business has completely changed my life. Financially, I’m stable. I was able to buy my first home in New Zealand. And I get to spend more time with my family instead of working long shifts with no control over my schedule,” he reflects.
A Business That Works Around Life
One of the biggest advantages of running a Clean Planet franchise? Flexibility. Unlike his previous role, which required rigid schedules, Gurwinder now structures his workday around his priorities.
“Most of my cleaning happens between 5 PM and 10 PM, Monday to Thursday, which leaves my weekends and mornings open for family time. I never had that freedom before,” he says.
This flexibility also allows him to focus on business development and maintaining high service standards. As his business has grown, he has learned to delegate tasks efficiently, ensuring that each client receives top-quality service while he can focus on strategic growth.
And while every business has its ups and downs, he feels secure within the Clean Planet system. The ability to operate within a structured franchise model removes the uncertainty that often comes with running a small business.
“One of the biggest challenges is market fluctuations. Sometimes businesses cut costs, and we lose contracts. But Clean Planet always supports us in finding new opportunities, so there’s a safety net that you wouldn’t have if you were completely on your own,” Gurwinder adds.
The Power of the Clean Planet Network
Beyond financial growth, one of the key benefits of Clean Planet is the strong support system. From training programs to ongoing mentorship, Gurwinder has been able to continuously improve his business.
Tony Pattison, CEO of Clean Planet, highlights this as a key factor in the success of franchisees.
“Gurwinder is a great example of how our franchise model provides real opportunities for growth. Our Waikato commercial cleaning team consistently sets high standards, and it’s exciting to see franchisees like Gurwinder thrive,” he says.
Another benefit of the network is access to best practices. Clean Planet franchisees regularly share insights, allowing new business owners to learn from each other. Gurwinder believes this community approach has been a game-changer in his success.
“It’s great to be able to talk to other franchisees, learn from their experiences, and get ideas on how to improve. You’re never alone in this business,” he says.
Thinking About Starting Your Own Franchise?
Gurwinder’s journey proves that with the right mindset, support, and structure, anyone can transition from employment to successful business ownership.
“If you’re thinking about joining Clean Planet, don’t hesitate. The structure is there, the support is there, and it’s a great way to build something stable for your future,” Gurwinder advises.
If you’re interested in owning a Commercial Cleaning Franchise or exploring any of our other franchise types, talk to one of our Franchise Business Consultants to find out how you can get started.
