An Australian Franchisee Case Study
Two years ago, Darwin couple Martin and Julia Pentleton knew very little about running their own business. Today they are partners in a successful Jani-King commercial cleaning franchise that is generating a turnover of $180,000 per year.
Martin worked at Centrelink for three years and Julia as a housekeeping orderly at Joondalup Health Campus before deciding they wanted to go into business for themselves.
“Although we both wanted a change, we wanted to do it in a structured way with as little risk as possible, and being a franchisee with Jani-King means you are already part of a successful company,” Martin said.
“With just the two of us working in the business, it has been a challenge but it has also enabled us to reach our financial goals and given us lifestyle flexibility.
“A lot of people have the misconception that you can’t make good money from commercial cleaning. But it’s a secure, high growth industry because every business needs their workplaces to be cleaned regularly.”
Mr Pentleton said the key to their business success was developing long-term relationships with clients and offering flexibility.
“Our success is the result of being willing to work odd hours and accommodating our clients’ needs; they are our number one priority and we take the time to make them feel that way.
“Many of our clients require seven-day-a week cleans and our flexibility has allowed us to grow the business from a monthly turnover of $4,000, to servicing three major accounts, and a monthly turnover of $15,000.
“I would recommend Jani-King and the commercial cleaning franchise concept to anyone because it’s an affordable business to establish, the turnover is great and the support offered is exceptional.”
Martin and Julia have a strong vision for their Jani-King Franchise with a long-term goal of entering the growing hotel housekeeping market.
“We plan to branch out from our current client portfolio which includes the Northern Land Council offices, Bunnings Palmerston and the T10 Stadium, and expand into the untapped market for hotel housekeeping services.
“Jani-King has many clients in the small hotel and motels sector, but in the next 12 months we would like to add large, multi-storey hotels and resorts as clients.
“Cleaning is a great industry to work in and as long as we continue to love our work we plan to be in business for a long time.”
Jani-King turns over more than $80 million per annum and is the world’s number one rated franchised cleaning company, with more than 950 franchisees throughout Australia and New Zealand.