North Christchurch Regional Manager Profile Regional Manager: Mobile: Phone: Fax: email: Address: Greg Perkinson 027 273 7547 (03) 366 5297 0800 273 781 greg@crestclean.co.nz PO Box 4082 Christchurch Mail Centre Christchurch 8140

Greg Perkinson has been Crest’s Regional Manager in Christchurch since 2000. Under his leadership he has more than trebled its turnover and there’s a long way to go yet.

“We have some longstanding contracts and customer relationships, some go back to 1997 when Crest first established in Christchurch.  We also have the first franchisee for Christchurch still with us, as well as three franchisees who have been with Crest longer than me.”

“I could see advantages of having franchisees rather than staff members,” he remembers.  “Franchisees own their own business and they have invested in themselves.  They are far more committed to providing good customer service than a staff person will ever be.”

After 12 months, Crest offered Greg the opportunity of investing in his own Master Franchise – scope to build his own business and be in charge of his own life.  Greg has a very solid team of franchisees and customers and there is plenty of potential for Crest to grow further.  That’s part of his satisfaction  - attracting people into the business, and finding new contracts.

“I enjoy meeting people and gaining new contacts.”

It’s one thing to secure new contracts, however – keeping them is quite another thing. And that’s where Greg’s customer services experience excels. With dual roles as a Master Franchisee and Regional Manager, he is both executive administrator and director.

Whichever way you look at it though  – building business is still the essence. In this case, cleaning just happens to be the medium.   That said, Greg knows only too well that cleaners – particularly in the commercial sector – can often be a “buck-stop”. Often the last person to know when a lock or alarm code has been changed – but they’re always the first to hear about a rubbish bin not cleared.

Which is why finding the right people is so vital.

“It’s most important to get the right franchisee for the right client,” says Greg. “ It’s like finding the right glove for the right hand.  I take great care in matching suitable franchisees with customers so a good relationship can build.”

In the Christchurch area, contracts cover the full range of the commercial sector – from small fortnightly office needs to large commercial premises, involving a demanding six-day workload cleaning premises that house more than 400 busy people working in a hectic environment. 

Greg enjoys his business, he comments that no successful industry comes without stress factors – strong management and support is the key. Which is why the Crest “family” embraces the good and the bad – like any that works as a team.

The reward is work fulfilment and loyalty from customers – not to mention extra tokens of thanks that come at the end of the year - gifts of chocolates and wine for franchisees. Greg believes that’s special.

“It’s great to see that customers will compliment their Crest franchisee in appreciation for the good service they receive.  It’s a real buzz for me.”