In an industry where businesses often come and go, Green Acres franchisees Foster and Karen have proven that dedication, patience, and the right brand backing are the keys to a lifelong career.
When Foster and Karen joined Green Acres 20 years ago, the commercial cleaning landscape looked quite different. Today, they aren’t just business owners; they are pillars of their local community, servicing clients who have been with them since the very beginning.
Relationships Built on Trust
For Foster and Karen, the secret to their two-decade milestone isn't just about the cleaning—it’s about the people.
"We still have customers from 20 years ago," says Foster. "Karen and I put a lot of time and attention into them. It took us time to study the products and materials, but as our knowledge grew, so did our confidence."
Long Tenure Legends!
Foster and Karen’s incredible journey was recently celebrated on the big stage at the 30th Westpac New Zealand Franchise Awards. They were among a select group of Aotearoa’s longest-serving franchisees recognised for their enduring contribution to the industry.
These champs have been backing local, running strong businesses, and looking after their communities for over 15 years. Being honoured at the awards is true proof of what passion and perseverance look like when backed by a supportive brand.
Weathering the Storms
The journey hasn't always been easy. Foster reflects on the period following the 2008 Global Financial Crisis as one of their toughest challenges. While others were frantically chasing new leads, Foster and Karen doubled down on their core business.
"We refocused on retention," Foster explains. "We backed ourselves to provide an even better service to the clients we already had. Strengthening those existing bonds saw us through the hardest times."
Why Partner with Green Acres?
Foster and Karen’s story is a testament to what is possible when you combine hard work with a proven system. Whether you’re looking to make the leap from employee to boss or turning a redundancy into a fresh start, Green Acres provides the foundation:
Established Reputation: Start with a brand New Zealanders already trust.
Smart Systems: Access easy-to-use tools for quoting, invoicing, and management.
Comprehensive Training: Gain the skills to succeed from day one, no prior experience required.
Lead Generation: We drive national marketing and provide a steady stream of customer leads to help you hit the ground running and build your local presence.
Unlimited Support: Benefit from a support network that’s dedicated to your growth.
The "Bigger Picture" Philosophy
As they look back on 20 years, Foster’s advice to new franchisees in 2026 is simple: Think of the bigger picture.
"You must give the customer your whole patience and respect," he says. "Even if a problem isn't yours, if it’s easily fixable, fix it. Maintaining a long-term relationship is worth far more than anything else."
Take Control of Your Future in 2026
Green Acres offers a range of business models to match your level of ambition, giving you total control over your hours and your income. Whether you’re ready to bring homes to life with a residential sub-franchise or manage your own commercial empire, we provide the proven systems to get you there.
Ready to get started, but worried about the upfront costs? We partner with MTF Finance to provide access to business funding, so you can get your business dreams off the ground immediately.
Taking the leap into business ownership is a big decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. Find out if a Green Acres or Hire A Hubby franchise is the right fit for you.
👉 GET IN TOUCH TODAY TO FIND OUT MORE
or call us on 0800 803 200 for a confidential chat.
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