WashRite Waipa/Waikato
Growing Through Mentorship
Empowered by the North King Country Development Trust
Running a business while raising a young family is no small task, but for Daniel and LeeAnne Olum, owners of WashRite Waipa/Waikato, it’s a challenge they’ve embraced with determination and heart.
The couple purchased their franchise in November 2020, shortly after the uncertainty of COVID-19, and just as they were welcoming their six-month-old baby. They were eager to build something of their own, a business that reflected their strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
Their business offers professional exterior cleaning services - from homes and farm sheds to large commercial buildings - with a focus on quality workmanship, reliability, and excellent customer service.
“We love what we do, and we want our customers to experience that same pride when they see their homes and businesses looking their best,” says Daniel.
A fortunate connection
Their connection with the North King Country Development Trust (NKCDT) began by chance. During a business strategy evening Daniel met Kyle Barnes, one of the Trust’s trustees, who told him about the opportunity to apply for funding for 12 months of business mentoring.
Daniel and LeeAnne applied, and were successful. Through NKCDT’s support, they were connected with business mentor Malcolm Ferguson, whose guidance helped them navigate a challenging period for small businesses.
“The last year’s been pretty tough with the economic downturn,” says Daniel. “June and July were especially quiet, but having a mentor like Malcolm on board has made a huge difference.”
Finding their feet and their focus
With Malcolm’s help, the couple began working strategically on their business rather than just in it. Together, they developed a robust business plan, including goals for growth, staffing, marketing, and financial systems.
Their mentor helped them plan for sustainable expansion, including building capital to purchase another vehicle and hire an additional team member, while ensuring compliance with Health and Safety standards and improving internal systems to make the business run smoothly even when Daniel steps back from the tools.
“When I tried to work on the business instead of being out there every day, we quickly realised a few more systems needed to be in place. Having Malcolm there to help us identify the gaps and fix them was invaluable.”
Malcolm also guided them through developing a marketing plan, which has included using social media promotions and strengthening relationships with existing clients. Their Winter Specials campaign, targeted at repeat customers, was a success — bringing in new work while rewarding loyal supporters.
“It was important to us to thank the people who have supported our business. Keeping it local really matters,” says LeeAnne.
The power of networking
One of the biggest lessons they’ve learned is the value of connection. Networking has opened up new opportunities, especially with businesses headquartered there.
“We’ve found that a lot of decision-making happens in the city (Hamilton), so being visible in those networks has helped us grow,” Daniel explains. “You realise that your network really is your net worth.”
Regular business events, often held at different venues, have also given them fresh ideas and insights, while strengthening ties with other local businesses.
Looking ahead
With a strong foundation and systems in place, Daniel and LeeAnne are focused on steady growth and continued improvement. They currently employ one staff member, and at their busiest have had a team of five.
Their ultimate goal is to build a thriving, sustainable business that allows Daniel to step back from the tools and focus on strategy, while continuing to provide exceptional service to customers across the Waikato and Waipa regions.
“The mentoring has been so worthwhile,” Daniel says. “It’s helped us through a tough period, given us direction, and made sure we’ve got a plan to stay commercially viable — no matter what the market’s doing.”
About WashRite Waipa/Waikato
WashRite is New Zealand’s premier domestic house washing and commercial exterior cleaning service — where no job is too big or too small. Daniel and LeeAnne’s team provide:
House and Commercial Building Washing
Roof Cleaning and Moss & Mould Treatment
Concrete and Gutter Cleaning
Farm and Chicken Shed Cleaning
Rural and Exterior Pest Spraying
Pre-sale Makeovers
With their professional, prompt, and reliable service, Daniel and LeeAnne take pride in helping homeowners and businesses keep their properties looking their best — and in doing so, they’re helping build a stronger, more connected local economy.
“We’d absolutely recommend applying to NKCDT for mentoring. Having that support behind you really helps you grow — both as business owners and as people.”
P: 022 018 0410
E: waikato@washrite.co.nz
Visit our website
Find us on Facebook
Email: admin@nkcdt.co.nz
North King Country Development Trust supports local people and businesses through funding, mentoring, and capability-building programmes that strengthen our region’s economic wellbeing.
Our catchment area for business funding
Arohena | Aria | Awakino | Benneydale | Hangatiki | Kiokio | Kinohaku | Kopaki | Mahoenui | Maihiihi | Mangakino | Mangaorongo | Mangaotaki | Mangatutu | Mapiu | Marokopa | Mokau | Mokauiti | Ngaroma | Oparure | Otewa | Otorohanga | PioPio | Piripiri | Panetapu | Pureora | Rangitoto | Taharoa | Te Kuiti | Te Mapara | Tongaporutu | Waimahora | Waimiha | Waipa Valley | Waitomo | Whakamaru | Wharepuhanga