Greg Clarke, the owner of Ovenu Andover, has successfully completed his 1,000th oven clean having launched the business in November 2021.
The unusual milestone marks a significant achievement for Greg, who transitioned into becoming his own boss following a distinguished 40-year career in hospitality, most recently as house manager at Basingstoke Golf Club.
His extensive experience provided him with the necessary skills to build the oven cleaning business from scratch by delivering exceptional customer service, which has been a cornerstone of his success.
“Starting my own business was a big step, especially after spending four decades in hospitality,” he said. “Running my own business is incredibly rewarding and I’m enjoying the challenge and am grateful for the support of my clients, many of whom have become regulars.
“For many people, the idea of cleaning a 1,000 ovens is repellent but I enjoy the work and receive a great deal of satisfaction restoring them to near showroom condition.”
The uncertainties surrounding the hospitality industry during the Covid pandemic prompted Greg to take control of his career by becoming his own boss, with the knowledge that he had the support of the franchise behind him.
He has since built up a loyal client base and continues to grow the business attracting a steady stream of enquiries, many driven by personal recommendations.
Married with three grown-up children and two grandchildren, Greg is as avid golfer and a dedicated Southampton FC fan, and running his own business has also allowed him to achieve a better work-life balance.
He added: “It has given me the flexibility to spend more time with my family and indulge my hobbies. It’s been a great journey, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow the business while enjoying life outside of work.”
Rik Hellewell, the founder and managing director of the Ovenu franchise, said: “Greg’s commitment to providing top-notch service is evident in having completed 1,000 oven cleans and his background in hospitality has undoubtedly contributed to the exceptional customer experience he provides.”
As well as the town, Ovenu Andover also covers Ludgershall, Faccombe, St Mary Bourne, Ibthorpe, Forton, Stockbridge, Longparish, Chilbolton, Wherewell, The Clatfords, The Wallops and surrounding areas.
The Ovenu valeting process involves dismantling key components such as the door, interior panels, fan, and shelves and placing them into design-registered tank equipment, which uses safe, non-caustic and biodegradable cleaning products, leaving it in near showroom condition.