Kristian de Pont is the Founder and CEO of Good Sorts Property Services, a people-first janitorial and building maintenance company based in Kelowna, BC. Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Kristian began working in the cleaning industry at just sixteen cleaning dive bars for extra weekend money. He rose through the ranks of a national cleaning company, eventually serving as CEO during its transition into a franchise model. After moving to Canada, he led franchise development for a tech startup before founding Good Sorts. With a sharp eye for systems, a deep respect for frontline teams, and a passion for creating opportunity, Kristian has grown Good Sorts into a scalable, values-driven brand now expanding through franchising. Outside of work, Kristian enjoys golf, snowboarding, and time on the lake with his wife Bri, their daughter Georgia, and their goldendoodle Lucy.
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1. BeTheBoss.ca: What’s the story behind Good Sorts Property Services?
KdP: Good Sorts started from pretty humble beginnings. I moved to Canada from New Zealand and, like a lot of people who make that leap, had to start fresh. I’ve always been entrepreneurial, and after working in property services and seeing how things were being done, I realized there was a massive opportunity to build something better—something more professional, more people-focused, and more accountable. I bootstrapped the business with my own savings, no outside investment, and hit the pavement to land our first few clients. The name “Good Sorts” is a nod to my Kiwi roots. Back home, calling someone a "good sort" is a compliment—it means they’re solid, reliable, just an all-round decent person. That’s the kind of business I wanted to build: one full of good sorts, doing great work for great clients. Our whole philosophy is grounded in being easy to deal with, doing what we say we’ll do, and creating opportunities for our team. That’s what’s driven our growth, and it’s what makes us different.
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2. BeTheBoss.ca: What made you decide to create this franchise?
KdP: Franchising Good Sorts was a natural next step. We built a strong, profitable business in the Okanagan with systems, a brand, and a culture that works—and we started thinking, “Why couldn’t someone in another city build the same thing?” I’ve always been passionate about creating opportunity for people, and franchising lets us do that at scale.
We’re not interested in building an empire where everything funnels back to head office—we’re building a network of local owners who are good sorts themselves. People who want to lead a team, grow something meaningful, and be backed by a brand that’s already figured out the hard stuff. The playbook’s written—we just needed the right people to run it.
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3. BeTheBoss.ca: What was your background prior to forming the company?
KdP: I got my start in the janitorial industry at sixteen, cleaning dive bars in Auckland, New Zealand to earn some extra cash for the weekends. What started as a side gig grew into something much bigger—I stayed with that company all through university, and as they transitioned into a franchise model, I became deeply involved in that process, eventually serving as CEO.
After moving to Canada, I joined a tech startup as Director of Franchise Development, helping other brands scale nationally. When COVID hit, like a lot of people, I found myself rethinking everything. That’s when the idea for Good Sorts was born—combining my background in cleaning, franchising, and leadership to build a business I could be proud of from the ground up.
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4. BeTheBoss.ca: Can you tell us about the janitorial industry?
KdP: The janitorial industry is one of those quiet giants—every building needs it, but most people don’t give it much thought until something goes wrong. It’s essential, recurring, and surprisingly resilient—even through economic ups and downs, the demand for clean, healthy spaces doesn’t go away. That said, it’s also an industry that’s historically been plagued by poor service, high turnover, and a race to the bottom on pricing.
That’s where Good Sorts is different. We’re not just selling cleaning—we’re selling consistency, reliability, and professionalism in an industry that badly needs it. We use smart systems, prioritize people, and focus on long-term relationships with our clients. The opportunity is massive if you approach it the right way—and that’s what our franchise model is built to do.
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5. BeTheBoss.ca: Could you describe your corporate culture?
KdP: Our culture at Good Sorts is simple: people first, always. We’re big on ownership, we’re allergic to red tape, and we believe that good people can achieve great things when they’re trusted and supported. We’ve built a culture that’s down-to-earth, hardworking, and genuinely invested in each other’s success.
We call it the “No. 8 wire mentality”—a Kiwi phrase that means finding a way to make things work, even when the odds are against you. Our team takes pride in their work, we have each other’s backs, and we care about doing things the right way. Whether you’re on the tools or in the office, everyone’s voice matters here. We don’t just clean buildings—we build careers, opportunities, and real connections.
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6. BeTheBoss.ca: Who or what has been your greatest inspiration?
KdP: A big part of my inspiration has come from the people I’ve worked alongside—hardworking folks who show up every day, do the right thing, and take pride in their work. That’s always resonated with me and shaped the kind of business I wanted to build.
At the same time, I’ve always looked up to leaders who’ve built bold, values-driven brands. Brian Scudamore of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?—he’s done incredible things in the franchising space. Rob Fyfe is a Kiwi legend whose leadership style I’ve always admired—practical, empathetic, and unapologetically forward-thinking. I’ve also had the benefit of great mentors here locally in Canada who’ve helped shape my perspective and kept me grounded as we’ve grown.
It’s that mix of everyday people doing exceptional work, and bold leaders who aren’t afraid to dream big, that really keeps me inspired.
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7. BeTheBoss.ca: What are the advantages in being a Good Sorts Property Services franchisee?
KdP: For one, you’re stepping into a recession-resistant industry with real recurring revenue and a brand that’s built on trust, systems, and people. We’ve taken the guesswork out of starting a service business—you get the playbook, the tools, and the support to hit the ground running.
But what really sets us apart is culture. We’re not just looking for franchisees—we’re looking for good sorts who want to lead teams, serve their communities, and build something meaningful. You’re backed by a leadership team who’s done the hard yards, who cares about your success, and who’s in it for the long haul with you.
We’ve created a business that’s scalable, modern, and built for people who want to grow without losing their weekends or their soul in the process.
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8. BeTheBoss.ca: What differentiates Good Sorts Property Services from its competitors.
a. KdP: We’re not just another cleaning company—we’re a people company that happens to be really good at cleaning. What sets us apart is our professional approach, our strong culture, and our relentless focus on doing what we say we’ll do. That sounds simple, but in this industry, it’s rare.
We’ve built systems that drive consistency, tools like our Checkmate inspection platform that keep quality front and center, and a leadership team that actually supports the frontline. We prioritize relationships—with our team, our clients, and our franchisees—and that’s created a brand people trust.
And then there’s our culture: we’re scrappy, solutions-focused, and we genuinely care. We’re not interested in being the cheapest—we’re here to be the best, and to help our franchise partners build long-term, profitable businesses they’re proud of.
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9. BeTheBoss.ca: What advice do you have for someone looking to acquire a Franchise?
KdP: Don’t just look at the business model—look at the people behind it. You’re not just buying a system; you’re joining a team. Make sure the values align, that you believe in the brand, and that you’d actually want to work with the people supporting you.
Also, be honest with yourself about what kind of business owner you want to be. Franchising gives you the framework, but success still takes grit, follow-through, and leadership. The best franchisees are coachable, resilient, and take full ownership of their results.
Lastly, talk to other franchisees, do your due diligence, and don’t rush the process. The right fit should feel like a partnership—not a sales pitch.
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10. BeTheBoss.ca: In your opinion, why do you think that Good Sorts Property Services would be a great opportunity for someone?
KdP: Because it’s a real business, built for real people. We’ve created a model that’s proven, profitable, and built around recurring revenue in a recession-resilient industry. It’s not flashy—but it’s solid. And when it’s run well, it gives you the freedom to build a life you’re proud of.
What makes it a great opportunity is that you’re not starting from scratch. You’re stepping into a brand that stands for something—with systems, support, and a playbook that works. But more than that, it’s a chance to lead a team, grow something meaningful in your community, and be part of a culture that’s about people, not just profit.
If you’re someone who takes ownership, wants to build a great team, and values doing things the right way—Good Sorts is the kind of opportunity that can change your life.
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