Hi, I’m Maneesh, from Freedom Companion Driving Services in Timaru

I’m Maneesh, and I live in Timaru with my wife, Anjali, and our two awesome kids—Manvi (8) and Aadiv (4). We’re originally from Kerala, a beautiful state down south in India, and moved to New Zealand back in 2012. After more than a decade here, this country truly feels like home.

We’ve been living in Timaru for over six years now, and it’s a place that’s really grown on us. It’s got a great community feel, and through my work at McDonald’s, I’ve gotten to know a lot of the people and the town well. It’s a lovely place to raise a family, and we feel really lucky to be part of it.

As a family, we love to get out and about on weekends. Sometimes it’s just short trips around the area, other times we’re simply relaxing at a local café. Every couple of years, we head back to India to visit family and soak up the culture.

One of the things I love about Timaru is its strong sports culture. There’s always something going on, from cricket and soccer to beach volleyball and indoor games. I try to get involved whenever I can, it’s a great way to stay active and meet new people.

I’ve also had the chance to be part of the executive team for a local community group that includes over 100 families. We pulled off nearly 20 events during our 2024–2025 term, which wrapped up in February. It was a great experience and helped me connect with so many wonderful people.

After successfully running a cleaning business, I was ready to try something new. The Freedom franchise felt like the perfect fit—especially with its focus on customer service, which is something I’m passionate about. Julian has been a big help in getting everything set up, and I’m really excited to get started.

If there’s one thing I never compromise on, it’s customer service. I believe in working hard, staying focused, and always aiming to give people a great experience. Going the extra mile is just part of who I am, and I think it makes a big difference in building trust and loyalty.

It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about making people feel good while you do it.

I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead with the Freedom Franchise and being even more involved in the Timaru community. If you see me around, feel free to say hi!