Rotorua Business Owner

Fueled by people, passion, and burgers

Hey, I'm Ash 👋

I run a BurgerFuel, but my real passion is growing people. When I became a franchisee in 2019, I thought leadership was about being a good operator.Turns out—it's not.In 2023 I decided to actually learn how to lead, own my gaps, and do the work.Since then, everything has levelled up: my team, my culture, my business, and honestly… me.

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What I care about:

- Creating a workplace where young people feel seen, supported, and capable.
- Mixing empathy with high standards (yes, you can have both).
- Speaking openly about the messy parts of leadership and growth.
- Showing other women and young leaders that ownership and leadership are absolutely within reach.

What I’ve built along the way:

- A driver's license program so my team can get independent and moving.
- Regular 1:1s that are actually meaningful—not corporate tick-boxes.
- A culture that celebrates wins big and small.
- A visual training system that my team actually want to be part of.
- The BurgerFuel Women in Business Series, because representation matters.

Ashleigh meeting with local business owners in Rotorua

I'm usually the youngest in the room and often the only woman—but I show up anyway, say what I mean, and lead in a way that feels like me.

I'm still growing (always will be), but if my journey can make someone else believe they can do it too—then that's the good stuff.

If you're into people-first leadership, youth development, or building cultures that actually work, let's connect 🤝

Rotorua Business Chamber

I actively contribute to Rotorua's business community through my involvement with the Rotorua Business Chamber. Our BurgerFuel Fairy Springs store is proud to sponsor Women in Business. This initiative supports and uplifts local female business women.

Upcoming Events

29 January 2026 04:30 PM - 06:30 PM

BurgerFuel Fairy Springs Women in Business - Flourish in '26!

I'm thrilled to host our next Women in Business gathering at Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa. An evening to reconnect, set bold intentions for 2026, and celebrate what we're building together. We'll kick things off with Volcanic Hills bubbles or rosé, savor fresh summer canapés in the Sanctuary lounge and pool space, and take guided tours through this stunning retreat. Come as you are, leave fired up for the year ahead.

Find out more

Panel discussion at Rotorua Business Chamber

BurgerFuel Fairy Springs

Where American muscle meets Rotorua mana

I landed my first BurgerFuel shift at fifteen after begging owners Ryan and Francie for a chance. The restaurant's fast, loud vibe matched my energy, and I threw myself into every role I could get. By sixteen I was running weekend shifts; by eighteen I was the full-time store manager. BurgerFuel kept pushing me forward—including two months in Indianapolis training our first U.S. crew—and I knew I wanted to own a store of my own.

Saving for big goals became second nature. Early on I realised how many $14.25 hours it took to buy a single hoodie, so I banked everything I could. I bought my first home at nineteen, kept investing in my leadership training, and set a three-year target to become a franchisee. By twenty-one, I was the youngest BurgerFuel owner in New Zealand, the second woman across the network, and proud to represent my Māori roots while leading fourteen people at Fairy Springs.

When my parents saw how seriously I treated the business, they were super supportive. They help with admin, but day-to-day decisions are mine, and the team knows I've treated this restaurant like it was my own since day one. That trust matters when you're a young boss—it reminds everyone we're in it together.

Now the focus is on giving back to Rotorua: levelling up catering, fuelling local tradies and gyms, and showing rangatahi what discipline and community commitment can create. My advice is simple—set the goal, do the work, and stay humble. BurgerFuel is in my blood, and I'm only getting started.

Years worked at: 11
Years as owner: 6
Customers Satisfied: 000,000+

Purple Carpet Awards

2025

Best Store Training

Recognised for exceptional team training programs and development initiatives.

Health & Safety

Recognised for outstanding commitment to workplace safety and employee well-being.

BurgerFuel Rotorua interior with neon lighting

Testimonials

Voices from the people Ashleigh collaborates with

Leaders, suppliers, and teammates share what it feels like to work with Ashleigh.

Aidan Nairn

Website Developer

Ashleigh leads by example and inspires those around her. Her dedication to personal growth and team development is evident in the success she has achieved. She's a half-decent sister as well 😉

Visit Aidan's website

Connect with Ashleigh

Media inquiries, community collaborations, or general enquiries are all welcome.

burgerfuelcareers@gmail.com

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BurgerFuel Fairy Springs