After nearly two decades of outstanding service, the Elite carpet cleaning franchise in Mackay has officially changed hands.
David Lowry, who established the Elite franchise in Mackay back in 1996, has long been recognised as one of the company’s top-performing operators nationwide. After 18 successful years in business, David has decided it was time for a new chapter. Fittingly, the franchise passed to its new owners — Shaun Tucker and his wife Nicole — exactly 18 years to the day from when David first began.
Shaun, who spent the previous six years working in the mining industry, first became aware that the business might be available through family connections — his brother is married to David’s daughter. While he wasn’t actively searching for a business opportunity, discussions with Nicole quickly confirmed that taking over the franchise felt like the right move.
A Busy Region with Unique Carpet Cleaning Challenges
Located almost 1,000 kilometres north of Brisbane, Mackay experiences a humid subtropical climate, including a wet season that can last two to three months. These conditions naturally create challenges when it comes to keeping carpets clean and dry.
Add occasional flooding and water-damaged flooring into the mix, and it’s easy to see why the local Elite team stays busy — particularly with professional water damage carpet restoration during the wetter months.
The Mackay franchise services the city itself along with surrounding areas within a 200km radius, delivering a mix of residential and commercial work. This includes aged care facilities, rental properties and a high volume of end-of-lease cleaning for workers moving through the mining and sugar cane industries. Services such as end of lease carpet cleaning are in particularly strong demand.
Expanding Awareness of Elite’s Full Service Range
Shaun notes that customer behaviour has shifted over time.
“Both Dave and I have noticed that people are now much happier to bring in a professional service like Elite to handle carpet cleaning — work they may have done themselves in the past — which is great for us,” Shaun says.
“The other interesting thing we’ve noticed is that many customers aren’t aware of the full range of cleaning services we offer. Once we point them out, we often pick up additional work like blind cleaning and leather upholstery cleaning.”
This broader service offering helps Elite Maintenance Services Group support both households and businesses with comprehensive soft-surface care, including professional carpet cleaning.
From Rugby to Running a Franchise
Judging by the backgrounds of many Elite franchisees, the company could probably field a strong rugby team. Shaun has recently retired from a 15-year career in A Grade Rugby Union, having captained the Mackay A Grade side and played professionally in Canada during the 2005–2006 season.
Now stepping into franchise ownership, Shaun is also enjoying more time outside of work — camping and swimming with Nicole and their three young children.
Meanwhile, David Lowry is looking forward to a well-earned break — his first extended holiday of more than two weeks in 18 years.
Looking for Carpet Cleaning in Mackay?
With new ownership and the same commitment to quality service, the Elite Mackay team continues to deliver reliable, professional carpet and upholstery cleaning across the region.
Need expert carpet cleaning or restoration services in Mackay?
Request a quote or call 131 580 to book a service with Elite Maintenance Services Group today.
