Intro
Meet Chris Barton-Harvey: A Journey of Commitment and Excellence at Elite Maintenance
Chris Barton-Harvey has been an integral part of the Elite Maintenance organization for twenty-seven years, transitioning from a successful ten-year career in senior retail management to the carpet cleaning industry. His decision to join Elite was driven by a desire for a significant change in lifestyle.
“As a store manager at a busy supermarket, I was accustomed to working over sixty-five hours a week and managing a team of more than 65 staff. However, I realized I was missing precious moments with my children as they grew up. When my business partner, Tom, invited me to consider a partnership in a carpet cleaning business, I recognized it was time for a change—an opportunity that would allow me to spend more time with my family,” Chris explains.
Tom introduced Chris to the unique and systematic approach of Elite Maintenance, which ultimately led them to take up an Elite franchise in 1988. Since then, they have embraced the evolution of the business and have never looked back.
Leadership in the Mandurah Operation
Currently, Chris oversees the Mandurah operation and co-owns the Elite state franchise for Western Australia with Tom Tapley. Initially, Chris took on the Bunbury franchise—located two hours south of Perth—without any prior connections to the town, all while competing against one of the largest carpet cleaning operators in the southwest of WA. As their business expanded, Chris and Tom successfully managed multiple franchise areas, at one point overseeing five different franchises across WA.
While the Mandurah operation is well-known for its carpet and upholstery cleaning services, it also specializes in flood damage restoration, adhering to IICRC standards to ensure compliance and quality in service delivery. The majority of their work, however, remains focused on residential clients, particularly retirees and residents in lifestyle villages.
Commitment to Customer Satisfaction
One of Chris’s standout operators, Mark, has built a strong rapport with customers over his twenty-year tenure. “Mark is not only courteous and thorough, but he is also quick to address any issues that may arise. When he was away, we had instances where customers specifically requested to wait for him rather than accept service from other operators,” Chris remarks. “At one point, we had 42 customers who had specifically requested him for jobs. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the most popular carpet cleaner in Australia!”
In contrast to the retiree-focused Mandurah market, the Perth city area presents a diverse range of floor coverings, including hard floors. To meet this demand, Elite Maintenance has expanded its service offerings to include strip and seal, as well as tile and grout work, ensuring compliance with Australian Standards and IICRC guidelines.
A Passion Beyond Carpets
Outside of his professional commitments, Chris is a keen traveler and an avid reader, particularly of biographies. He enjoys attending cultural events, such as the Fringe Festival when it visits Western Australia, and is a dedicated supporter of the West Coast Eagles.
At Elite Maintenance, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and compliance, backed by our CM3 certification and adherence to IICRC standards. For facilities managers, insurers, and high-net-worth homeowners seeking reliable, professional-grade maintenance and restoration services, we are your trusted partner.
For more information or to discuss your needs, please call us on 131580 or contact us.
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