Intro
Elite Maintenance: A Legacy of Excellence in Cairns
In 2003, Tom Pickford, then president of the Cobras Aussie Rules club in Cairns (now known as the Cairns City Lions), was also the franchisee for Elite carpet cleaning in the area. A pivotal phone call from Steven Diehm, a state and premier league player from Brisbane seeking a sea change, marked the beginning of a significant partnership.
Steven embarked on a rewarding journey with the club, initially serving as the senior coach and later as captain until his retirement this year at the age of thirty-seven, making way for the next generation of talent. Reflecting on his early days, Steven recalls, “When I came up to Cairns, I started working part-time for Tom on the bigger commercial cleaning jobs.” Over time, their discussions evolved into a partnership, culminating in Steven and his wife Kylie officially taking control of the franchise on July 1st this year.
Commercial and Domestic Cleaning Services
Elite Maintenance in Cairns has established a strong reputation, servicing major local businesses, including the Reef Hotel Casino and both Cairns domestic and international airports. The business maintains a balanced portfolio, with an even split between commercial and domestic work. On the domestic front, services include professional-grade carpet and upholstery cleaning, adhering to the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Cairns, as a prominent holiday and conference destination, generates substantial cleaning work, particularly between September and November. “September to November is the football season, and we get a lot of football trips coming up here,” Steven explains. This influx of visitors necessitates a robust cleaning response, especially during peak periods.
Challenges and Professionalism
One memorable challenge for Steven involved a particularly messy hotel room following an altercation. “The room was a complete mess, and we just had to go in there and get the job done. Which we did, of course.” This anecdote underscores the professionalism and readiness of the Elite Maintenance team to tackle any situation, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Family and Community Commitment
Steven met his wife Kylie upon moving to Cairns in 2003. They are now proud parents of three children, with Kylie working as a schoolteacher one day a week in a local school. “The great thing about this job is that, even though it’s hard work, I do get to see my family. Not everyone can say that,” Steven reflects. This balance between work and family life is a testament to the supportive community and the structured systems at Elite Maintenance.
As a CM3 certified provider, Elite Maintenance ensures compliance with health, safety, insurance, and contractor risk management requirements, making it a trusted partner for facilities managers, insurers, and high-net-worth homeowners. By adhering to IICRC standards, including S500, S520, and S700, the company guarantees high-quality service delivery, ensuring asset protection and long-term care.
For professional cleaning and restoration services that reflect excellence and compliance, call us on 131580 or contact us.
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