Chem-Dry Locals

Cleaning up success: Chem-Dry Locals carpet cleaning in Adelaide

When Shane Bonnici and Dave Joslin swapped their careers as paramedics for carpet cleaning, many were surprised. But three and a half years later, their Chem-Dry Locals business has become one of the most trusted names in the industry, backed by more than 700 five-star Google reviews – the most of any Chem-Dry franchise in Australia.

Alongside Shane’s wife Vicky, who manages the bookings and administration, the team has built a reputation for professionalism, quality results, and customer service that goes above and beyond.

From the frontline to the living room

The pair’s journey into business ownership came after burnout in frontline healthcare. They wanted something hands-on, reliable, and flexible. Carpet and upholstery cleaning provided exactly that: indoor work, no reliance on seasons, and the satisfaction of seeing instant results. Not to mention the satisfaction that came from seeing delighted customers time and time again.

'Some of our favourite jobs are the toughest ones, such as stain removal or heavily soiled furniture. They’re the most rewarding because you can really see the difference you’ve made immediately,' says Shane.

With backgrounds in the Army, police, and ambulance service, discipline and integrity are second nature. If a job doesn’t go to plan or something inadvertently goes awry, they return within 24 hours to make it right.

'We don’t take a short-sighted approach. Each customer is long-term and we’d rather fix a problem and earn their trust than walk away. That’s why word-of-mouth has been so powerful for us,' Shane explains.

Training as technicians, not just cleaners

The team also heavily invests in training and conferences to stay at the cutting edge of carpet cleaning technology, taking pride in being technicians rather than just cleaners. In fact, Dave and Shane both recently returned from an international conference where Dave was invited to present on garnering customer reviews.

From testing carpet fibres to choosing the right products, every job is assessed carefully for the best outcome, which is why it’s important their knowledge is always kept current and forward-looking.

Flexibility means giving back

Beyond cleaning, Chem-Dry Locals is committed to supporting the community, like many other businesses in the Campbelltown City Council area. They regularly donate gift cards to local fundraisers, support charities like Puddle Jumpers, and even run sporadic 'pay it forward' days, offering free cleaning to those doing it tough.

‘One of the best things about being in business is the flexibility. It gives us the chance to give back. That’s really rewarding,’ says Shane.

Future-proofing with Council support

Based in the Campbelltown City Council area, Chem-Dry Locals services both residential and commercial clients, including local churches and schools. Their connection to the community has been strengthened by Council’s small business grant program, which has allowed them to invest in specialised backup equipment and expand the quality of service they can offer.

For a business that relies on machinery day in and day out, equipment breakdowns can mean cancelled jobs, lost income, and disappointed customers. Having reliable backup machines on hand has been transformative. Not only does it ensure they can keep working without interruption, but it also means they can take on more complex jobs with confidence, knowing they have the right tools available.

'The grants have been a huge help. We’ve been able to buy better equipment and have reliable backups. It’s taken so much weight off our shoulders,' Shane says. 'It’s not just about getting through today’s jobs; it’s about the future. Knowing we won’t be stopped in our tracks by an equipment failure means our business is more sustainable, and our customers know they can count on us.'

For Shane and Dave, this kind of support has strengthened their business foundations and given them the confidence to think long-term, creating a stronger, more resilient service for the local community and beyond.

With a growing client base and a reputation that keeps spreading, Shane and Dave are now looking at the next stage of their business journey, whether that means expanding further, bringing on staff, or continuing to thrive as a tight-knit local team.

Business tips

For Chem-Dry Locals, success comes down to three things:

1. Have a business plan and financial backing. It’s essential for long-term sustainability.
2. Be responsive to customers. 'We aim to reply within the hour and send a professional quote shortly after.'
3. Treat every customer as an opportunity. 'Referrals are gold. Even a small job can lead to something much bigger.'

Discover how Council can help you live and work in the area.