For Dave O’Shea, a simple newspaper ad in 2004 led to a career he never anticipated, but now couldn’t imagine leaving. That year, while looking for a change from his previous role as a caretaker in the north, he moved to Christchurch and applied to help clean residential properties. By August, Dave had begun what would become a two-decade journey, where he has since cleaned and revitalised over 3,000 properties.
Cleaning up rundown homes and seeing the transformation is what Dave loves most about his work and gets a lot of satisfaction from seeing homes restored to their former glory. There’s something special about knowing that new residents get to move into a fresh, clean space—one that might have once been a little neglected. "It's a good feeling to see people happy when they move into a nice property."
Over the years, Dave has worn many hats - quite literally - taking on various roles within Noble Services. Dave was offered a job at Noble Services, which was an opportunity he didn’t have to think twice about because for Dave, it was about the work and the difference he could make. Whether it’s water blasting, chainsaw work, or cleaning houses and ovens, Dave has done it all. His skills have grown immensely, especially with the chainsaw, a tool he’s now proud to master after years of learning and practice. “I used to watch a colleague who was really good at it, and now I’m at that level. Weed eating is another skill I’ve really honed. Over time, you hone your skills,” he explains.
Over the years, Dave has seen plenty of changes, both in the industry and in the world. His advice? "Take it one day at a time. You can’t look too far ahead - just deal with the situation on the day. Let tomorrow take care of itself." It’s a piece of wisdom passed down from a former boss, and one that has stuck with him.
Through it all, Dave’s love for the outdoors has never wavered. "I always liked the outside side of life," he says, smiling as he reflects on how far his career has taken him. From working at the New World Deli as a youth to working at a house that was once his, Dave O’Shea’s story is one of dedication, transformation, and embracing the unexpected paths life leads you down.
