When Quest veterans Mark and Ky O’Shea got together with business partners Liz and Steve Galea to open Quest Preston, the couples brought more than 25 years of experience to their joint project.

Liz and Steve Galea owned and operated Quest Potts Point and Quest Beaumont Kew from 2001-2014, while Mark and Ky O’Shea hold franchise ownership of both Quest Bundoora and Quest Epping.  

The addition of the new Quest Preston property to Mark and Ky’s portfolio marks the third such venue for the couple in Melbourne’s north, something Mark O’Shea says gives them courage, even in these challenging economic times. 

“Although the business will be opening in the most difficult market climate we have experienced in our business careers, we know it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” he says.

“With great partners like Liz and Steve, effective business planning and a comprehensive grasp on the local market, we are confident Quest Preston will be another success for us and look forward to seeing the property come alive,” says Mark.

“Our two daughters attend a local Preston primary school and are involved in a number of local sporting clubs,” says Liz. 

There are a number of community infrastructure projects set for 2021 and beyond which give the franchisees confidence in both immediate and long-term accommodation bookings. 

“While we are prepared for a slower than usual opening, there are many road and rail projects starting next year which will provide opportunities for the business, and clear white-collar industry growth on the horizon, too,” says Ky O’Shea.

Liz and Steve will act as property managers of Quest Preston, looking after the day-to-day operations while Mark and Ky provide auxiliary support, as the couple continue in hands-on roles at neighbouring properties Quest Bundoora and Quest Epping

“Having three Quest properties in the North and working in unison across the trio will ensure availability for all our clients and streamline the guest experience, which is something we are all equally passionate about,” says Mark O’Shea.  

The two couples have known each other through the Quest franchise network for about 15 years, citing the established trust, shared appreciation of the brand and mutual enthusiasm for hospitality as pillars to their business relationship. 

 “The relationships you hold with clients and guests are obviously critical, but equally important is the relationships among business leadership, stakeholders including our landlord Pellicano and of course the wider Quest network, so we are thrilled to be in great company on our partnership for Quest Preston,” says Steve. 

• Read more: Fleur and Josh Nadzielksi are also veteran Quest franchisees who have just opened a new property.