Adam Korngold
Washify
Boston, Mass.
Q: Tell us about your business.
A: Washify POS is a full-featured POS and marketing system with industry leading loyalty, unlimited program and detailed management capabilities. Washify’s integrated marketing program includes: targeted email marketing, custom online store for customers to schedule and manage details or to purchase wash-books, a smart phone application, text and push notification functionality, and more.
Q: How did you get into the business?
A: I started Waves Car Wash in Boston about eight years ago. I wanted a POS system that had an easy-to-manage unlimited module and a strong marketing component. In today’s connected world with social media, e-commerce and email being such a vital part of any successful business, I thought wouldn’t it be great to offer a POS solution that is connected via the web to my car wash customers in order to get my current customers to wash with me more often and attract new customers to my location. I do this now through Washify’s integrated marketing solution which allows me to regularly stay in touch with my current customers through email and mobile texting, and attract new customers through my Washify-powered e-commerce website.
Q: What do you love most about the business?
A: The people. Car wash owners are just great people. Over the past year, the Washify team has attended numerous trade shows including the The Car Wash Show in Chicago.
Q: What’s the next big thing
for the industry?
A: One area that I see a huge opportunity is utilizing e-commerce, social selling and mobile (especially mobile) to reach new customers and develop stronger relationships with existing customers.
Q: What new technologies or innovations are you most interested in bringing to the car wash industry?
A: Innovations that keep you connected to your current customers and enable you to reach new ones.
Al Strathdee
Little Falls Car and Pet Wash
St Marys, Ontario, Canada
Q: Tell us about your business
A: We are a small, family run operation started in 1995. We offer a Washworld touchless drive through, three coin-op self-service bays, vacuums, a self-serve pet wash, and a coin-operated laundromat. We also vend purified water and car care accessories.
Q: What do you love most about the business?
A: Customer satisfaction. There is nothing in the world like a happy customer.
Q: What’s the next big thing for the industry?
A: Changes in technology. With the ever-increasing costs of utilities, taxes and labor, owners will struggle to make their businesses more efficient. Social media, credit/debit cards, computerization and even robotics will become the norm.
Q: What has been your experience using unique marketing tools for your car wash?
A: We had a YouTube video created for our wash that was fun and had a number of hits. (www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvnI97XxdS8). We have also tried customer fleet card loyalty programs and are in the process of developing a Facebook page.
Q: What new technologies or innovations are you most interested in bringing to your car wash?
A: I am interested in electronic fleet account passes and the ability to pay via smartphone.
Q: What’s the best business advice that you’ve received?
A: Things always take longer, and cost more money. Patience is a virtue when you are a small business owner.
Q: Any advice for successful hiring?
A: Personality is the best indicator of success in almost any field.
Bill Walker
Bill’s Car Wash & Detailing Cente
Orlando, Fla.
Q: Tell us about your business.
A: We’ve evolved into the flex-serve model over the years. One of the highlights of our company is our detailing operation. While a lot of companies have gotten away from this, we’re still somewhat old school and have a big detailing business.
Q: What do you love most
about the business?
A: The relationships and the camaraderie within the industry. Also, my employees. Every year at our Christmas party, I’m amazed at the relationships that have grown throughout the year. It’s been one of my biggest joys.
Q: Any advice for hiring and engaging a workforce?
A: It’s critical that you develop a culture. I’ve always said that our employees run a close second to our customers in terms of importance to our business, so we treat them as such. We haven’t had to put out a hiring sign or ad in years; they come to us because of our reputation. They want to be involved in a place where they feel they are getting more than just a paycheck.
Q: What has been your experience using social media, daily deals or other unique marketing tools?
A: I think a very good website is critical, especially to a detailing operation. We’ve found through research that the consumer will research before spending $100 or $200 detailing their car. Our website really lends itself to that. Having a mobile site is very important, as well. We have developed an internal eblast that’s been very effective for us, and we have over 12,000 subscribers on that list. Another thing we’re having a lot of success with is the Every Door Direct Mail program from the U.S. Postal Service.
Q: What’s the next big thing
for the industry?
A: For me, the focus is on chemistry — everything from the low-PH soaps to the new waxes and sealers. There have been a lot of advances in this area, and we’re in the process of revamping our tunnels and adding additional services. We’ve never put out a cleaner, drier, shiner car than we do now, and chemistry has had a lot to do with that.
