Wild Blue Car Wash, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Q: Tell us about your business.
A: We have two exterior express car washes in Colorado Springs.
Q: How did you get into the business?
A: I was in enterprise software sales and traveled every week. I wanted to spend more time at home with my family. I was looking at owning a small business and came across the exterior express car wash business.
Q: What do you love most about the business?A: The mechanical and operational aspects of running washes, as well as giving customers a psychological lift by making them feel better about their vehicle.
Q: What’s the next big thing for the industry?
A: Using automated technologies to better understand the habits of our customers.
Q: Any advice for successful hiring?
A: As a commercial real estate broker, I was hired to sell this newly constructed car wash in 2008, just as the recession was gaining steam. I was so enthusiastic about the opportunity that my fellow brokers kept saying, “If it is such a good investment, why don’t you buy it?” So I did — first as a 50 percent partner, then a year later the remaining 50 percent. I was intimidated by the machinery but lured by the emerging marketing technology.
Q: What new technologies or innovations are you most interested in bringing to your car wash?
Q: What’s the best business advice you’ve received?
A: When something goes wrong ask this question: Was it the result of a natural disaster or a self-inflicted wound? Learn from the self-inflicted wounds, and don’t cry over the natural disasters.
Q: Any advice for successful hiring?
A: We are driven by the challenge of applying constantly changing technologies to achieve better wash systems at lower costs and providing the tools for greater profitability for everyone in the industry. With our long history as successful operators, we can leverage our experience to identify needs; then develop, test and refine solutions that we can then bring to the market.
Q: What’s the next big thing for the industry?
A: We see the tunnel industry paying more attention to the overall consumer experience. This means going beyond simply clean, shiny and dry vehicles. Many consumers look for the experience, while others look for an exciting or entertaining environment. While some consumers seek the quick-and-cheap wash, many appreciate spending the time and extra money for a more sophisticated experience in line with the value they place on their vehicles and personal self image.A: First, the use of dual belt conveyors over traditional chain-and-roller. Belts offer the consumer safer and easier self-loading, quieter operation, gentle transport, and are safe for wide, low-profile performance wheels. This provides a better consumer experience, fewer damage claims, and lower overall maintenance. Also, a more exciting delivery of standard wash products has been proven to encourage consumers to purchase the upgrade wash packages. More sophisticated foamers, troughs and rainbars, and the creative use of service signage is an effective start.