INDUSTRY FORUM D E D I CA T E D T O SHAR I N G K N O W L E D G E A N D B ES T P RAC T I CES I N T HE CARWASH I N D US T R Y
CCA hosts bus tour and investment seminar at CARWACS Calgary
ore than 45 operators braved the cold morning in Calgary October M 3rd to jump on the bus to tour carwash
sites. Stuart Duff and Benno Gudzus from Mark VII Canada walked the tour participants through the Husky Carwash site and answered questions about the location. Rick Peters from Mondo Products Ltd. and Doug Garratt from Exacta Car Wash Systems, who are working on the Wash King site that was under construction, answered questions about the new build. Operators were returned to the CARWACS trade show at BMO Centre to enjoy a luncheon before walking the show floor. On October 4th, the carwash industry gathered for an investment seminar pre-
pared by Sonny’s Enterprises, the world’s largest manufacturer of conveyorized car wash equipment. Participants who were just entering or expanding in the professional car washing industry were given advice on making a strategically-planned decision – one requiring a careful analysis of numerous factors and vast knowledge in areas that are often unfamiliar to most people.
Delegates were shown ways to leverage their investment by Kevin Collette, Vice President of Sales CTO at Sonny’s who stepped in at the last minute to replace Robert Andre, vice president of training and education for Sonny’s Enterprises, who was unable to attend.
CCA Members answer Frequently Asked Questions What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a carwash business?
1. Consistency of service would be my first bit of advice. The customer needs to know that every time they visit your site they will receive the same thing. 2. My second piece of advice would be to keep the facility clean. Car washes are selling “clean”, so we need to ensure our building, landscaping and customer areas are spotless. 3. Lastly, Customer Service is very important. This is what distinguishes your car wash from any other car wash. Christal Narday, Operations Manager, Valet Car Wash & Director CCA CANADIAN CARWASH ASSOCIATION