CARY, N.C. — As teens, brothers Will and Jeremy Whipple worked at a local carwash to earn some spending money, according to The News & Observer.
Now 15 years later, Will and Jeremy are business partners, stated the article, running The Car Wash Lodge in Cary with their partner Phil Styers, who is the majority owner.
“We are still best friends,” said Will in the article. “Our wives are best friends. We spend a whole lot of time together.”
The opportunity for The Car Wash Lodge came to be after the two brothers continued in the carwash industry, and after launching a mobile detailing company, reported the article.
While running errands, continued the article, Will spotted an empty carwash facility, which he learned was in bankruptcy after some investigation.
After putting together a business plan, added the article, Styers came on board.
When it comes to running the carwash, which offers a wide range of wash options and packages, Jeremy focuses on marketing and Will manages operations, informed the article.
The Car Wash Lodge is now about to expand its operations to include a second location in Morrisville, stated the article, which is projected to open by June 1.
“My vision is to have 10 stores and then begin franchising,” shared Jeremy in the article.
When it comes to how they interact with their crew and customers, the brothers don’t like to remain behind the scenes, added the article, instead they wash the cars with their crew members.
“We are right there with the guys,” said Will in the article. “We do office work when the carwash is not open.”
And, noted the article, Jeremy and Will truly care about the future of their employees and would even like to see their team members become carwash owners one day.
“We remember what that was like,” said Will in the article. “We are now blessed and able to be owners and be able to provide an opportunity for the young guys. We want them to know they don’t have to be making $8 an hour for the rest of their lives.”
You can find the article here.