Takes money to make money

First, congratulations to PC&D’s Editor Debra Gorgos on the birth of her first child, Nathan. Born at 10:26 am on Sept. 11, the new addition and mother are home resting and well. For those who are unaware, I am the Editorial Director of PC&D and I will be filling this space until Debra’s return.

Recently, while at the Western Carwash Association’s (WCA) 31st annual convention and tradeshow, I met with several passionate industry professionals. While most of the feedback we received was quote worthy, there was one quote that really stuck out in my mind throughout show week: “It takes money to make money.”

Sure, we have all heard a variation of this phrase before, but can you think of a better time to remind ourselves of this reasoning than today? In all of the industries I have covered in the past 13 years, including the professional carwashing and detailing industry, price cutting competition affects the goals and business practices of high performing companies.

However, for carwash owners and operators who stick to their goals, visions and mission statement, it takes money to make money is realized each day. These are the companies that prevail over price choppers.

Customers who expect you to lower your prices because the competition is cheaper need to understand that the value and performance results of your top level products and highly trained staff are not to be compromised.

I would put most, if not all, of the owners and operators who attended the WCA’s recent convention and tradeshow in this high end category. Regional shows, including WCA’s as well as the 23rd annual Northeast Regional Carwash Convention, offer a unique opportunity to connect with manufacturers and other exhibitors. Carwash owners and operators who know it takes money to make money still realize the importance of touching and seeing new innovation in action and the ability to speak one-on-one in person with a company’s marketing representative or even the CEO or president.

Professionals who make the investment to attend these regional events and take advantage of the associated educational opportunities know the value of implementing best business, carwashing and detailing practices.

According to Chris J. Buscaglia, WCA’s president, “This year’s educational sessions were well attended and effective. Those who attended will have plenty of interesting and practical tips to take away from this year’s program.”

I hope that your company fits in this category and spends the money to make more money. The end of 2012 is in sight and the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is now upon us. Be sure to spend some time evaluating what worked this year and what changes you had to make to keep up with the competition. And, were those efforts worth it?