It is a far cry from what one might expect of such a business. Were it not for the big red neon block letters on the building’s facade that read “CAR WASH” it would be easy for drivers to suspect it was a small school, condominium or some other type of office building, but unlikely that most would identify it as a car-wash by its unusual, yet modern architecture. The cedar shingles are actually vinyl siding.
“This is one of the nicest car-washes you’re going to see in the Northeast,” said Steve Sause, an executive with Simoniz USA Inc., a supplier to the national car-washing industry.
Not only is the 8,000-square-foot exterior impressive, but the actual carwashing operation is state-of-the-art, with the newest technology able to select just the right chemical mix for particular sized carsThe washing tunnel, complete with bright red, blue and yellow foam cloths, is specially designed to buff and shine without damaging the paint. Even the oldest cars can be made to look almost brand new with their complex — and colorful — process that includes a layer of pink, yellow and blue pastel foam that is piped across the cars as though it were icing on a cake.
The general carwashing process — there are four levels that start at a basic exterior wash for $9.95 and go up to $22.95 – takes just minutes. The car owners can watch the process through a pane of windows or in the adjoining lobby where, beyond the typical car deodorants and other cleaners, car owners can find an assortment of greeting cards as well as local art magnets and stuffed toys with suction attachments for car windows.
If you’re a Betty Boop or Scooby-Doo fan, you can find a steering wheel cover for your tastes. Porzio also sells floor mats with Disney characters and other logos. For those who want detailing – wax and wash, interior shampoo and other services meant to make the car appear brand new – the process can take only 20 minutes, or a customer can leave a vehicle for five or six hours for a complete overhaul. Those prices range from $49.94 to $159.95.
Porzio owns the business with his uncle, Dominick D’Agostino, with whom he opened his first carwashing business in Prospect in 2002. With the proceeds from selling that business, Porzio and his uncle opened Exterior Wash in Litchfield in January. That car-wash is located in a New England home-style facility.
“I take great pride in the way they look. I like to keep the landscaping nice; in the spring this will really look nice,” Porzio said. Sause said his customer and friend worked with engineer Paul Szymanski, owner of Arthur Howland Associates, to create a building that would “fit the charm of the community” on a well-traveled corridor where there are no other such businesses. Opened in the last weekend of September, the carwash is already attracting about 1,000 customers a week.
“He didn’t want it to be an eyesore,” Sause said, noting the white cape-style bank across the street. And Porzio has added small touches that add to the ambience. In the lobby, Sause intends to create a customized video of the carwashing process for customers and there is even piped music that plays a mix of melodies.
With the jokingly-offered suggestion that the music repertoire should include the disco tune “Car Wash,” Sause wrinkles his face and shrugs. Not his favorite. Porzio offers a polite smile. He doesn’t completely rule out the idea.
After all, Porzio said he is more than happy to take suggestions from customers on how to improve his business. Not afraid to grab one of their special fiber towels, his crew of about 10 employees uses to wipe off cars after they come through the tunnel complete with six super-sized blue blow dryers, Porzio thanks the customers and asks if it was to their satisfaction.
“I love this business,” Porzio said. “It’s challenging, but it’s fun. After I sold the first one, I was ready to start building the next one. And I made changes to make it better.” Customer Ray Mowrey gives it high marks all around.
“This is very nice,” Mowrey said, noting that carwashing has become quite high-tech as computers determine how much chemical and spray are needed for everything from the wheel wells to the windshields and body. When the car was finished, Mowrey was obviously pleased, reaching in his wallet for tip money. “They’ve done a first class job here,” Mowrey said.
By Nanci G. Hutson – News Times