Gareth Birdsall is a private business owner and entrepreneur based in Vancouver, BC. He earned his diploma in Sports Sciences from Douglas College and currently owns and operates his own business, Platinum Auto Spa Ltd.
Q: What are customers looking for in a luxury auto spa?
GARETH BIRDSALL: I think customers are looking for an experience that caters to their vision. Every car is different, and everyone loves their car in their own way. It’s important to provide the full service – vacuuming, stain removal, steam cleaning, waxing, etc. without missing the finer details that vary from car to car and everyone’s unique life experience. Some might need the standard vacuuming, deodorization, hand wash, etc. And some might need more intensive services like grill and headlamp detail, undercarriage rinsing, carpet extraction, stain removal, etc. It all depends on the condition of the car and the customer’s unique vision.
Q: What innovations are being used in the auto spa business?
GARETH BIRDSALL: Aside from your standard steam cleaning and high-pressure rinses, we also use something called a pneumatic air ‘gun’ that breaks up a lot of the dirt with blasts of air. There’s the foam cannon that gently lifts dirt and grime from surfaces. Several services can help protect your car in the long term, like PH-balanced cleaners and UV protection for vinyl surfaces.
Q: What kind of range is important to provide for customers of different financial means?
GARETH BIRDSALL: Oh, a big range. Running a business you have to realize that everyone has a different budget. And, no matter the budget, you’re going to do your best to provide the best services to every client. That’s why it’s so important to offer a basic, but thorough package that includes vacuuming, handwashing, pressure washing, wheel and rim detail, etc. And you can always add on other packages as needed. Whether it’s pet hair removal, or you need your whole engine bay cleaned – you can add those services to the basic package. And if you want a more comprehensive service, there are packages and subscription discounts you can sign up for to fit your vision as well as your budget.
Q: What are the benefits of providing a mobile service?
GARETH BIRDSALL: It brings the “white glove” service to you, wherever you are. You don’t need to find a niche luxury facility to get the luxury treatment for your car. It makes the services you can provide more accessible, which means you have a wider range of clientele you can reach.
Q: What have you learned through being a private business owner?
GARETH BIRDSALL: I’ve learned countless lessons through being a business owner, some learned the hard way. If I had to narrow it down, I’d say there are three that stick out to me. First, do not take good times for granted. Continuing to save and plan ahead during good times has helped me weather the bad. Second, the fact that, no matter what, you will need to ask for help at some point. It takes a village to make a business run, which can be a tough pill to swallow if you’re proud of being independent—it’s worth it though. Asking for help can open so many doors! The final lesson is just to love the work that you do, despite any challenges that you face. If anything, try to enjoy the process even more than the end result, since a positive attitude towards your work will keep you going.
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