Back in 1997 and 1998 I was running a franchise company and selling mobile car washes and mobile auto detailing rigs. I was also a member of the International Franchise Association and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there was a group of franchisors that had gotten together to help out in natural disasters. Some of them were restaurant chains, some were service firms, and then there was a whole gamut of other types of franchises. It was almost as if it was an auxiliary of FEMA, kind of like the Merchant Marines that helped out in World War II.
Why do I mention this? Well, because I realize how much firepower each of our franchisees had with those mobile cleaning units. I also realize how many mobile car washers there are now these days. Altogether they represent quite a bit of potential for disaster cleanup and aid to displaced people. Let me tell you a little story; after the 7.7 Earthquake in Northridge California I sent my mobile car washing rigs to the park to give water to the people there. Our water tanks held 200 gallons, and we also had portable generators onboard.
People living in the park with no electricity were in desperate need of water and energy; simple things such as using a blow dryer, or charging their cell phone. You'd be surprised how much you need these things, and what your life is like once they are gone. We were happy to help out, and amazed at how happy people were with our generosity. I didn't realize at the time, but later we had created so much goodwill in the public that when things came back to normal our business was flooded with new customers. It truly was a win-win situation. We helped those people in their time of need, and they were helping us to more business after it was all over, even during that recession.
What I'm saying to you is this; if you run a mobile car wash business or a mobile detailing operation that you should come to the aid of the community with as much services as you can provide them in their time of need. As long as you can afford to put fuel in your vehicle, and you have volunteers who will help out, you should do this. Not only is the right thing to do, but it pays dividends down the road. Indeed I hope you will please seriously consider all this and think on it.
Why do I mention this? Well, because I realize how much firepower each of our franchisees had with those mobile cleaning units. I also realize how many mobile car washers there are now these days. Altogether they represent quite a bit of potential for disaster cleanup and aid to displaced people. Let me tell you a little story; after the 7.7 Earthquake in Northridge California I sent my mobile car washing rigs to the park to give water to the people there. Our water tanks held 200 gallons, and we also had portable generators onboard.
People living in the park with no electricity were in desperate need of water and energy; simple things such as using a blow dryer, or charging their cell phone. You'd be surprised how much you need these things, and what your life is like once they are gone. We were happy to help out, and amazed at how happy people were with our generosity. I didn't realize at the time, but later we had created so much goodwill in the public that when things came back to normal our business was flooded with new customers. It truly was a win-win situation. We helped those people in their time of need, and they were helping us to more business after it was all over, even during that recession.
What I'm saying to you is this; if you run a mobile car wash business or a mobile detailing operation that you should come to the aid of the community with as much services as you can provide them in their time of need. As long as you can afford to put fuel in your vehicle, and you have volunteers who will help out, you should do this. Not only is the right thing to do, but it pays dividends down the road. Indeed I hope you will please seriously consider all this and think on it.
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