When Chris Watson’s father purchased a business 20 years ago, it was only a car wash surrounded by land.
Today, the Hopewell Valley Car Wash and Storage is more than a car wash. It’s also a storage facility that contains some surprising convenience store attributes.
The car wash is full service, which means cleaning goes beyond just the exterior. Customers can expect services like vacuuming and window cleaning. A big part of the business is its detailing service, which includes carpet mat shampoos.
Watson worked for his father at the company when he was younger, and said he likes the area as a setting for his business.
“It’s a smaller community, so you get to know a lot of people,” Watson said. “I’ve got some amazing loyal customers that keep coming back.”
The Johnson and Wales University graduate feels that the company offers good quality and friendly service. He said that having the same group of employees for about 10 years has really maintained that quality.
“A lot of car washes have a high turnover rate of employees, whereas here, I’ve had this crew for awhile, so everyone knows exactly what they’re doing,” Watson said.
The storage facility, located behind the car wash, was built later on in a collaborative father-son effort. Customers have no time limit on how long they use the storage facilities, though all must pay at least one month’s rent. Rent is free for the first month.
Customers keep going back for another reason, too. Next to the typical car accessories sold at the car wash, customers can find something a little unexpected: greeting cards.
“It knocks out a trip to the convenience store,” said Watson, who started selling them at the car wash about 10 years ago. “Every day people come in and tell us we have the funniest cards.”
Watson said about 90 percent of the cards are humorous cards. Seasonal and holiday cards are available as well.
The car wash also features a few specials. Customers can go during the Early Bird Special from 8 to 9 a.m. for a $2 discount on a car wash, or receive a 30 percent discount on coupon books purchased between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31.
In addition to regular car wash and storage services, the company also donates to charity, Watson said.
“I like giving back to the community,” said Watson, whose company has recently made donations to the YMCA, Hopewell Country Club and local schools.
The former Philadelphia resident now lives in Solebury, Pa. and owns another business with his brother, Watson Brothers Lawn and Landscape.
The Hopewell Valley Car Wash and Storage is located at 81 Route 31 N. in Pennington. For more information, contact the business at (609) 737-8222.
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