Just like his customers at Capitol Car Wash, Scott Servetah drives to work every day over the salt-crusted roads of winter.
“(Interstate) 195 is like a fog of salt,” the Millstone resident said. “It’s terrible.”
Servetah, 45, knows he won’t see too many people during a snowstorm—or even the next day. But he also knows there will be long lines at the car wash a few days after the storm ends as customers look to make their vehicles presentable again.
Servetah and business partner Stephen Ward, 45, bought the car wash in September 2007 from Hubert Zada, whose family had owned it for 40 years. The pair had been commodities traders working the floor of the coffee, sugar and cocoa exchange prior to getting into the car wash business.
When the exchange went digital—eliminating traders in the process—they decided to go into business together. With the help of Servetah’s mentor, Jack Aaronson, they chose the car-wash industry. Aaronson owns four car washes in Monmouth County.
Servetah and Ward began putting their stamp on the business immediately. They changed the entire car wash over to Armor All Professional products and computerized the soap, wax and polish dispensing systems, to ensure that each car gets the right amount of product.
They added power washers and special wheel cleaners designed to get dirt out of that tricky area. And they switched all their towels and cloths over to more efficient products. They also purchased a 60-horsepower, touchless oscillating air-dry system.
Servetah said in the three years since taking over, they haven’t changed their philosophy of keeping the business up to date technologically. He knows that customers are making a conscious decision when they opt to get their cars cleaned.
“I feel it’s very important to improve, so people get a value for their money,” he said. “I’m trying to get people the best car wash they can get at all times.”
The parts are already purchased and delivered for the next major improvements at Capitol Car Wash. This spring, Servetah expects to install a new central vacuum system, as well as a new tunnel controller, which will allow for expansion.
In addition to washes, Capitol Car Wash also does a lot of detailing. They offer interior or exterior details as well as complete packages.
A full detail takes about four hours, but customers can leave vehicles to be picked up later. They also will shampoo carpets and mats while you wait.
They also offer 30-minute express hand waxes, which Servetah said is a good way to protect cars from harsh winter conditions.
This year, Servetah is focusing on social media as a way to get the word out about his company. They have a website, capitolcarwashnj.com, but he has also established a presence on Facebook and Twitter (twitter.com/capitolcarwash). Customers can look for coupons on the website and special promotions are available only to Facebook and Twitter followers.
Capitol Car Wash is open seven days a week: 8:30 to 5 Monday through Thursday, 8–5 Friday and Saturday and 8 to 3 Sunday. The car wash is always fully staffed in good weather. Capitol City Car Wash is located at 1617 Princeton Ave. Telephone: (609) 695-6166.
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