Aaron & Anne Smith
In Business Since 1993
Cedar Rapids, IA
I spent 10 years in the packaging industry as a salesman before starting my SparkleWash franchise.
The big advantage for me was that it didn't take a whole lot of up-front capital to get a SparkleWash franchise going. This was real important to me because at that time I only had a small amount of money available to me. Also, I could see the huge opportunity within the cleaning industry, and SparkleWash fit right in there.
The most important thing owning my own Sparkle Wash gives to me is flexibility. I am able to adjust my schedule around my family. I don't have to miss important family functions or the kids' sporting events. I get to spend time with my wife and kids, and they get to spend time with me. I love it! Oh, and did I mention the money was nice too?
It took me a couple of years before I got a decent cash flow going. In the first year or so I put a lot of money back into my business to make it grow and make it strong. Then every year after that it has grown handsomely.
The technical and marketing support are great. The cleaning products are superb! Not only do I get support from Sparkle Wash headquarters in Cleveland, but also from the other franchisees around the country. And I can't overemphasize how good SparkleWash's relationships with suppliers and vendors is. These guys provide a lot of help. This kind of support makes me more powerful because it allows me to take on the more difficult jobs that my competitors are afraid to take on. They simply do not have the technical support and backup I do.
