Detroiter invents green car wash

Date AddedSeptember 07, 2009 10:18:18 PM

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DETROIT - A Black, Detroit-based entrepreneur is revolutionizing the way auto enthusiasts care for their cars. His business idea is eco-friendly and the patent is pending. Emmanuel Williams, founder and CEO of DetailXPerts, uses steam to wash cars. He is also hoping his idea will offer entrepreneurial opportunity to anyone interested.

Car washes are notorious for toxic chemicals, large volumes of water usage and, consequently, a large environmental footprint. In fact, federal regulations require traditional car washes to drain wastewater into a local sewer system for treatment and recycling before being reintroduced to area waterways.

Williams has invented a 'green' car wash. Employing the steam cleaning method created by DetailXPerts, two gallons of water cleans 15 cars. The device that transforms the water to steam is the key.

"We've been trained for generations to wash a car one way, with soap and water," says Terry Cleveland, the company's first franchisee and vice-president. "Now people have an option."

The DetailXPerts set-up involves generators and an Italian manufactured steam cleaner that Williams, a former engineer, designed. Specially treated fiber cloths are used in conjunction with the steam application, ultimately treating the cars with what Williams likes to call a spa treatment. No chemicals or detergents are used.

Cleveland adds that, using the steam method, cars stay clean longer. No soap residue means cars do not collect dust. The long-term benefits include greater protection for cars' exteriors, according to Cleveland.

"Soap breaks down the protective coat, then it goes after your paint," Cleveland says. "We came up with a way to clean and preserve your car's finish."

In addition, the system is self-contained with no run-off water and no stationary equipment. That mobility gives Williams the option of setting up shop in parking lots, hotels, country clubs and private homes.

"We have our own power source, our own water source - it's completely self-contained," Cleveland adds.

"We can legally set up at locations all over the world and save water," Williams told the Michigan Citizen during a demonstration in downtown Detroit.

The Miller Parking Garage adjacent to the Renaissance Center was the first location that DetailXperts established a regular presence. There are now five locations throughout the metro area where DetailXperts can be located during the week.

Emmanuel Williams gets excited when talking about the franchise possibilities that have already been advanced by the company. He hopes DetailXperts will be a source of employment and business opportunities throughout the region and is actively encouraging motivated individuals to seek the company out for franchising and job opportunities.

Cleveland took a buyout from his auto industry work and bought a franchise.

Williams and his son first brainstormed the idea on the porch of their Detroit home. He maintains: Steam is the best way to clean anything. DetailXPerts now owns rights to the concept and the intellectual property associated with the innovative steam cleaning technique.

Williams says that the patent process for the steam-cleaning technique and hardware, which has been going on for four years, is due to be approved any day. DetailXperts can already legally sell franchises in 38 states and is fielding calls from interested parties as far away as the Middle East.

"No one has ever franchised a system like this," Williams says. "We're one of only ten African American franchisors in the country."

Currently, Williams' client list includes several Detroit Lions, and others who "are careful about their cars' appearance and their privacy." You may see the DetailXperts using an online system to take reservations for any one of their area locations or anywhere the client proposes. But Williams loves the personal touch, exhibited by a 'greeter' stationed outside of the Miller Parking lot across from the RenCen Marriott Hotel.

"That's how we really like to make contact with our clients," Williams says. "And let them know who we are and what we do."

For more information on DetailXperts services, pricing, and franchise opportunities, visit www.detailexperts.net or call 1-877-317-9737