By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – At the edge of Northwood Landing, lies a brand new entrepreneurial endeavor—Hubie’s Car Wash. What sets this new establishment apart is not just its state-of-the-art facilities or competitive pricing; it’s the story behind its inception, a tale of familial bonds, and a commitment to excellence. I got to meet and talk with Brian and Brandon Glover, the father-and-son duo behind this new enterprise.
From Concept to Creation: The Birth of Hubie’s
The decision to venture into the car wash industry was not made lightly. For Brian and Brandon, it was the culmination of a four-and-a-half-year journey, a process of careful consideration and meticulous planning. What began as a conversation about business opportunities blossomed into a shared vision of Hubie’s—a place where quality service meets environmental consciousness.
“Our journey towards Hubie’s was one guided by our shared passion for customer service,” Brian reflects, “We’ve always been involved in businesses where interactions with people mattered most, and Hubie’s was a natural extension of that ethos.”
“We’ve always loved this area,” Brian muses, “and the opportunity was something we just wanted to jump on top of.”
Brandon recalls, “It wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about creating a legacy, something we could be proud of and something that would resonate with our community.”
Customer Service: The Heart of Hubie’s
As we strolled towards the manned kiosk, it became evident that for Brian and Brandon, customer service isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. “We want it face to face,” Brian emphasizes. “Having that personal interaction, that human touch, it makes all the difference.”
Their commitment to customer service extends beyond mere words. From the manned kiosk where knowledgeable staff await to assist patrons, to the tailored membership lanes designed for convenience, every aspect of Hubie’s Car Wash is geared towards enhancing the customer experience. “It’s about making things simple, not complicated,” Brandon explains.
Innovations in Customer Experience
Hubie’s Car Wash isn’t just another stop for a quick clean; the Glovers envision it as an experience tailored to meet the diverse needs of its patrons. From the moment customers drive in, they are greeted by a manned kiosk—a rarity in the industry—where personalized service and human interaction take center stage.
“Customer service is at the core of everything we do,” Brian emphasizes, “We wanted to create a space where people felt valued, where they could engage with real people, not automated responses.”
But it’s not just about the human touch; Hubie’s boasts cutting-edge technology designed to enhance the car washing experience. With 24 oversized bays and a state-of-the-art license plate reader system, the Glovers strive for efficiency and convenience. Moreover, the inclusion of 18 blowers ensures that every vehicle emerges not just clean, but thoroughly dried.
Environmental Responsibility: A Driving Force
Beyond customer satisfaction, Hubie’s is driven by a dedication to environmental stewardship. From offering free mat washers and glass cleaners to utilizing eco-friendly cleaning solutions, every aspect of their operation is geared towards sustainability.
Embracing environmental responsibility, Hubie’s emphasizes simplicity and eco-friendliness in its operations. The family’s affinity for bees serves as inspiration, with the “busy bee” motif adorning their logo. The bee theme was chosen for environmental friendliness. The business is branded and named after the owner’s initials, Hugh B. Glover.
From free mat washers to efficient drying systems, every aspect of Hubie’s operations reflects a commitment to sustainability and quality service.
“We’re big on environmental friendliness,” Brandon states proudly, “It’s about more than just business; it’s about being responsible stewards of our planet.”
A Bond Beyond Business
For Brian and Brandon, Hubie’s isn’t just a business venture; it’s a culmination of shared dreams and aspirations. Their journey from conception to realization has been marked by countless moments of joy and camaraderie, solidifying their bond as father and son.
“For me, it’s working alongside my son,” reflects Brian. “It’s a blessing to see him grow and thrive in this environment, to witness firsthand the passion and dedication he brings to the table.”
Brandon echoes his father’s sentiments, emphasizing the profound sense of fulfillment derived from their collaborative efforts. “Every day at Hubie’s is a reminder of the journey we’ve undertaken together,” he muses. “It’s a testament to our shared vision and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Membership Benefits: Tailored Solutions for Regulars
Pricing ranges from $12 to $27 for single washes. They offer three lanes: one for personal assistance, one for self-service with card payment, and one exclusive for members. For frequent visitors, Hubie’s offers membership packages tailored to individual needs, with prices ranging from $23.95 to $49.95 per month. Membership perks include exclusive access to designated lanes, automatic renewals, and hassle-free transactions facilitated by license plate recognition technology.
Looking Towards the Future
As Hubie’s Car Wash becomes established in the community, Brian and Brandon Glover remain steadfast in their commitment to innovation, service, and community engagement. For them, success is not just measured in profits, but in the relationships forged and the impact made.
“Our journey with Hubie’s is far from over,” Brandon declares, “We’re excited to see where the road ahead takes us, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to serve our community each and every day.”
Looking to Create a Legacy of Excellence
It became apparent during our conversation that for Brian and Brandon, Hubie’s Car Wash isn’t just a business venture—it’s a legacy in the making. “Working with my son has been a blessing,” Brian reflects, a sentiment echoed by Brandon. Their shared journey, marked by a growing number of interactions with customers, has cemented their bond not just as business partners, but as father and son.
Their commitment to community extends beyond the walls of their car wash, evident in their genuine interactions with patrons and their dedication to fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. “We’re all about having fun, just responsibly,” Brandon notes, encapsulating their ethos of combining professionalism with a personal touch.
Whether conversing with customers during car wash sessions or sharing anecdotes about their experiences, the duo fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere, inviting patrons to become part of the Hubie’s family.
“Hubie’s isn’t just a car wash; it’s a reflection of who we are and what we stand for—a legacy of service, innovation, and community connection.” – Brian Glover
Watch on YouTube – Father & Son co-owners Brian & Brandon Glover of Hubie’s car wash
00:13 Father-son duo starts car wash business in Pittsbro
Brian and Brandon Glover decided on the name ‘Hubie’s’ with input from Brian’s wife.
They chose Pittsboro due to their love for the area and saw a need for a car wash business in the community.
02:06 Focus on customer service and unique car wash set up
Businesses prioritize face-to-face interactions with customers for better service.
Offering a Drive-In with a manned kiosk for personalized customer assistance.
05:45 Truck cleanliness is crucial for car wash service
Open bed trucks must be cleaned out, no bed covers allowed
Trailer hitches are allowed, loose items in truck bed should be secured
07:37 Hubie’s car wash excels in exceeding industry standards
Offering free vacuum cleaners, mat washers, glass cleaner, and microfiber towels for customer convenience
Emphasizing on quality service and customer assistance for a superior car wash experience
11:11 Importance of underbody wash and tire shine in car maintenance
Underbody wash helps to protect the car from salt damage and rust by thoroughly cleaning underneath the car with sprayers.
Tire shine and triple coat detergent not only clean the tires but also provide a nice, clean look for the entire wheel.
12:53 Ceramic code and UV protection are important for vehicle protection.
These products are unique to Hubie’s car wash and provide long-term vehicle protection.
The name ‘Hubie’ was derived from the owner’s name and the business being family-owned and operated.
16:39 Using the car wash
Ensure water is turned on before starting
Molded mats can be washed, custom mats cannot
18:20 Dialing in the car wash system for perfection
Adjusting timing and equipment to ensure precise car wash process
The satisfaction of seeing improvements and learning from each car wash experience
21:43 Father and son co-owners share their unique journey in starting a new business together.
Brian and Brandon Glover began their 4.5 year journey by considering various business opportunities.
An exceptional customer interaction on the first day of opening left a lasting impression on the Glovers.
23:14 Hubie’s car wash promotes responsible fun
Customers can enjoy the car wash experience hands-free by putting the vehicle in neutral and taking their foot off the brake.
Hubie’s car wash encourages interaction with customers and values community engagement.