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From policemen to financiers, Australians embrace eco-career change
Monday, 21 April 2008
The ‘Green Business' movement is gaining huge momentum as millions of Australians face an inconvenient truth in an increasingly proactive manner. From snubbing plastic grocery bags to embracing roll-on deodorant, playing your part as an eco-warrior is now a serious business around the country. It is also a lucrative one, with eco-related operations experiencing huge growth in Australia.
Australian franchise ecowash mobile has attracted people from vastly different backgrounds to its swelling international ranks. A policeman, financial expert and ambitious young car nut symbolise the diversity of individual joining the waterless carwash revolution.
At just 24, Ben Edwards from Townsville is a budding entrepreneur and recognised an opportunity in the parched township two years ago when he opened an ecowash mobile franchise.
“I started in April 2006. It was something totally different and I saw an opportunity with Townville on water restrictions at the time,” Ben explained.
“I saw that not only could I help Townsville, this would allow others in the form of my clients to do their bit for the environment as well.”
Business is going through the roof, with Ben cleaning an average 40-45 cars per week.
“The earning potential of the business is ridiculously good. Start up costs are extremely cheap and your profit margins once you are up and running are unbelievable.
The marketing support is fantastic and the cars just stand out so much. The letter heads, business cards, everything is immaculately done. I am at capacity and can't take on much more work.”
A lending manager for a finance company, Sue Taylor hated her job. A chance demonstration at her partner Elia's workplace was the catalyst for a dramatic career change.
“Another ecowash franchisee went into Elia's work saying he cleaned cars without water. I told her that was impossible but when she described what had happened we investigated what the technology was about. It was a great reason for me to leave a career that I derived no joy from.”
“Changing a car from an unsightly mess to sensational is very satisfying. Meeting new people and working for yourself are other great reasons - your time is your own. And of course it is good to know that you are making as little impact on the environment as possible.”
“Elia joined me and we have been in the black from day one. Being from a finance background I have never come across a business like that. You are not likely to lose your house over an investment like this, so it is a good risk to take. It doesn't require a huge outlay which requires you to be in the business longer just to recoup your investment.”
“We clean on average 50 plus cars a week. Elia and I have just taken over the Sydney CBD and should have our own fixed site at Homebush in another month.”
Mark and Rosemary Davis recently introduced the pioneering concept to Tasmania. Mark is a former police officer while Rosemary served the community as a nurse. Despite their different backgrounds, the Davis' are also very like-minded people.
“We have based themselves in Hobart and are the first waterless carwashing company in the city,” Mark said.
“Droughts and severe water restrictions are becoming more and more commonplace. Water conscious people can find it a tough job to keep their car clean and keep a clear conscience. I know we did which is why we found this such a fascinating concept.”
The ecowash mobile concept has been well received, with the franchise winning the 2007 Australian Business Award for Enterprise (in it's industry category), being names the FCA's Emerging Franchise System of the Year (NSW/ACT) and breaking into the US market in August last year. ecowash mobile now operates in ten countries after starting out as a two car operation in 2004.It is estimated to have saved more than 38 million litres of water in Australia since its inception.
For more information, visit http://www.ecowash.com.au/
For media enquiries, call Glen Scott or Erik Bigalk at Use My Mind on (02) 6681 3844 or 0402 106 508
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