Great American Carwash To Celebrate 20th Birthday July 15-16

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It’s been said that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. For Clark Porter, co-owner of The Great American Car Wash, a good first impression led to a career-changing opportunity.

Back in 1987, Porter caught the attention of legendary entrepreneur Dig Hug when he served as the general contractor on the construction of Hug’s Broadneck home. Porter’s work ethic so impressed the business-minded Hug that a career offer was laid on the table.

“He wanted to know how we could continue to work together,” recalled Porter, who was 27 at the time. “I just kind of laughed it off. I was young. But about three years later I came back to Mr. Hug with an idea about opening a car wash.”

Two years later, The Great American Car Wash in Severna Park was born, reuniting Hug and Porter as partners. The work ethic Hug infused in Porter had resulted in a fledgling small business with the motto “Cleaning up America One Car at a Time.”

“We both had some sleepless nights at first,” said Porter, a resident of Stevensville. “But when you want something done, Mr. Hug is the guy you want in your corner. We stuck together and made it through.”

On July 15, The Great American Car Wash will celebrate its 20th anniversary, but unfortunately Dick Hug won’t be there to see it. This past May 4, Hug died at the age of 78. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lois.

“It’s a tremendous loss for the entire community,” Porter added. “As a young man I was lucky enough to impress a guy with my work ethic. It’s a tremendous lesson. You never know who’s watching and you never know how your hard work today can turn into a career tomorrow.”

Still known for logging long hours, Porter is now most commonly seen with the business’s loyal mascot, Hank, his 5-year-old black lab, trailing him around the car wash.

For Porter, there is no substitute for personal attention when it comes to providing excellent customer service. “This car wash is designed to reduce footsteps and get the customer back on the road with a flawlessly cleaned vehicle as quickly as possible,” he revealed. “And a freshly scrubbed car goes a long way in making that great first impression.”

Porter explained that most external car washes can be completed in 5-8 minutes, while full service washes can be done in 15 minutes. Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest days, but with their added staffing the wait times are kept at a minimum. Great American Car Wash routinely invests in new technology and equipment that maintains a safe and efficient cleaning process.

“The Great American Car Wash provides great, quick service,” added longtime customer Lisa Henton of Annapolis. “And I always make sure to stop by to see, Hank, the beautiful black lab.”

To say thank you to the community, The Great American Car Wash will serve complimentary hamburgers and hotdogs to customers in celebration of their 20-year anniversary on July 15 and 16 from 10:00am to 6:00pm.

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