Business Profile; AutoKleen Car Wash & Valeting

In the depths of recession it is really inspiring to know that many businesses are expanding, not only in the world, or indeed Ireland, but here in west Waterford. Perhaps not enough of a focus or time is given to this positive movement, while instead the media devours negative stories hyping  fear factors and scaring many budding entrepreneurs.

Seamus Norris from Ballinacourty, Dungarvan is one of those brave speculators who defied media negativity and bought an existing business just over a year ago. Seamus admits leaving a secure job to take on this long time dream of his was a big risk to take,  but fortunately one he does not regret!

Super Valet is the former name of the car valeting service located on the ground floor of the multi-storey car park in Dungarvan Shopping Centre. Since being purchased by Seamus, the business has seen a lot of change including its new rebranding to AutoKleen Car Wash & Valeting.

What Seamus and his team do is not rocket science, however when you consider the number of cars  in the  area, combined with busy life styles, it is not difficult to see why this business has been so successful. Then combine both of these facts with a high quality professional service at great value for money where some services start from as little as €7!  Whether it’s a quick car wash or a full car valet, they do it all. A wide range of services are available to suit every pocket and every need. It is these type of services that are always in demand. Cars will always need to be washed, hair cut, shoes healed and so on, so a jump for  Seamus into this business, although courageous given the economic climate, was also a very smart move!

It was always an ambition of Seamus’ to run his own business. As a keen car enthusiast, something car related was not only  inevitable but also a great fit. Going further than a basic business buy-out; recently Seamus decided to move away from the Super Valet franchise and rebrand to his own new business named

AutoKleen Car Wash & Valeting. The new image unveiled a new fresh professional and commercial image and design. Already Seamus can see the benefit from this rebrand as his work diary and balance sheet show an increase in the demand for AutoKleen’s service.  AutoKleen Car Wash & Valeting offer a free collection and delivery service to your home or workplace so getting your car cleaned can be completely hassle free. Purposely located in shopping centre or retail park car parks, where for your convenience, they can wash your car while you shop! Weekly special offers can be had, including free parking when you spend €40 or more and a group discount scheme is available for businesses or groups by contacting their booking office for further information. 

Considering it has only been a year since Seamus took over this business,  large advances have been  made with regard to the services offered by AutoKleen. Undertaking a rebrand of a business, is in itself an enormous task, and so it is with amazement to hear more of Seamus’ “visions for the future”. Happily brimming with enthusiasm and plans and Seamus explains October will see the opening of a second AutoKleen Car Wash & Valeting centre in Tipperary Town Shopping Centre! This is a custom built 2,000 sq ft facility and hopes to attract business as far as Limerick city. Plans are also underway to develop a website with online weekly special offers and an online booking facility for customers, keep a eye out for www.autokleen.ie soon. More business also means more staff are required. In addition to Seamus there are three staff in Dungarvan and recruitment in Tipperary is underway.   

Along with commitment, dedication, interest and passion, owning and running your own business is full of obstacles and challenges and involves a lot of long hours and sometimes working 7 days a week. However seeing the business grow by developing and implementing new ideas and practices is “the greatest satisfaction or reward for being your own boss” says Seamus.  

Perhaps Seamus has experienced such a rapid and successful business expansion as his type of zest and desire to drive his business really is that of a very impassioned entrepreneur.  His motivation is almost palpable. The business philosophy for AutoKleen Car Wash & Valeting is ‘giving customers the best quality service for the right price’.   

Did you know  in addition to the comfort and pleasure of having a clean personal space in your car, a clean car is like a clear mind ? According to health24 website a clean car reduces your  probability of experiencing road rage or driver frustration.  So there’s no excuse not to have you car clean!! 

To contact Seamus and his team at AutoKleen Car Wash & Valeting simply phone 058 24256 or call to them in the ground floor of the Dungarvan Shopping Centre multi storey car park.  AutoKleen Car Wash & Valeting is a recent member to the Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

For further information about the above business, or generally about the Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber, please contact telephone number 058 45054 or email;