WORCETER—Ruben Altounian came up with the idea for his car cleaning business after witnessing his neighbor having her vehicle cleaned by a mobile detailer—and forking over all too much for it, in his estimation.
“I wanted to charge less than others and clean customers’ cars on a regular basis,” he said, “instead of having them do it once or twice a year. I started experimenting with different chemicals on our cars and I liked the results. I also use waterless solution for cleaning exteriors so no water is needed and it can be done in the winter, too.”
Now he’s doing just that, with Bubble Fresh car cleaning, which he just opened this September.
If booked on Small Business Saturday, Altounian is offering 20% off Bubble Fresh services. He said typical prices start at $50 and Bubble Fresh will head out to any location at which the vehicle is parked to conduct the detailed service, inside and out.
Why did you open this type of business? I love cleaning cars and became very good at it.
Why did you choose Worcester, and this specific location in Worcester? It has become a central location for doing business besides Boston.
What do you enjoy most about running your business? Working for myself on my own terms, and meeting clients.
Biggest challenge/struggle? By far, it has been advertising and getting the name out. Paying for Google and Yelp ads haven’t helped.
How do local policies or regulations affect you? Local policies or regulations don’t affect me much since I am a mobile business.
Local business you’d recommend? Endless Pawsabilities, a dog grooming shop.
Supporting local businesses strengthens Worcester’s economy, creates jobs, and fosters a vibrant community. By choosing to shop local, you’re directly investing in your neighbors and the unique character of our city. Starting on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 30, enjoy free parking at all on-street metered spots and select municipal lots every Saturday through Dec. 28. Plus, Union Station Garage offers free parking on Saturday, Dec. 7.
If you know of a business that deserves recognition in our Small Business Saturday series, contact Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org. Let’s celebrate and support Worcester’s small businesses this holiday season.
