Vanity Car Wash & Ice Cream

First Business To Give Itself Away – Car Wash And Ice Cream Combination

Victoria Burke — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:12:35 +0000

A Hillsdale, Michigan business may be the first operational business to give itself away. It is a different way to look at turning the businesses over to new owners than the usual sale.
Victoria Burke, Partner/Owner of the Vanity Car Wash said, “Entrepreneurs or experienced business owners wanting to buy a new business have a lot of hoops to jump through these days to make this kind of purchase. It isn’t as easy as it used to be. Gross revenues in a slower economy have also had a negative impact on the asking price by the seller. Therefore, implementing a way to give away these operating businesses in a drawing is a win-win outcome.” Burke came up with this idea after experiencing the repeated frustration of potential buyers and Realtors devouring hours in appointments with no positive outcome.
After the appropriate research was completed, in order to conduct the drawing, it was established that a customer would receive a service or benefit from the money they spent on the opportunity to enter the drawing. This means the customer will not lose any money and the entry in the drawing is a bonus for purchasing an Express Key. A customer won’t lose any money because the Express Key is programmed with 100.00 worth of car washing time working like a debt card when used at the Vanity Car Wash. The other option for the customer is to mail their Express Key to a Hillsdale nonprofit organization listed on Vanity’s website and in turn receive a receipt for a tax write-off but keep the entry into the drawing.
The odds are fantastic because the maximum number of Express Keys offered for the drawing is only 6,000 which makes the odds of winning really exciting. In addition to the grand prize of winning these turnkey businesses is a second prize, pristine 2003 Mercedes Benz E Series. You can read more about the businesses and how to purchase your Express Key at http://www.keystoyourbusiness.com or please call 517-206-8816.

Customers Save Money At Vanity Car Wash

Victoria Burke — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 03:33:34 +0000

Who knew a plastic key with a computer chip could be so versatile, fun and useful? Cars are a big investment and car care is important. Victoria Burke states, “Many people still want to wash and vacuum their own cars, but the dreaded thought of racing through the process to beat the timer and make every penny count can be taxing.”

You don’t have to worry about wasting your money any more because Vanity Car Wash in Hillsdale, Michigan makes the value of an Express Key worth more than it’s weight in gold to 6,000 people. The ultimate advantage using the prepaid Express Key allows the customer total control of the timer while washing their car. Unlike money, they can remove the key any time to work on the extra dirty areas such as chrome wheels coated with brake dust. Another advantage of the Express Key is it works the same way in the vacuums. Just remove the key which allows you the flexibility of emptying items, baby seats etc… from the vehicle without the timer running and wasting money.
Oh, remember the part about weight in gold? The golden part is the first 6,000 people to purchase this penny saving Express Key may win the very car wash where they are saving money at. The owners will give away the Vanity Car Wash and Ice Cream business combination in a drawing. It’s absolutely above the mark for saving money and each person loses nothing to win therefore making every penny count. Couldn’t you stand a great cash windfall or to be your own boss or have ready made jobs for your children or grandchildren? Now that would be like a pile of gold. Please visit http://www.keystoyourbusiness.com

“Free” Keys To Vanity Car Wash & Ice Cream

Victoria Burke — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:47:38 +0000

When it was apparent the economy wouldn’t be bouncing back anytime soon, we were determined to make something good and positive happen as we sought new owners to take over the Vanity Car Wash & Ice Cream businesses.

With jobs scarce, and bank financing tight there still had to be a way for us to transition from business owners and give someone else the benefit of continuing the operation of the this well established car wash & ice cream store.

Well, we have done just that! Within the Michigan Compiled Law 750.372 there is a way for someone new to become a business owner and not assume the typical financial risk associated with a mortgage. By “winning” the Vanity Car Wash & Ice Cream businesses, yes, WinABiz you can enter to win and not loose a cent.

There is no place else that has offered anyone this kind of opportunity of a life time with no out of pocket expense to enter to win a prize like this.

It is outrageously simple and here is how and why: Purchase a key for 100.00.
1. Use your key at the Vanity Car Wash for 100.00′s worth of car washing
or
2. Donate your key to a Hillsdale nonprofit organization and take a 100.00
tax deduction.
YOUR BONUS’s
1. You are entered to win the Vanity Car Wash & Ice Cream businesses including the property.
2. You are entered to win a Mercedes Benz E Series

Your odds are 1 in 6000 to be the winner. Maybe the winner could be you!
Remember, you can’t be a looser no matter what, unless you choose to do nothing.
What are you waiting for?

Click on http://keystoyourbusiness.com/ and order your key via Pay pal or call us at 517-206-8816.

“When opportunity knocks, give it directions to your house.”
Stay connected for updates on the promotion.

Visit Hillsdale County – A Rural Oasis In Michigan

Victoria Burke — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 02:55:37 +0000

Centrally located in the middle of a network of major highways, Hillsdale, Michigan is only a short drive from major cities like, Lansing, Detroit, Kalamazoo, Toledo, Ohio and Fort Wayne, Indiana. A municipal airport and a locally owned freight railroad are added connections to broad markets. Population is 7,695.

Lose yourself in historical locations, stay in a cozy bed and breakfast, visit antique shops, quaint villages, go hiking, fishing, hunting, or discover the byways and highways through the hills and dales of Hillsdale County, Michigan.

Hillsdale County is a rural oasis in Michigan at the bottom of the mitten, bordering Ohio and Indiana. A community rich in tradition and hometown hospitality, family owned and corporate businesses, Hillsdale County is proud of its past and building for the future.

National news was made when Michael Sessions became the nation’s youngest mayor; elected at 18 in Hillsdale.

Hillsdale Court House

Hillsdale Community Health Center:
One of the nation’s finest and most respected small town hospitals;
founded in 1940, HCHC is the only acute care hospital in Hillsdale County and
boast an array of specialties and leading edge technology not normally
available in small town hospitals, or many larger city hospitals.

Post Secondary Education
Hillsdale College: One of the nation’s oldest and most respected four-year liberal arts institution with 1,300 students; founded in 1844. Heralding their independence and disdaining federal funding, the college attracts hundreds of the nation’s leading names in education, entertainment, media, athletics and political/social policy. NCAA Division II athletics.
Jackson Community College has a satellite campus in Hillsdale.

K-12 Education
There are eight public school districts, two charter schools and several private and parochial schools available.

Information kindly provided by Dan Bisher.

Past, Present & Future In Car Washing & Serving Ice Cream

Victoria Burke — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:43:31 +0000

Some days it seems like only yesterday we proudly started serving our customers at the Vanity Car Wash & Ice Cream in Hillsdale, Michigan. Other days, we don’t remember the time that we weren’t washing cars and dipping ice cream.

To the outsider it may look easy and always fun. Running a successful business is like most other experiences or relationships, “you only get out of something what you put into it.” There is no greater truth.

We’ve learned from mistakes and have grown wiser because of them. We haven’t always done everything alone, meaning that many times the arrival of a friend or a caring customer right when you need two extra hands is like an angel from nowhere. Being able to call an acquaintance from the industry when you are in a pinch to locate a replacement part on a busy Saturday afternoon, is worth it’s weight in gold.

It is now time to make our past someone else’s future. It was always our plan to sell the businesses as we neared retirement. Who knew 17 years later our economy would be weak, work lean and so many people without jobs.

Meeting the challenge head-on we are going to “give” a way the car wash and ice cream store along with the real estate. http://keystoyourbusiness.com/about-vanity-car-wash-ice-cream/ This chance to win a business could change someones life! People win alot of things, but never a business. It could not only mean lasting financial security, but job security for themselves and their family. Can you imagine winning anything so huge? Can you imagine stepping in to an already established, profitable business and not having a mortgage?

I will tell you more in my next blog. Stay connected!

Life-long Resident and Hillsdale College Student Shares Points of Pride

Victoria Burke — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 05:22:31 +0000

Hillsdale: It’s the People. The phrase that has become the popular slogan for
Hillsdale County has more to say than visitors might consider. Our small town of approximately 9,000 people offers more to its citizens than other cities could fathom. Here, it really is all about the people. A large percentage of local businesses are family-owned and operated, and many business owners work together to maintain the close-knit community that has existed formally since 1869.
Hillsdale boasts an extra 1500 residents with the return of Hillsdale College students each fall. The college, which was founded in 1853, has provided jobs to numerous full-time residents and contributes to community life in various ways. As a Division II NCAA school, community members enjoy cheering on college athletes during local sporting events. Each year, members of college teams, clubs and Greek life hold various philanthropies to benefit members of the community, such as the Hillsdale City Fire Department and the public school system. There are seemingly infinite possibilities for college students to become involved in community life.
Besides postsecondary education, there is also a great deal to say
for Hillsdale Community Schools. The administrative staff has made recent
changes to promote more effective learning environments for K-12 students.
Also, Hillsdale High School provides opportunities for students to further their education at the secondary level prior to graduation by enrolling in any of four Advanced Placement courses. The school system of the entire area promotes and adheres to the School of Choice, allowing community members from all over the county to choose the specific public school fitting for their child.
Recreational activities throughout the year serve to bring members of the community together. Community members have numerous opportunities to participate in local athletics, clubs and religious organizations all over the county. Outdoor activities abound throughout the county, which boasts a considerable amount of lakes and parks for people of all ages to enjoy.
A visit to Hillsdale illustrates beautiful foliage during the autumn months, sparkling landscapes after a winter snowfall, rejuvenating blossoms during springtime and abounding recreation during summer months. However, life in Hillsdale, through the close-knit community members and abundance of county-wide participation, displays a town unique and wondrous, full of culture and vitality that only experience can truly render.
Article contributed by Katelyn Martin

BUILDING CAR WASH & ICE CREAM STORE COMBO

Victoria Burke — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 21:59:21 +0000

Building Vanity Car Wash #2 and Ice Cream Too
Prior to the property purchase, all three of us were in the car going somewhere. Tom and I were discussing the potential new car wash project when suddenly Corey piped up from the back seat and asked if we were talking about building another car wash. We told him yes which was followed by his response, “Then I want to be adopted.” I guess he was still a little scarred form wash number one.
Fast forwarding to 1994 we purchased property at 214 South Broad St.,
Hillsdale, Michigan in preparation for car wash number two across from the famous Hillsdale County Fairgrounds. Our lot was more than adequate for the car wash so we decided it would be a great spot to include a take-out ice cream store to the plans. Considering peak car washing is during the winter months and, summer is prime ice cream season these two businesses seemed like a perfect marriage. This would maximize our services to customers as well as optimize the use of the property year around.
With financing approved and blueprints in hand, we got started. First was the
demolition of an old building which at one time had been a car sales business and then converted into an ice cream/ hotdog business which had deteriated.
Once again we found ourselves working during the summer months. Since the
majority of the building consisted of cement block, cultured stone and concrete we wanted to beat the forthcoming cold weather. As we approached December, any day we didn’t have to warm the sand before we mixed a batch of mortar was a gift from Mother Nature. Our goal was to be done before Christmas so we put in long hours and worked under the lights at night. One day we were at the top of the scaffolding with tarp surrounding us from the cold. I told Tom I smelled something burning. Sure enough my jacket sleeve was smoldering from the hand torch used to warm the stone. I laughed so hard it brought tears. I also remember I thought I had another week left before Christmas and Tom told me I didn’t. The tears started for a different reason that wasn’t so funny. I got over it and as usual, it all come together great!
We met our goal and were very excited. Since we already had car washing
experience under our belt, the second time wasn’t quite so difficult.
Over the rest of the winter we finished the ice cream store in preparation to
open April 1. The project went pretty well after we got past the continuous building reviews with the Health Department. That was certainly a learning curve since we had never done anything in the food industry.
We attended the Great Lakes Fast Food & Ice Cream Association Trade Show in February. We were surrounded by people passionate and creative about their industry and ready to answer our questions and the equipment suppliers were abundant.
Confession time! We didn’t know a thing about ice cream. But really, how hard could it be to make cones, sundaes and malts? Well, let me tell you there is a lot more to it than what meets the eye! As we were almost finished with the inside of the store, and a lady named Rena Baker stopped to introduce herself and shared that she had a lot of years of experience owning and operating an ice cream store and she had the itch to make ice cream cones again. Well let me tell you, she organized everything in our store, made it efficient and user friendly and pretty much trained all of us. It didn’t take
long before I believed there are angels and people come into your life for a reason.
Stay tuned as we are almost done with our journey.

Hillsdale County Fair Across From Vanity Car Wash

Vanity Carwash & Ice Cream — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 02:34:26 +0000

Hillsdale County Fair beginning September 25 and ending at midnight October 1, 2011. Hillsdale County Fair is the best and last county fair of the year in Michigan. Come and enjoy all types of local exhibits from home grown flowers displayed in the most beautiful & creative way imaginable to 4-H livestock, largest vegetable competition, antiques and collectibles, local merchant displays,
horse pulls, tractor pulls, demolition derby and the list goes on. Not to mention the aromas of French fries, elephant ears and corn dogs. Don’t miss the last opportunity of the year to stroll the midway and enjoy the music and bright lights of the fair rides. It is located across from the Vanity Car Wash & Ice Cream. For more information check www.hillsdalecountyfair.org
See you there!

SELECTING PROPERTY LOCATION and EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS

Victoria Burke — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 02:14:00 +0000

SELECTING PROPERTY LOCATION & EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS
This is entry #2 of our journey to build our first car wash. In 1987-88 we attended the Michigan Car Wash Association Trade Show in Novi, MI (now the Midwest Car Wash Association). We looked at a lot of equipment and asked a ton of questions and talked with various car wash owners . Following the tradeshow we met with several equipment suppliers that wanted our business. We had already decided on a location in Litchfield, MI on a state highway with a high traffic count. We selected the supplier and they completed a feasibility study, assured us we had a fabulous location and that they would provide us with all of the technical support we needed to get started and be successful.
Off to the bank we went with our request to borrow money. They were happy with our annual income, home equity, savings account, two life insurance policies and placed a value on our “sweat equity.” Tom was a brick mason and cement finisher by trade, had built spec homes with his brothers and I was his gopher ( go for this and go for that). The bank granted us the loan. We were in heaven and couldn’t wait to get started. High in enthusiasm and energy we began applying for permits, lining up the excavator, meeting with the plumber, electrician, coordinating with the equipment supplier etc… Smack out of nowhere came the small town politics with city officials coming up with all kinds of obstacles which caused one delay after another. We couldn’t understand why they didn’t embrace us and our project. After all, it was going to add to the community and be a nice looking building. Although frustrated, we tried to not contribute to the friction and instead “play the game.” At last we received the final approval to begin.
We proudly nailed up the building permit and got started. June and July of 1988 was the hottest summer on record since forever ago. We were working our backsides off going to our day jobs and then straight to the site until dark. Our eight year old son, Corey entertained himself on the weekends with toys and the huge sand pile used to mix mortar. He would help clean up tools and stack empty mortar sacks at the end of the day.
With the building complete and the equipment installed by December 1988, we were ready to wash 100′s of cars, learn the ropes and get to know our customers. Wow, we found out we had a lot to learn!
Stay tuned as we will fast forward in a couple of days.

Hillsdale High School Grad Comments

Victoria Burke — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 05:16:09 +0000

LIFE IN HILLSDALE
We had the pleasure of having Patrick Martin working for us at the Vanity Car Wash & Ice Cream this summer. I asked Patrick if he would share his feelings about living and going to school in Hillsdale, MI

“Hillsdale has been the perfect place for me to grow up. Because of the small population of people, it has been easy
for me to make many life-lasting relationships. There’s nothing better than being an 18 year old with dreams, and having a town supporting you. That’s
Hillsdale.” – Patrick Martin
martin_patrick77@hotmail.com