Splash Zone owner promises something different in car wash wars

LEESBURG — Relying on a quick, once-over inspection, there are few noticeable differences to other such businesses at Splash Zone, the latest combatant in the significant car wash wars in southwest Georgia.

Located off U.S. Highway 82 in Lee County, a couple of miles west of the Albany Mall, Splash Zone has the Star Wars-like equipment that uses the latest technology to clean automobiles while providing inexpensive entertainment for kids of all ages. 

But, as business owner Todd Woodruff points out, there is a significant difference that should be factored into the equation as customers choose the best place to clean their vehicles.

“We are the only family-owned business of this kind in the region,” said Woodruff, who fell in love with the car wash business as a teen working a part-time job at such a business in Tucker, his hometown. “If there is a problem, customers can come in and speak to me. There’s somebody here to answer their questions. I’m here, on site, at least four days a week.

“We also handle all of our own social media, complaints and anything else that arises. Every connection here goes through me. We stand out as the one business like ours that is not corporate-owned. If you want to talk with management about an issue at one of those places … well, good luck.”

Splash Zone has worked through a “soft opening” for the past five weeks, acclimating its seven employees to the business and ironing out any kinks that might unfold. The company will hold a grand opening Thursday. The 8 a.m.-8 p.m. event will feature membership giveaways, free car washes, food trucks, and prizes that include a $200 Turner Furniture gift card and an Ace Hardware at Oakland grill.

Splash Zone is open the same hours — 8 a.m.-8 p.m. — seven days a week.

“We’ve been well-received, but the biggest thing we’re hearing from folks is, ‘We didn’t know you were open,'” Woodruff, whose wife, Wendy, helps him run the operation, said. “We chose this location because, in the next 24 months, you’re going to see significant growth out this way. I’d say in about five years, the highway is going to be lined with businesses.

“The established neighborhoods out this way already provide a strong customer base, and I think we’ll draw customers from Dawson, Sasser and Bronwood who’re heading into Albany to do business.”

Woodruff grew up in Tucker, an Atlanta suburb, and studied Criminology at Valdosta State University after graduating Tucker High School. He worked with the city of Tallahassee, Fla., as a law enforcement officer for four years before he caught the technology bug.

“As the police department started implementing the latest technology into its patrol cards, I became intrigued by it,” the businessman said. “I went to work with a tech company in Valdosta and worked there for 18-plus years.”

But Woodruff’s past employment at Mr. Clean Car Wash in Tucker and a similar job detailing vehicles while going through college lay dormant as he worked his way into the technology industry. And when he was appointed point man on land acquisitions that led to the establishment of car wash businesses in Live Oak and Gainesville, Fla., and Hazelhurst in Georgia, that old spark reignited.

Unfortunately for Woodruff, a private equity firm that had contracted with him as he prepared to open Splash Zone backed out last minute, leaving him to go it alone in the new business.

“Wendy and I just decided to rebrand under our own company and open the business ourselves,” he said. “We love this community — my dad lives in Dawson, and being here allows me to visit him more often — and we are committed to it. We have strong community ties here.

“Our No. 1 concern in this business is quality customer service. That’s above all else. You won’t see us pinching pennies on soap, chemicals, towels … just to add to the bottom line. Our folks are going to go above and beyond to do the job right.”

As Woodruff talks, a customer drives into the bay for an early-afternoon wash. Tyrell Hall and Louis Bryant scrub the car’s grill before it starts the trip through the magical tunnel that leaves it gleaming.

“That’s something else we do different,” Woodruff says. “Our guys really clean the vehicles before they head into the wash. It’s all part of our promise of quality customer service.”

And with that, the new business owner steps back into his “war room,” plotting the next moves in the ongoing car wash wars. 

Staff Photo: Carlton FletcherStaff Photo: Carlton Fletcher

Staff Photo: Carlton Fletcher