Self-support successes: Polishing credentials
| Friday, Jul 24 2009 07:02 PM
Last Updated Friday, Jul 24 2009 07:02 PM
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Henry A. Barrios / The Californian Manuel Cebreros is the owner of Country Club Hand Car Wash on Panorama Drive.
Henry A. Barrios / The Californian Manuel Cebreros scrubs down a vehicle at his Country Club Hand Car Wash on Panorama Drive.
Manuel Cebreros modestly claims that a good business opportunity simply “presented itself” when last year he and his wife, Gloria, bought Country Club Hand Car Wash on Panorama Drive. But there was more to it.
He had washed cars in the L.A.-area for 14 years. The couple saved enough for half the business price, and they eventually found a bank to lend the balance.
The couple had the assistance of Ross Griego, a local business consultant paid by government agencies to coach people on opening their own business. Griego guided them through the process. “We’re very grateful to him,” Manuel said in Spanish.
Sales are way up, Manuel said with the contented look of someone pleased with his investment.
He credits his insistence on perfection. While Gloria runs the office, Manuel works outside, next to his employees, eight hours a day, six days a week.
“I don’t let a car go without inspecting it,” he said.
