Prime Shine focuses on efficiency for its customers

Prime Shine Car Wash has been a staple in the Modesto-area since it first opened in 1991, and 18 years later, the company now has 12 locations across the Central Valley, and has become a model for small business success.

When asked about the company’s success, General Manager Evan Porges finds it hard to pinpoint one factor. Instead, he explains, the success of Prime Shine is the result of multiple factors working together to create an efficient business model: “Prime Shine is continuously looking for ways to push the envelope to find opportunities to improve in the technology we use, the way we impact the environment, and the value we provide to the customer.”

Over the years, Prime Shine has adopted the latest technology to improve communication between stores, better control accuracy and precision of the materials and equipment at the locations, and develop relationships with customers through the use of the internet. With these changes, Prime Shine – which is already a leader in water conservation in the area – has become greener, as more accurate use of resources leads to less waste and the utilization of the internet leads to less use of paper and traditional advertising materials. In addition, Prime Shine is committed to streamlining its organization in order to have a manageable but sufficient staff of employees.

While streamlining has given this small business a “big business feel,” the ultimate winner is the customer. As a result of continually improving the shape of the system, Prime Shine is able to offer a value that is unmatched in the industry. “Our washes take 3 minutes and cost just $6 including free vacuums,” says Porges “Where do you find value like that today?”