Sparkle Wash Is Cleaning Up the Competition

Sparkle Wash was founded in 1965 and began franchising in 1967. Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Sparkle Wash provides power washing services for transportation, residential, industrial and commercial customers.

Michael Klavora, President of Sparkle Wash, recently sat down with us to talk more about the franchise. We learned how Klavora was able to work his way up the ladder to become president, what he looks for in potential franchisees and where he sees the franchise in the next five years.


What’s special about the Sparkle Wash franchise?    

We are an amazing group of people (both franchisees and HQ staff) that are willing to do whatever it takes to help everyone in the organization achieve their goals. I am regularly told by our franchisees how they are always able to promptly get assistance to overcome obstacles.

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What is the idea behind the franchise?

Sparkle Wash International’s mission is to franchise an environmentally friendly mobile cleaning system and to provide a competitive advantage in the areas of power washing, restoration and preservation to our franchisees. Our goal is to grow the Sparkle Wash brand name to be the leader in the mobile pressure cleaning industry while ethically operating a profitable business model.

How does it compare to its competition?

The Sparkle Wash franchise model is unique in that we focus on being experts in the pressure washing and restoration. And we diversify by market, surface and job type. It’s this diversity that allows for year-round work. The key differentiator is our competitors are typically residential and light commercial window or cleaning companies that also offer pressure washing. The equipment package we offer is professional grade and allows our franchisees to perform heavy-duty cleaning jobs in the Fleet, Commercial, Construction and Industrial markets not just residential surfaces.

What do you look for in a potential franchisee?

In general, the most successful Sparkle Wash owners meet the following criteria:

  • Thrives on interacting with people and is a good communicator
  • Wants the support of a franchising system
  • Has $50k in liquid assets and $100k net worth with good credit
  • Has a strong work ethic and is self-motivated
  • Has proven leadership skills
  • Has an entrepreneurial spirit
  • Is a goal setter
  • Enjoys the fact that no work day is the same

Where do you see the franchise in five years?

There is a tremendous opportunity to build the Sparkle Wash brand in undeveloped markets across the United States and we will grow our system by recruiting exceptional people to the Sparkle Wash franchise. We will also continue to provide first-class support to our existing franchisees. We have a team that is dedicated to developing new washing techniques which will save our franchisees time and money and deliver outstanding customer service. And we will continue to research, test and develop superior equipment, cleaning agents and tools to ensure we are prepared to clean the new building applications and surfaces of the future.

Can you describe a typical day in the life of a franchisee?

Well that would all depend on if they were running one truck or 25 trucks. What I can share is what our franchisees have in common. Each day they get to meet new customers with a unique problem to solve, they have a sense of deep satisfaction when they are able to solve their customer’s problem and the customer is happy. They are proud that they own a successful business and are providing for those important to them, including employees. They have a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day, and they work hard but also reap the benefits.

What’s your background?

My background is Sparkle Wash. I started at Sparkle Wash in sales and worked my way through the ranks to President. When the opportunity to purchase Sparkle Wash was presented, I knew that it was right career and business choice for me. I have a degree in accounting and previous work experience in sales and accounting. And for the past 19 years, I have been focused on Sparkle Wash.

What motivates you to keep going?

First and foremost it’s the responsibility I have to make sure my employees and franchisees have the tools they need to succeed — both financially and professionally. When they succeed, I succeed.

Please tell us your secret to success…

I never quit. I will try different methods, suggestions and ideas to reach a desired goal. I read the biographies of innovative individuals like Winston Churchill, Thomas Edison, Abraham Lincoln and Albert Einstein for inspiration.

What is the worst job you have ever had and what did you learn from it?

I was a telemarketer for a couple months. It was difficult calling people when you didn’t believe in the product. Looking back, this job prepped me for cold calling. The difference being I believe in the Sparkle Wash product and am proud to offer the service to others.

What are your three favorite online tools or resources and what do you love about them?

Google AdWords – it’s a relatively inexpensive advertising product that allows small businesses to get first page exposure that they might otherwise never achieve.

Blogs – they are a great tool for finding out neutral information on topics that interest you.

Customer Ratings – I read customer ratings on almost every product and service I use. They definitely influence my purchase process. I also encourage all our franchisees to ask for customer recommendations and post them on their websites.

Do you (or did you ever) have a mentor?

Yes, several. Each of them brought something different to the table, but all of them had the highest level of integrity.

Any final words for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Never stop listening and learning from others. Incorporate the good and recognize the behaviors to avoid. Be aware that a leader’s actions will be mimicked throughout the organization. Leadership comes with responsibility. There is nothing without integrity. A team can achieve more than an individual. Work hard. Expect excellence.

Where can people get more information on Sparkle Wash franchise opportunities?

Visit the website here.

Where can people find your Sparkle Wash on social media?

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