Tash Naidoo, the new owner of Sunninghill Car Wash and Valet, is bringing a refreshing approach to the car wash business. With a background in corporate life and a desire to invest in something more personal, he saw an opportunity in a service that would always have a customer base. “I was looking for businesses to add to my portfolio. After saving up money, I wanted something that had a consistent demand, and washing cars is one of those services people always need,” he explains.
For Tash, the key to success in this business is involvement. “You can’t just leave everything to the staff. As the owner, you need to be hands-on. It’s about understanding the little things that customers want and being there to deliver it. If the owner is engaged, the customers can see that you care,” he says. It’s clear that Tash’s focus is on the details, building relationships with both customers and staff to ensure the best service possible.
Running a car wash comes with its challenges, but Tash tackles each one with a calm, problem-solving approach. “There’s always something new every day. Whether it’s a staff member calling in sick or dealing with an unhappy customer, you have to take it case by case. The goal is to always find a solution and keep things moving,” he shares. For him, the most important thing is to identify the issue and resolve it as efficiently as possible.
When it comes to car care, Tash believes that regular washing is essential to protect both the paint and the vehicle’s value. “It depends on how often you use your car,” he says. “If you take it off-road, like a Ford Ranger or Hilux, you’re going to need to wash it weekly. For others, like office workers, a monthly wash is fine. Ideally, you shouldn’t leave it longer than a month to keep the car in good shape.”
While many people try washing their own cars at home, Tash points out a few common mistakes. “One of the biggest errors is using the same soap for both the exterior and interior. At a car wash, we use different chemicals for different parts of the car. The dashboard, the seats, the carpets—they all need their own products,” he explains. These details, he believes, are what set a professional wash apart from a DIY job.
For Tash, the most rewarding part of his work is the daily interaction with people. “You have to be outgoing in this line of work. You’re constantly engaging with both your customers and your staff, and that’s what makes it fun. You learn so much about people, whether it’s a customer telling you their story or connecting with your staff like family,” he says. It’s this relationship-building aspect that Tash finds the most fulfilling.
Even on the slow days, when rain dampens business, Tash finds ways to keep things moving. “Those are the days when I get to focus on the small details. I take the time to improve things and connect with my staff. When you care about your business, even the slow days can be productive,” he shares. For him, staying engaged with every aspect of the business, especially during quieter times, keeps the motivation high.
When the car wash is busy and cars are waiting to be cleaned, Tash knows how to keep things flowing smoothly. “It’s all about playing to your staff’s strengths,” he explains. “If someone is fast at washing, they’re in the wash bay. If another person excels at vacuuming, they handle that. I try to make sure that everyone is working where they can do their best.”
Handling customer complaints is another aspect of the business Tash takes seriously. “I try to understand the problem and offer a solution,” he says. “Sometimes, you can’t make everyone happy, but as long as you’re showing empathy and doing your part to resolve the issue, that’s what matters.” Offering a free wash or a discount is his way of making things right when needed.
Sustainability is also important to Tash. “We use timers on our spray systems to limit water usage and ensure efficiency,” he explains. “We also regularly test our chemicals to ensure they’re safe for the cars and the environment.” This focus on water conservation and environmental responsibility is something Tash takes seriously as he runs his business in a way that aligns with both quality service and eco-conscious practices.
As for the future, Tash is focused on continuous improvement. He sees every challenge as an opportunity to grow, whether it’s learning more about customer preferences or enhancing the workflow. “I want to keep building relationships with my customers and my team. It’s about more than just washing cars—it’s about providing a quality experience every time,” he says.
With his hands-on approach and commitment to customer service, Tash is setting the stage for Sunninghill Car Wash and Valet to thrive. It’s clear that for him, the key to success is in the small details—the ones that make every car shine just a little bit brighter.
The Square Car Wash & Valet: The Square Carwash & Valet Centre – The Square Shopping Centre @Sunninghill
