By Patrice Watson
Business Development Manager
My first experience at the Women in Carwash Conference was in a word, “Transformative”!
I expected it to be like most conferences with a “tradeshow” format and feel. I was apprehensive and nervous about meeting a bunch of women in this industry who would be judgmental, patronizing and unwelcoming to a newcomer and someone who was not already part of the clique.
As I went to register, the first person who greeted me was the organizer, Brenda Jane Johnstone. She acknowledged me by name and said, “We hug.” Then she gave me the most comforting and sincere hug like we were lifelong friends. I was astounded and filled with so much joy.
Brenda said that the first person I needed to meet was Janae Warner with Mammoth Holdings. As I made my way over, I was still confused and expecting the feeling I had to be a total fluke. Then I met Janae, a genuinely elegant, bubbly woman who gave me a bright smile as I introduced myself. She went above and beyond to make me feel included, seen, and valued.
I knew instantly that I had not only found a colleague but also a future friend.
That was just the beginning.
The workshops were phenomenal and empowering. To have the opportunity to gain insights into the car wash sector, tools for self-care, stress management, time management, and work/life balance tips all in one place and attend a “western-themed” event to unwind while networking was a one-of-a-kind experience.
Here are my five biggest takeaways from the conference:
· Find balance, stop trying to fix everything immediately. In a time management workshop, one of the first things we were told to do is get a planner – no matter how ‘old school’ it may seem – and mark your week out from ‘most urgent’ to ‘least urgent.’ You learn not to overwhelm yourself and find balance.
· Culture is the backbone of any organization. In a brand awareness workshop, the importance of an inclusive, team-oriented workplace is especially important because ultimately your employer is a big part of your brand. If your workplace is toxic, it will at some point spill into your brand.
· If you don’t believe in your product or service, then no one else will. This was one of the first things I learned. Janae from Mammoth Holdings said, “If you don’t believe what you say, then don’t expect anyone else to.” In sales, everything becomes a pitch and sometimes you lose that spark. People will pick up on it when you lose your authenticity.
· Presence EQUALS present (be in the moment). Everyone has multiple things going on in their lives at one time, but you stay focused on what’s directly in front of you instead of giving in to distractions.
· Consistency is the key to social selling and brand awareness as well as ensuring that you are visible on the appropriate platform for your business. At some point in sales, you go on ‘autopilot.’ You always need to ensure you’re not wasting time, money and effort and remain focused on the platforms that will gain your business the most eyes.
This conference focused on giving a safe space for women to bond, to grow and to learn together in this industry. My experience turned out to be so much more than I could have anticipated, and I hope I have the privilege to attend for many years to come.
If you have never been to the Women in Carwash Conference, or if it has been a while, register today at www.womenincarwash.com for the 12th Women in Carwash Conference June 8-10, 2025, in Seattle, WA. This is an opportunity you do not want to miss!
