Author: Ryan Glynn, BSU student
Interview with Alex Jarvie, owner of Driven Perfection
Let’s start with are you from this local area?
Yes, I grew up in Quincy. I went to North Quincy High School. My family has roots to Weymouth.
OK, tell me about your business. Why did you choose this line of business?
Well, they say to do what you love and that you’ll never work a day in your life. I have always loved cars since I was a kid and I knew I wanted to do something with cars, not necessarily be a mechanic. And this kind of fit right in with that.
When did it start and in what year?
I have been in the industry since I got out of high school in 1994. I worked various jobs and other detail shops and other dealerships before opening my own business. We have been here in this location for about 12 years now.
What was it that made you want to start this business?
I guess it was after working for someone else, I knew I would enjoy working for myself instead. You are always the last one to get paid. You are responsible for everything that happens. All the bills, all the overhead things, employees, making the customers happy – but, at the end of the day, it is very rewarding.
What was the toughest thing you went through on opening?
I would say that it is building the reputation. I had a shop before this, and it was well known. I took a little break, and I was out of the industry for about three years. When I came back, I had to build that back up, and that meant reaching out to a lot of people getting the word out there. But after 12 years, it seems to be paying off.
If you had to start over from day one, what would you have done differently or what was your most difficult challenge?
There are always things that can be done differently. Hindsight’s always 2020. You know, I guess I probably would have embraced ceramic coatings sooner because those are now pretty much the industry standard for protecting your car. It’s instead of a wax; it is a coating that bonds with clear coat. And that was being developed when I was launching this business.
And so, if I had to do anything differently, it would have been both products and equipment and techniques. You know, if you don’t adapt, then you will be out of business very soon.
Why would you suggest the readers to at least give you try first? What makes you stand out?
I would say its customer service and personal attention. I built this business on good customer service and we stand behind our work. And, if anybody ever had any issues, I would be there to correct the problem.
Has technology played a big part in your growth and making your company more successful?
Huge, huge, part Facebook and Instagram. You know that you can reach thousands of people in the local area. I have been in this business so long, and I remember when I used to print fliers on paper and stick them on people’s cars. You don’t have to do that anymore to get the name out there.
What is the toughest part about having a business in 2020?
The COVID lock down back in March. I got to be honest with you. I feel very, very lucky. I feel very fortunate because I am in a business that does not require human to human contact. We implemented contact list, drop off and pick-up procedures. You know, a lot of my friends in restaurants and those guys [having a tough time], and I feel terrible for them.
What does the company have to offer?
They can check out the website, which goes into depth and explains what we do, how we do it, and how we keep the cars looking so good.
Driven Perfection is located at 415 Main Street in Weymouth, MA.
Contact them via:
Phone: 781-331-0009
Email: info@drivenperfection.com
Website: drivenperfection.com
Facebook: @DrivePerfection
Instagram: drivenperfection
Linkedin: driven-perfection