While working at Overnite Transportation and building connections and friendships during my early years, an unusual opportunity arose that would change everything for me. It all started when one of the employees responsible for the contract to wash the company’s tractors and trailers decided to forfeit his position. The company then assigned that service to another employee based on seniority. This is where Rick Combs comes into the story. Rick asked me if I would partner with him in the contract and help provide this service to the company. I believe this happened around 1985, if I’m not mistaken.
The fleet consisted of approximately 22 city tractors, about 15 road tractors, 2 straight trucks, and 2 city trailers. Our equipment was simple: a bucket, two brushes, and a bottle of Joy dish soap—the only tools we used. The pay was $5.50 per unit. I can’t emphasize enough how tough this work was. But I kept at it. Rick lasted about six months before he decided it wasn’t for him; he’d rather be playing music and singing—he had a voice almost like Kenny Rogers.
Since I was already on the agreement with Rick, I was the primary provider for the company. I worked hard at this side contract but knew I had to find a faster, more efficient way to do the job. Initially, I divided the fleet in half, washing each half every two weeks, then rotating again every third weekend to meet the contract’s requirements. I used an equipment checklist with unit numbers that I submitted weekly, so Mark Fisher, the shop supervisor, could monitor progress, sign off on the work, and process my payments.
This method wasn’t good enough for me. I looked for ways to improve my workmanship and ensure my company’s satisfaction. Then, I had an idea: I had a customer on my route, Quipco Sales, that dealt in pressure washers. The following week, during my lunch break, I visited them and discussed my plans. They demonstrated their pressure washer equipment right there on my city truck, and I took all the literature I needed. I thought about it carefully, bought a utility trailer, and secured financing from my bank. Before signing the loan, I went to the terminal manager, Ken Singleton, to discuss my plans and explain how this would improve my work. I requested $7.50 per unit to sustain the contract and do the job right. He approved the request, and I took the information to Richmond, where it was officially approved.
I then signed the loan for a top-of-the-line Hotsy pressure washer. Danny Porterfield, the owner’s son, helped me equip the trailer with the machine, a high-pressure hose reel, and a drum of cleaner. I created an LLC for my new cleaning business—Quality Services LTD.
Starting with my contract at Overnite, I expanded my services by making sales calls to all the trucking companies I delivered to and picked up from. In a very short time, I had secured 22 accounts, not counting Overnite. I worked every weekend for about 12 years doing this side business, and I loved it. I became a trusted customer for Quipco Sales as well. My cleaning wasn’t limited to truck fleets—I cleaned painted buildings in downtown Indianapolis, restaurant drive-thrus, mobile homes, houses, sidewalks, and even a staircase at the CSX rail yard in Avon, Indiana. I hope you enjoyed this read, and I encourage you to continue to Chapter 13.
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