Inspiring Conversations with Omar Cruz of Cruz Carwash & Detail

Today we’d like to introduce you to Omar Cruz.

Hi Omar, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up in a low-income community in the southside of Atlanta; it’s easy to give up on your dreams. I always knew God had destined me for something greater. Realizing this gift meant a few things for me. 1, I would need to let go of those holding me back. 2, I had to see the potential In myself that others failed to see. 3. I had to put it the work to make it come to reality! When I first started detailing, I had just been fired from my job. I had about $150 to my name. I bought a vacuum, brushes, rags, and cleaning supplies. I would offer my services to close friends and family to try to get my work shown to the community. I would get turned down even when I offered to do it for free. I was constantly told to give up on my detailing dream and to get a regular job like everybody else. I ignored the negative comments and used it to push myself further. With all my hard work, skills, and motivation I was able to buy myself a van and upgrade all my equipment. I became fully mobile within a year of detailing! I was so excited when I purchased my van, I felt like a kid all over again! To think that some days I was on the verge of giving up, but then I realized I had everything I ever wished for in front of me! Now I take time out every year to talk to the youth. I give them my words of wisdom, I’m here to let you know that it doesn’t matter where you were born, how you were raised, or even your financial status; you can be anything in life. I’m living proof! From starting in the back of my truck to having a full setup in my van, it just comes to show that no dream is too big or small.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road to my successful business was not as easy as it seems. I ran into many problems when I was first started, especially before I had my generator and water tank. I was not able to service everybody because I needed to use their water source and power supply. I lost lots of clients because they would not see me as a “professional detailer.” I once went to a detail, I was about 45 minutes into the job. The client came out and stated she no longer wanted the service. She refused to pay me because I didn’t have a fully professional setup. I felt humiliated and discouraged. On my way home, I was very downhearted. I felt like what I was doing wasn’t enough. Did I want to give up? Yes. Did I? No! I used that same energy and put it back into myself! That humiliation was the motivation I needed to get myself together!

We’ve been impressed with Cruz Carwash & Detail LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Cruz Carwash is known for its great quality work! I have my own personalized air freshener that I provide to all clients. I love seeing them on the road. It’s an amazing feeling to see your work all around the city! What sets us apart from other detailers in the city is that we engage in our community. Every school year, we raise money to help those in low-income areas. We’re able to provide haircuts, uniforms, shoes and school supplies! It’s an amazing feeling to see the youth so happy! Our goal is to let them know that we believe in them. We hope they use their skills and mind to unlock that God-given gift. I am mostly proud of how much we’ve grown over the years! We’ve had over 1,000+ clients in the last 2 and a half years!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Cruz.carwashh

Image Credits
Sonrie Photography