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Cheers to Freedom Powered by OptSpot
Cheers to Freedom Powered by OptSpot
Author: OptSpot
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Cheers to Freedom is a podcast designed for business leaders, especially in the car wash industry, that want to build a business they love, without spending their time in the weeds. We want to help you find freedom from the day to day grind live the life you want to live.
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If your car wash membership churn feels out of control or unpredictable, this episode will change the way you think about retention forever.In Episode 12 of the Car Wash Growth Playbook, Josh Taylor reveals the real reason car wash members cancel… and it’s almost never the price. It’s usage. When members stop washing regularly, they stop feeling the value, and cancellations follow. But when you build the habit of washing and communicate consistently with your members, retention skyrockets.The industry average membership lifespan is 7 to 9 months.Our customers average 17.5 months, and some reach 36 months or more.The difference is one thing: a retention strategy that communicates.In this episode, you’ll learn:• Why price is rarely the real reason members cancel• The psychology behind membership retention and habit formation• How weekly reminders increase usage and reduce churn• Why “poking the bear” is a myth and communication builds loyalty• The ideal wash frequency for retention (the magic number is three per month)• How to create a simple retention system that stabilizes your revenue• Practical scripts and reminders you can send to your members todayIf you want predictable, recurring membership revenue in your car wash business, this episode gives you the playbook.Listen now and start keeping members longer, increasing usage, and building a more profitable membership program.#CarWashBusiness #CarWashMarketing #CarWashMemberships #MembershipRetention #ReduceChurn #RecurringRevenue #CustomerRetention #TextClubMarketing #CarWashOperators #JoshTaylor #CarWashGrowth #CarWashSystems #CustomerHabits
If your car wash website looks great but doesn’t actually grow your business, this episode is for you. In Episode 11 of the Car Wash Growth Playbook, Josh Taylor breaks down the biggest mistake car wash operators make with their websites and why clarity and simplicity always outperform fancy designs, long menus, and membership-first messaging.Most car wash websites act like digital brochures instead of functioning as strategic, lead-generating assets. Josh explains how to fix that by giving your website one clear job: grow your text club. When your website focuses on capturing the 95 percent of visitors who aren’t ready to buy a membership, you build a predictable marketing system that increases return visits, grows customer loyalty, and ultimately boosts membership sales over time.You’ll learn:• Why confusing car wash websites fail• The three questions every visitor needs answered in seconds• The real purpose of your website (and it’s not to sell)• Why text clubs outperform “buy a membership” buttons• How 75–80 percent of free wash signups turn into actual visits• The step-by-step path to a clear, simple, high-converting websiteWhether you’re a single-site operator or running multiple locations, this strategy will transform the way you think about your online presence and help you build a website that actually grows your car wash.Listen now and start turning your website into a true revenue engine.
Most car wash owners are being told the same thing:“Fix your SEO and your car wash will grow.”But here’s the truth…SEO doesn’t grow car washes. Not anymore.In this episode of The Car Wash Growth Playbook, I break down why modern SEO isn’t the magic lever operators think it is, how Google has changed, and why the real growth engine for your wash has nothing to do with keywords, backlinks, or blog posts.Instead, we dig into the actual drivers of car wash revenue in 2025:✅ How customers really choose a car wash✅ Why proximity, reviews, and your Google Business Profile beat SEO every time✅ The massive advantage big chains have (and why you shouldn’t try to outspend them)✅ Why a simple, clear StoryBrand website outperforms “SEO-optimized” sites✅ And most importantly…Why your text club is the most powerful growth tool you ownIf you want predictable revenue, stronger retention, and more members — this episode is for you.Want to grow your car wash? Start here:🚀 Build your text club with OptSpothttps://optspot.com
Stop Asking Strangers to Marry You! The 3-Phase Marketing System That Triples Car Wash Memberships.You wouldn't propose marriage on a first date. So why are you asking customers to buy unlimited memberships the second they see your Facebook ad?In this episode, Josh Taylor (CMO at OptSpot) reveals why 95% of your customers aren't ready to buy - and the exact 3-phase system that moves them from stranger to loyal member.What You'll Learn:✅ Why only 5% of customers are ready to buy TODAY (and what to do with the other 95%)✅ The "dating before proposing" framework that triples conversion rates✅ How to build washing habits that make memberships sell themselves✅ The exact text message sequence that turns 4x/year washers into monthly members✅ Why members who skip "enlightenment" cancel 80% of the timeThe 3 Phases Every Customer Must Go Through:Phase 1: CURIOSITY (Getting their phone number)Phase 2: ENLIGHTENMENT (Building the washing habit)Phase 3: COMMITMENT (The membership that sells itself)Key Takeaway: Stop marketing to the 5% who are ready. Start converting the 95% who need to be dated first.OptSpot has helped 500+ car washes implement this system with proven results.Ready to implement this system?📱 Join 2,000+ car wash operators getting weekly strategiesSubscribe for new episodes every Monday!
One operator. One location. $40,000 in holiday revenue.Another operator. 27 locations. Same size text list. $1,100.The difference? One simple word: SIMPLICITY.The Shocking Truth About Black Friday:❌ It's the WORST day to promote (47 texts per customer average)❌ Your message becomes #48 in their inbox - deleted without reading❌ Complex offers create decision paralysis and kill sales❌ Even 27 locations can't save a bad offerReal Results from Real Operators:Sam (1 location): $40,000+ with "Buy 5 Get 5" wash booksRick (1 location): $35,000 with "Buy 6 Get 4"Competitor (27 locations): $1,100 with "Buy 2 get 1, Buy 5 get 3, Buy 10 get 5"Same text list sizes. 35-40x revenue difference.The Black Friday Playbook - 5 Proven Strategies:1️⃣ Launch BEFORE Black FridaySweet spot: Monday before ThanksgivingWhy: People have attention and mental bandwidthYour competition is still sleeping2️⃣ The Double Value PrincipleBuy 5 Get 5 Free (not percentages)$100 gift card for $50 (not "$50 card + $10 bonus")Instant understanding = instant sales3️⃣ One Offer OnlyNo multiple tiersNo confusing optionsIf customers can't explain it in 5 seconds, you've lost4️⃣ Position Everything as Giftable"Perfect stocking stuffer""Teachers, mailmen, babysitters love clean cars"Simple gift envelopes = 35% revenue increase5️⃣ Extend Through ChristmasWeek 1: "Beat the Black Friday rush"Week 2: "Deal extended"Week 3: "Last-minute gift solution"Week 4: "Final days"Why Simple Beats Creative:The 27-location operator tried to get creative with multiple tiers. Customers got confused. Revenue: $1,100 total.Sam kept it brain-dead simple. Customers got it instantly. Revenue: $40,000+.Your Action Plan:📅 Start planning NOW💬 Launch Monday before Thanksgiving🎁 One simple, giftable offer📱 Skip the Black Friday noiseStop screaming into the Black Friday void. Start banking revenue before your competition even wakes up.Remember: Complexity kills sales. Simplicity creates wealth.#BlackFriday #CarWashMarketing #HolidayMarketing #SmallBusiness #OptSpot #MarketingStrategy #GiftCards
Your grand opening had 47 cars instead of 470. By week's end, you'd barely hit 400 total. The bank is calling, investors are nervous, and you're wondering what went wrong.Here's the truth: Grand openings don't fail because of bad locations or timing. They fail because operators start marketing AFTER they open instead of BEFORE.The Problem:❌ Most operators flip the switch on opening day and hope people show up❌ They try to create demand after opening (too late)❌ Result: 47 cars on opening day, panic by noon, deflation by closingThe Solution:✅ Build demand for 90-180 days BEFORE opening✅ Open with 5,000+ text subscribers waiting for you✅ Pre-sell 200-500 memberships before washing your first carReal Results:One OptSpot client followed this playbook:Built 8,000 text subscribers before openingPre-sold 274 memberships ($7,000 MRR on day one)Washed 600+ cars on opening day (not 47)The 3-Strategy Framework:1️⃣ Build Your Text Club (Start 6 Months Out)Launch "Join the VIP List" campaignOffer: First wash free + founding member pricingGoal: 5,000-10,000 contacts before opening2️⃣ Pre-Sell Memberships (60 Days Out)Create "Founding Members" offerExample: $24.99/month first year (vs $34.99 regular)Limit to 500 spots for exclusivity3️⃣ Create Countdown Urgency60 days out: "Founding member pricing ends soon"30 days out: "Only 50 spots left"7 days out: "Final call"Opening day: "We're open! Come get your free wash"Already Opened and Struggling?It's not too late. Apply the same strategy:Build your text club NOWLaunch a "Founding Member 2.0" campaignCreate urgency around rate increasesRemember: Grand openings don't happen on opening day. They happen 6 months before.Visit OptSpot.com to schedule a strategy call for custom help. Stop hoping people show up. Start guaranteeing they will.
Your car wash text club could be your most powerful revenue generator... or it could be completely worthless. The difference? How you use it.In this episode, Josh Taylor reveals why most car wash operators are sitting on a goldmine of 3,000, 5,000, even 10,000 text subscribers but getting ZERO results. More importantly, he shows you exactly how to fix it.What You'll Learn:✅ Why customers who love your wash never come back (hint: it's not your competition)✅ The 3-step framework that helped one car wash double their best day TWICE with a single text✅ How to craft messages that actually get customers to take action✅ The optimal frequency for texting (it's more than you think)✅ Real examples of texts that drove 640 cars in one dayThe Truth Key Takeaways:1. Stay Top of Mind: Don't wait for customers to remember you - actively engage them2. Make Messages Relevant: Connect every text to real problems in their world3. Be Consistent: One message per week minimum during active seasonsAbout This Episode:Based on working with 500+ car washes across North America, this episode reveals the exact SMS marketing strategies that turn dormant text clubs into revenue machines. No theory, no fluff - just proven tactics that work.About OptSpot:We help car wash operators build predictable, profitable businesses through proven marketing systems. With 15+ years of experience and partnerships with 500+ car washes, we've mastered the art of turning one-time customers into lifetime members.#carwashmarketing #SMSMarketing #TextMarketing #CarWashBusiness #OptSpot #CarWash #MarketingStrategy #DirectResponse #CustomerRetention #BusinessGrowth
Your Menu Board Is Costing You $100,000+ Per Year (Here's How to Fix It)Most car wash customers choose the cheapest wash package... not because your premium wash isn't worth it, but because your menu board is confusing them into it.In this episode of The Car Wash Growth Playbook, Josh Taylor (CMO at OptSpot) reveals the shocking results of a menu board experiment that changed everything we thought we knew about upselling at the car wash.What You'll Learn:✅ The 5-Minute Menu Test that reveals if you're confusing customers✅ The 3-word descriptions that sell top wash packages (70% conversion rate)✅ Why "good, better, best" beats creative package names every time✅ The exact framework that drives customers to premium washes✅ How to calculate your menu board's lost revenue (hint: it's probably $9,000+/month)The Simple Math That Changes Everything:300 cars per dayJust 20% upgrade from basic to premium$5 more per upgrade= $100,000+ annually from ONE simple changeAction Items From This Episode:✅ Take a photo of your current menu board✅ Test it with 5 people who don't work at your wash✅ Create a simplified version (template included)✅ Calculate your potential revenue impact✅ Implement and watch your revenue soarKey Takeaway: "If you confuse, you lose. And every confused customer is choosing your cheapest option."Stop letting technical jargon and creative package names cost you thousands every month. Your customers WANT your best wash—they just don't understand why they should buy it.🎯 Ready to transform your car wash marketing? OptSpot has helped 500+ car washes build profitable text clubs and marketing systems that drive real results. Visit OptSpot.com to schedule your free 30-minute strategy call.#CarWashMarketing #CarWashBusiness #MenuOptimization #CarWashSuccess #BusinessGrowth #MarketingStrategy #OptSpot #CarWashOperators #RevenueOptimization #CustomerExperience
Car Wash Marketing Strategy: Get 1,000 New Customers Without Paid AdsWhile most car washes waste money on Facebook ads, smart operators use partnership marketing to build 30,000-member text clubs FOR FREE.The secret? Every business in town wants to delight their customers. You give them that power.What You'll Learn (10 min):✅ Exact Chick-fil-A partnership script ($30K value from 1 call)✅ How Tyler built 30,000 text members with business cards✅ The $100 sign that got 600 customers in 3 days✅ 5 partnerships you can land THIS WEEK✅ Church strategy for 300 customers in one SundayProven Partnership Targets:Churches (Father's/Mother's Day = 300 new customers)Oil change shops (customers already spending on cars)Car dealerships (45% success rate)Gyms (appearance-conscious members)Restaurants (Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, local)Your Action Plan:Pick ONE strategyMake ONE call todayUse our exact scriptsTrack with unique codesScale what worksSuccess Rate: Even if 9/10 say no, that ONE yes = hundreds of customers🚗 OptSpot: 500+ car washes | Proven SMS marketing | Direct response strategies📱 Subscribe for weekly car wash marketing tactics that actually workMore episodes: Text marketing | Retention | Membership sales | Grand openings#CarWashMarketing #CarWashBusiness #TextMessageMarketing #SMSMarketing #LocalMarketing #CarWashPromotion #UnlimitedWashClub #PartnershipMarketing #CustomerAcquisition #DirectResponseMarketingOne phone call. One partnership. Hundreds of new customers.Stop burning cash on ads. Start building partnerships.
🎯 FREE Price Increase Success Kit: https://optspot.us/pricing-increase-kitGet instant access to email templates, text sequences, staff training scripts, and the 90-day timeline checklist. Everything is fill-in-the-blank ready for you to customize.Are your competitors charging $3 more than you AND keeping their members happy? They know something you don't... until now.In this episode, discover the exact price increase system that helped CJ and 500+ car wash operators raise prices while actually STRENGTHENING customer relationships. This isn't theory – it's the proven framework that's working right now across North America.What You'll Learn:✅ The 7-step message framework that turns price resistance into customer loyalty✅ Why the "3-Month Protection Strategy" makes customers thank you for raising prices✅ The exact scripts for handling every objection (word-for-word responses that work)✅ How CJ raised prices and BEAT last year's volume (real numbers included)✅ The pre-flight checklist to know if you're ready to raise prices TODAY✅ Why apologizing for price increases trains customers to cancelThe Truth: If you have 2,000 members and raise prices by $3, that's $72,000 in additional annual revenue. Money for better wages. Better equipment. Better service.CJ's biggest regret? Not doing it sooner. Don't make the same mistake.WHO IS OPTSPOT?We're the marketing partner for 500+ car washes across North America, specializing in building robust text clubs that drive predictable revenue. Using our certifications in StoryBrand, Business Made Simple, and Unreasonable Hospitality, plus direct response strategies from Dan Kennedy's Magnetic Marketing, we help car wash operators transform one-time visitors into lifetime members.Ready to implement professional price increase communication? Let OptSpot handle your entire member messaging strategy: https://optspot.comSUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes on car wash marketing mastery
The most profitable car washes we work with have all made the same counterintuitive decision: they stopped obsessing over new customers. After helping 500+ locations transform their businesses, I can tell you exactly why this 'backwards' strategy is making them at least $72,000 more per year per location.In This Episode You'll Learn:✅ Why retention is worth 5X more than acquisition (the math will shock you)✅ The "Unreasonable Hospitality" approach that cuts churn by 25%✅ 6 retention strategies you can implement THIS WEEK (no tech required)✅ The first 30 days system that locks in members for life✅ How to turn cancellations into your biggest profit opportunityTHE RETENTION MATH REVEALED:Average car wash: $75 to acquire a new memberCost to retain a member: $3-5Revenue difference: $360 vs $720 per memberYour potential: $18,000+ annual revenue recovered
Six years ago, my son got car sick in my vehicle. When I stopped at a local car wash for help, an employee did something that wasn't his job, wasn't in his training manual, and definitely wasn't a service they offered. That single act made me a loyal $40/month member for life.In this episode, I share the 2-word philosophy that can transform your car wash culture and turn one-time visitors into lifetime evangelists.What You'll Learn:Why 60% of first-time car wash customers never returnThe real cost of "not my job" thinking to your business3 real stories of how being useful created customers for lifeHow one moment of usefulness generated $2,880+ in lifetime valueA 4-week implementation framework for your teamReal car wash scenarios where your team can be more usefulKey Takeaways:Average customer: 2-6 washes/year ($30-90 annually)Loyal member: $25-40/month ($300-480+ annually)One "be useful" moment can increase customer lifetime value by 400-1600%Free Resource:Download the complete "Be Useful" Team Training Guide: https://optspot.com/be-useful-guideIncludes role-playing scenarios, daily check-ins, tracking systems, and quick reference cards for your team.About OptSpot:We've helped 500+ car washes across North America create winning marketing strategies. Our founder is StoryBrand and Business Made Simple certified, bringing proven frameworks to the car wash industry.Connect with Us:Website: OptSpot.comSubscribe for weekly car wash marketing insightsFollow us on Instagram: @OptSpot
In this powerful episode of The Cheers to Freedom Podcast, Levi McClendon shares the real reason his business—and life—leveled up: functional, holistic health.Our guest, Dr. Bart Precourt, isn’t your average chiropractor. He’s a peak performance guide who helps business owners reclaim their energy, focus, and freedom by fixing what’s really broken—from the inside out.You’ll hear:✅ Why most hard-working operators crash in their 40s✅ How Levi went from skeptic to believer after one visit changed his family’s life✅ The truth about burnout, energy slumps, and what’s actually costing you success✅ How to build a business and life that feel as good as they lookIf you're scaling a car wash business—or just running hard—this conversation might be the nudge you didn’t know you needed.
Are you frustrated because your employees don’t care about your business as much as you do? You’re not alone. The truth is, they probably never will—because it’s YOUR business, not theirs. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be motivated, engaged, and invested in your success.In this episode of The Cheers to Freedom Podcast, hosts Josh Taylor and Levi McClendon break down:✅ Why employees don’t think like business owners (and why that’s okay)✅ Three simple strategies to create a motivated and engaged team✅ How to build a company culture that makes employees WANT to work hard✅ The key to turning “just a job” into a meaningful role for your teamWhen employees feel purpose, autonomy, and recognition, they take ownership of their work. And when that happens? Your business thrives.🚀 Mentioned in This Episode:🔹 Sign up for our Opspot Marketing Summit → OptSpotSummit.com🔹 Text CHEERS to 411365 for updates on new podcast episodes and events📩 Join the Conversation:What’s one thing you’ve done that has helped employees care more about your business? Drop it in the comments below!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow car wash owners!#CheersToFreedom #CarWashBusiness #BusinessLeadership #CompanyCulture #TeamMotivation #CarWashOwners
In this episode of the Cheers to Freedom podcast, hosts Josh Taylor and Levi McClendon discuss their recent trip to Zihuatanejo, Mexico, and its significance to Levi, inspired by the movie Shawshank Redemption. They explore themes of personal growth, perseverance, and the importance of community, drawing lessons from the film's characters, particularly Andy Dufresne and Red. The conversation emphasizes the power of small actions, trusting the process, and the impact of bettering oneself while uplifting others. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to choose freedom and actively write their own stories in life.
How do words shape your business? In this exclusive episode of the "Cheers to Freedom" podcast, we’re joined by Donald Miller, best-selling author of Building a StoryBrand, to celebrate the launch of his updated book, Building a StoryBrand 2.0.
Donald dives into:
✅ Why words are the most critical tool in your marketing.
✅ How the updated StoryBrand framework can revolutionize customer connections.
✅ Practical tips for car washes to create emotional connections and stand out in competitive markets.
You’ll also hear real-world examples of how messaging, soundbites, and controlling ideas can drive growth and build customer loyalty. Plus, get an inside look at StoryBrand.ai, Don’s new AI-powered tool to craft memorable marketing messages!
If you’re looking to transform your business with clear, impactful communication, this episode is a must-watch.
🔗 Learn more about StoryBrand.ai at Storybrand.ai
📖 Grab your copy of Building a StoryBrand 2.0 today on Amazon.
Like, subscribe, and share this with fellow business leaders looking to elevate their marketing and grow their businesses!
In the final episode of The Cheers to Freedom Podcast miniseries, "The 10 Car Wash Marketing Rules," hosts Josh Taylor and Levi McClendon discuss the last and perhaps most important rule: You Will Be a Tough-Minded Disciplinarian and Put Your Car Wash on a Strict Direct Marketing Diet. Learn why building and maintaining a high-quality list of customer phone numbers is your car wash's most valuable asset, and why direct marketing (especially through SMS) is the key to consistent sales and engagement. If you want to unlock the full potential of your marketing strategy, this is a must-listen conclusion to the series!
In Episode 9 of The Cheers to Freedom Podcast miniseries, "The 10 Car Wash Marketing Rules," Josh Taylor and Levi McClendon emphasize the importance of data-driven decisions with the rule Results Rule, Period. This episode dives into how car wash owners can avoid making decisions based on gut feelings or assumptions. Instead, they explain why tracking results and testing different strategies is key to marketing success. If you’re ready to maximize your marketing ROI, this episode is a must-listen.
In Episode 8 of The Cheers to Freedom Podcast miniseries, "The 10 Car Wash Marketing Rules," Josh Taylor and Levi McClendon discuss the importance of focusing on results rather than just aesthetics. Rule number 8, Design Will Not Be the Priority, highlights why clarity and a compelling message are far more important than flashy designs. Discover how simplifying your marketing can drive more conversions, and learn why sometimes less is more when it comes to design. If you want to boost your car wash’s success with smart marketing, this episode is for you!
In Episode 7 of The Cheers to Freedom Podcast miniseries, "The 10 Car Wash Marketing Rules," hosts Josh Taylor and Levi McClendon dive into the importance of using strong copy in your marketing efforts. Words matter, and they explain how effective copy can drive action, build trust, and turn prospects into loyal customers. Learn why good copywriting is one of the best investments your car wash can make, and discover actionable tips for improving your marketing messages. If you want to boost sales and engagement, this episode is a must-listen.












