Travis Kimball and the duck of Quick Quack Car Wash

Perseverance in the Early Days

Starting a business is never easy, and Travis Kimball's journey with Quick Quack Car Wash was no exception. In the early days, the road was full of challenges, finding the right locations and changing to a better name and brand. But Kimball’s unwavering determination was a key factor in overcoming these hurdles. Perseverance was not just a word for him; it was a way of life. He and his team, but most importantly, his wife, kept pushing forward, even when things seemed impossible. They didn’t see that giving up was an option, and that mindset helped them build the foundation for what Quick Quack would eventually become.

Embracing Failure as a Learning Experience

One of the most valuable lessons Travis learned was that real-life experiences often teach more than a classroom ever could. He wasn't afraid to fail. Every setback was a learning opportunity, providing insights that his MBA program couldn’t offer. Travis’s expertise was marketing and he tried many different approaches with a very successful one being the Quick Quack Don’t Drive Dirty song he had produced.

Luck, Opportunity, and Preparation

Travis often says that luck is where opportunity meets preparation. For Quick Quack, luck came in the form of being in the right place at the right time, and scaling in the right way.  They chose to beat the competition by not spreading too thin throughout the country but concentrating heavily in specific areas.  The customer got to know Quick Quack and Quick Quack invested in their communities.  Travis's situational awareness and common sense were crucial.

Continuous Improvement and Fun

At Quick Quack, the mantra "never stop improving" was more than just a slogan; it was a core value. Travis believed that there was always room for improvement, whether in customer service, technology, or operations. This commitment to excellence helped the company make needed changes that weren’t always easy. But amidst the constant drive for improvement, Travis also emphasized the importance of having fun.  Quick Quack’s most common team members are high school students which lead to high turnover, but instead of that being a detriment, they turned it into a positive by learning about and investing in each member’s future and dreams.

Deliberate Culture and Strategic Growth

Travis was a firm believer in the saying, "Culture eats strategy for breakfast," attributed to Peter Drucker. He knew that a strong, intentional culture was essential for long-term success. At Quick Quack, they were deliberate about fostering a culture that valued fun, helping the community and offering the best for the customer. This intentional approach helped guide the company's growth from a single location to 240 locations in just 18 years. Travis's belief in having a plan and sticking to it, while also being flexible enough to adapt, was key to achieving this incredible milestone.The journey of Quick Quack Car Wash is a testament to the power of perseverance, learning from failure, seizing opportunities, and cultivating a strong company culture. Travis Kimball's story is an inspiring example for entrepreneurs everywhere, reminding us that success is a blend of hard work, smart decisions, and a bit of luck.