In 1996 I met Trevor at a Goldwing Owners Meeting, Trevor asked if he could demonstrate on my Goldwing (not a lot of arm twisting needed to agree) I was amazed at the finish he produced in such a short time and with so little effort. Needless to say he made a sale and I have used the products ever since and we have become very close friends.
In May of 2003 having received a call from both of my sons on the same day informing me that redundancy was looming I asked Trevor if he sold any Franchises. At this time he had not sold a Franchise in this country but had sold exclusive rights to Australia and New Zealand. I asked if I could take on a Franchise for the Centre of England and Wales (jumping in with both feet), the deal was done and the product was provided for me to bottle myself. I then set about with Trevor's consent to produce a slightly different label, had a flyer produced, put the logo on my truck and hit the road.
It was like selling candy to kids, virtually every demonstration creating a sale. Valet companies loved it, Funeral Directors, Taxi Proprietors, Body Shops to name a few bought the products, Trevor was so right when he said its so easy you'll never go hungry as long as you have bottles to sell. Apart from selling to the trade I also attended quite a few trade shows, Porsche, Triumph, and several American Car owners, all with brilliant results and I even presented a trophy requested by The Motor Cycle News at the Barry Sheene Run, for the best motor cycle (not bad in the first six months.
Since I started with Auto Proud I have never looked back the market is endless, the work is effortless and most of all its so profitable & enjoyable. I have had up to eight other sales people working in various areas of the West Midlands selling door to door and believe me you can move a hell of a lot this way and it's all repeat business.
Unfortunately due to Trevor being taken ill in August of 2003 and unable to continue working himself, Trevor asked me if I would be interested in buying the business. A decision was made and the deal was completed on the 21st March 2004 and Auto Proud moved location to Worcester.
As we are in an easier location for distribution we decided that it is time to really let the rest of the UK & the world know what a terrific product Auto Proud is.
We have maintained attendance at shows in the south but have pushed for more in the north and the response as usual as been terrific. As well as doing our bit for the community by giving the opportunity for people like you, to get started in a thriving and rapidly growing business either as agents or as franchisees.
In August 2004 we secured our first sale of a franchise for the Dorset region (Auto Proud (South)) to Bob & Sue who have known of the product for some time and in fact live close to Trevor and Kath Woollard. We have had numerous enquiries and information has been sent out regarding other areas across the UK.
We are currently negotiating distribution rights with parties in both Holland & Iceland and hope to complete early this year.
250ml bottles are now being produced to enable motorcyclists to take the products with them, when attending events.
Flyers and labels are being used as we speak showing Harley Davidson, Scooters, Caravans/Boats, Honda Goldwing & Car to make it personalised where possible and boosting the sales potential.
We have been involved in raising money to help a young Worcester girl get treatment in America so that she can eat and are currently working on a way to help raise funds for the victims of theTsunami disaster.
In October 2005 we proudly introduced a new product to our range, a Tyre Dressing & Cleaner. This product is again silicone free and not only cleans any Black rubber but is briliant on any white rubber. When introduced at a Harley Davidson evening the response was fantastic virtually all who saw our demonstration purchased a bottle.
As you have probably seen from the front page of our website we have a very close relationship with Twisted Steel a company based in Essex who have years of experience in engineering. Dave French (Twisted Steel) has the ability to make virtually anything you need when it comes to building a custom bike, so before you commit yourself to buying your bits have a chat with Dave it's well worth it. Twisted Steel are stockists & agents for Auto Proud.
(March 2006)Auto Proud UK Ltd opens it's first Detailing / Valet Service bay & custom show room stocking chrome & alloy wheels for cars & billet alloy wheels for motorcycles that can be cut to almost any design, along with other custom parts & clothing. Call in and take a look at unit 339 Hartlebury Trading Estate worcestershire. Offering full detailing & Valeting for both Car & motorcycles using Auto Proud range of products makes us unique.
We are using some products that to date we have not released to the public but intend to over the coming months, so keep your eye on the website & watch out for our team at the shows.
We have also got involved with sponsoring Lawrence Davey & his Legend Car (pic & details in Gallery) & we have others to follow.
