We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeff McLaughlin and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Jeff, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started Palmetto Clean Performance simply because I saw its need in the market and how that need was not being met. This service has the potential to save fleet operators over a million dollars per year, and no one in the area is offering it. I saw the opportunity to be profitable while helping others maximize their profits while lower the amount of pollution in the air.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Palmetto Clean Performance performs an environmentally safe Engine Cleaning service for vehicles with an Internal Combustion Engine. This service yields a 4-10X return on investment through savings on fuel, repairs and towing costs. We offer a mobile service to individuals and fleets. We come to you and work around your schedule.
I am most excited about the potential of this business. We have the opportunity to help drivers pollute the air less while also saving money on vehicle expenses. We are still in our infancy, and the future is very bright.
I got where I am today business-wise by seeing the opportunity and taking action. It has not been easy. I am offering a service that hardly any one in North America has heard of despite its popularity in Europe and Asia. I tend to educate more than sell in the first couple of meetings.
I am overcoming this challenge by offering demonstrations to my larger fleet prospects and gathering testimonials from my early adopters to share with prospects who are on the fence. Every day is an opportunity to gather data.
I would want the world to know that me, this company, and the brand are about offering a long term cost saving service that is environmentally friendly. We want to do right by our customers and the air that we all breath.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Any time I host someone who is visiting Greenville for the first time, I always take them to Falls Park. Not many cities have a river running through the heart of Downtown. I think the city has done a great job of featuring the falls. From there I would suggest spending some time in the West End before heading over to a Drive game.
For the rest of the week, I would take someone to one of the many great restaurants each night. I am South Carolina native, so I love introducing people (especially from out of the region) to Southern food. I am sure that one night would be at Saskatoon for some Gator Bites and an exotic steak. Another day would see us at one of the great bar b que places in the area whether it is SBH, Home Team, or Local Cue.
Aside from the aforementioned Falls Park and the Liberty Bridge, I enjoy visiting the Greenville Zoo with my family. I also enjoy Top Golf and the Peace Center.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My wife has been tremendously supportive and understanding as I have navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. As far as organizations, Professional Network Connections have been a great source of networking, encouragement and mentorship. This organization is made up of business owners and business development professionals. I have been able to lean on many of them for ideas, mentorship, and referrals. Another organization from which I draw inspiration is the American Cancer Society. My wife and I are active in many of their fundraising campaigns and I have been honored to serve on the Leadership Council of the ACS Upstate for the last 2 years.
Website: https://palmettoperformance.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/palmetto.performance
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/palmetto-clean-peformance-llc
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/palmettoperformance
Image Credits
Photos courtesy of:
Strategic Cardinal Marketing
A-1 Transfer and Recycling
17co Baseball Performance Center
Sonfast Corporation