We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Courtney King a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Courtney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
Launching The Clean Culture Co. was a gutsy move, given the oversaturation in the cleaning industry. I knew it was a risk, but my confidence in delivering top-notch service propelled me forward. In the gritty reality of the cleaning industry, where competition is fierce, I didn’t just jump into the game; I disrupted it. Cutting through the clutter, I brought a no-nonsense approach and a commitment to quality that spoke louder than any marketing gimmick. Sure, the industry was saturated, but that didn’t deter me. The rapid growth and lucrative returns validated the risk I took, reinforcing the belief that, in business, calculated boldness can redefine the rules.
Venturing into the mobile auto repair arena with Rest Easy Mobile Mechanix marked a pivotal and daring shift for my husband Mark King and me. Forced to close the doors of our brick-and-mortar shop due to a soured business relationship and friendship, we faced a crossroads. The risk was palpable, transitioning from a traditional setup to a mobile model in a competitive industry. Mark, the automotive maestro, and I, the strategic office manager and marketing director, joined forces to redefine our path.
The decision to go mobile was born out of necessity but was infused with the spirit of reinvention. The uncertainties loomed large, yet the allure of flexibility and direct customer engagement fueled our resolve. Navigating through the challenges of establishing a mobile presence, we built Rest Easy Mobile Mechanix from the ground up. The risk paid off, and the success we now enjoy underscores the regret that we didn’t embark on this journey sooner. As a husband-and-wife team, we’ve seamlessly blended our roles, with Mark under the hoods and me orchestrating the business side—a testament to the resilience of a partnership that turned adversity into triumph.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I emerged from a challenging upbringing, navigating through foster care and emancipation to stand on my own since the age of 15. In 2013, I crossed paths with my husband Mark, and together, we’re approaching our 11th year of partnership this May. Our entrepreneurial spirits led us to embark on ventures that blend our passions. My affinity for cleanliness and cars stems from a family legacy—my dad, an ASE Certified Master Tech, and L1 Tech, and my grandpa, a retired senior mechanical engineer. My grandma instilled in me high standards of cleanliness, a lesson I once resisted but now cherish.
My resilience extends to every aspect of my life, including family. In addition to navigating a challenging upbringing, I found profound joy in my role as a wife and mother. My husband Mark and I, celebrating nearly 11 years together, welcomed our beautiful daughter Korrina, now 6, into our lives. Her presence is nothing short of a miracle, defying the odds set by my dance with cervical cancer and being told at 14 that having children might be impossible.
Our journey as a family is a testament to overcoming obstacles and cherishing every moment. Korrina, our little miracle, adds a unique dimension to our entrepreneurial pursuits. It’s a daily reminder that life’s challenges can be conquered with resilience, love, and an unwavering belief in the possibilities that lie ahead.
For The Clean Culture Co., we redefine the standard of cleanliness, offering expert cleaning, organization, and staging services. Our commitment to excellence extends to transforming spaces with precision and care. Meticulous in our approach, we stand out in a saturated industry through dedication to quality and innovation. The rapid growth and lucrative success of The Clean Culture Co. speak to our transformative approach.
Rest Easy Mobile Mechanix goes beyond standard mobile auto repair services, delivering everything traditional brick-and-mortar shops offer, from routine maintenance to advanced diagnostics and engine repair or replacement. Our adaptability and commitment to providing a wide range of automotive services with fixed-location quality set us apart. Embracing the mobile model, we remain a one-stop solution for all your automotive needs. Choose Rest Easy for hassle-free and efficient mobile auto repair services with the expertise to handle everything your vehicle requires. The resilience that led us to embrace the mobile model is a source of pride, ensuring Rest Easy remains your go-to solution.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
One of my favorite marketing and sales stories revolves around the risk I took with BNI – Business Networking International. I initially joined a chapter after only visiting once, a decision that led to a significant investment in a 2-year membership. Starting with our brick-and-mortar auto repair shop, the initial partnership turned sour within months. Despite the setback, the connections and relationships formed during that time became crucial support systems for our new venture into the mobile side of Rest Easy.
As Rest Easy Mobile Mechanix gained traction and became both busy and lucrative, my schedule became increasingly demanding, making it challenging to attend the weekly BNI meetings. Reluctantly, I took a break, but when I returned, it was with a fresh perspective for The Clean Culture Co. Joining the Network Without Borders chapter, my Friday family, proved to be a game-changer. The camaraderie, genuine support, and shared desire for each other’s success in this chapter have been invaluable.
BNI stands out as a unique marketing strategy, where entrepreneurs actively contribute to each other’s learning and growth. The connections and relationships formed within this community, combined with the word-of-mouth referrals our businesses receive, render other marketing tactics unnecessary. It’s a testament to the power of genuine collaboration and support within a network of entrepreneurs, creating a marketing dynamic that goes beyond conventional strategies.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One significant lesson I had to unlearn was the belief that marketing strategies had to follow conventional paths. The backstory traces back to early entrepreneurial endeavors when I initially adhered to traditional marketing norms. It became evident that in a dynamic and competitive landscape, relying solely on orthodox strategies limited the potential for growth and visibility.
The shift occurred when I embraced the power of creative marketing. Breaking free from the mold allowed for innovative approaches that captured attention and sparked genuine interest. It’s a lesson in understanding that the entrepreneurial journey thrives on adaptability and creativity. Today, I firmly believe that unconventional and imaginative marketing strategies often yield the most impactful results, setting businesses apart in a crowded market.
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