We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Keri LeClair. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Keri below.
Alright, Keri thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think matters most in terms of achieving success?
I think the number one factor in being successful, is that you are working towards, or doing something that you are passionate about. My Dad once told me, “Find and do something that you love, and then you’ll never work a day in your life.” That always stuck with me. It was the final push in the back of my mind to start Anchor’s Away. When you are doing something that interests you, you constantly crave to learn more all of the time, resulting in more understanding, confidence, growth and finally, more success!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
Hi! My name is Keri, I grew up in a small farming town in central Massachusetts. I began my professional career at 15 with a work permit at my local fast-food joint! I could not wait to get a job! I bought a double tape deck boom box with my first paycheck and could officially make my own mixtapes! Joking aside, my parents also taught me to always work hard and give 100% to be rewarded. Not just monetarily, but with my professional and personal growth. I’ve carried those morals and values with me throughout my life to now. In my early 20’s I started as a teller at my local bank where I learned the importance growing strong relationships with Customers. Listening to what people want and need, as opposed to pushing what we want them to need, builds genuine trust, confidence, repeat business and referrals. Over time and with training I went on to take on other customer service roles in banking and human resources, opening other doors to my finance and customer service career.
As I got older, I was thankful with where I had advanced professionally, and loved the customer service part but did not feel personal fulfillment with the finance aspect. That being said, my Dad told me during one of our “life talks” to find something to do that I absolutely love, then I will never work a day in my life. My personal passion is the ocean. I have been in love with it since I was a child. It’s overwhelming power, mysteries, beauty, and oh the sea life! I cannot get enough. Some of the creatures living in there are just amazing to me. To me, the sea is a constantly moving, ever-changing, beautiful world of overwhelming curiosity.
When Covid arrived, I was living in Boston, working for a bank downtown. Along with the rest of the world almost, I was sent to work at home. I quickly realized that was not for me and spun that into a positive opportunity to start Anchor’s Away Boat Detailing! It was certainly a questionable time to try to start a small business, but I was determined. I am grateful to this day that I was able to not only start but grow a business during a time when so many other small businesses were suffering. I believe the main reason was that I did not require in person contact with my customers. Appointments were made over the phone and contracts and invoices were signed and paid electronically.
When I was just starting out, I had no idea how many people wanted and needed our services! I just knew that I wanted to work on, or at least near the water. The niche that made and makes us stand out is that we specialize in primarily, fine interior deep cleaning. There are many exterior detailing companies on the New England coast, but very few that want to go on the inside. Buffing, sanding and waxing is its own world and ballgame. We provide a cleaning service that is hard to come by in this industry. Our goal is to make your boat look and feel brand new. For smaller open bow boats, we are comparable to what a car detailer would provide. On large luxury yachts we focus on fine polishing and deep cleaning projects, as well as regular maintenance cleanings.
Fast forward four years, we have expanded up and down the New England coast, working onsite at different a variety of marinas, yacht clubs and boat yards. As planned, we are still primarily family run. Being the oldest of five, I have happily taught and worked alongside my Daughter and some of my siblings. but do hire additional summer help as needed. It has been such an adventure! Every boat gives us a chance to learn something new as each boat is slightly different. Each new customer is a networking opportunity and chance to provide them with exceptional service. Over the years, we have partnered with different eco-friendly cleaning product companies that leave amazing results that other products don’t. We participate in various fundraisers when available and have partnered with non-profit organizations providing discounted services to veterans and first responders.
How am I finding time to enjoy the ocean with all of that? I always try to go to work a little early or stay a little late to enjoy the water. Sometimes just sitting on a dock, watching hundreds of jellyfish float by makes my day! Or, making friends with some of the different coastal birds that hang around the docks looking for a snack. The tides are another favorite. Sometimes when we start a job it is high tide and low tide when we leave, exposing thousands of oysters, clams, crabs and even sea urchins. So fun to explore! After other long days, just sitting at the water’s edge at sunset, breathing in the air, listening to ripples of water splash against the pier is the most beautiful peaceful reward ever!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
After obtaining a business license and insurance, I knew that impressive branding and a good logo was key. My Brother and I had fun coming up with a simple yet catchy name, and designed a logo equally as fun! Bright, bold boating colors that pop are sure to stand out and spark curiosity. Next, we created our website, Facebook and Instagram pages. After that, I created a list of all of the things that I would look for in a company such as ours. These basic principles came to mind, are so easy and stick in a clients memory! The old saying, “Under promise-Over deliver.” Following through with contract schedules as promised. Calling to confirm, if I say I am going to. Asking questions if I am unsure about something to avoid misunderstandings or mistakes. Calling the client afterward to make sure they are happy with the results of their appointment. These simple, old school practices still go such a long way, even in a more modern, mainstream digital business world. Keeping our clients engaged with rewarding promotions and boating news, ocean trivia, etc.. keeps them engaged and feeling like they are still connected to Anchor’s Away, even after their appointment has come and gone. At the end of the day, the quality of our work is what truly sells us to our clients, and keeps them coming back. We triple check each others work to make sure nothing is missed before leaving and always send before and after pictures at job completion.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
My Clients have proven to be my number one source of new client referral. The first two years in business I was desperate to reach new clients, any and every way possible! I was finding myself spending over budget to advertise on radio, and websites that were not bringing in any new business. Providing our clients with the quality of service we promise during booking ensures their happiness and satisfaction and they are excited to show their friends and that almost always leaves us with a new appointment!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anchorsawayboatdetailing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anchorsawayboatdetailing/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anchorsawayboatdetailing/
Image Credits
I have taken all photos – Keri LeClair