The SHINE Series features individuals who I meet on my travels or through my network who inspires me through their mindset, actions and/ or heart to flourish.
John literally got us at Hello. My boyfriend was given his contact by another car detailing company who couldn’t fit us in . John wasn’t able to answer his phone but his voice message was so super cheery and happy that I told my boyfriend, “we must meet this man!” At our first meeting, John is exactly the cheerful and sunshine voice we heard. It is also obvious that here was someone who not only enjoys his work, but takes pride in doing the best he can for his customers. He does such excellent work that it is not surprising why customers are his biggest fans. Since our first meeting, I have gotten to know John better and what comes across clearly is his kind heart and thoughtful nature. That’s beautiful in a world where people sometimes chase sales than being truly there for their customers. John is that gem.
John Stables – Founder, JGS Detailing, Scotland
From your fun and engaging FB posts, it’s obvious that you love what you do at JGS Detailing. What inspired you to start JGS Detailing?
Scarlet (my daughter) was my main inspiration to leave the corporate world and delve into self employment. I wanted to spend as much quality time with the children whilst they were growing up, working as a store manager for a leading supermarket was never going to allow me the work life balance I was looking for. I realised early on that life is not about chasing the pound, it is all about spending the most precious commodity we can offer anyone -time. So I gave it all up, opened a shop that lead to three shops that eventually lead to having my own car valet business. If you had asked me whilst I worked in London if that was my plan, I really would have laughed. I really do love my job, I work 6 days a week out of choice but at any given time I can close and do the family thing, visit friends or have a weekend away. That’s the beauty of being your own boss.
What challenges, if any, did you find at the beginning of your entrepreneurial journey and how did you overcome them?
Everyone always thinks that money will be the biggest challenge, in my case it was what kind of person do I want to be and how will that manifest in my product. I always treat people how I would like to be treated, to be good, kind and honest is what I have always believed in. I know that has stopped me in the past from being promoted in various roles that I have held but goodness always won the day, eventually! The main challenge was putting together an offering that no other valeter was offering, to make the difference at the checkout so to speak. I always go the extra mile, the challenge was making that a natural expected thing to do so that word of mouth advertising grew my business. It seems to be working.
You’ve such a joyous personality. What daily habits do you use to help you to remain joyful and succeed at what you do?
That’s easy, I am a very happy chappy anyway and love what I do. I have the radio on and can be heard singing along and sometimes I am caught dancing along too. I believe music and dance are fantastic for destressing. I also reflect everyday on where I have come from, the places I have visited and the reason I am here in the highlands. It affords me space to do my thing, whilst spending time with family friends and loved ones.
Knowing what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?
That’s such a hard question and the answer would be no as I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason. For example, my wife and I crossed paths without knowing it so many times, we both lived within a mile of each other, we both worked on the QE2 and we must have passed each other so many times. Go back and change just one thing would or may change the timeline. I am a massive Star Trek Fan and so believe we are living our lives as they should be. It would be easy to say change something so that I have more money, wealth, material things all these things are great but that would mean I am envious or jealous of some people. I am not that person, I love hearing that someone has won some money or they are living their best life. I think I am here to guide and facilitate people into what they will become. So change nothing, live your best life.
What may be one or two memorable experiences you’ve had while running your business?
Wow another massive question with so much to choose from. One time I was valeting a car and the customer was delighted. She was an older customer who phoned me a few days later asking me where her car mats were. I replied saying that I do not remember any car mats. The conversation went back and forwards but there were no car mats at my end. However I went and ordered a new set for her car. When they arrived, I wrapped them up, put a great big bow around them, sneaked into her back garden and placed them by her back door. She had no idea they had come from me but spoke to many people and told them the story of finding these mats on her doorstep. I was asked by many if it was me. I did not stay anything until one day a neighbour told her she saw me on my hands and knees crawling in her garden and placed something by the back door. She immediately knew what I had done. She approached me and was so amazed that I said the best way she could repay me is to pass it on and be kind to someone else. She has done so every year since. When running the Weegooseberry, we often sent out a RAK (Random Act of Kindness) to customer who ordered online. I love the feedback we received on that. We would often get a letter from the person who had received a RAK from one of our customers, it used to be amazing.
What do you want to achieve next?
I am happy with my status quo currently. I have trained my son to do the same job and actively encourage him to think about what he wants to do next. Same goes for my daughter, it would be nice to see them both doing what they love as a job because then its not a job. I cannot see myself retiring, I am just too active but I think at some point I would like to use my skills and knowledge to help others and give them something we all take for granted – time. Just to listen and then delight by giving them what I have acquired over my lifetime.
Any favourite quote that inspire you to keep going?
Live long and Prosper. I am also inspired by the books Jonathon Livingstone Seagull and Imaginations. At the time, I found them very inspiring for the journey I was undertaking at the time.
If you were to choose a car to symbolize you, which car would that be and why?
Saab – reliable, quirky, comfortable, not too common and when you press that right foot down puts a smile on your face an a future classic.