River City Six – Travis Barker
Meet Travis Barker, owner of IQ Car Wash (www.iqcarwash.com) in Omaha.
Tell us a little about your business.
IQ Car Wash uses state-of-the-art equipment to get cars clean. We offer our customers variety by allowing them to wash how they want. They can use our self-service bays or our touch-free and soft-touch automatic options. Our automatics use a 3D scan so that the machine washes to the contour of the vehicle. This gives each customer a custom wash, every time. We guarantee our products and believe in top-notch customer service and a clean facility to ensure customer satisfaction.
How did you get started in the business?
While working as a mechanic in West Omaha, I noticed there was a lack of car wash options in the area. I have a preferred style of car wash that was not readily available to me. When researching car wash equipment manufacturers, I made a call to D&S Equipment. D&S connected me with Midwest Car Wash Equipment. While learning about their products, I knew within a few weeks that this was the right equipment and sales team to start my business.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
The process of building the physical building. Our facility was built from the ground up. We had several challenges from environmental to regulations and interpretation.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Having a dream and seeing it through.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife Erica and I have twins, who are five. Our son is Logan and our daughter is Alexa. They started Kindergarten this fall. We live in the city of Omaha and live close to my mom Lois, who is our business partner.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
When I was 14, my mom and I moved from California to Nebraska after the passing of my dad.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I love spending time with my family. I also enjoy going out to the track for a day of auto cross.
Who inspires you?
My good friends, John and Caleb.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t hear what I’m not saying.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Genuine.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
“Fuel” by Metallica.
If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Flying.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Working on performance cars.
If you could choose any other profession to be successful in, what would it be?
Mechanical engineering in a performance division.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why?
Food Bank for the Heartland.
What is your favorite movie?
Gone in 60 Seconds.
What is your favorite TV show?
Top Gear.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
Dave Grohl. He was the drummer for Nirvana and founded the band Foo Fighters.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 720-1069; travis@iqcarwashomaha.com; www.iqcarwash.com.