Waterless Car Wash by Eco Touch
our story
2003The Trip 'Down-Under' That Inspired
The story starts in 2003 with Eco Touch Co-founder James Dudra studying abroad in Sydney, Australia. Here he came across what was referred to as a 'waterless' car wash. Intrigued by the idea James left Sydney with a greater appreciation for water conservation and an idea he would file away for a few years.
2004 - 2006
Graduation and Beyond
James graduates Marist College with a degree in Business Administration/Marketing. Not quite ready for a 'real' job, he packs up and heads west for a winter to work at Copper Mountain. The following spring he returns to New Hampshire and relocates to Portsmouth where he lands a job working in technology sales. Here James meets fellow Eco Touch Co-founder Anne Ruozzi. A year later the pair quit separately, but will soon re-connect.
November 2006
A Business Idea Is Born
Searching for a new business idea, James pulls from his past experience in Australia. With looming droughts, a growing eco-movement and no other environmentally-friendly car care products on the market a lightbulb goes off. Eco Touch is born during the fall of '06.
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March 2007
Eco Touch Ready for Launch
With no formal chemistry background, James teams up with Jay Chapin to develop the first 'green' waterless car wash product. While several other existing brands are tested, Jay and James refine their formulas to exactly the right specs.
During this time James reconnects with Anne during a chance meeting at their local library in Portsmouth. Anne is immediately intrigued with the business and she quickly comes on board to help James during the launch.
April 2007
Launch Time!
By April 2007 Eco Touch brings the first earth-friendly 'waterless' car wash to market. Ecotouch.net is launched and the media takes notice. Soon outlets such as Treehugger pick up on the story and move things forward.
During this time James and Anne have pooled together and launched the entire company on a shoestring budget of less than $10,000 from personal savings.
June 2007
Retail's Calling
By June Eco Touch has begun to expand into retail accounts. James and Anne work diligently day and night calling on retail accounts to bring their products to market. It's tough work without a distributor or a sales force, but the pair push on cold calling and attaining 10 stores by month's end.
July - Dec 2007
Rapid Expansion
The company continues to accelerate forward through the end of the 2007. By year's Eco Touch has grown to over 60+ retailers nationwide. In addition, key media outlets such as the New York Times, Green Car Magazine, and National Geographic have taken notice.
In December 2007 the company achieves third-party validation from Co-op America as a certified "Green" business. They are the first car care company to receive approval from Co-op America.
February 2008
Whole Foods Goes Waterless
With drought restrictions continuing to plague the southeastern US and commercial car washing shutting down the company breaks into a new region. Eco Touch lands Whole Foods Markets in the Southeast across 18+ stores!
April 2008
The Eco Touch Family Grows
With James and Anne handling all aspects of the company's day-to-day operations, they decide it's time to delegate. Sales efforts are now branched out through the addition of an experienced extended sales force.
Three new products are brought to market to help round-out the line including a: Dashboard + Trim, Carpet + Upholstery and Metal Polish. It is the first comprehensive set of environmentally-smart car care products available on the market.
June 2008
National Distribution On the Way
Eco Touch acquires several key distributors to help push their products into a broader marketspace. The company also receives several key mentions in America's Car Care Business, Body + Soul, Natural Home, and many others.
August 2008
Concentrated Solutions Ready to Go!
Demand for Eco Touch in bulk sizing continues to grow. New 5 gallon cubetainers and 55 gallon drums become available on all products. Brand new expansion begins into car wash centers, detailing shops, and municipal governments.
Oct 2008
Expo East Exposure
The team heads to Boston, MA and introduces Natural Products Expo East to Eco Touch. Despite the tough economic climate, expansion continues into over 120+ independent stores across the U.S.
November 2008
SEMA Gets Eco Touched
With over 100,000 international buyers attending, Eco Touch debuts at SEMA 2008 in Las Vegas, NV. Not knowing what to expect from a more traditional auto enthusiast industry, Eco Touch quickly garners the attention of many of the attendees. The company is also the only manufacturer in attendance to list ingredients on its packaging.
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