A monthly safety meeting was called early this month at Bubbles Car Wash and Detail Oct. 19, after an employee used the wrong chemical on a customer’s car.

It was an acid treatment used on the car while the car was hot, causing the paint to burn off in four different places.

“If you don’t know the effect of the chemical on the vehicle, DON’T USE IT,” said Garo Doranian, owner of Bubbles.

MSD (material safety data ) sheets that are displayed on the walls in the detail shop and in the break room, were passed out to all employees to make sure the same mistake or others were not repeated.

34 out of 37 employees showed up for their meeting that started promptly at 5:00 p.m. in the lobby of the car wash. The two no-call no-shows were to face one day suspension.

The next subject brought up on the agenda was communication, an important factor at Bubbles Car Wash and Detail.

Communication between the service writers-- the ones who write up the tickets-- and the detailers, was missing. This was causing controversy, work on cars unfinished, and angry customers.

Alan Cornelius, manager of Bubbles, added to what Garo was saying, “Without communication it is nearly impossible to run a business.”

After about 45 minutes of critiquing and the same tedious safety material, they moved on to giving their employees all the positive feedback that they deserved and announced the employee of the month. The energy in the room shifted all of a sudden as everyone loosened up and started with the jokes and laughter.

Garo ended his meeting with, “Ok I’ll see you guys tomorrow, and don’t make me call another early meeting, the next one is scheduled for Nov. 30.”

Editor's Note: Lara Doranian is the sister of Bubbles Car Wash owner Greg Doranian