For as long as Eric Birdsall can remember, his nickname has been “Birdie”. So when he decided to start his own business this year, he knew right way what he’d call it.
By Robin Jovanovich
For as long as Eric Birdsall can remember, his nickname has been “Birdie”. So when he decided to start his own business this year, he knew right way what he’d call it.
On August 13, the 1995 Rye High School grad opened the doors to Birdie’s Auto Spa at 180 Theodore Fremd Avenue. At the super-clean space, he and his crew offer a fine menu of auto cleaning and detailing services. Even the company’s logo seems to glow.
“This isn’t one of those in-and-out car wash businesses. We do a more thorough job than most and put a shine on every tire,” said Mr. Birdsall.
Using a steam machine, which is much like a pressure washer, a car wash at Birdie’s requires only a gallon of water and not an ounce of soap.
“My business model was to be as eco-friendly as possible,” he said. “I did my research and went to trade shows before I finalized what services I would offer.” He added that recent advances in technology made it easier for him to go green. All the products he uses for detailing are soy-based.
He credits his father, Skip Birdsall, for helping him launch the business in record time. “For seven and a half weeks, my dad worked side by side with me — putting all new electric, walls, and floors in what had once been a gas station. We repainted the whole building when we were done with the remodeling.”
Father and son have a long and solid history of working together. “After graduation I worked for my dad’s construction business in town. I learned so much from him about operating a business. In recent years, I gained first-hand experience in the car wash business by working at SPLASH in Greenwich.”
In the coming weeks, Mr. Birdsall said he’ll offer Rye High athletic teams the chance to hold car wishes at his place. “I’d like to give back to the school I loved and the community I grew up in.” He and his wife Christine, who helps him on Saturdays, live in Rye Brook.
After being in business for a month, Mr. Birdsall had this to say, “Rye people love to support a Rye business. They’ve been unbelievable.”
Birdie’s Auto Spa is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. They offer pick-up and drop-off service. For more information, visit birdiesautospa.com or call 438-5729.
