Meet Rick Potts | Founder, 5W Auto

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rick Potts and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rick, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The decision to establish my own business stemmed from a series of introspective questions about my career trajectory and personal fulfillment. After years in corporate finance, I found myself critically evaluating my long-term professional aspirations and daily work satisfaction. Living in the Los Angeles suburbs, I also considered the impact of extensive commute times on my quality of life. These reflections ultimately led me to explore entrepreneurship as a viable alternative.

A key motivator in this decision was the desire for autonomy and accountability in my professional endeavors. While the corporate environment offered certain advantages, I often observed that recognition and rewards were not always commensurate with individual effort and output. This realization further solidified my resolve to pursue an independent business venture.

Additionally, my entrepreneurial spirit was significantly influenced by my parents’ success as business owners in the real estate and construction industries. Their example instilled in me the values of diligence, self-reliance, and the potential rewards of entrepreneurship. This familial background provided a strong foundation and inspiration for my decision to establish 5W Auto.

What should our readers know about your business?
5W Auto Cleaning Accessories, also known as “5W Auto,” is a premier provider of high-quality, eco-friendly auto detailing chemicals, microfiber towels, and accessories. Our goal is to offer car enthusiasts and conscious consumers a wide range of products that enhance the appearance of their vehicles while promoting sustainability.

What sets us apart from others is our innovative waterless car wash products not only deliver a spotless shine but also conserve up to 40 gallons of water per wash compared to traditional car wash methods. This makes our solution ideal for environmentally conscious drivers who refuse to compromise on quality.

One of our proudest accomplishments to date is successfully submitting our products to the US Patent & Trademark Office for application. We are thrilled to announce that our products have received approval in multiple categories, providing them with protection and recognition from the Patent & Trademark Office. This recognition is a testament to the uniqueness and quality of our cleaning accessories.

Our journey to where we are today has been marked by unwavering perseverance and a steadfast determination to succeed. Along the way, we’ve been fortunate to encounter several key opportunities and individuals who have played crucial roles in helping our company realize its vision for innovative auto care and water conservation. As we continue to evolve, we remain dedicated to our core values of innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. Our progress thus far is a testament to the hard work of our team, the loyalty of our customers, and the relevance of our mission in today’s environmentally conscious marketplace.

At 5W Auto, we recognize that water is a precious natural resource often taken for granted. While we acknowledge that we cannot single-handedly solve the world’s water problems, we are committed to making a positive impact for future generations. Our mission is to provide a better option for cleaning cars, one that is both effective and environmentally conscious.

5W Auto is dedicated to making a difference in the way people approach car cleaning. We strive to educate our customers about the importance of water conservation and empower them to make environmentally responsible choices. By choosing 5W Auto products, car enthusiasts can maintain their vehicles’ pristine appearance while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Los Angeles, I’d craft an unforgettable week-long itinerary showcasing the city’s diverse attractions. We’d start our adventure in downtown LA, exploring its vibrant districts and iconic landmarks:

* Catch a Dodgers game at the historic Dodger Stadium
* Attend a concert or sports event at the state-of-the-art Crypto.com Arena
* Experience the entertainment hub of LA Live
* Stroll along the star-studded Hollywood Walk of Fame
* Immerse ourselves in culture at the Arts District
* Shop til we drop in the Fashion District
* Marvel at glittering gems in the Jewelry District
* Admire skyscrapers in the Financial District

To escape the urban hustle, we’d venture to the coastal charm of Long Beach. The downtown area and Belmont Shore offer a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement:

*Indulge in diverse culinary experiences at local restaurants
*Enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene
*Cycle along the beach boardwalk
*Try water activities like kayaking or paddleboarding
*Unwind with breathtaking sunset views over the Pacific

This itinerary balances urban exploration with coastal relaxation, providing a comprehensive taste of Southern California’s lifestyle and attractions. From the excitement of downtown LA to the laid-back beach vibes of Long Beach, my friend would experience the best of what the area has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As my father, who hails from the small town of Tyler, Texas, wisely said, “It’s always about the journey.” I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support of my family and friends. They’ve been the driving force, pushing me to reach new heights when I thought I had nothing left to give.

I’d also like to give credit to Ryan Holiday and his insightful book, “Ego is The Enemy.” His perspective on humility, grace, and resilience as tools to suppress ego before detrimental habits take hold has been invaluable. Holiday’s work has significantly influenced my approach to business and personal growth.

These influences have been instrumental in shaping the vision and values of 5W Auto. They’ve instilled in me the importance of perseverance, humility, and continuous self-improvement – qualities that are now at the core of our company culture as we strive to provide top-notch car wash products for enthusiasts.

Website: https://5wauto.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/5wauto

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@5wauto

Image Credits
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