A Métis businessman has teamed up with a First Nations family to start up an auto detailling service in Hope.
Located at the back of 541 Wallace St., owner Norm Desmarais has invested in Naomi Gutierrez, who will both manage the business and detail cars. Gutierrez’s daughter will also help out.
“We’re trying to put a real good light on the Aboriginal starting businesses, contributing to the community and working together,” said Desmarais.
Desmarais and Gutierrez met when they worked at another shop. When he opened up F.T.C. Auto Detailing Service, he asked Gutierrez to join him. “F.T.C.” stands for “Fine Tooth Comb.”
“I’ve got a little bit of detailling under my belt and … Norm took me, with the experience that I have, to start up this shop here,” said Gutierrez.
Desmarais said he liked Gutierrez’s work ethic and also because she is local. Gutierrez is also from the Shxw’owhamel First Nation.
Desmarais said he used to own a car lot in Coquitlam and a home cleaning business. He moved to Hope a few years ago and sees the auto detailling service as a “retirement business.” Seeing that there’s no auto detailling business, he opened the shop up to work locally and help local people.
They will offer complete detailling, car washing, vacuuming, engine shampooing and possible window tinting.
Prices range from $20 for a car wash to $420 for truck’s interior and exterior service, plus carpet shampooing and cut polishing.