Seeing is believing, Touching is convincing
Seeing is believing, Touching is convincing
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In July 2011, I fulfilled a dream and bought my first Harley Davidson Motorcycle, a 2005 Deluxe Softail. I was immediately introduced to and thus completely embraced the HD riding community of Patriot Harley Davidson. As all riders do, I relished the time spent on the road in the sunshine surrounded by my brothers and sisters on these masterful machines. The look of high shine and glistening chrome was my kryptonite, my bike had to have both. My soft-tail was named after my beautiful and loving mother Viola who passed away when I was 8 years old. She became the inspiration and motivational fuel that drove me to create HOGWASH.
With each passing mile, I learned very quickly how the dirt, grime, water, and bugs becomes a rider’s nemesis. Therefore, every chance I got, I would wipe down my bike and put in even more time cleaning and polishing her when I got home. It became my mission to try to achieve the best-looking bike on the road. After seemingly endless ribbing from my riding buddies and constant inquiries if could clean theirs, I began to think outside the box and realized there really is no mobile motorcycle detailing business. My first thought was this is Hogwash! As I said it to my best friend and original business partner, Suzanne Brick, a big grin came across my face. I said I will start my own business and call it “HOGWASH!”
On October 18th, 2011, the seed was planted as I created HOGWASH, LLC.
After giving it a lot of thought, I reflected on the fact that my bike is named after in memory of my mother Viola. My next thought was to come up with a logo to show the business. Her photos were painted on the saddle bags. Her name was on the license plate. More importantly, the idea came to mind on her birthday, October 18. The injustice surrounding her murder served as my internal fuel throughout my life and thus decided to dedicate the business to her. I had committed my life in law enforcement trying to get justice for her so I wanted to ensure that both of us would appear in the logo. The pig, which represents me (as a Hog rider) is holding up a “V” for Viola, my mother.
As with most riders, my cleaning lab was in my garage, but I had to make it mobile. Another friend that believed in me and this crazy concept sold me an old white Chevy minivan with over 300K miles on it for $100.00. This van had no business being on the road. The wind shield was cracked, the tags had expired (could not pass inspection) and I could afford to get everything fixed and up to code. But I loaded it up with everything needed to be 100% mobile which included an air compressor, various products, hundreds of towels, buckets, gloves, aprons, marketing items, copies of the book I had written and published of my mother’s story and of course the 100 gallon water tank which would make the van rock back and forth at red lights. This traveling road show was a sight to be seen and a source of great pride and many laughs.
We can get there but where are we going?
From the depths of my heart, I owe a big debt of gratitude to Bob DeHaven of Patriot Harley Davidson for believing in HOGWASH and allowing us to detail motorcycles and conduct seminars on our efficient and effective process for motorcycle detailing. I would like to also thank all the gracious and supportive team of employees of Patriot during that time, the Fairfax HOG Chapter, Gene Preston of Thunder Tower Harley Davidson, and the Nam Knights for their continued enthusiastic support as we developed the HOGWASH brand. What was becoming our legendary work, finished product with lasting results and that legendary van are what put HOGWASH map, literally. That HOGWASH van traveled throughout VA, MD, DC, PA, DE. NC, SC, and Sturgis ND.
In 2013, as we continued to build the Brand, I was focused on creating a way to be more efficient and effective in every aspect. More effective products, more efficient use of time, and encapsulating everything from the van into a motorcycle travel container. Detail a motorcycle from a motorcycle. After experimenting with several products and mixtures; I was successful in creating a proprietary cleaning solution that both cleans, protects and enhances surface shine with only 1 ounce of product and 1 gallon of water, no rinsing required. We named the product "T2," for its Total Transformation effect. The other proprietary product is a surface polishing gloss and protectant. Highly effective solutions with shine restoration process using less water, one ounce of one product, and less time.
It was during this time Robert “Malibu” Brotten joined the HOGWASH family bringing many great ideas to help keep us evolved and moving forward. As the word of our success continued to spread like wildfire, so increased the interest in helping HOGWASH hit the open market so more customers could achieve the coveted shine while giving them back more time from cleaning to enjoy riding.
The rough road.
Unfortunately, HOGWASH incurred setbacks on two separate occasions and fell victim to the selfish and unsavory intentions of prospective business partners as they attempted to steal the HOGWASH creation (business and products). This caused indescribable damage and hardship to me as the owner and the entire HOGWASH family for the past 3 years. Here we are in 2018 through the grace and Blessings of an almighty God, happy to announce the rebirth of HOGWASH, LLC.
In closing, I sincerely thank you for taking the time to learn our history and your continued support.
Arthur L. Robinson
Founder and CEO
HOGWASH, LLC