Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrey Shalaurov.
Hi Andrey, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We are a family-owned and operated local business on a mission to provide an experience that’s truly out of this world. Our journey began with a spark of inspiration from riding with three kids in the back seat through a friend’s car wash in North Carolina about 10 years ago, where the dazzling light show captured the imagination of our kids. Inspired by the magic of that moment and fueled by our passion for exceptional car care, we embarked on a mission to create a similar experience of our own. After a relentless search, we found a perfect spot in Oviedo, Florida. We then took a chance and relocated all the way from North Carolina in 2021, right during Covid. We absolutely love the Oviedo community, we have the greatest team in place and the greatest car wash technology, chemistry and customer service. We are ready to put smiles on our customers’ faces as they see their cars shine!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a difficult but incredible journey from buying the land in October 2021 to finally opening the car wash in March of 2025 – yes it took this long and we barely survived, but we did and we will be unstoppable! Many times throughout the journey we were very close to run out of funds and both myself and my wife were fortunate enough to keep working full-time in another industry (IT), and we still do, to help us fund the project and now business. Struggles ranged from dealing with Covid and inflation fueled rising costs, supply chain delays, demanding requirements from the City and a difficult financing environment.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My professional experience includes 21 years of working in Information Technology. Since 2004, ever since graduating from college, I started my work journey as an IT Consultant with Accenture. Ever since then, I have worked at various major consulting firms as well as inside major financial institutions as a software engineer and a solutions architect. I was also very active in the real estate industry as an investor, owner and was not afraid to get my hands dirty with doing some rehab/renovations. I’ve been a part of some start-ups, some successful and some to be determined – namely involved in LetYouKnow, an innovative online marketplace where consumers can name their own prices on new cars and dealers competing to match the bids. It is really a mixture of real estate and technology that got me involved in opening Galaxy Express Carwash. It’s a huge business and it’s a mix of high-tech equipment but also requires great customer service, tons and tons of operations skills, marketing/advertising, you name it. My wife and I try to lead nearly everything ourselves – it has been a great learning experience for us and a fun one!
I’m a very hard worker and I’m proud of being able to handle multiple aspects of the business as mentioned above. I never give up! I’m very proud of opening this carwash as it is a giant project. I’m most proud though of raising 3 beautiful daughters, who are also involved in the business!
What are your plans for the future?
The plan for the future is to grow and mature the site, then if we are lucky, try to open up another car wash site and try to expand. We love this business and excited to try to do this all over again! If there is ever free time, dreaming to continue traveling all over the world – absolutely love traveling and experiencing seeing new places!
Pricing:
- Our unlimited wash clubs (even multiple times/day) rock, 4 great choices below:
- Ultimate Galaxy – $36.99/mo our Top Wash packed with everything, even graphene!
- Spaceship Shine – $34.99/mo – also packed with value – Ceramic is the key here!
- Blast Off – $29.99/mo – hot wax & wheels/tire shine – great package!
- Launch Pad – $19.99/mo – budget-friendly starter wash still packed with value!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.galaxyexpresscarwash.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/galaxy_carwashfl/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Galaxy-Express-Car-Wash/61568691917995/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Galaxy-b7e3s
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@galaxy.carwash5
Image Credits
Josh Burgess
