RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. -

After announcing its first batch of franchisees last month, Spiffy has officially opened its first franchise location.

The debut franchise for Spiffy, an on-demand car care, technology, and services company, is in Wilmington, Del.

The franchise will provide mobile maintenance services to Upper Chesapeake-area customers.

Rick Crook is the owner of Spiffy’s first franchise, and he brings more than 15 years of aviation experience as an aircraft mechanic and, more recently, a first officer for Air Transport International. During his search for the right local business opportunity, his past experience as an owner-operator for Signal 88 Security brought him back into franchising.

Crook said Spiffy stood out with its use of proprietary technology, eco-conscious business standards, a convenience-oriented service model, and the company’s history of sustained growth.

Over the last seven years, Spiffy has expanded from offering mobile car wash and detai services to various preventive maintenance services for car owners and national fleet clients. The company says it offers a zero-friction experience directly to each customer in a recognizable blue van. The van features the water, power, and supplies needed to complete every appointment.

On the eco-conscious side, Spiffy said each service uses less than half the water of a traditional car wash. All water, soap, and chemicals are reclaimed and recycled for future use.

Regarding the company’s first franchise location, Spiffy chief executive officer Scot Wingo said the company was happy to open the doors with a franchisee to bring mobile car care to Upper Chesapeake area residents.

“Rick is a skilled business leader who’s passionate about our company values, especially given his veteran background. He brings a fresh excitement to our entire operation,” Wingo said in a news release.

Crook said Spiffy wants to create an eco-focused service, and he said the service takes the hassle and wasted time out of car care.

“It’s easy for me to be confident as a franchise owner because they aren't just a franchisor; they also own and operate 23 other locations,” Crook said. “They’ve learned years of lessons, last year in particular, and aren’t leaving their franchisees in the dark about how to run the business successfully.”