MANSFIELD – The opening of Jason Carroll’s new car wash and detail business was a calling of the divine kind.
Nearly three years ago, after acquiring a new building at 410 Sixth Ave. in Mansfield, Carroll’s facility was anointed by Pastor John Harris of Armor Bearers Ministries. During the anointing, Carroll was told that God had a plan for the building, and that it would eventually double as a business and a home ministry.
“They weren’t sure exactly what it would turn out to be, but I knew,” Carroll said. “I know my calling and what I’m good at.”
That calling came to fruition on Feb. 29 with the grand opening of Breeze Thru Car & Truck Wash, a drive-thru car wash and detail center where everything is done by hand. It’s been a long time coming for Carroll and his family.
“It’s been two or three years of just painting, sweeping the floors, punching the clock at the local factory – hard, hard work,” he said. “To get it to just this point has been hours and hours of work, and lots and lots of prayer.”
Carroll has been in the business of detailing and painting automobiles for more than 15 years. His passion for cars started at a very young age.
“My father raised me around some of the most beautiful classic cars he owned,” Carroll said. “From the time I was knee-high, I got to clean them for car shows. It’s been in my blood for decades.”
In order to start Breeze Thru Car & Truck Wash, Carroll sold his vehicle to pay for the necessary equipment. The building loan is in his mother’s name. Carroll’s wife, Mary Jane, has also pitched in while holding down a part-time job with Goodwill Industries. Family friend Saulee Shatzer comes from Tiro to help with the business, too.
“It’s been a tough road to get to this point,” Mary Jane said.
But Carroll’s calling to his business was stronger than any obstacles put in his path. Furthermore, he has a passion for service to his community, and plans on putting that in action by offering free car washes to all local law enforcement agencies as well as local veterans.
After speaking with the Richland County Veterans Service Commission and Sgt. Steve Boyd with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department, Carroll is set to start washing.
“I thought, I love cleaning and detailing automobiles, and what others cars need to be seen the most than our local law enforcement agencies?” Carroll asked. “These men and women go out every day and protect us.”
“We see the cruisers and we thought, why not take the opportunity to offer a handshake and a cup of coffee while we wash their cruiser, just to give something back?” added Mary Jane.
Breeze Thru Car & Truck Wash offers free services for law enforcement during business hours, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. During the grand opening week, Carroll is offering all customers half off wash pricing, “business card” day on March 4 includes a free vacuum with the presentation of a business card, and 25 percent off a full detail.
Full pricing and services can be found below:
“There was a time when the only thing I thought of was what’s in it for me,” Carroll said, his voice breaking. “But today my life is totally different due to God and Jesus Christ and other local agencies in the area. I know my God and He tells me it is better for me to give than to receive.”
