Local Valencia AutoSpa manager, Sandra Silvestre, has been awarded the title of 2010’s Most Valuable Carwasher by The Professional Carwash & Detailing Magazine based in New York. Silvestre was nominated by Valencia AutoSpa owner, Randy Cressall, and AutoSpa customer, Stephanie Weiss. She will also be recognized by the Western Carwash Association, a 12-state carwash trade association, for her distinctive honor.
“I’m still in shock. When the boss called me yesterday and told me about it, I was like, ‘Why me?’” was Silvestre’s modest response when asked how she felt about the award.
Silvestre started out as a cashier at Valencia AutoSpa 10 years ago and is now the manager of 40-45 employees. In the male dominated field, Silvestre manages with an effort to respect her employees and help them to serve their customers.
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She describes her daily meetings with her employees as a chance to “take a few minutes and try to get to know each of the boys that are working here.” Silvestre also teaches her employees English so that they can better connect with Valencia AutoSpa’s loyal customers.
According to Stephanie Weiss, who nominated Silvestre, in the 20 years that this award has been presented, only one other woman has won it.