Driven to succeed

Owner of the company, Atiba Purcell, explained that there are “a few car wash operations in the area but my vision has grown from more than just a car wash.” We’re closed on Mondays but we open from 8:30 am to 6 pm, Tuesday to Sunday and sometimes later on weekends, to facilitate the people.

Some people see it as a hustle, but I treat washing vehicles like a business and I also accept LINX.” Speaking with Business Day one evening after work, Purcell recalled how he left a career in construction to wash vehicles because he wanted to be his own boss.

“I always liked cars, liked being around them, liked fixing them.

I wanted my own business, so I decided to do something that involved my passion. At first all I had was a sign and a small tarpaulin. We’re located close to the Pitch Lake visitors’ entrance; on the left side of main road when you’re coming from San Fernando.

Residents and employees of companies that operate on the LABIDCO Industrial Estate started to come to me and from there, the business grew.” Purcell originally called his company Antic’s Car Wash but in 2016, he changed the name to Driven Automotive. He also created a Facebook page by the same name, so that customers and interested persons can contact him easily.

Six months after he set up shop, Purcell had gained enough regular clients that he needed to hire someone. It remained a twoperson operation until 2015, when Purcell began selling auto supplies.

He also expanded his car wash service beyond regular washing and vacuuming to include full auto detailing, shampooing of interiors, foam washing, vehicle polishing, minor and major paint correction, engine wash and headlight restoration.

Asked if he had met his goals in the eight years since he became an entrepreneur, Purcell revealed that his accomplishments have exceeded his original expectations.

“What I’ve been able to do, how I’ve expanded, it’s way more than I thought was achievable.

The people in the community and the workers from companies on the estate, like TOFCO (Trinidad Offshore Fabricators Unlimited), NGC (National Gas Company), Oil Mop, TGU (Trinidad Generation Unlimited), BSI (Services) and CGCL (Caribbean Gas Chemical Limited), have really supported me. The councillor for Brighton/ Vessigny, Gerald Debesette, also supports me.” Purcell would like to expand his business to include “a place where you could get something to eat while your vehicle is being washed and a proper waiting room.” This, however, requires money and more land.

Access to land on which to open a business is something which Purcell said is a problem for many La Brea residents. He cited leases for land that has remained unoccupied for various reasons and land under the control/ ownership of energy companies.

“A lot of the land is tied up, so people don’t have access to it and if they do try and build on it, they get notices to stop. So I think the authorities should find some way to open up land use to (entrepreneurs).” Regarding access to services, Purcell echoed what many others in the area have previously told Business Day - that La Brea needs a bank or at least a few ATMs. He also suggested the opening of a food court and a vehicle alignment service centre.

“There are a few people running food places but they’re unable to do it throughout the week; mostly on weekends. La Brea has potential for a lot more, there are many companies in the area and also upcoming ones which would all benefit from the businesses when opened on a regular basis.

“With the right resources if more small businesses were to open, there would be more employment opportunities for La Brea residents,” Purcell said.