Hero Award Winner - January 2005
Brown Bear Car Wash
Vic Odermat, President
The Seattle SCORE chapter awarded its January 2005 HERO Award, its 97th since the inception of the program in 1990, to Brown Bear as a model, successful small business. Brown Bear, still family-operated, has grown from 10 to over 280 employees. There is a constant emphasis on innovation and personal adherence to quality workmanship and customer service.
After a successful yet brief stint with a major oil company, Vic Odermat, a former United States Marine, resolved never again to work for anyone except himself. He established the company in 1962 by acquiring a defunct car wash business.
win the award, Brown Bear passed a stringent review, including revenue growth, number of employees, profitability, product innovation, service and operation of the company. SCORE also noted the Odermat family's role in the community as a major supporter of the Northern Trail exhibit at the Seattle Woodland Park Zoo.