The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Innovation
Newly established on K-Beach Road, between Kenai and Soldotna, KB Laser Wash is redefining the local car wash experience by combining old-school values with cutting-edge laser technology. Owned and operated by Scott and Lela Rosin, longtime proprietors of the beloved Duck Inn, KB Laser Wash has quickly become a local favorite, offering customers a premium car wash experience, featuring top-notch customer service, with a versatile range of options to fit wash needs on any budget.
Recognizing a gap in the market for high-quality, reliable car washes in the neighborhood, the Rosins set out to create a business that would provide locals with top-notch services and convenience. Their vision included a combination of self-service stations, tandem soft touch with closed foam cell technology, and the innovative laser wash that gives the business its name. Beyond car washes, KB Laser Wash also provides self-serve vacuums and a private dog wash station, ensuring that both vehicles and pets can leave sparkling clean. Open 24 hours a day, the facility offers around-the-clock service, allowing customers to take care of their wash needs at any time.
This highly convenient model has quickly earned the business a reputation as a dependable and high-quality car wash. The Rosins have been humbled by local auto body shops and detailers, making KB Laser Wash their top referral, and look forward to working collaboratively with other local businesses to give Alaskans the quality they deserve.
Launching this innovative business was no small feat, but Scott and Lela had a strong support system from the start. They began their journey by working closely with Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Kenai Peninsula Center Director Cliff Cochran to determine the economic feasibility of the car wash and to craft a solid business plan. Cliff’s expertise helped them assess the local market and create a budget to set the business up for long-term success.
“Cliff was our first professional stop after making the decision to jump in with both feet, and he helped give us confidence from the beginning that our information was solid,” said Lela Rosin. “He was able to provide us with extensive, local business knowledge and information. Cliff’s services are free of charge to local entrepreneurs like us, and in hindsight, was, without a doubt, the most impactful! The wide range of resources Cliff has at his fingertips was pretty incredible, and he helped us determine the local market needs and what we could expect from the business performance standpoint, projections, and business plan.”
With their business plan, the Rosins turned to KeyBank’s Garet Plantz and Carrie Callaway Cardy for small business financing. Garet and Carrie worked through financing options to ensure the loan application process went smoothly, helping Scott and Lela secure the necessary funding to bring their vision to life. “Carrie and Garet were instrumental in helping us navigate financial needs by answering all our questions,” Lela added. “They streamlined the process, which allowed us to focus on launching the business and make sure we hit the ground running.” Reflecting on their efforts, Carrie highlighted the importance of teamwork and strong support in making the Rosins’ vision a reality. She shared, “Working alongside the Rosins and Alaska SBDC to finance the KB Laser Wash project was a privilege! KeyBank is proud to support small business in our community.”
The Rosins’ hard work paid off, and KB Laser Wash has not only filled a gap in the local market, but they’ve also set the new standard for car care in the area. Whether it’s a quick rinse after a long drive, a thorough cleaning to prepare for an event, or underbody maintenance cleaning to prevent corrosion, customers know they can rely on KB Laser Wash for a premium service every time. “As car enthusiasts, providing quality car wash technology that’s also safe for your car is imperative to us,” Scott remarked. “The roads are hard on our vehicles in Alaska, and we wanted to create a business that helps with that.”
Cliff Cochran, who worked closely with the Rosins throughout the development of the business, is proud of their success. “It was great to work with really experienced entrepreneurs on a totally new idea, separate from their original business model,” Cliff said. “Going from hospitality to automotive services could be a challenge, but Scott and Lela made the transition look easy. They’ve become my example of how to conduct marketing in our area, and I couldn’t be more impressed with how they’ve built this business.”
The success of KB Laser Wash is a testament to the Rosins’ entrepreneurial spirit and their dedication to providing the best possible service to their community. By combining traditional customer values—like dependability, commitment to quality, and a dedicated and friendly team—along with the latest in car wash technology, they’ve created a business that stands out on the Kenai Peninsula. Their journey, supported by the Alaska SBDC and KeyBank, serves as an inspiration for other entrepreneurs looking to take on new challenges and bring fresh ideas to their communities.
If you’d like to experience the latest technology in the car wash industry, you can visit KB Laser Wash at 760 Kalifornsky Beach Road, Soldotna, Alaska, or visit their website at kblaserwash.com. You can also check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
