Zak Hoyt and Lynette Baker are partners. They are a couple, own a business together, and share a strong work ethic and philosophy of service.
The two started The Solar Scrubber about a year ago. The business idea filled a niche in the fast growing “green” market that many might not have expected. The Solar Scrubber cleans your solar panels.
The couple has worked together in the hospitality field for the past four years in Prescott. Baker is director of sales at the Hassayampa Inn, where Hoyt is the director of housekeeping. The historic downtown hotel is where the two met and started their relationship.
Hoyt and Baker spoke with some friends in the solar panel business and developed a new business idea that would allow them both to use their experience and expertise. It was also something they were both excited about starting. “We’re really supportive of creating a healthier environment,” Baker said. She also stressed their support for customers finding ways to save energy costs.
They have a fondness for practical learning, doing research and being self-taught in their field.
“I started at the bottom of housekeeping, as a grunt. It’s almost like cleaning is in my blood at this point,” Hoyt said. It was those years of experience and climbing the ladder that allowed Hoyt to develop his own formula and practice for cleaning solar panels. His specialized formula is one of the keys to their budding success.
Hoyt also performs routine checks for safety and functionality when he’s cleaning. While The Solar Scrubber doesn’t provide repairs, this part of the service is highly useful for alerting customers to damage and preventative maintenance needs. “There’s more to it than wiping them off,” Hoyt explained. “You need to have knowledge of the surrounding climate and how they’re put together.”
Baker uses her expertise in sales and marketing to promote the business. She has worked in the hospitality field since she was a teenager. Baker believes that experience has been beneficial for them as well. “Since we’ve both worked in hospitality,” Baker explained, “we both understand the importance of basic customer service. Kindness and courtesy go a long way.”
Indeed, both Baker and Hoyt stress the importance of good customer service. Hoyt explains that treating people with respect might seem simple, but he believes it is one of the reasons his customers stick with The Solar Scrubber.
“He’s just an all around good guy,” Baker said.
Somewhere between their full-time jobs and their fledgling business, Baker and Hoyt find a little time to travel. They enjoy going to Las Vegas, where Baker owns a rental home and to New Mexico and Montana where they visit family. “We don’t do the typical Vegas thing,” Baker said. “I check on my renters and we relax.”
“We pretty much go where the good food is,” Hoyt said.
The couple also enjoys eating out at local restaurants. “Our favorites are Esoji and Monk’s,” Hoyt said, and added, “and of course The Peacock Room [at the Hassayampa Inn].”
Hoyt tells Quad Cities Business News that he enjoys snowboarding and hiking. “He’s more active than I am,” Baker said. “I like to spend time with family and enjoy a movie.” For the most part, any free time they find mostly goes to the business.
The Solar Scrubber is in a stable position after its first year in operation. Baker attributes this to starting slow and good planning. The Solar Scrubber secured a solid customer base by networking with companies that install solar panel systems. They’ve been careful with their financial investment as well. “We don’t have any big loans sitting at the bank.” Baker said. “We’re working from the ground up. Right now, we’re working on brand recognition, getting the word out.”
“We’re also going to be launching ourselves on the web soon,” said Hoyt.
The couple foresees the business expanding with commercial sales and into surrounding states. Currently, they offer their services across the state. So far, they’re unaware of any competing businesses and seem optimistic about the future of the company. QCBN
The Solar Scrubber can be reached at 928-308-4970.
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