Prosper Company Spotlight: Four Seasons Chem-Dry

When it comes to business plans, Four Seasons Chem-Dry stays true to its roots -- its grassroots, that is.

Sure, says co-owner Tammy Ullyart, other carpet and upholstery cleaning services will charge $99 to clean five rooms, but they don't get at the heart of what's important.

"Your clients and the people you have working for you is really what makes you successful," says Tammy, who started the Waterford-based Chem-Dry franchise with husband Goy Ullyart three years ago.

According to Tammy, it's a doggedly focused approach to customer service that makes the business work. Employees go through comprehensive training, not only do their jobs well, but to work with customers to determine their individual needs.

"I think because we have gone with a very customer-service [approach] … that has helped us a lot," says Tammy. "From a value standpoint, we really provide the full service."

Four Seasons Chem-Dry will clean carpets, upholstery and furniture with a green-certified cleaning solution. Carpets are usually dry within an hour or two, while upholstery may take about four hours. There is also a drop-off rug-cleaning center that individually cleans Oriental and other high-end rugs.

The quality of their cleaning solution is of particular pride for the company. In fact, Chem-Dry's employees are so certain of the product's purity that they often present potential customers a unique demonstration.

Employees will drop a raisin in the carbonated solution, the pH level of which is neutral like water, and watch it bounce around for a couple minutes. "Then," Tammy says, "we'll eat a raisin out of the solution because it's so pure."

And though Chem-Dry has franchises all around Michigan, Tammy says the name doesn't tell the whole story. Though it has the word "chem" in the name, the cleaning is effectively achieved using carbonated water as its primary ingredient.

"It's carbonation that's doing the work," she says, adding that the Ullyarts chose the name "Four Seasons Chem-Dry" to highlight the eco-friendly aspect of their product.

Moving against the trends of the recent economy, Four Seasons has experienced consistent growth over the last three years and is looking to expand another service it offers: water damage, remediation and restoration.

The Ullyarts, both former automotive company employees, are thrilled with their company's performance and with its expected growth over the next few years. The company recently won three national awards from Chem-Dry's corporate parent, Harris Research Inc.

"I'm really getting excited about the business," says Tammy.

In terms of Four Season Chem-Dry's success, the Ullyarts do give some of the credit to Oakland County's Venture Forward program, which is a 10-week series of training sessions offered by the Oakland County Business Center. The program helps existing entrepreneurs grow their businesses by developing sound business practices and action plans. The weekly sessions typically include guest speakers, individualized coaching and long-term mentoring from area professionals.

The Ullyarts took the courses together last year, after Tammy met program-head Lola Are at a Rochester Chamber of Commerce meeting. She now believes that the courses helped propel Four Seasons into its current trajectory of success.

"I'm surprised more people don't take advantage of the programs that are available," says Tammy. "It was that next step that we needed, when we needed it."

But though the Ullyart's plan to keep Four Season's Chem-Drygrowing successfully, they don't plan to abandon what made it a success in the first place: focusing on the client.

"We really go that extra mile," says Tammy.

Four Seasons Chem-Dry is located in Waterford and serves the Oakland County area. For more information call (248) 673-1200 or visit the web site at www.pristinecarpets.com.

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