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Honoring his Legacy The following is Q&A With Jacqueline Hawkins, wife of Chris Evans, regarding The Chris Evans Foundation. How did the Chris Evans Foundation come about? Jacqueline Hawkins: Chris was referred to me as a consulting client for a business plan. Despite having 30 years’ of experience in the industry, writing two books, and working with multiple successful mobile operations, he faced huge challenges getting a shop of his own. What was Chris’s goal/mission? JH: There was only one thing Chris loved more than detailing, and while I would love to say that ‘thing’ was me, I was a relative newcomer in Chris’ life, being his wife doesn’t necessarily make me the best spokesperson for his dreams which is why [friend and mentor] Robert “Bob” Wrasman is a very intracule part of this organization. Chris spent a great deal of his life working, researching, reading, and discussing, mostly with Bob, ways to improve this industry. elevating it as a nationally recognizable skilled profession that it is. He wanted the world to know this is more than just car washing, and there is a science behind every aspect of detailing, preservation & restoration of vehicles. There were personal and organizational safety concerns that were being overlooked. Liabilities that customers faced that could cost them a fortune and have no recourse. There were gaps in the industry that he found ways to fill. How can Chris’s mission/goals help the industry? JH: He would talk about the many challenges individuals would have with breaking into the industry from his personal experience, whether it was financing to start a mobile operation/brick and mortar, he wanted to stress the need to be properly licensed and insured and what professionalism looked like for both. He wanted to educate people and change the perception that detailing was just a glorified car wash. The industry needed to be standardized, best practices and safety standards highlighted and promoted. Shops managed in such a way as to promote efficiency, safety for employees and customers alike. Why should students come to you and is there a bigger picture? JH: The background of most individuals in the industry didn’t include business school, accounting, chemistry and customer service, all skill sets useful to the industry. A 4-year college degree is not for everyone. Most were troubled youth or justice involved adults. So that became his focus. Everything was very personal to him. He wanted to give people options, people love their cars and enjoy making them look good, there is a decent amount of money to be made. Just maybe while teaching others about what he loved we would get the attention of area youth, reduce some of the negativity surrounding Chicago’s youth and give real money-making options to them and returning citizens. What makes this class or the foundation different from any other class? JH: What we are offering is not tied to a specific product, rather it's what’s best for the type of paint, climate, the frequency of use, and/or the customers’ budget, and what the car actually needs. Chris was very intentional about maintaining his autonomy had great integrity when dealing with customers and wanted others to do the same. Well, the classes will follow a similar standard. What’s the best product, tool, and application method for the specific needs of this customer and vehicle. Education is the key, and a wide variety of products and tools will be utilized in the training. There is also a holistic side to what we offer that includes job readiness, workforce development, SEL coaching, entrepreneurship, financing, insurance, licensing, customer service, essentially everything you need to know to get the job done effectively, efficiently, and safely, whether as an employee or employer. Where will the classes be taught? JH: Chris always wanted to give back firstly to Chicago, where it all started for him and then other large Urban areas, getting the attention of youth everywhere reducing street crime and violence – City, state and federal grant funds will be sought out to support the work of the foundation, along with corporate sponsorship and individual donations. We are tax exempt so if you need to reduce you tax base, then give generously to the Chris Evans Foundation. How will this benefit already established detailers? JH: Beyond the all-inclusive beginners’ class, we want to offer affordable a la cart classes as one-day learning opportunities to sharpen one’s skills or pick up new ones to expand current services. This may include: Tinting, PPF, fabric/leather repair, just to name a few. These classes will take place all across the county, we have wonderful sponsors that are making space available to us to teach and improve communities overall. What Employment Opportunities can students look forward to? JH: When writing the business plan, I learned so much about this industry. Detailing is a $14 billion industry, which continued to grow in spite of the pandemic. This growth, left employment gaps in car dealerships, auction houses, museums, service repair centers and detail shops. This class can prepare students for employment or entrepreneurship and will even help with marketing. What industry support will be offered? JH: Chris worked in the industry, wrote about it and taught it and he also was the founder of National Detail Consultants (NDC). Members of the Foundation are committed to continuing that work also. Whether business services, on site trainings, safety evaluations, or continuing education certifications, NDC is here to help. What does Full Programming include? JH: For beginners, 3 days a week for 6 weeks of classroom and hands-on education, with job readiness, workforce development, detailing basics & best practices, products, tools and equipment, quizzes/ tests, life skills training, SEL coaching and job placement assistance and entrepreneurship 101. Anything else you would like to share? JH: Since Chris passed away there has been such an outpouring of love and support that has been truly overwhelming. I want to offer sincere thanks to all of Chris’ colleagues, friends and supporters. Chris was always thinking about the next big industry-related idea, and he kept meticulous notes. He’s not here in person, but I do believe he is here in spirit, I hope we’ve been able to make him proud, but please know this is only the beginning. 16 | AUTO DETAILING NEWS | VOL. 8, NO. 2 • SUMMER <strong>2023</strong>
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