We sat down with Tomi Koivulehto, co-founder of Brush 'n Go, to talk about the journey to date and plans for the future of the business.
How did you come up with the idea for the business?
I found myself scrubbing my boat hull in March 2020 thinking, "...it doesn’t make any sense to clean a boat with one poison and paint it with another, especially when both solutions are not 100% guaranteed to keep the hull clean from algae and barnacles". My first idea was to make mine and other boaters’ lives easier - but the more I studied the subject, the more I learnt that antifouling paints really are a huge problem environmentally. Something needed to be done, and I decided to step up to the challenge.
Why does the industry need the solution you're providing?
We need to think about what boating means from an environmental perspective, because nature and its wellbeing are the most important matters out there. When it comes to motor boating, antifouling paints are really bad for the ocean and its inhabitants. These paints contain copper and sometimes zinc which are heavy metals and have serious effects on marine life. These paints are also filled with micro plastics, and we all know what that means. Antifouling paint is based on corrosion principles so it all ultimately melts back into the ocean.
From a boaters’ perspective, boat hulls need to be clean. If they aren't clean, hydrodynamics are handicapped and this drastically effects speed and increases fuel consumption. Burning additional gasoline and diesel means more CO2 emissions, which leads to ocean acidification.
Mechanic boat hull cleaning is by far the easiest, fastest and most environmental way to keep your boat hull clean. It's simply the best way to maintain your boat.
What have you enjoyed most about starting your own company?
Our vision has been clear from the start - we want to make boating easier and more sustainable. Our ultimate goal is to save the seas for future generations. We are building out a first-class experience, which means the best machines and the best service concept. One of the things that I love most about building this business is that when we reach our target, we will have made a huge difference in protecting the natural environment. That is something to wake up for every morning.
Any bits of advice for entrepreneurs getting started in this space?
You might have a great idea, but you must know your customers and understand their needs. They decide if your idea is needed or not. Surround yourself with great and wise people. Keep your objective clear, but be willing to question the way to get there.
What's the plan for the future of the business? Where do you see the company in 3-5 years?
We are building the world’s best boat hull cleaning service. In 3-5 years, we should be half-way towards making that happen!