Profile in Success

After years in the car wash industry many operators can get complacent. They stop innovating and their business fades into obscurity. That is not Clay Perkins’ way. »

A detail business is judged on the quality of its work, not the cleverness of its name, but sometimes a new moniker can help propel a detailer to the next level. »

Every wash aims to be known for something: speed, convenience, value, experience, etc. Regardless of their choice, successful owners set a goal and work tirelessly to ensure their wash develops and maintains a reputation of... »

Dealing with a little dirt and grime is just part of the job when you are in the car wash business. But some washes get an unfair share of filthy, mud-covered vehicles and must find unique ways to process them effectively and... »

Harry Sandwith has always had a passion for motorcycles. A passion he has turned into a thriving detail business that has become a Mecca for motorcycle enthusiasts throughout New Jersey. »

Rob Madrid has helped build dozens of washes and consulted on hundreds more, but the most environmentally friendly wash he has ever seen is his own. »

Good or bad every car wash can be described in a few short words. “Fast service.” “Modern equipment.” “Helpful employees.” »

Most detailers toil in obscurity. They report to the shop, turn in a full day’s work, and head home with little recognition or accolade. That is the life of veteran detailer Paul Viens, that is of course when he is not doubling... »

What’s in a name? A car wash’s brand is one of the key components of the business. It should portray a sense of purpose and act as a beacon guiding the community to its doorstep. »

For over 30 years Posh Car Wash has operated as a typical full serve — huge facilities, lots of overhead, and a massive amount of labor. But six months ago the wash made its first foray into the world of express washing,... »

The most successful businessmen are able to learn from their mistakes and take no shame in admitting a misstep. When Turner Brock was looking to upgrade a couple of his self-serve/in-bay automatic locations he received some good... »

The car wash industry is filled with stories of multi-generational, family-owned businesses. This is one of those stories, but with a unique twist. »

Thirty-one is a massive number when you are talking car wash locations. The sheer financial and logistical prowess required to own and operate a chain of that size is beyond impressive. But the ability to acquire and seamlessly... »

A state-of-the-art express exterior facility with three pay lanes and a central vacuuming system is certainly noteworthy, but it hardly qualifies for “unique” status. But placing all of those features in one design-forward... »

When Jeanne Schmidt Herron and her husband opened Cruiser’s Car Wash in 2007 they weren’t planning on being on-site, hands-on owners. »