Finishing Line

Sometimes I learn a lot about car washing by talking with people not in the industry. For example, one of my friends has a condo in South Dakota they visit in the summer. I asked how he cleans his car and motorcycle there because... »

Unlike franchises and large corporations that have multiple operations in various locations, mom-and-pop shops usually have a single location that occupies a physically small space. The shop could be any type of business such as... »

Market saturation is a situation that arises when the volume of a product or service in a marketplace has been maximized in its current state. »

People new to the industry often ask what is the best type of car wash to own and operate. The answer usually given is to choose the type that best suits one’s lifestyle and yet fits into the marketplace. »

A viable car wash is one where the owner delivers entrepreneurial objectives such as creating wealth from the business model or exit strategy. »

Arguably, the car wash industry is ripening for private equity. For example, growth is projected for industry wash revenues and size of the fleet. Moreover, the market remains fragmented, which is a good play for consolidation. »

Twenty years ago, helping others to become better car washers was thought to be good for the industry overall. Arguably, the playing field was more level back then and the beat-your-competitor approach was not prevalent. »

On December 5, 2016, Sentinel Capital Partners, a New York City-based private equity firm, issued a press release announcing it had invested in Sonny’s Enterprises Inc. through a recapitalization. Terms were not disclosed. »

Price is the quantity of payment or compensation given by one party to another in return for goods or services. The requested amount is often called the asking price or selling price. »

A poet once wrote: No one knows what happens to you when you die, and that is a fact of life. Similarly, one of my college professors opined: All small businesses do not succeed and the ones that do don’t last forever. »

Calculation of value is the process of determining business value, ownership interest, or value of intangibles whereas an appraisal is the process of developing an opinion of value. »

Car wash operators that follow best practices and provide adequate management and staff to ensure an efficient and customer-centric operation are usually rewarded with superior financial performance. Whereas those that do not... »

Some years ago, I received a call from an investor who was building an exterior express car wash in the Rocky Mountain region. His question was simple: Do these things ever fail? »

One challenge facing car wash operators going forward is thought to be the increasing difficulty in finding additional revenue opportunities. The principal reason for this is the highly competitive car wash markets. »

When I started a business in the early 1970s there was no world wide web to find out what the biggest problems were facing small business owners. Like many mom and pop ventures, I did little due diligence.  »