Profile in Success

Everyone enjoys getting behind the wheel of a spotless, freshly washed car. But not everyone has the time to head on over to the local car wash to run their pride and joy through the tunnel.

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When partners Chris Fisher and Mark Curtis first entered the car wash business over three decades ago they were like most rookie operators — unsure of the true pressures of running a successful wash, but confident they would find... »

The hallmark of a successful train line is consistency. Riders expect the train to arrive and depart the station at the designated times with little variation. Similarly, a successful car wash provides consistent and dependable... »

The idea of the unlimited wash club has been around for some time now. It is a great way to keep the bottom line healthy and build long-term loyalty in the community.  »

Detailing is an appearance business. Detail professionals are judged not only on the visual appeal of their work but the appearance and branding of their business as well, a fact Jim Thomas knows firsthand. »

Success in any business requires the ability to identify current and emerging trends and being prepared to meet them. When Dustin Richard, owner of Blue Marlin Car Wash in Houma, LA,  »

Most car washes don’t open their doors and instantly have a 30,000-strong customer base, but then again most car washes aren’t Hamilton Car Wash & Detail Center. »

It is not uncommon for a high-performing car wash to have a few awards and plaques hanging on the wall — when you provide good service people tend to notice. »

The car wash industry is littered with stories of mom and pop owners that have operated a single location for decades and someday plan to pass the keys off to their son or daughter to carry on the family tradition — this is not... »

Print is dead. Pundits have been using those three words to torment the publishing business for nearly 20 years.  »

While most things are certainly bigger in Texas, not every success story in the Lone Star State needs to be supersized. »

Car washing has always been a community affair. Despite the presence of deep-pocketed investors that are slowing changing the car wash landscape, the majority of washes around the country are operated by members of the local... »

Traditionally car wash ownership is a lifelong pursuit. The industry is filled with stories of owners and operators that cut their teeth scrubbing fenders in their teenage years, working their way up through the ranks to... »

In an attempt to keep things simple and to maximize profits most detail shops operate under the package system. »

You have to love car washing to do it right. Most successful operators pour their heart and soul into their washes — to them it is more than a business, it is their identity. »