Profile in Success

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. »

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... »