Express Wash Concepts (EWC), a fast-growing express car wash operator, has promoted Adam Opalka to vice president of retail, recognizing nearly three decades of operational leadership and a career journey that reflects the company’s commitment to developing talent from within.
In his new role, Opalka will oversee operational performance, growth strategy, profitability, and field leadership across EWC’s portfolio of more than 141 retail locations. He will lead the company’s regional directors while partnering closely with executive leadership to support continued growth, operational excellence, and team member development across all markets.
Opalka’s promotion marks a full-circle moment in a career that began as a front-line team member in the car wash industry in 1996. Over the past 29 years, he has steadily advanced through operational leadership roles, building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and helping organizations successfully navigate growth and change.
Since joining Express Wash Concepts in 2020 as the first operational hire supporting the launch of Clean Express in the Cleveland market, Opalka has played an instrumental role in the company’s expansion. During his tenure, he advanced from site manager to area manager to regional director to senior regional director while helping grow the Cleveland region into one of the company’s largest operating markets. Today, he oversees more than 30 locations and 400 team members across the Cleveland and Pittsburgh regions.
“Adam’s career is a powerful example of what can happen when talent, hard work, and leadership come together,” said John Roush, founder and chief executive officer of Express Wash Concepts. “He understands our business from the ground up because he’s lived it. Throughout his career, Adam consistently built strong teams, developed leaders, and delivered results while staying true to our culture and values. We’re excited to see the impact he’ll make as vice president of retail.”
In his new role, Opalka will be responsible for driving operational consistency, developing field leadership, supporting new-market growth, and ensuring that EWC continues to deliver exceptional guest experiences as the company expands.
“I’ve always believed that great operations start with great people,” said Opalka. “The most rewarding part of my career has been watching team members grow into leaders and seeing teams accomplish things they never thought possible. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given throughout my career and honored to help lead the next chapter of growth for Express Wash Concepts while continuing to invest in our people and culture.”