1. How many years have you been in the car  wash business and what type of car washes  do you own?

My father built his first car wash in 1983. I began working with him in 1995. We now have an 8 bay selfserve car-truck wash with a short express tunnel on the same property, a 6 bay self-serve, a 3 bay self-serve with 1 in-bay automatic, and recently opened a 120’ express exterior.

2.What was your business prior to entering the car wash business and what motivated you to get into the industry?

While attending college I worked for Sam’s Club parttime. After graduation I transferred to their corporate office and worked as an inventory distribution manager. Seeing my father’s success in the car wash business was the initial motivator. But also being self employed, working out-doors, and never doing the same thing day after day motivated me to make the change.

3. What are the three biggest challenges you see for the car wash industry in the next three years?

Rising energy prices will continue to increase the cost of doing business. It is also decreasing the amount of disposable income consumers have to spend on their car. Market saturation seems to continue to be an issue. The car wash business is very appealing to outside investors, now more than ever with the growing popularity of the express exterior business model. These types of washes are being built just blocks from each other. The ones being built near existing self-serve locations create a huge challenge for the self-serve operators. As a self-serve operator, I think our biggest challenge in the next few years will be to think of creative and exciting ways to retain existing customers and generate new ones. Labor has and will continue to be an issue for the car wash industry. Quality employees are getting harder to find, and more expensive to retain.

4. What advice would you have for the “newcomer” to the industry?

Do your homework. Attend as many conventions and seminars as possible. Visit with existing operators. I think this is what sets SCWA apart from other organizations. Our members are always willing to sit down with “newcomers” and answer any questions they might have. Also, location has and always will play a key role in the success of any business. Don’t settle for an average location, and don’t rule out purchasing an existing wash.

5. How long have you been an SCWA member and what do you consider the best benefits of your membership?

I have been a member for 13 years. I think the best benefit that the SCWA provides is information. SCWA through the years has continued to provide me with valuable information and resources I need to run a successful car wash. SCWA has the resources to monitor legislative issues that could adversely affect the car wash industry. SCWA has also developed relationships with insurance and legal experts to help the individual car wash owner save money.

6. What is your biggest achievement?

I think my biggest achievement in business, together with my father, is growing from one location to four locations over the years.

7. What person has had the most influence on your business life?

My father has had the most influence in my business life. We have worked together, just about everyday, for the past 13 years. So I can say without hesitation his business philosophy has definitely influenced me.