David Swenson
SCWA member David Swenson is the owner of the Arbor Car Wash and Lube Center locations in Austin, Texas. Swenson recently won the 2011 SCWA Community Service Award and serves on the SCWA Board of Directors.
1. How many years have you
been in the car wash business and
what type of car washes do you own? 10 years in Denver, 14 years in Austin. We have owned mostly full service car washes. We now own 2 full
service lube shops. (4 full, 2 self, 5 lube shops)
2. What was your business prior to entering the car
wash business and what motivated you to get into the
industry? I have two degrees in agriculture. I formerly worked in the fertilizer and chemical business. Then I moved to
Denver and built car wash equipment and was hooked from there.
3. What are the three biggest challenges you see for
the car wash industry in the next three years? a) Economy--Gas Prices. b) Social Media--Internet buying and complaints. c) Price of Equipment and
Technology--Can you afford to keep up?
4. What advice would you have for the “newcomer”
to the industry? Stick with what you know and get advise from someone who has done it before who is not selling them
something. Have plenty of working capital.
5. How long have you been an SCWA member and
what do you consider the best benefits of your membership? 14 years off and on. Off because in the beginning I thought I knew it all. On for the benefit of an operator
owned group instead of a manufacter owned group.
6. What is your biggest achievement? I have a great family.
7. What person has had the most influence on your
business life?My dad. Don't use banks unless you absolutely have to borrow money.
8. What is something most people may not know
about you? Built and displayed the first 3 color foamer at an ICA show in Las Vegas. Sold five and never made any money
with tri-color wax.
