a national publication for savvy carwash owners and suppliers
Autobell: a Success Story
issue 2012.1
Published by: Bay Media, Inc. © 2012 Bay Media, Inc. 550M Ritchie Highway, #271 Severna Park, MD 21146 Letter from the Editor: 410.647.8402 Email: [email protected] twitter: @carwashtrends Facebook: WashTrends magazine Web site: www.baymed.com Patricia H. Troy, President
WashTrends Contributors: Did you ever feel like something great is about to happen? That’s Publisher: Patricia H. Troy how we’ve been feeling at WashTrends as we celebrate the cusp Editor-in-Chief: Sandy Travis- of winter and spring, ready for endings and new beginnings. Our Bildahl first issue of 2012 features trends and information that can add Editorial Advisor: Pam Piro inspiration to how business is done at the carwash. Designer: Betsy Earley Web Site: Anne Benjamin This issue is packed! We’ve got news about solar, an energy Editorial Content: source that can add savings, energy efficiency and a marketing boost to your wash. You won’t Sandra Loepker want to miss the new ideas and fresh insights that we’ve learned from our research down Lucia Regan under. Find out how Australia’s faced challenges and success with optimism and strategies Wendi Winters that translate into new ways to consider business in the USA. Hear how “express detailing” Advertising Sales: can add a great option for customers and a nice boost for business. Our carwash profile Cheryl Kinney shares a personal look into what makes a business work and our featured blog report provides Support: Doralee Billings information straight from the source. Patty Blakeney We cover it all and hope you’ll benefit from the advice, information and ideas that are food Laurie Plemons for thought and motivation for greater success. WashTrends gives you new options for doing Sea Williams business, communicating and serving your customers. Want to Advertise? And take note! Our live media edition brings you more than ever before. Follow links for Call, email, or twitter, facebook… easy access to the information you need. Listen to audio tips direct from industry experts and Let’s Connect! leaders. Enjoy WashTrends from your computer, your smart phone or your tablet. WashTrends Cheryl Kinney at: ph: 410-647-8402 brings convenience and great information to our readers in the way that works best in today’s www.WashTrends.com business arena. email: [email protected] As always, our goal is to bring you unbiased, trendsetting, up-to-the-minute information, that can move your business to the future with economic success.
Sandy Travis Bildahl Editor-in-Chief on the cover: Washtrends ORIGINAL WATERCOLOR BY PHYLLIS SAROFF Phyllis Saroff is both an illustrator and fine artist. She illustrates children’s books, magazines and sci- WashTrends Publication Schedule: entific wildlife pieces, 2012.2: Deadline April 15, 2012; Publication Date - May 15, 2012 and exhibits her fine art in an Annapolis Product Showcase: Deadline June 15, 2012; Publication Date - July 2012 gallery. She feels 2012.3: Deadline September 1, 2012; Publication Date - October 2012 fortunate to be able to 2012.4: Deadline - November 1, 2012; Publication Date - December 2012 paint what she loves, and it shows in her trendsetter Issue: Deadline January 15, 2013; Publication Date - February 2013 work. She often says that she benefited from excellent teachers and a father who washtrends is changing the way it designates its issues. Our four regular issues will be 2012.1, 2012.2., made sure she could become an artist. 2012.3, and 2012.4. we will also include the Buyer’s Guide and the trendsetter Special Reports. www.SAROFFILLuStRAtIOn.cOm
WashTrends / 2012.1 A Weekly Blog Posting from WashTrends and the Industry Leaders From the WashTrends.com web site
By PaT Troy, PubliSher of WaShTrendS
As the publisher of WashTrends magazine, I am pleased with a healthy competitive environment. The trends to announce that we have launched a WashTrends don’t trickle down from a few people at the top. On the blog, called CarWash Words. This is a weekly blog, contrary, they seem to percolate up from the bottom. with a new post each weekend. Posts are written by In my opinion, that is why a magazine like WashTrends an array of carwash industry folks on carwash related is important to the industry. Somebody needs to topics of their own choosing. It is my observation keep an eye on what is driving change and report it that innovation in the carwash industry springs from throughout the industry. individual hard work and flashes of genius, coupled
Karl MurPhy, carolina auTo SPa SucceSSful MarKeTing iS a ProceSS, noT an evenT If you are unhappy with the results You need to market your business every day, week and month of your marketing, you are not really religiously if you expect to make a difference. You need a great marketing your business and you USP (unique selling proposition). A USP is the “why me,” “why want to get started now…create a should you spend your money with my business over all other marketing process for your business options available to you to spend your money.” will maximize your investment in Every hour, day or week you are not executing some sort of marketing dollars. marketing event to share your USP’s with clients and potential So what is the difference between clients you are missing opportunities and allowing competitors events and processes? Let’s use access your clients. If you are not starting conversations and fitness, running and marathons as developing relationships with your clients and prospects, you an example. I know running long can bet a competitor is. distances is something ever car wash A brief word about the competition today, if you haven’t been owner does on a weekly basis so this paying attention THERE IS a new economy. Today consumers at is a very appropriate analogy… all income levels are more discerning with their discretionary The marathon is the event. Life-long fitness is the process. The income. Because of this new more difficult consumer mindset marathon races occur infrequently (for most of us). They tend you now compete with everyone else and everywhere else the to occur on one day. Fitness is the process that occurs over a consumer may spend his or her discretionary income. You just lifetime. Each day we get up and exercise. We run, lift weights, don’t compete with other car wash and detail facilities. You eat healthy, ride a bike, take a class at a gym, do cross training, compete with vacations, car payments, house cleaning services, go for a hike, etc laundry and dry cleaning, auto repair services, children’s parties, gym memberships, new clothes. Today you literally compete So how does process vs. event affect your ability to run well? If with every other discretionary item that a consumer MAY spend you show up on race day for a marathon, enter, run and perform money on. poorly or don’t complete the race because you didn’t train for weeks in advance…that seems like a reasonable outcome. Your May the sun shine on your wash and the car lines stretch all the marketing reacts the same way to events. If you decide to one way down your street. day run an ad, buy a coupon, run a radio spot or buy a cable What are your events driven by process or maybe no marketing TV ad with no process, strategy and continuity over time you plans and need a plan? will have little or no success. One ad, little or no preparation equals no success. Just like running marathons or any road What works for you? race, with your marketing it is unlikely that single event will have What questions do you have? any measurable positive impact on your business. In fact event Owner/Operator of two car washes, a detail facility, oil change shop and driven marketing can be very damaging because you develop growing mobile detailing business serving the greater Raleigh area of bad habits in your business “my marketing doesn’t work…I’m North Carolina. not going to invest in “X” any more.” Founder of Bizownerseminar.com series and www.bizguy.tv to I coach and educate business owners on marketing and sales share marketing, time management and operations expertise with other every week and I hear this a lot. “I did one or two of something business owners. Bizguy provides marketing tools, tactics, coaching and and we didn’t grow our business.” One of the biggest challenges strategy to independent business owners nationally. I face is creating marketing process based habits in the owner. Much like my children, owners want immediate impact from the Let’s hear from you today! This blog was repeated from the Carwash first event. It just doesn’t work that way. Words blog at www.washtrends.com/blog
WashTrends / 2012.1 MiKe benMoSche: WinTer condiTionS can cauSe SeriouS injurieS
Mike joined Mang in 2004 and brought with him over 30 years of insurance industry experience. Mike is the Director of Mang’s National Car Wash Insurance Program. He has served as President of the Albany Field Club, The Independent Insurance Agents of Albany and Director of the Independent Insurance Agents of New York State. He received his Certified Insurance Counselor designation in 1983.
MarK curTiS: blue SKieS for SMarT carWaSheS Splash Car Wash was founded by Mark Curtis with the opening of their first hand wash–—in Splash, Greenwich. A lifelong Greenwich, CT resident, Curtis cast aside his business suit and tie to immerse himself in suds and water with the purchase of Greenwich Car Wash in 1981. Eventually renamed Splash Car Wash in 1994, to mark a totally innovative concept developed by Curtis for washing cars on conveyor by hand in a tunnel, overwhelming response to their new hand wash became the catalyst for phenomenal growth at Splash.
MarK e. elliS: lighTing uP The carWaSh Mark E. Ellis is the president of Southland Auto Wash, and the founding member of Xpert Solutions, LLC. As a lifelong carwasher (since 1971), he takes great pride in the fact that Southland is known as a top carwash company by his peers and competitiors, as well as by the West Michigan motoring public, Southland’s customers. The number of conveyorized washes operated by Southland is now five in the metro Grand Rapids area,as well as one 24 hour self service wash and a detail center. All the equipment and systems are modern and very sophisticated. Mark is also an acknowledged expert in the design, installation, and operation of automated carwashes, and is active as a consultant to new investors as well as current owner/operators.
craig hanSon: WaTer, a neW PhaSe Craig Hanson is president at Mid Atlantic Car wash Technology Inc. DBA. Washtech 1997- Present. Lives in Charlottesville, VA, with his wife and three children. Prior experience includes Vice President at The Clean Machine Inc., a full service car wash company with seven locations. 12 years Captain of the United States Marines Corps. Infantry. B. A. English at Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY.
TraviS KiMball: To brand or noT To brand Quick Quack Car Wash currently operates fourteen exterior-only, express car wash locations in California, Texas and Colorado. Quick Quack was founded in 2004 as Splash & Dash Car Wash in Sacramento California by Jason Johnson, Travis Kimball and several additional partners. Jason is currently the president and CEO of the company while Travis handles many operational duties and all the marketing for Quick Quack Car Wash. Quick Quack will open it’s fifteenth location and seventh Sacramento area wash in Spring of 2012 with further expansion plan also in the works. Travis Kimball lives in Rancho Cordova with his wife and five children. Travis holds a Bachelor’s Degree and an MBA from Brigham Young University and has experience in Internet Marketing, Product Management and Land Acquisition.
jeanne huber Morr: ooPS, your SliP iS ShoWing: TWo Surefire WayS To join The nla
Jeanne is known as “the girl behind the guy’s name” as owner and operator of Ron’s Express Carwash & Oil Change which won Car Wash of the Year in 2010 from Suburban News Publication’s Reader’s Choice Award. Her company has also been nominated for and received numerous awards including Excellence in Entrepreneurship through the Ohio State Chamber of Commerce. Jeanne’s book, Under The Hood with Jeanne was published in 2010 and helped to launch her carwash The Sunshine and oil change consulting and public speaking business. Her hands-on approach in building three centers from scratch and successfully selling two locations provide her with a wealth of experience for her clients to draw from. Visit RonsExpress.com as well as jhmTalk.com for informational videos and helpful hints regarding car maintenance. & The Savings
aMiT PaTel: anTifreeze SySTeMS Amit Patel, Senior Engineer & Technical Support has been with Hydro-Spray Wash Systems Inc. for 1½ years. Originally from Gujarat, India, Amit has a Bachelors degree in Engineering in Mechatronics from India and a Masters in Science of Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University. He has helped in programming the PLC Board Controls and design for the Elite Self Serve System as well as Hydro-Spray’s new SubZero Anti-Freeze System.
TiM PaTTerSon: 3 ThingS To do WiTh Social Media aT your nexT TradeShoW Tim Patterson is the @tradeshowguy on Twitter; author of e-books and webinars, public speaker and trainer. Read his blog and listen to his podcast at http://tradeshowguyblog.com. His newest project is the culmination of years of speaking and writing about using social media for event marketing: an online membership training site for event marketers on learning how to use social media effectively in their event and tradeshow marketing efforts. Check out SocialMediaEventMarketingU.com/exhibitor today!
Perry PoWell: Price verSuS value Perry Powell is a veteran consultant to the car wash industry. With experience in retail management and over 33 years in sales and marketing, he brings a unique set of talents to the industry. His expertise focuses on offering a new level of commercial sign consultation ranging from developing science based signs, to fighting battles with cities and navigating the complex city regulations. Perry has introduced a new sales and management process, based on the new science of Neuro- Marketing. This process has helped owners streamline their overall business model, correctly define and price services and develop a Neuro-marketing approach to sales and accountability. He was twice nominated as Trendsetter of the Year by WashTrends Magazine.
PaTricia Troy: nice WaSh! Pat Troy is president of Bay Media, Inc., which she founded in 1989. She has been involved in publishing for more than 40 years, while also working as an educator and an association manager. She is the president of Next Wave Group, LLC, an association management firm which manages among other groups, the Mid-Atlantic Carwash Association. Three times, Pat was named one of the Top 100 Maryland Women by the Baltimore Daily Record. She is author of Flex: The Virtual Office Advantage.
WashTrends / 2012.1 The Sunshine
& The Savingswritten By LucIA REGAn
There is a saying that “All politics energy into electrical current. Solar Thermal is local.” The same is true of solar Systems have developed as well, to direct the energy. Wherever your carwash is sun’s warmth through pipes to heat water for located…that is where you can tap into carwashes. It is easy to think that solar energy works solar power and cut your energy costs. only in “always sunny” regions like Arizona Besides the tax credit provided by the and Florida but there are many carwashes federal government, every state has its and other businesses located in Connecticut, own “local” programs and incentives Massachusetts, Maryland and other states to spur solar power usage. that have solar panels on their rooftops. Solar power has come a long way since Worldwide…Germany is the leader in new the 1970’s when the first major energy crisis solar electric installations in 2010. Italy was 99 solar panels on the roof of the made consumers, hippies and ecologists the second, the Czech Republic was third, the car wash of Car Wash & Detailing of raise their voices for new sources of cheap United States was fourth and Japan was fifth. Westborough, Inc. and clean energy. Early solar equipment was What do I need? big and expensive and it was hard to find There are some basic requirements for contractors and installers. Even as oil prices solar PV and/or solar thermal installations: dropped, conventional fuels were still cheaper n The carwash building should have a new or than solar. While utility rates kept increasing, almost new roof since the solar panels would the research continued and technologies be installed on top of the roof and would be in became more affordable. Now we hear use for many years. (It would be an expensive more and more about “clean energy” and project to install solar panels and then have to “green power” as consumers and business remove them to put on a new roof.) owners look for ways to reduce their energy n Good southern exposure is necessary. consumption, electric and gas utility costs and n No large trees nearby or neighboring CO2 output. buildings that block the sun. What is it? n A knowledgeable and experienced solar The four methods of utilizing solar contractor who knows about state programs. energy are: One is photovoltaic (PV) panels. What has changed? These convert sunlight into electricity; second State Governments and the Federal is solar thermal systems which heat and Government have created tax credits, financial cool water for commercial and residential incentives and assistance programs. Utilities uses. The other two are utility scale —large are offering rebates and, in some cases, installations; and lighting. But this article buying back surplus power. Information is will discuss the two systems which are used easier to find because the solar industry is in carwash operations. Solar PV panels growing. Mr. Rhone Resch, President and CEO have become smaller and more efficient at of the Solar Energy Industries Association capturing the sun’s rays and turning that (SEIA) recently stated, “Strong state policies
Left: College Park Car Wash in College Park, MD. Below: Gregg Mercede, owner of Greenwich Avenue Car Wash in Stamford, CT. Right: A tube installation done by Skyline Innovations.
have established an attractive climate that is savings for customers by providing a fixed The solar marketing strategy— driving photovoltaic (PV) company growth, discount to their utility rates for water heating. what your state offers in the way of creating jobs and offering the public a solid Our complete care program finances, installs, solar incentives return on investment.” (www.seia.org) maintains and monitors solar water heating Solar can also add to a carwash Many states have put programs and laws systems at no upfront cost to customers. marketing strategy. Customer’s often into place to help businesses convert some or all This program is ideal for businesses that use appreciate energy saving initiatives and of their energy systems to solar. California leads large quantities of hot water (more than 3,000 many carwashes using solar have received the country in incentives with 5 year Accelerated gallons of hot water daily). Because there is no media attention. For instance, Car Wash & Depreciation and 10% Utility Rebate and other upfront cost to the business, customers start Detailing of Westborough, MA has a “Solar programs to support building and installing saving from day one.” Powered CarWash” page on its website (www. clean technologies (www.energy.ca.gov) Skyline Innovations installed the Solar carwashwestboro.com); Greenhouse Carwash New Jersey is second in the nation in Thermal panels on the roof of College Park in Oxford MA has a story in a local paper, the both installed solar capacity and number of Car Wash in November 2009. Mr. DuGoff says Worcester Business Journal; Sparkle Selfserve installations. As of June 30, 2011, New Jersey has “What promotes it (solar thermal) is that you Carwash in Tampa FL was written up in 10,086 solar energy array projects installed across can see the panels from the street. Solar is the Tampa/St. Petersburg newspaper; the the state providing over 380 MW of installed attractive to customers but the ‘feel good’ is a Greenwich Avenue Solar Car Wash received capacity, due in large part to the State’s Solar clean car.” The only downside to the system coverage from the Stamford Advocate in April Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) Registration is storage. DuGoff explains, “Solar thermal 2011: and the Valley Car Wash in Van Nuys, CA, Program. During June 2011 alone, 520 solar needs storage tanks and most carwashes have was “the first solar carwash in 2006.” projects totaling over 40 MW of capacity were a negative amount of floor space.” Locating What some owners think about solar installed, representing the most projects and the the storage tanks in a small confined space Jay and Steve Anderson, owners of Sparkle largest amount of solar capacity installed in one presents challenges which College Park Car Self-Serve Car Wash in St. Petersburg, FL, month. (www.njcleanenergy.com) Wash solved by putting the tanks on racks. installed 44 3-by-5 panels on their building in The North Carolina Solar Center maintains He continues, “Roof work is easy. Plumbing is June 2011. Their investment of $47,000 was the Database of State Incentives for Renewables easy. Storage is tough.” offset by a $20,000 rebate from Progress Energy and Efficiency which tracks state incentives at Sandra Lee points out that, “customers and $14,000 from the federal government. The www.dsireusa.org. The website has a map of receive solar hot water at a rate that is a fixed annual savings on the power bill is expected to the U.S. and with a click of your mouse you can discount below their utility rate, meaning learn about the incentives, rebates, regulations customer savings are guaranteed. This enables and investment programs available locally in the customer to reduce operating expenses and each state. invest more capital in generating revenue. What about savings? Skyline’s solar water heating program David DuGoff, owner of College Park Car is ideal for businesses in the Mid-Atlantic, Wash in Maryland was approached by Skyline particularly in DC and Maryland.” Innovations with an offer of guaranteed savings Carwash owners throughout the country in the form of a fixed discount to his business’s have also installed solar photovoltaic systems to water heating utility rates. What Mr. DuGoff generate electricity throughout their buildings. learned made a lot of sense, “I think we have to Solar Energy companies are a good source try new things that are more energy efficient. If of information about rebates, state grants you have the roof space, you should do it.” and federal tax credits. The Database of State Sandra Lee, Marketing Director of Skyline Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency is at Innovations explains the benefits of their www.dsireusa.org. program. “Skyline Innovations guarantees
10 WashTrends / 2012.1 be $2,150—add to that depreciation savings on taxes and the system will pay for itself in about four years. Jay Anderson said in the Tampa Bay Times, “There is still a cost involved to us, and in these times spending money on anything is a challenge. But if you’re looking long term…it’s hard to say no.” At Car Wash & Detailing of Westborough, Inc., in Westborough, MA the positive results of its solar electric system are promoted on the website. The building has 99 panels (19,000 watt solar electric system) which reduced the building’s electrical use by 30%. The system was installed in 2008 with the help of a local solar consultant, the Commonwealth Solar Program of Massachusetts and federal tax credits. (www.carwashwestboro.com) Gregg Mercede, owner of Greenwich Avenue Car Wash in Stamford CT, put 24 solar photovoltaic panels and several solar thermal panels on his roof to demonstrate his commitment to clean cars and clean energy. Energy consumption at the carwash has been cut by 50% and the 820 gallon water tank stores warm water to use on cloudy days. half of the cost. The other half is rolled into a their state offers grants and incentives; and Jason Lynch, co-owner of two WashMe payment plan which is spread over ten years. the federal government’s tax credit pays off. carwashes and a Car Toyz carwash in Arizona Their electrical costs are expected to be slashed Investigate what your state offers in the way of is enthusiastic about solar, especially if by 33%. When the community heard about solar and clean energy incentives. a company approaches you. “Don’t turn the solar project the carwash customers were Lucia Regan is a freelance writer from them away,” he said. Emerald Sun Solutions curious and very positive about the installation. Seattle, Washington. contacted Mr. Lynch and offered him a grant The bottom line is savings. Owners are to install solar panels in 2010. The total cost of signing up for solar because they reduce the project was $440,000 and the grant paid for their energy consumption and utility costs;
11 12 WashTrends / 2012.1 13 . AIL t D DE n ASH A w AR c RIDGE t HE EAS t
nt, OB GRA c A j y of of y S courte S h P Photogra
Express Detailing - Professional Detailers and Wash Owners Give Their 0pinion written By wEnDI wIntERS
Express Detailing is not new, but the continued growth in the industry makes What makes this a trend to watch as wash owners look for direction and options. Express detailing, as opposed to custom detailing, is a quick, less costly detailing of a car. It is an add-on service at a growing number of carwash operations. Not only is express detailing express detailing an affordable option, it also takes less time than the hours usually devoted to a custom job. It can include a whole menu of services done to the interior and exterior of the car. a trend? Some carwash owners, like Mark Curtis of Splash, owner of 17 locations in Connecticut and upstate New York, said his shops have been offering the service for 15 years. Others suggest that express detailing is an ideal option for customers who are either too busy or can’t afford a high-end detailing 1 WashTrends / 2012.1 experience—or both. The trend of Express Detailing is here to stay. What’s the growth in the industry? Tim Buxton of Knox Details in Knoxville, Here’s What Professional Tennessee, summed it up succinctly when he said: “The thing about express is it is fast and affordable. It’s growing and has a and Express Detailers are huge market share. If you want to offer high end detailing, you can do it on the side.” He added express detailing is the growing trend because it is a great way to build a base of Saying: . customers. And, it’s convenient. A car isn’t in ail t a shop for a day or two—the detailing is done Tim Buxton, Knox Details quickly. d de d
n In this economy, he pointed out, “A lot of Express detailing is definitely a way to add income and build a base of customers. A lot people are taking better care of their cars of detailing I focus on is high end and very time consuming. But, I’m trying to appeal because they’re not investing in a new one.” ash a ash to both markets. The thing about express is it is fast and affordable. It’s growing and w Sharon Ramp of Cloister Car Wash & Lube has a huge market share. If you want to offer high end detailing, you can do it on the
ar ar in Ephrata, Pennsylvania noted: “It’s a value side. c added service available to our customers that I want to hire people to do the express work and, once or twice a week, I can do the provides us the opportunity to have them high line stuff I can’t leave to my employees. (Still a one-person business, he express rely on us for all of their car care needs.” details five or six cars weekly and does three or four high-end detail jobs. One car, a ridge ridge t How is this adding income? Maserati, had to be wet sanded and was a 40-hour job.) Detailing is a service that can be offered Express detailing is the growing trend. It’s a great way to build a base of customers. myriad ways, as à la carte items—carpet It’s convenient. A lot of people are taking better care of their cars because they’re not he eas he t cleaning, interior cleaning, exterior polish, investing in a new one. paint touch up—or bundled in a variety of nt, packages. Pricing is not standard either; I am starting to get involved more in the express side of detailing because there is a lot each company sets its own package of of money to be made and it creates a good customer base. When you take time with services and fees. these people and open their eyes a little bit to the world of proper auto detailing, most of the time they are interested in and excited to schedule more “in-depth” detailing ob gra ob c For a carwash owner that has an idle bay or treatments. That is a huge benefit to offering a nice quality express detail, it gets a j tunnel, or extra space on the property, offering people in the door. Without that you are done.” customers an express detail service can What makes this a trend? Express detailing is a growing trend because it y of of y generate additional income and encourage s increased customer loyalty. It is a way to build is less time consuming, less expensive; overall express detailing is more a bigger, stronger customer base. convenient. What is the growth, from my point of view, in the industry?f I I were to Industry experts agree that express wash courte forecast I would estimate slow but steady growth in the express detailing s detailing offers customers a service that can h sector. With the poor economy, express detailing fits the tighter budget many p be done in a short amount of time, at a price Americans are now on. that the majority are willing to pay, without the inconvenience or much higher prices How is this adding income? A larger percentage of the population will use associated with a full professional detail. an express detailing service opposed to high-end detailing. “Service to many leads to greatness.”
Photogra Mark Curtis of Splash noted: “Everyone is your customer.” The cons of express detailing? Quality can suffer greatly with express Dru Fay of Blu Ribbon, LLC located in detailing. Texas, commented that express wash That being said, I see a bright future in express detailing if business owners detailing was the first step in encouraging have proper education on products and procedures and they play their cards customers to consider higher-end detailing right. n Express Detailing - Professional Detailers and Wash Owners Give Their 0pinion experiences. He called it a “gateway” to a full detail package. BEFORE AFTER
15 Sharon Ramp Dru Fay Jacob Grant Cloister Wash & Lube Blu Ribbon, LLC East Ridge Car Wash and Auto Detailing At Cloister, we are seeing an increase in My company does express detailing. The customers who are choosing express detail wash, Lake Austin Auto Spa, is a small two Jacob Grant – East Ridge Car Wash and services. With people keeping their vehicles person operation. Most who purchase our Auto Detailing, Chattanooga, Tennessee for longer periods of time, they are looking detailing are people on the go, commuters says that automotive detailing is more than to the professionals to help maintain them or they have kids and places to be during just a trend. It is a lifestyle. It is passion. It is inside and outside. It’s a value added service the day. They want a nice car and don’t protecting an investment. It separates the available to our customers that provides us want to spend [a lot.] Express detailing is diamond from the rough. It is science, art, the opportunity to have them rely on us for a part of our business. I’ve been in the car and a lot of OCD. all of their car care needs. business for 16 years and this business for Detailing is recession proof. Despite the We have an array of Express Detail Services seven years. Express wash detailing has current state of the economy, the car care from Express Wax, Super Clean with Interior been pretty consistent. industry is still a multi-billion dollar/ Shine, The Ultimate, Carpet Shampoo, Express wash detailing is a “gateway” for year industry. The detailing industry has Leather Treatment & Conditioning and increased interest in detailing. People come sustained growth for the past several years Upholstery Shampoo. We also have three in for express detailing, but if they save up, because demand has remained high and Shine Services: Exterior Shine, Interior they come back in to get a full detail as well. continues to grow. Car owners are keeping Shine and Full Shine (a combination of the There are a lot of customers who can’t their cars longer and they fully realize that two). afford high end detail, but they can afford their car is an investment. For many, it is Our Express Detail Services require an the less expensive option. the second largest investment that they Inside/Out wash prior to the service being Express wash is one of our more popular make. Naturally, they want to protect their performed, except for our Express Wax, packages because everyone can afford it. investments. which just requires an outside wash and We’re able to reach a wide customer base Technology has advanced rapidly in the our Ultimate is priced with our Best with with express wash detailing. Here, in Texas, automotive industry and the detailing Interior Clean wash. n we are fortunate we are located in a diverse industry has kept pace. There is not a neighborhood on Lake Austin with multi- mechanical substitute for a detailing million dollar homes and trailer parks. We professional. A carwash alone cannot Todd Cooperider service everything from Bentleys and Aston produce the same results as a detailer. Martins, to Toyota Corollas, Caminos and Esoteric Detail The high demand for detailing provides work trucks. n many opportunities to be successful. Like Todd Cooperider of Esoteric Detail, any other industry, you get out of it what Columbus, Ohio, was called one of the you put into it. top ten auto detailers nationwide in 2009 Mark Curtis I am the third generation into our family AutoWeek magazine article. A custom Splash Car Wash business which consists of the detail shop, detailer, he works on a lot of high-end cars. carwash, as well as a lube and service He says, “My business is focused more on Splash has been in operation for nearly 30 center. As I said before, convenience is a big high end restorative detailing. I’ll spend 15- years. Chris Fisher and I founded it and selling point for us. 20 hours on a car. I am based in Columbus, we have 17 locations in Connecticut and Ohio, but I just traveled to Naples, Florida Upstate New York. Express wash detailing Many detailers build their business on car to detail eight Ferraris. However, 99% of has been around 15 years. Many washes dealerships, cleaning cars that have been all customers are looking for express wash around the country offer this service to traded in or bought at auction. They build detailing. I passed quite a few places down their customers. their business on volume. Our niche is a here in Naples FL. People are busy, they little different. We detail cars for people that I see express wash detailing as a great don’t have time to mess with it. They want care about their cars. I would rather detail add-on business. We offer it in all 17 of our a quick in-and-out. I see express wash four cars thoroughly in a day than detail locations and it adds revenues to every detailing continuing to get bigger. sixteen cars in a day simply by rushing single one of them. them through. We want our results to be I am totally devoted to custom detailing, Our detailing customers are across the indicative of our passion because when and have been doing it professionally for 5 board. There are people that need specific those cars leave our shop they become years. Now 45 years old, it’s been a hobby services: carpet cleaning, interior clean, the moving billboards for our business. all my life. I was the only 8-year old on block outside polished. They can get it done in a with a highly polished bicycle! We had a contest last spring for the dirtiest minimal amount of time and at reasonable car in town. The idea was for people to I detail the occasional airplane, but I price, compared to inconvenience and cost upload pictures of their dirty cars to our specialize in Ferraris. 90% of my business is of a full detail. Everyone is your customer. Facebook page where others could vote for Ferraris. n We offer full detailing, too. n the dirtiest car. About 60 cars were entered. The winner was the car with the most votes or “likes” and received a free full exterior detail. A writer for the local newspaper Left: One of interior found out about the contest and ran an details in progress at article in the paper about it. It was great Splash Car Wash. exposure for us as well as providing a clean Right: Alexandra car for a very excited individual. n Vercosa, detail manager at Splash Car Wash.
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20 WashTrends / 2012.1 Carwash Industry Trends in the Land Down Under Photogra p h s courte y of craig cam pb e ll Wash t c a u ralia l d . written By wendi winters
What’s going on in the a retail wash. Wash volumes are similar to what was the standard in the U.S. land Down Under? before the economic crisis. Almost all of serve tunnel, except that there is no tunnel. Despite the significant time difference – at these sites are attended, with someone Customers drop off the car. They pay for 4:30 p.m. on the U.S. East Coast, folks in physically on site to assist customers the wash, which usually includes interior Sydney, Australia are just arriving at work during the daytime hours.” cleaning; detailing is upsold.” – WashTrends magazine crossed time lines Australia, unlike the U.S. and Europe, is Craig said he misses German beer, but he in order to bring our readers news from in its 21st straight year of good economic will probably miss Australian coffee, too, if across the world. times, he pointed out. he ever moves back to the U.S. Here’s why. Craig Campbell, a U.S. native who worked About 500 washes are retail petroleum After dropping off their car, Craig said, a in the carwash industry in Texas and based washing, mainly via friction in-bay customer “sits down to enjoy a free coffee Colorado, has been the managing director automatics, but also with some touch free and read a newspaper while waiting for of WashTec’s new Australian subsidiary and some smaller tunnels. He noted wash his/her car. One should note that the since 2010, after a three-year stint in sites’ average volumes are steady at about coffee in Australia is light years ahead of Germany. He has the unique perspective 700 to 900 washes per month. Since his the North American version in quality and of intimately understanding the American, arrival in Australia, Craig has also seen taste, so perhaps that plays into it a bit. European, Australian and New Zealand some adaptation on the North American (Australians) basically copied and pasted wash industry markets. express exterior tunnel concept, although, the Italian coffee scene.” He has observed Australia is more similar he said, “There are some flex-serve Third, Craig said, “Despite relatively high to North America in its wash culture and operations and even a few full-serve ones labor costs, there is quite a high level of structure, than it is to European models. around. Recently, I have noticed a hybrid labor on most sites. Almost all are attended There is a well-established private carwash trend of flex-serve at traditional self-serve/ in some fashion, and hand washes by segment of roughly 1,400 or so sites out of automatic sites as well.” definition use a lot of labor.” the more than 2,000 overall. Despite many similarities to the U.S. He noted, in recent years, there has been Craig stated “A visitor from North America market, Craig said, “There are some major some discounting of hand washes in some would find it very familiar. There are lots differences as well. First, wash prices tend areas, with prices coming down during of self-serve bays with an in-bay automatic to remain quite high by North American the week. At the same time, increased or two, usually touch free, along with standards, even in the express exterior oversight in the areas of health and safety vacuums, vending, and dog washes. Wash locations. Secondly, there is a strong (the equivalent of OSHA), the immigration prices are decently high, roughly twice culture of hand wash cafes in many parts department, and workplace wage law what North American washes charge for of Australia. The concept is similar to a full compliance have led to well publicized
21 crackdowns on hand carwashes. “It seems and security monitoring. While cards do also flush out the engine and a customized to have the effect of raising wage costs– or encourage a bigger spend per customer, under body facility is often provided as better said, eliminating loopholes that these systems also bring in the increased well.” allow for low paid labor, which, in turn, chance of technical breakdowns.” Like the U.S., Australian wash industry seems to limit hand wash sites’ flexibility Australians have gone barking mad for in using a low price strategy.” issues include water recycling, government automatic dog washes. While Craig has regulations, and the environment. Though Unlike similar trends in the United seen them in North America, European Australia has experienced several major, Kingdom (Britain, Ireland, Wales) he said, countries and, even, in Japan, “Australians multi-year droughts throughout its history, “The hand wash segment is generally seem to be madly in love with coin- Diane said, “Water recycling became a considered a premium segment with high operated, self-serve dog washes. Perhaps major factor in 2005-06 when a severe prices and high costs.” it is due to the temperate climate - it drought hit the eastern States. At that time “There has also been an advent of basically never freezes here. Dog washes recycling systems that were suitable for supermarket washing in many cities, are a standard at self-serve locations and carwash equipment were hard to find and which are basically drop-off valet services are even making an appearance at retail there was quite a panic as carwash owners that return the car washed for a small fee. petroleum locations and pet supply chain scrambled to comply with reduced limits stores. But whatever the reason, there are However, like the hand wash café concept, on potable (mains) water. a lot of them, and they turn over decent the wash prices are still relatively high by numbers.” “Today, although most of Victoria and North American and European standards. south east Queensland carwashes still They nonetheless cut into traditional Diane concurs. “Where space allows, many operate under water restrictions, the carwash sales.” carwashes are adding on extra facilities rapidly increasing cost of water is a bigger such as dog washes, coffee and cool Diane Ross, CEO of the Australian Car motivator to the installation of recycling drink machines, and ice machines. Most Wash Association (ACWA), says that systems, and the newer systems are much full service hand washes that are not in the big trends in the Australian carwash more reliable and efficient. A recent shopping centers offer a coffee shop, the business include the growth in full service survey indicated that around 72% of sites top of the range also having children’s play hand washes, particularly in shopping nationally have a recycling system. An areas, meeting rooms and a bigger range center parking areas. “For the first alternative, which is a growing trend, is of food options, plus active websites to time,” she said, “this has brought direct to sink a bore and install a de-salination promote specials and events.” competition into the historical notion of filter to remove impurities—this usually ‘owning a patch’ within a certain radius. Another trend involves using the carwash provides better quality water and no facilities to provide add-on services. On the limitations on volume.” The latest trend, according to Diane, “is heavily populated coastal fringe areas of the introduction of tunnel washes—some In a land where water is sometimes scarce Australia, Diane said, “It is not surprising as part of the top end full service hand but concerns about pollution run high, that the latest add-on is to provide at least washes and some replacing conventional she said, “All commercial carwashes in one bay as a marine wash.” automatics to increase the throughput rate Australia have to have a Trade Waste at high volume sites.” Adam Stone from Washworkz, a system which first runs through settling specialized service and maintenance pits and then directs all waste water into Another major trend, she said, “is the company, says that this is currently the sewer system for treatment. Where cars growth in credit card, smart card and Washworkz biggest install growth area. are washed on driveways or in the streets, pre-pay facilities at all types of carwashes, “Special equipment is installed,” said the contaminants run directly through the often linked to remote income reporting Adam, “that will not only clean the boat but stormwater systems into rivers, lakes and the coastal sea waters. This is estimated to amount to 12 billion liters’ of polluted run off a year all around Australia. (See the Stormwater calculator). ACWA is linking with bodies such as Stormwater Associations, Healthy Waterways and other environmental groups to educate the public about good and bad carwashing and how it can affect their enjoyment of the creeks, lakes and beaches.” Craig lauds the ACWA for its proactive work on behalf of its membership. “It stepped up during the last drought in the face of what could have been carwash killing water regulations and developed a strong working relationship with various regulatory bodies to turn professional carwashes into destinations under water restrictions, effectively championing the banning of home washing,” he said. “This was done via the accreditation of professional wash locations through its water rating (program). Perhaps due to the relatively low population and thus easier access to the politicians, the association
22 WashTrends / 2012.1 Other page: A tunnel wash Left: Carwashes offer customers coffee and comfortable chairs while waiting for their cars. Right: A dog wash, courtesy of WashTec Australia Pty Ltd.
really forged a nice cooperation with Australia. Land prices in general are quite Australians are sitting pretty financially, the governmental regulatory bodies high, and the overall cost of living related but the doom-and-gloom headlines from that I have only ever seen replicated in to residential and commercial land values around the world make them nervous, Craig Germany. All of this helped tremendously is more than triple what I know from the said. “The country is in an excellent position in the growth of the industry.” U.S.” Plus, he said, there is a general labor to resist (the Global Financial Crisis), with sensible fiscal policies and almost no debt, The industry in Australia is in flux, he shortage and a newly enacted carbon tax. but the headlines are scary. This has led to said. “From my perspective, I view it as Competition has increased, too. “Many people reducing discretionary spending, normalizing. What I see here seems to me new sites were opened in the boom years, which has led to declining wash counts (in to be a normally functioning wash market and what was a great location 5-10 years conjunction with rainy weather), which in a normally functioning economy. From ago now has 4-5 competitors within a has led to nervous banks. Despite quite the Australian perspective, however, mile or two. This will be familiar to North high interest rates by global standards and coming off of the boom years of the last Americans, but it is just starting to dawn an appreciating currency, banks here are decade and a regulatory environment on Aussies,” Craig said. tightening up dramatically on lending. This, where state law forced customers into Greg Cummins, ACWA’s president coupled with the profit squeeze, results in a retail wash locations, the last couple of offered his perspective. “The Australian lot of hesitation.” years feel like quite a step backwards.” carwash industry has been growing at a Still, Craig is upbeat. “The fundamentals He cites the change in weather. After fast rate over the past twenty years. With look pretty strong for Australia. Population years of drought, it’s been raining quite one million new cars released on the continues to grow. At last count, there a bit since early 2010. “Apparently this is roads each year, the younger generations area 22.5 million people on a continent normal for La Niña weather patterns, but have embraced commercial carwashing. larger than the United States. New vehicles this is small comfort to operators who The onset of drought several years ago continue to hit the road at a respectable have to contend with 30 day forecasts through Australia, brought Mum and pace; and the economic fundamentals are containing 29 days of rain. This has led Dad car owners to try the commercial the envy of every developed country in to a relaxation of water restrictions, so carwashing concept – and most found it the world. This being Australia, the lucky it is once again legal to wash at home, quick, easy and relatively cheap. Smart (but dry) country, the sun will come out and many people do exactly this. This operators across the country used this eventually and people will need to wash has been one of the disappointments for opportunity to build their customer basis.” their cars in professional carwashes often the industry—the theory was that once “This trend still continues throughout and happily. motorists were forced to use professional South and Western Australia,” Greg washes during the restrictions, they would “All in all, it’s a pretty good place for a added. “Unfortunately with several not revert to home washing afterwards, carwash business.” years of above average rain falls, and but this reversion seems to be happening declining economic conditions, carwash to a large degree.” owners along the east coast are finding There is a big squeeze on profits. “For themselves in difficult times.” someone from North America, the idea Greg also noted, “There has been a strong of paying 50-70% or more of revenues to increase in the hand wash and full service service rent or mortgage debt seems crazy, wendi winters is a freelance writer who carwashing models.” but this is exactly what is happening in lives in annapolis, maryland.
2 24 WashTrends / 2012.1 When you think about the economic upheavals of the last forty years, it is amazing any business, especially a carwash, can stay in business. When Charles Howard Sr. opened his first Autobell Car Wash in 1969, “the times”, to paraphrase a song of the day, “they were a changing.” It wouldn’t be long before people waited in long lines for gasoline while complaining that the prices were too high, at an average of .50/ gallon. In the early 80’s, inflation took hold and the prime lending rate shot Are A Family Affair At Autobell up to 18%. During wars, droughts, hurricanes, and economic roller- Even the past few years, when many positions, and then we train them on how coaster rides, the little company companies have closed locations, let to best use their talents within our time- that Charles Howard, Sr. started has workers go, and generally tightened their proven system of washing cars in a safe, corporate belts, Autobell has opened new efficient, professional and quality manner.” actually grown into two companies, stores and continued to hire employees. Howco, Inc., the original carwash Indeed, Howco and Autobell have a In the company’s history, they have never symbiotic relationship that works to make equipment supply company, and closed an Autobell Carwash. both thrive. Howco started as a carwash Autobell, a chain of 63 carwashes in Still very much a family affair, Charles’s son, equipment distribution company. North and South Carolina, Virginia, Chuck Howard is the CEO and President Charles Howard, Sr. needed a way to of both companies. “Several factors have demonstrate the new technology of and Georgia. contributed to our longevity and success, automated carwashing, so logically, but they primarily stem from two main he built the first Autobell Carwash in factors: our people and our system. We Charlotte, NC. Not only did the local It is truly a business success story... have always diligently tried to find and population get to clean their cars while recruit the best people for the various sitting back and enjoying the ride, but written By SAnDRA LOEPkER
2 entrepreneurs interested in opening their own automated carwashes got to see the Howco equipment in action. Since that time Howco, Inc. has grown considerably. Today the company supplies design and site location expertise, equipment, supplies and other services for all the Autobell locations as well as several other carwash companies in the region. According to Chuck Howard, “There are certainly efficiencies and attractive economies of scale in distributing to a sister company [Autobell]. We are able to better control costs across the board with equipment, supplies, maintenance, and distribution. The disadvantages are few.” The system seems to be working. There are 63 Autobell locations in four states. The buildings, with their distinctive bell towers Still, Autobell doesn’t follow every new Autobell connects with the public in ways are attractive, well maintained additions trend that comes along. With many other both traditional and cutting-edge techno. to the communities they serve. Service carwashes adding convenience store items, Leigh Howard Meyer, Chuck’s daughter seems to be the constant in the Autobell coffee bars, internet areas and even putting is the company’s Social Media Manager. code of conduct. When asked what makes greens to their facilities, Autobell customers Chuck is the first to admit that social media the Autobell carwash experience different won’t find those items in the lobby. “Less marketing is best handled by the younger from others in the area, Chuck replies, is more,” according to Chuck. “We run members of the family. Leigh makes sure “from the greeting, to the purchase, to a simple operation, offering comfortable Autobell’s web presence includes stories the lobby experience, to the add-ons and lobbies with an absence of merchandise, about their water reclamation efforts, inspection of their clean car, and ultimately and clean restrooms. We simply don’t expect new store locations, community service the satisfaction of leaving the facility with a our customers to be in there very long.” The projects and links to sites giving the public quick, high-quality carwash at a reasonable idea is to provide an efficient, high quality information about water conservation price. We have sometimes been called carwash quickly so that people can get on and environmental issues. Autobell has a the Disney or Chick-Fil-A of the carwash with their day. Facebook page and also utilizes Twitter, industry, because we set our standards very Yelp, YouTube, and CitySearch. Other innovations are embraced by the high and strive to meet or exceed those company. When it comes to marketing, “We have not found that one [social media standards with every single customer.” site] works better than another,” explains Leigh. “They’re all different, and thus we have different goals for each. For example, Facebook is primarily about interaction between the customer and the company, while Yelp involves customers sharing their thoughts with a community.” The company knows social media is a two way street. It’s an important source of both positive and negative email, and although no one wants to hear about problems, it gives managers the feedback they need to make corrections and keep customers
Above: Leah Kessenich from the Charlotte, Piper Station wipes the dash while performing a full service car wash. Below: The final rinse and AUTOGLOSSSM, an Autobell exclusive, are added in the last stages of the of the conveyor wash.
26 WashTrends / 2012.1 Right Top: The Mooresville, NC located at 112 Plantation Ridge opened on May 13, 2011. Right Bottom: Chris Spearman, with daughters Fallon and Santana, enjoy watching the magic happen during a recent visit to Autobell Car Wash.conveyor wash.
happy. “We certainly hope to get favorable Yelp reviews,” says Leigh, “but it can also become a great customer service tool if we don’t. Through our public responses to reviews, we can have an additional touch point with customers and the opportunity to let them know we care and would like to correct any shortcomings.” Leigh emphasizes, “We use social media as an extension of our branding. It’s a way to put a ‘face,’ or personality, on the company. Customers are bombarded with marketing messages daily, so we try to stand out and be part of their entertainment or education.” The management did their homework about various media sites before committing to any of them. “We had a game plan and a set of goals. This made it much easier to enter the social realm and helped us form realistic expectations.” Autobell has YouTube videos providing a brief history of the company and showing the latest advances in automated carwashing. They have a video recruiting tool to attract new employees, many of whom are high school and college students, who are much more likely to be online searching for work than scanning the local newspaper want ads. The company regularly utilizes email to send out electronic coupons, birthday greetings and monthly specials to patrons groups to make money and by not having It appears that the future is bright for who supply their addresses. a neighborhood parking lot carwash, the Howco, Inc and Autobell. Seven family Autobell has a popular calendar featuring ground water is saved from the soapy, oily members currently help run the companies, carwash cartoons and monthly coupons that runoff going directly into storm drains. It’s with the fourth generation of Howards customers can purchase during the holiday a win win situation for the community and working at Autobell. According to Chuck, season. “The cartoons depicting positive the environment. “Everyone works their way up.” Charles carwash images are drawn by a professional Howard Sr.’s great grandchildren are now Autobell and Howco employees get into cartoonist,” explains Chuck. One of washing cars at the Charlotte, NC locations. community service by picking up trash his favorites shows an Autobell charity “It’s important to understand what goes on in local streams during Creek Week in fundraiser raking in far more money than the [at the carwashes].” What goes on should Charlotte. Similar service projects are forlorn lemonade stand across the street. continue going on for years to come. performed by workers at other Autobell The Howard family has long recognized locations. In addition, the carwashes the importance of giving back to the themselves reclaim and recycle their communities they serve. They have a water, helping to conserve and protect the popular fundraising program for non-profit environment. Over the years, Autobell has organizations. The groups sell coupons to been honored with numerous public service Sandra Loepker is a freelance writer the carwash. It’s a fun and easy way for the awards and recognitions. from Severna Park, Maryland.
27 Buyers Guide
Unitec manufactures automatic payment systems for all segments of the carwash market. Unitec systems D&S is a leading manufacturer of in-bay automat- give carwash operators the flexibility to manage their ics, vacuums, and self-serve car wash equipment. businesses in a variety of ways. Unitec is the right With 40 years of innovation, D&S is known for its Equipment, Chemicals, Supplies, and Service technology for today’s carwash. extremely durable, stainless steel products that are HOWCO dedicates itself in providing superior quality Product List: designed for performance and reliability. The new “IQ” car wash equipment, supplies, and chemicals. Above Sentinel, Portal Ti, Wash Select ii, Wash Select ii Soft-touch, with 3D profiling and invisible treadle, is all else though, HOWCO is about supporting car wash PoS, WashPay, PoS4000, ez Trak our latest technical achievement. D&S products are investors and operators with the hands on assistance Unitec Electronics sold through a network of distributors who provide they need to keep their projects moving. HOWCO’s 7125 Troy Hill Drive • Elkridge, MD 21075 complete service and support. Made in the USA. strength is in its people, experience, and reputation. Ph: 1-800-4UNITEC • Fax: 410-579-6827 Product List: Utilizing the latest equipment and processes, HOWCO Email: [email protected] iQ Soft-touch iba, iQ Touch-free iba, Quicksilver employees provide assistance in sales, project plan- Web site: www.unitecelectronics.com Touch-free iba, odyssey Soft-touch iba, i5000 ning, installations, parts, chemicals, and service in the Touch-free iba Southeast and Mid-Atlantic geographical areas. D&S Car Wash Equipment Company HOWCO is a full line distributor of professional car 4200 Brandi Lane • High Ridge, MO 63049 wash chemicals. We offer three choices: Turtle Wax, Ph: 636-677-3442 • Fax: 636-677-4105 Armor All Professional, and HOWCO private label Email: [email protected] brand. Our relationship with our manufacturers allows Web site: www.dscarwash.com us to be a cost effective distributor of the items you need. We know the demands professional car wash operators have and we are proud to offer the most innovative items in the industry to help you achieve cleaner cars. Turtle Wax and Armor All Professional offer a comprehensive line of products to meet your car washing needs. Using these two name brand Extrutech Wall and Ceiling Panels create a bright clean manufacturers can help you earn co-op points to- inviting experience for your customers. For use in wards your marketing efforts. self-serves, automatics, tunnels and perfect for new Product List: or refurbished construction. Panels are available in 12" hoWco inc., Turtle Wax, armor all, hanna jim and 24" widths, and cut to the inch from lengths 4 to 20 Diamond Shine Inc. is a family-owned business manu- coleman, istobal uSa, autec, inc. feet. Install quickly with no exposed fasteners, providing facturing quality chemical solutions for six decades. HOWCO, INC. a smooth easy to clean surface. Come with a ten year Products are manufactured and distributed globally from 1521 East Third Street • Charlotte, NC 28204 warranty and Class A smoke and flame rating. our 106,000 sq. ft. facility, one of the industry’s largest. Ph: 704-731-2073 • Fax: 704-333-4399 This allows for sustained growth now and into the future. Email: [email protected] Product List: P2400 Wall Panel, P1300 ceiling Panel Diamond Shine has built its reputation on long-term rela- Web site: www.howcoonline.com tionships and customer satisfaction. We pride ourselves colored Panels, corrosion-proof Pvc doors on providing cutting-edge chemistry and cost-effiecient Extrutech Plastics, Inc. solutions. 5902 West Custer Street • Manitowoc, WI 54220 Product List: Ph: (888) 818-0118 • Fax: (920) 684-4344 green&clean, Weatherguard, black diamond, Email: [email protected] vividplus, Sensations, assault, grimebuster, Web site: www.epiplastics04.com cleantech, foamtech, fast break x55, bead up, Premium, Wheel guard, blitz, infusions Diamond Shine 1340 East 289th • Wickliffe, OH 44092 Ph: (440) 585-1100 • Fax: (440) 585-1195 Hydro-Spray is dedicated to the success of our Email: [email protected] customers. We feel that by educating new and existing Web site: www.diamondshine.com operators prior to their initial investment. We optimize their chance of that investment being profitable. From site selection to washing their first car Hydro-Spray will be there with a solution. Product List: classic, rainmaker, elite, Subzero, bio-clean HydroSpray Wash Systems, Inc. 511 Spruce Street, Suite #1 • Clearfield, PA 16830 Ph: (800) 528-5733 • Fax: (888) 223-4835 Carwash Solutions services carwash operators in Email: [email protected] Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, Pennsylvania, Web site: www.hydrospray.com West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Our Washtech sells services and supplies car wash equip- customers are retail carwash investors, gas station ment to all segments of the carwash Industry. We and convenience store operators and auto dealers. operate the largest service department in the industry Product List: with same and next day service throughout our VA, belanger equipment-belanger manufactures the MD, NJ, DE, PA and WV. following well known brands: vector™, free- Product List: styler™, enduro class 60™, Pro class 100™, PdQ, laserWash, Macneil, carolina Pride, Manni’s Wash Systems has been in business for 34 insta-Kleen™, duratrans™, duraShiner™ and lustra, ginsan, unitec, ultraflex years! Buy direct and save today. Quickfire™ Washtech Product List: Carwash Solutions P.O. Box 573 • Earlysville, VA 22936 in-bay automatics, complete Self-Serve, floor 23 East First Street, SE • Leesburg, VA 20175 Ph: 1-800-448-4735 • Fax: 434-978-4328 heat, change Machines, Parts and Supplies Ph: 571-220-6997 • Fax: 703-777-7994 Email: [email protected] Manni’s Wash Systems Email: [email protected] Web site: www.laser-washtech.com 1131 Greensburg • Lower Burrell, PA 15068 Web site: www.carwashsolutions.net Facebook: www.facebook.com/Washtech Ph: (800) 552-4492 • Fax: (724) 337-8554 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/craig-hanson/17/ Email: [email protected] bb9/876 Web site: www.Manniwashsystems.com
2 WashTrends / 2012.1 Buyers Guide Buyers Guide
Carwash Industry Association Dates
car Wash operators of new jersey LaserWash® Touch Free In-Bay Vehicle Annual Carwash Tour, April 26, 2012 Wash System Golf Invitational, June 11, 2012 PDQ Manufacturing, a Dover Company, is a leading General Membership Meeting designer and producer of vehicle wash systems. Manufacturer of stainless steel carwash systems, ® ® LaserWash and Tandem brands of in-bay systems featuring Wash-n-go Express Building, the “Awesome” November 13, 2012 and WashTools conveyor tunnel products are cleaning Tire shiner, Coin-op Tire Shiner, and the Superior “The vehicles in thousands of facilities around the globe. PDQ Glo” NON-SLING High Shine Product. connecticut carwash association also provides wash marketing, customer loyalty and Product List: Mini-Expo, March 28, 2012 ® wash payment products under the ACCESS brand Wash-n-go express building, “awesome” Tire Golf Invitational, September 18, 2012 name. Since 1984, PDQ Manufacturing has repre- shiner, coin-op Tire Shiner, Superior “The glo” Holiday Gathering, Dec. 6, 2012 sented Performance, Dependability and Quality with non-Sling high Shine Product outstanding products, and support that contribute to our Vehicle Wash Systems, Inc. heartland carwash association customers’ profitability. P.O Box 414 • Weymouth, MA 02188 Product and Equipment Show Product List: Ph: 800-344-8700 • Fax: 781-331-8701 ® ® March 23 - 24, 2012 PDQ’s products include LaserWash and Tandem Email: [email protected] RiteTouch in-bay wash systems, WashTools tunnel Web site: www.washngo.com wash systems, MaxAir dryers, Access® Customer international carwash association Management Systems, Wash Access Loyalty Systems International Carwash Expo (WALS), and Site- Management Systems (SMS). May 7 - 9, 2012 PDQ Manufacturing, Inc. 1698 Scheuring Road • De Pere, WI 54115 nashville, Tn Trade Show and expo Ph: 920-983-8333 • Fax: 920-983-8328 Gaylord Opryland Resort Email: [email protected] Web site: www.pdqinc.com & Convention Center July 15 - 17, 2012 new york State carwash association Annual Mets Event May 30, 2012 One-Day Seminar, July 18, 2012 Fall Meetings, November 1, 2012 Mid-atlantic carwash association Spring Meetings Clean Edge Co. March 28 and May 30, 2012 3121 Wilmarco Drive • Baltimore, MD 21223 Fall Meetings Ph: 443-524-0864 • Fax: 800-982-2436 Sep. 12 and Nov. 28, 2012 Email: [email protected] Web site: www.cleanedgeco.com new england carwash association car WaSh available Table Top Show Hatfield Township May 22, 2012 Montgomery County, PA Fall Dinner Meeting November 12, 2012 Tunnel plus 10 selfservice bays 7 Vacuums, detailing, Vending northeast regional carwash convention 1.2 acres included October 1 - 3, 2012 DRB Systems, Inc. Busy main street in center of town Southeast carwash association 3245 Pickle Road • Akron, OH 44312 Established 25 years Birmingham, AL Road Show Ph: 800-336-6338 • Fax: 330-645-2299 September 16 - 17, 2012 Email: [email protected] Asking price $2,050,000 Annual Convention – TBA Web site: www.drbsystems.com Road Shows - TBA Computer solutions for the car wash and quick lube industry. Our point-of-sale cash register system tracks contact: Orlando Trade Show and Expo your sales and labor as well as connects to your tun- Steve rosen Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort nel controller. We provide strong marketing solutions July 14 - 16, 2013 and like loyalty promotion, customer tracking, ticket book Sunbelt business brokers July 20 - 22, 2014 control and prepaid cards. Our popular products 610-941-2177 include SiteWatch®, TunnelWatch®, Portable Touch [email protected] Western carwash association expo Terminal, Xpress Pay Terminal®, FastPass®, and the September 28 - 20, 2012 Automatic Recharge Module®. Product List: PoS Systems, Self Pay Terminals, Tunnel controller, rfid from c-Stores high gas prices mean less $ for consumers to spend on washes and that means less money for c-stores to spend on carwash equipment.
2 Istobal USA Purchases Assets of Pyramid Technologies, Inc. (PTI) is an Business owners Joe Lehosky and Dan Klapec Magic Wand engineering-centric manufacturing company connect the MobileCamViewer application based in Mesa, Arizona, that focuses on to a variety of security cameras at all four vending, amusement and gaming solutions. locations, along with Dedicated Micros BX2 Istobal USA of West Palm Beach, FL DVRs. Typically they use the application The Company has grown from a small shop announced it has purchased the assets of to monitor general business activity, into an international operation with sales to Magic Wand, LLC of Bristol, VA. “We are communicate with customers and respond over 95 countries. excited to welcome the highly dedicated, to issues, although mobile surveillance now skilled and experienced personnel of Magic comprises part of a larger security solution Wand to the growing Istobal USA team. The with various burglar and fire alarms. addition of the industry proven Magic Wand “MobileCamViewer lets me pull up my self-serve equipment, touch free rollovers RYKO Solutions, Inc. Acquires cameras or servers and see what is going on and conveyor product lines gives Istobal USA Commercial Washing Systems, Inc. at our locations,” Klapec said. “I am looking and its distribution partners the industry’s Ryko Solutions, Inc., North America’s largest at live video of the facility within seconds of most complete product line. It is the perfect manufacturer of carwash equipment and getting paged or called.” opportunity to bring Istobal technology and a major provider of service support and efficiency to the reliable hard working Magic chemicals to the industry, has announced Wand products. The strategically located that it has acquired and will fully integrate the and modern 97,000+ sq. ft. manufacturing brand, assets and operations of Commercial Jazz Car Wash & Detailing Will Reduce facilities in Bristol allow us to immediately Washing Systems, Inc., the company’s largest Water Usage by 80% with New System expand our US based manufacturing and distributor. The move extends Ryko’s national support capabilities. Our distributors and direct sales and service support network for Ever since Keith Taylor, owner of Jazz Car customers will receive a higher level of service customers into the central and southern regions Wash & Detailing in Littleton, Colorado, and support as we utilize our new resources,” of the state of Texas. purchased founded Jazz Car Wash & said Istobal USA President, Kevin Collette. Detailing, he has pursued turning his “Commercial Washing Systems has been a establishment into an eco-friendly wash, Istobal USA intends to add to the existing vital and extraordinarily successful component setting an example for his industry and helping Magic Wand staff with new hires from of Ryko’s distribution system for 30 years, so reduce natural resource consumption along the Bristol, VA area and with Istobal USA we’re very pleased to be adding them to the the way. personnel from its present West Palm Beach, Ryko family. This acquisition will allow us to FL location. Magic Wand was formed in further strengthen our position as the leading As of January 28, 2012, Jazz Car Wash is now 1984 in Bristol, VA and was purchased by provider of managed car wash systems in the reducing its fresh water usage by 80% using Key Bridge Investments in 2008. Istobal USA United States,” explained Steven L’Heureux, a water reclamation system in its automated is a sister company of Istobal SA of Valencia President and Chief Executive Officer of Ryko. car wash tunnel. This system will recycle all the Spain, founded in 1950, one of the world’s water used to clean the vehicle. This advanced largest automatic vehicle cleaning equipment system uses the latest technologies to produce manufacturers. clean water, ready for re-use. The newly Pennsylvania Company Uses cleaned water is just as effective as fresh MobileCamViewer to Remotely Monitor water at cleaning vehicles, yet reduces waste. Car and Pet Service Businesses Fresh water is still used in the final rinses and Pyramid Technologies, Inc. Expands cleaning solution applications. Interntaional Sales Presence Leading video surveillance and remote monitoring company mobiDEOS Inc. “We’ve always used eco-friendly wash Pyramid Technologies, Inc. (PTI) is pleased to announces that River Valley LLC in western products where possible, and worked to announce the addition of Dairon Hawkins as Pennsylvania has upgraded its business reduce overall power consumption and this a Sales Representative serving the country of security solution with MobileCamViewer. The is the final step in making sure we are as Columbia. mobile surveillance solution helps business environmentally responsible as possible,” said owner Keith Taylor. Few people are aware “Dairon brings over two decades of owners respond intelligently to situations and that taking their cars to a car wash is often technology sales and management quickly address issues that affect customer more environmentally friendly than washing experience to the PTI team and we are thrilled revenue. their vehicles at home. Jazz ensures any to be associated with him” said Kristina River Valley LLC comprises four quick-service/ wastewater does not run off into rivers and Chevalier, Sales Manager. self-service businesses: Cranberry 10 Minute streams, and they strive to use products that David Mays, President and CEO of Pyramid Oil Change, Cranberry Car Wash, Cranberry are environmentally responsible whenever Technologies, Inc. added, “As we continue to Pet Wash and Erie 10 Minute Oil Change. possible. expand both domestically and internationally, Most are open 24 hours and often unmanned, “Denver Water has proven to be a tremendous we recognize the need to recruit and retain particularly at night. The company is among ally in helping us with this undertaking, we the finest professionals in the industry. With the growing number of commercial businesses could not have completed this on our timeline Dairon, we found the rare individual who can using mobile surveillance to monitor activities without their support and the support of Xcel blend local knowledge with strong customer while at home or on the road. Energy, and Centennial Bank” said Taylor. and product knowledge support.”
30 WashTrends / 2012.1 31 Does Your Website Talk? Carwash Solutions ...... Inside front cover CleanEdge ...... Inside front cover Talk directly to your customers D&S Car Wash Systems ...... 13 with professionally produced audio DRB Systems, Inc...... 19 by WashTrends Editor-in-Chief, Sandy Travis Bildahl Diamond Shine ...... 18 Extrutech Plastics ...... 5 Create an audio ad…Promote your HOWCO ...... 5 products with an audio blog…Be HydroSpray ...... 17 the expert in a “How to Series” ICA ...... 20 Manni’s Wash Systems ...... 31 The possibilities are endless. PDQ ...... 12 Unitec Electronics ...... 4 For more information, contact Sandy at: 410.263.9612 or email: [email protected]
WashTrends attends “The largest carwash Show on earth” • las vegas, nv • May 7-10
Will you be There? Come visit our booth and connect, advertise and let us promote you! do you have a STory? Pitch it to our team and get it out there!
2 WashTrends / 2012.1