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2 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 3
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4 • SUMMER 2019
CONTENTS<br />
Snap Shot .................................................... 8<br />
Q&A with Bob Cavalieri<br />
Note to Self<br />
BY DEBRA GORGOS, EDITOR<br />
Hot Diggity Dollar$ ............................ 16<br />
Tricks of the Trade ............................. 24<br />
For Your Information .......................... 32<br />
Oh No ... It’s OSHA News<br />
Quick Tips ............................................... 36<br />
Looking Back ....................................... 38<br />
Spring 2008<br />
Industry Dirt .......................................... 42<br />
Extra! Extra! ........................................... 48<br />
Innovations ............................................. 50<br />
Fun & Games ........................................ 54<br />
Association Calendar & News ....... 56<br />
Prices from Coast to Coast .............. 59<br />
Cwguy.com’s ’ ....................................... 60<br />
How self serves can learn from<br />
the express serve model<br />
Fill in the Blank .................................... 62<br />
Cover Story ............................................. 64<br />
Honky Tonk ICA<br />
Darwin at the Carwash ...................... 75<br />
VOL. 46, NO. 3, SUMMER 2019<br />
Publisher Jackson Vahaly<br />
Editor Debra Gorgos<br />
Design Katy Barret-Alley<br />
Editor Emeritus Jarret J. Jakubowski<br />
Editor Posthumous Joseph J. Campbell<br />
Editor Posthumous Julia E. Campbell<br />
Self Serve Carwash News is published 4 times<br />
per year and is independently owned by Jackson<br />
Vahaly. Web address is www.sscwn.com.<br />
All inquiries should be directed to:<br />
Self Serve Car Wash News<br />
110 Childs Ln., Franklin, TN 37067<br />
jacksonv@sscwn.com<br />
It is never easy, meeting other self serve operators<br />
and not blushing at the fact that you allow<br />
me into your headspace each season with<br />
a new issue of Self Serve Car Wash News. I am<br />
truly humbled by your support and readership.<br />
Upon meeting so many of you at the recent<br />
Car Wash Show in Nashville, I was once again<br />
in awe of your pavement-pounding quest for<br />
knowledge, tips and fellowship. I was enamored<br />
with the two self serve forums I was able to attend,<br />
including Reinvigorating Your Self-Serve<br />
Carwash, hosted by Dale L. Reynolds, president<br />
of Carolina Pride Carwash and the Peer Power<br />
Hour: Self Serve Wash Panel Discussion, hosted<br />
by Jerry Nix of Speedi Car Was, Scott Thomas<br />
of Clean Sport Car Wash and Sydney King of<br />
The Good Spray Car Wash. Both sessions were<br />
packed with attendees, both hosted dedicated<br />
self serve owners with questions for the moderators<br />
and answers and solutions for others and<br />
it was clear, at least from my vantage point, that<br />
the self serve industry is still a mighty powerhouse<br />
in the car washing stratosphere.<br />
That is not to say that Nashville didn’t offer<br />
up memorable tidbits all on its own. The<br />
city definitely offered up its own unique atmosphere—music<br />
symbolism was everywhere:<br />
And, I was bemused to find this quote etched<br />
into the foundations of one of Nashville’s many<br />
music-based monuments:<br />
“Country songs are the dreams<br />
of the working man” -- Merle Haggard<br />
Every dog has his wash<br />
I enjoyed learning more about pet washes<br />
and the many benefits to not just the car wash<br />
owner, but also the owner of the dog. I think I<br />
have mentioned previously that I own a golden<br />
doodle named Miles and his fur attracts dirt and<br />
muck like a fly to honey. His grooming bills are<br />
starting to add up and I have to say, I don’t appreciate<br />
the inconvenient hours. Plus, you get a<br />
stern look from the groomer if you’re late (have<br />
you ever tried corralling a 60-pound dog into a<br />
dog for a trip to the groomer’s? They know…<br />
somehow, they always know…) or if there are<br />
questionable items stuck in your dog’s fur. Yes,<br />
I admit, our beloved pooch had a lollipop stuck<br />
in his undercarriage. Yes, I admit we didn’t know.<br />
Yes, I am sure he was uncomfortable. I admit all<br />
of these things, and the shame that went along<br />
with finding these things out did not also need a<br />
boost of tsk tsk from the groomer.<br />
We cover lots of other valuable information in<br />
this issue. From prices per state to OSHA news<br />
to even how to pronounce car wash in Latin.<br />
The only tweak I would do that quotation<br />
if dedicated to all of you would be to add in<br />
a word: Country songs are the dreams of the<br />
hard-working man.”<br />
I even got to sing some karaoke with some detailing<br />
industry altos and sopranos at the famous<br />
Ms. Kelli’s karaoke bar on Printer’s Aly. Sadly,<br />
there wasn’t a self serve car wash owner in site.<br />
San Antonio is the next stop for the Car Wash<br />
Show in 2020 and I see there are about 10 karaoke<br />
bars near the convention center. There<br />
must be some self serve operators<br />
willing to belt out a tune or<br />
two. Who’s with me?<br />
And, without further ado<br />
it is my pleasure to present<br />
to you another issue of Self<br />
Serve Car Wash News. Full<br />
of great information, profiles<br />
and even some fun to<br />
hopefully bring a smile to your<br />
face—I know how hard all of<br />
you work, I hope these pages vide some<br />
pro-<br />
respite.<br />
One more thing<br />
And, before I go, I wanted to lament that I so<br />
happy to be profiling Bob Cavalieri of Clearwater<br />
Car Wash. Bob is one of those people I<br />
have always seen at the Car Wash Show and,<br />
although he is extremely busy, I got to steal a<br />
few minutes of his time.<br />
Also, have you checked out the new Carwashforum.com?<br />
It’s fantastic and I see so many self<br />
serve operators on there. Are you? If<br />
not, what are you waiting for?<br />
Thank you so much everyone<br />
and don’t forget to<br />
support our advertisers!<br />
Until next time,<br />
Debra<br />
Copyright 2019. 2 Dollar Enterprises/<strong>SSCWN</strong>. All Rights Reserved<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 5
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6 • SUMMER 2019
SUMMER 2019 • 7
From coast to coast, we are profiling different self serve car washes<br />
and will showcase photos, business information, methods of advertising<br />
and what sets them apart from the competition.<br />
SNAP<br />
SHOT<br />
PRESENTING A Q&A WITH<br />
BOB CAVALIERI<br />
OWNER OF CLEARWATER<br />
CAR WASH<br />
WHERE ARE YOUR<br />
SELF SERVE<br />
CAR WASHES<br />
LOCATED?<br />
I currently own four self serve<br />
car washes in the San Francisco<br />
Bay area. One is in Southern San<br />
Francisco and was purchased in<br />
2000. Another is in San Mateo,<br />
California and was purchased<br />
in 2007. The third location is<br />
in Redwood City (I built that<br />
one from the ground up and<br />
opened it in 2004). And, finally,<br />
the fourth location is in Mountain<br />
View, California, and I acquired<br />
that one in 2012, and it is in the<br />
heart of the Silicon Valley.<br />
WHAT IS THE NAME<br />
OF YOUR CAR WASHES?<br />
All of my car washes operate<br />
under the name of Clearwater<br />
Car Wash. They are all wand bays<br />
only; I do not operate any in-bay<br />
automatics.<br />
WHAT ARE THE<br />
HOURS OF OPERATION?<br />
All locations are open 24-7.<br />
8 • SUMMER 2019
SUMMER 2019 • 9
10 • SUMMER 2019
SUMMER 2019 • 11
WHAT FORMS OF<br />
PAYMENT DO YOU<br />
ACCEPT?<br />
We take $1 tokens, quarters,<br />
dollar coins, paper money, and<br />
credit cards in the wash bays.<br />
WHAT ARE YOUR<br />
PRICES?<br />
Two locations are $4 for<br />
4½ minutes. And the other<br />
two locations are $3 for 4<br />
minutes. Vacuums are $1 for 2½<br />
minutes.<br />
WHAT DO YOU VEND?<br />
We do extremely well with<br />
vending at all of our locations. The<br />
top sellers at two locations —<br />
of which have two glass front<br />
vendors side by side — besides<br />
tree fresheners, are the yellow<br />
microfiber towels purchased from<br />
Costco. The microfiber towels<br />
outsell the paper towels.<br />
We charge $1.75 for<br />
microfiber towels<br />
and $1 for paper ones.<br />
WHY RUN A SELF SERVE?<br />
I thought full service car washing was the only way to go if you were going to be in the car wash<br />
industry, until the early 90s as that’s when I learned about the self serve side of the business.<br />
It started when I was attending the Western Carwash Association convention, and I was in a full<br />
serve workshop meeting — and there was a lot of talk about the high cost of labor, the high cost of<br />
workers compensation, insurance and all the headaches of running a full serve car wash… Every<br />
now and then you would hear a burst of laughter and clapping coming from the meeting room next<br />
door. And, after a little bit, I decided I needed to go next door and see what all the excitement was<br />
about. It turns out it was a self serve session going on, and they were all happy, upbeat, laughing<br />
and clapping and their only worries were how to keep the money in the money box so the thieves<br />
didn’t get it and how to stay on top of keeping the equipment in good operating condition.<br />
Because I noticed how much the operators in the room were enjoying their careers in the self<br />
serve car wash business, at that moment I said I need to be a part of this industry as well. And from<br />
that day forward I promised myself to get into the self serve car wash business. And so, in 1995, I<br />
opened my first self serve — which I built from the ground up. It was in a small northern California<br />
town called McCloud, California, where I had a vacation home at the time. I figured I needed to<br />
try out the business in a town where it was cheaper to build, and land costs were less expensive<br />
(compared to the San Francisco Bay area).<br />
It turned out to be quite an exciting business. And, so, I continued to look for other sites. I opened<br />
up my second location in another small town in northern California called Corning, California.<br />
As I learned more about the self ser serve business, I felt comfortable that I knew enough about<br />
it to make it successful just about anywhere in California. I started looking for wash sites in the<br />
San Francisco Bay area and that’s when I started to sell my washes up in northern California to<br />
concentrate in areas closer to home.<br />
HOW DID YOU GET<br />
STARTED IN THE CAR<br />
WASHING INDUSTRY?<br />
Car washing is something I have<br />
a great passion for. I grew up<br />
in the car wash industry as my<br />
parents owned and ran a full<br />
serve car wash in southern San<br />
Francisco for 61 years. I started<br />
working at the car wash at a very,<br />
very young age. In fact, my wife<br />
Cathy (while she was in college)<br />
was a cashier at our full serve car<br />
wash back in the early 70s. Lo<br />
and behold we got married a few<br />
years later and continued the car<br />
wash tradition as we run the self<br />
serves together.<br />
12 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 13
DO YOU HAVE ANY<br />
EMPLOYEES?<br />
Both of my kids are now getting<br />
into the fun of operating self<br />
serve car washes. My daughter<br />
and son-in-law operate my car<br />
wash in southern San Francisco.<br />
My son operates his own car<br />
wash in Hayward, California, and<br />
he also helps me run my washes<br />
so that I can have a few days off.<br />
WHAT IS YOUR<br />
FAVORITE THING<br />
ABOUT YOUR JOB?<br />
I truly enjoy going to work every<br />
day and seeing the customers<br />
truly enjoy washing their cars<br />
and quite a few of them say nice<br />
compliments of how well the<br />
washes run and how everything<br />
is working. It makes me feel good<br />
that there are people that do<br />
recognize the hard work that we<br />
put in to running the operation.<br />
WHAT IS YOUR LEAST<br />
FAVORITE THING<br />
ABOUT YOUR JOB?<br />
And my least favorite thing is:<br />
Cleaning out the dirty vacuums.<br />
DO YOU HAVE A LOT OF<br />
COMPETITION?<br />
Business is certainly growing<br />
in our area in the self serve<br />
car wash market; I believe due<br />
in part to the fact that the San<br />
Francisco Bay area has drastically<br />
increased the minimum wage (it’s<br />
currently at $15.65 in Mountain<br />
View, for example) and goes up<br />
with the CPI every year. This has<br />
caused full service tunnels to<br />
radically increase their prices.<br />
And, therefore, customers are<br />
seeking out cheaper alternatives<br />
to get their cars washed, and the<br />
self serve car wash model fills<br />
that void nicely.<br />
14 • SUMMER 2019
compass_ad.indd 1<br />
SUMMER 7/9/19 20198:16 • AM<br />
15
Hot Diggity Dollar$<br />
Find out why pet washes can bring<br />
in more money and how they are a natural fit for self serves<br />
In the Spring 2019 edition of Self Serve Car Wash<br />
News, we covered other ways to make money at<br />
your self serve, either by converting an exisiting bay,<br />
or using some land to develop a stand-alone profit<br />
center. From billboards, to food trucks there was a<br />
lot to cover and simply not enough room to cover<br />
one other add-on business model that has become<br />
part of many self serves across the country. It seems<br />
as if pet washes are popping up more and more<br />
and servicing do-it-yourself afficianados who like to<br />
have control over their pet’s handling, their shampoo,<br />
their schedule and their pet-related budget.<br />
Pet washes, similar to self serve car washes, allow<br />
convenience, and are free of the hoity pet groomers<br />
who push the upsell or look down upon dog owners<br />
who are not properly maintaining their pet’s<br />
fur. They can also bring in money, and require little<br />
maintenance, other than the daily walk through,<br />
clean ups, and equipment checks. They are also<br />
somewhat competitionless, as they are still considered<br />
relatively “new” to the masses, so you could be<br />
the first one to offer one in your area.<br />
Also, it is clear that people love their pets and<br />
are willing to spend lots of money of them and<br />
on their upkeep. According to the American Pet<br />
Products Association, the pet industry is now<br />
worth $75 billion. And each year, that number<br />
has climbed by billions of dollars. Yes, that’s right,<br />
billions of dollars (see sidebar: Pet Industry Facts<br />
and Figures). And, of that $75 billion, $6.3 will be<br />
spend on “other services” such as pet washes.<br />
It is clear people love their pets and are willing<br />
to spend money, make that, lots of money, on their<br />
furry friends. A self serve wash, which presents itself<br />
as a medium in which people can have control over<br />
the car’s treatment and micro-manage each detail,<br />
is a natural fit for a pet wash so that pet owners can<br />
be in control of their pet’s care and handling. They<br />
also need about as much maintenance and upkeep<br />
as a self serve. But, don’t just take my word for it--<br />
the following are two examples of business owners<br />
who have found success with their pet washes.<br />
Pet Industry Facts & FIgures*<br />
YEAR BILLIONS OF DOLLARS<br />
Estimated Breakdown for 2019:<br />
2019 $75.38 Estimated<br />
2018 $72.56 Actual<br />
2017 $69.51<br />
2016 $66.75<br />
2015 $60.28<br />
2014 $58.04<br />
2013 $55.72<br />
2012 $53.33<br />
2011 $50.96<br />
2010 $48.35<br />
2009 $45.53<br />
Food<br />
$31.68 billion<br />
Supplies/OTC Medicine<br />
Vet Care<br />
Live animal purchases<br />
Other Services<br />
.<br />
$16.44 billion<br />
$18.98 billion<br />
$1.97 billion<br />
$6.31 billion<br />
These spending statistics are gathered by APPA from various market research sources and are not included in the organization’s biennial National Pet Owners Survey<br />
16 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 17
HOT DIGGITY DOLLAR$<br />
PET WASH SNAPSHOTS<br />
Name: King Koin Laundry, Car n Dog Wash<br />
Name of Owner: Michael J. Walsh<br />
Where is your wash located? Bismarck-Mandan<br />
area in North Dakota<br />
Where can our readers learn more about<br />
you? www.kingkoin.com<br />
What type of wash is it? Self serve + pet wash.<br />
We have three tandem self serve bays. Which<br />
means six total bays when the weather is nice<br />
enough for vehicle lines to form. The King Koin<br />
Dog Wash is nestled between the front car wash<br />
bays and the laundromat. The first picture on my<br />
car wash page of the www.kingkoin.com website<br />
somewhat shows the Clear Lexan-Polycarbonate<br />
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building. The PLC Touchscreens also have “information<br />
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friendly customer interface.<br />
Unique Features: Floor heat is a must for our<br />
climate & that is where most of the heating<br />
during winter comes from. The floor heat it is<br />
different than the car wash deicer ... the dog wash<br />
floor heat needs to be much hotter for comfortable<br />
dog washing temperatures.<br />
The two hung high Trane Space units normally<br />
used by others for heating are actually for having<br />
our very cold inlet water go through each Trane’s<br />
copper exchanger on hot summer days eliminating<br />
the need for an air conditioner. As a side<br />
benefit the inlet water into our Hot Water Makers<br />
is then a higher energy saving temperature.<br />
Since we bank on many of our customers using<br />
all three services ... in our case it was much more<br />
practical to just put an ATM in our laundromat &<br />
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18 • SUMMER 2019
HOT DIGGITY DOLLAR$<br />
Why did you decided to add on a pet wash?<br />
That is a bit on the interesting side. A customer<br />
who made Bismarck his home for years told us<br />
about a thriving dog wash in Helena, Montana. I<br />
told him he was crazy ... loonie ... no space ... he<br />
calmly pointed to below our dryer vents. After I<br />
did some sketching on a computer screen & paper<br />
etc.... we realized that there was just enough<br />
room for two rooms of dog washing. A customer<br />
who was an owner at a local “structure aluminum<br />
metal” seller heard about our plight trying<br />
to somewhat “wing it” and offered to allow us to<br />
“open account” pickup & return the pieces of aluminum<br />
angle by the pound as needed during our<br />
“built by us” construct. That was a life saver. The<br />
“in chief local” building inspector based on my<br />
sketches observed that the structure lent itself to<br />
being somewhat of a “breezeway” which turned<br />
out to really help with the occasional extra smelly<br />
dog! It was almost like the chief was as excited<br />
about it as us. That was another life saver!<br />
I had thought about adding to the synergy of three<br />
services might complement each other & I am pretty<br />
sure that has proved to be true for the most part.<br />
What is something you want to warn readers<br />
about if they are considering adding on<br />
a pet wash? Plan on having someone doing very<br />
frequent “walk throughs” just in case you local<br />
customers decide to not clean up after themselves.<br />
Since there are plenty of other options for dog<br />
washing, you don’t need rumors going around that<br />
your place is not clean enough & does not smell<br />
sweet enough!<br />
What is the best thing about having a pet<br />
wash? The fact that almost 100% of the dogs<br />
that come are very socialized & the interaction<br />
we have with the customers who choose us ...<br />
tends to be very enjoyable.<br />
-5 horsepower industrial strength motor<br />
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-Mounts inside bay, in the attic, or on the roof<br />
-Nozzle with mechanical on/off safety trigger<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 19
Carwash<br />
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MODEL 203 FEATURES<br />
• Temperatures to 280˚ max.,<br />
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107C Cartridge Features:<br />
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sales@zierden.com<br />
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20 • SUMMER 2019
Carwash<br />
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MODEL 204 and 206 FEATURES<br />
• Twin compression springs are tension-adjustable<br />
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• Swivel rotates 360˚ - 12 ft. diameter<br />
• Temperatures to 280˚ max., pressure to 2000 psi<br />
• Longer hose life as spring prevents kinks<br />
• Ruggedly built, satisfaction guaranteed<br />
• Optional stainless steel components<br />
• Proven performance with over 50 years service in<br />
the field (Since 1962)<br />
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MODEL 204<br />
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MODEL 206<br />
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STYLE D<br />
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7355 S. 1st Street<br />
Oak Creek, WI 53154<br />
Fax: (414) 764-9763<br />
sales@zierden.com<br />
QUALITY PRODUCTS SINCE 1937<br />
TM<br />
DISTRIBUTOR<br />
INQUIRIES<br />
INVITED<br />
VISA and Master Card<br />
accepted<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 21
HOT DIGGITY DOLLAR$<br />
PET WASH<br />
SNAPSHOTS<br />
Name:<br />
Pet Wash 24<br />
Name of Owner:<br />
Harley Dietrich<br />
Location:<br />
Fuquay Varina, North Carolina<br />
and Cary, North Carolina.<br />
Both are in shopping centers<br />
suburb of Raleigh, North Carolina.<br />
Where can our readers<br />
learn more about you?<br />
Visit www.petwash24.com or<br />
www.facebook.com/petwash24<br />
and see our commercial at:<br />
https://youtu.be/sSgJhrbGa8w<br />
What advice you have<br />
for people considering<br />
adding a pet wash?<br />
Safety, security, and cleanliness<br />
are impariratve.<br />
Also, are they a lot of<br />
work to maintain?<br />
No. It is fully automated.<br />
Every night the pet hair<br />
is cleaned up, etc.<br />
Types of Payment Accepted:<br />
Cash, credit cards and tokens.<br />
Security Needed?<br />
It is open 24/7 , but from<br />
11 p.m. to 6 a.m. people need<br />
to use their credit cards to<br />
enter the facility.<br />
Methods of Advertising:<br />
YouTube, Facebook direct<br />
mailing, face-to-face networking.<br />
Unique Features:<br />
We also offer an infrared<br />
therapy center for your dog,<br />
allowing them to calm down<br />
while reaping the health benefits.<br />
The rays can help their joints,<br />
muscles, and skin.<br />
Mission:<br />
Our mission is to lease or sell<br />
each facility to an honorably<br />
discharged veteran and create<br />
a revenue stream for their families.<br />
22 • SUMMER 2019
Celebrating<br />
30 years!<br />
Northeast Regional<br />
Carwash Convention<br />
September 23-25, 2019<br />
√ Keynoter Moo Moo’s John Roush<br />
Learn how to think out of the box and create a brand like no other!<br />
√ The “Virtual Carwash Tour” is back!<br />
We’ll get inside some innovative washes—virtually! This event was standing room only last year!<br />
√ 320+ exhibits<br />
√ Welcome Reception at The Water Club<br />
√ Exceptional Educational Programming<br />
√ Limitless Networking<br />
At Atlantic City Convention Center and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa.<br />
Host Association: NYSCWA.<br />
Call 1-800-868-8590 or visit us online at nrccshow.com<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 23
TRICKS OF THE<br />
(Note: Some posts feature minor edits for readability.)<br />
Presenting some of the best discussions from the Self Serve, IBA and General Discussions sections of Auto Care Forum. To view more posts<br />
discussing some interesting and common problems, as well as some of the best and brightest solutions, visit AutoCareForum.com<br />
There once was<br />
a guy with a bucket ...<br />
My Bay signs say “No bucket washing if someone is<br />
waiting”. And, I kind of let it go when things are slow, but<br />
chased 2 away Saturday. I luv it when they say something<br />
like,“I do this first then I will put money in.” Asked one<br />
guy if he brings his own sandwich to the restaurant and<br />
sits at a table and just asks for coffee. So, I am looking<br />
for new wording. One local guy simply says: No Bucket<br />
washing. Of course this doesn’t stop weep washers<br />
and foam brush freeloaders (even with wobbleheads).<br />
Thinking of something like, “Meter must be running<br />
to use this facility. Please start meter promptly after<br />
entering and leave promptly when it stops.” Looking for<br />
other suggestions. - EARL WEISS<br />
<strong>SSCWN</strong> EDITOR CHIMES IN:<br />
<strong>SSCWN</strong> Editor chimes in: Here’s one way<br />
to do it! In April 2018, a 7-Eleven in Modesto,<br />
California, got rid of its loiterers by way of<br />
Bach. What’s that, you might ask?<br />
According to the New York Post, Sukhi<br />
Sandhu, who owns the franchise<br />
in Modesto, started blasting<br />
symphonies and occasional<br />
operas over outdoor speakers.<br />
“The classical music is<br />
part of a 7-Eleven program<br />
that encourages nonconfrontational<br />
methods to<br />
reduce loitering, Sandhu said in<br />
the story. “It eliminates any risks<br />
faced by clerks when asking<br />
panhandlers to leave.”<br />
Another method used,<br />
according to the Post, is a<br />
device that emits a high-pitched<br />
screech similar to a mosquito<br />
buzzing in your ear.<br />
I had a guy in Sunday who drove in and gunked/<br />
scrubbed/washed his engine. He was quick and<br />
spent money. No one was waiting behind him.<br />
I know a lot of operators don’t allow this, but I<br />
want their money. I don’t want to be the jerk who<br />
runs a good wash but looks for reasons to get aggravated.<br />
I smile a lot more now since I went to $3<br />
for 3:12!!!!! - WAXMAN<br />
“Bay may be used only while meter is running” or<br />
something similar. It covers bucket washing, towel<br />
drying, whatever. Few heed it, but when you have<br />
to ask them to move you can point to it. - Greg Pack<br />
“All time spent in bay must be paid for.” Today<br />
it was raining and a guy came up and asked to rent<br />
one of the SS bays to install a motorhome window.<br />
He specializes in motorhome windows, but<br />
was from out of town. Just the fact that he asked<br />
me first and was willing to pay me lead me to let<br />
him use a bay for free. - SOAPY<br />
“This bay may only be occupied if the meter is<br />
running.” They will either read it and not care or simply<br />
not read it at all. This is one of those things that<br />
require someone to be present in order to enforce it.<br />
And if someone is there, then signs are not necessary.<br />
I have signs that say no bucket washing and I have<br />
about 50 a week. I’ve thought about taking all signs<br />
down except for my instructions and some signs that<br />
talk about not washing, abandoning or dumping oil,<br />
paint or any other hazardous materials on this premises.<br />
I think that one would be the most important<br />
and the more signs you have the less chance there is<br />
that anyone reads them. - ALPINE DREAMS<br />
You’d think that would be the logic, but I can’t<br />
count on both hands and feet how many times I’ve<br />
24 • SUMMER 2019<br />
said we don’t allow bed washing and had the customer<br />
tell me, “Well, you need a sign if you don’t<br />
allow it!” I told one guy, “First off, I don’t need a<br />
sign, I just told you and now you’re informed. Second,<br />
it’s right there on the meter door two inches<br />
from where you put your coins in.” Even had one<br />
woman told me she was going to keep using the<br />
changer for her laundromat coins until I posted a<br />
sign saying it’s for car wash customers only. I let<br />
the police inform her that she’ll be arrested next<br />
time she sets foot on the property. - MEP001<br />
I don’t get it a lot but I’ll let it slide if no one<br />
is waiting. I’m like Waxman....take that money no<br />
matter what. - CAR_WASH_GUY<br />
What’s the big deal? They still pay to rinse the vehicle<br />
off when they are done and a lot of them will<br />
even fill the bucket with soapy water from your wash.<br />
I may say something if they take forever washing their<br />
car and people are waiting in line. It’s not like the trash<br />
dumpers that don’t spend a dime and block access to<br />
your bay for a half hour at a time. - SPARKEY<br />
I agree. I don’t say anything unless all of my bays<br />
are full and I have people waiting. And because of<br />
that, I may remove my signs. If all of your bays are<br />
full often with a line, then you should raise prices.<br />
- ALPINE DREAMS<br />
This is OUR property no sign is needed but<br />
these morons just DO NO CARE. I have a 10ft<br />
sign saying NO BUCKET WASHING they still do<br />
it, then when you tell them they catch an attitude.<br />
Same with loud music. This just drives me nuts.<br />
Why is it that people think it ok to play loud a$$<br />
banging music at a carwash???? I had one guy ask<br />
where my sign is at! I said this is private property<br />
and I do not need a sign and if you don’t turn it<br />
down i will call the cops so they can come tell you<br />
to turn it down. - DAMONI88<br />
That is exactly the situation. A few minutes - I<br />
would not care. But when you see several buckets,<br />
brushes, even long handle ones and several different<br />
types of soaps and products across the bay<br />
floor you know it took them several minutes just<br />
to unload that stuff and reverse the process to load<br />
it all back up. Then of course you have the time<br />
using each item. - EARL WEISS<br />
What are we really selling at our car washes? Does<br />
anyone know? TIME is what we are selling plain<br />
and simple. When they bucket wash in bays they are<br />
stealing the thing we sell in that bay TIME. I don’t<br />
run them out if we are not busy, but I have found<br />
that when you let them [stay] during slack times<br />
they will come in during busy times and expect to do<br />
the same thing. Our hard cost in a bay is maybe 5 to<br />
10%, soap, water, etc., so we lose 90% income when<br />
they are in the bay not paying for it. - SOAPY<br />
I generally won’t say anything or run them off if we<br />
are not busy, but when I do I usually get a smart a$$<br />
remark or stink eye comment. They will never understand<br />
the concept of a carwash business. - SLEDGE<br />
I watched a guy this past Saturday tie up a bay<br />
for over an hour to spend $3. I saw at least six customers<br />
pull in and wait behind him before moving<br />
to another bay. I didn’t get a plate but I got great<br />
video of him and his car, so I’m watching for him<br />
for both the theft of service and that he tied a dog<br />
up to a picnic table and left it. Cops said they want<br />
to prosecute. - MEP001
SUMMER 2019 • 25
TRICKS OF THE<br />
But I wanted Uncle Chester’s<br />
gold watch!<br />
I inherited two locations in Sterling and Rock Falls, IL. that are about<br />
three hours away from my home. Looking for any insight on the best way<br />
to sell them. We tried a local realtor but he didn’t reach-out to any real<br />
potential buyers that know this kind of business. The Sterling location<br />
has two IBA (Lazer 360), four self-serves, two Valvoline Oil Lube bays. It<br />
has three long term full time employees that run the business. The Rock<br />
Falls location has two IBA (M-5), three self-serves and four Valvoline<br />
Oil Lube bays. It also has three long term full time employees. Both<br />
businesses are profitable but it is two much for me to travel once or<br />
twice per week. - PITSTOP.CARWASH<br />
<strong>SSCWN</strong> EDITOR CHIMES IN:<br />
There are many tales (some of woe<br />
and some of wow) regarding wills<br />
and inheritances. The story of hotel<br />
heiress Leona Helmsley leaving $12<br />
million to her dog comes to mind,<br />
but how about the story of Jerry<br />
Williams of North Carolina who<br />
ended up inheriting 250,000<br />
Native American arrowheads?<br />
Moon and Irene Mullins left their<br />
massive collection (which included<br />
arrowheads that are over 12,000<br />
years old) to Williams back in 1987.<br />
Back in 1997 Williams asked roadside<br />
museum owner Wayne Underwood<br />
to display the arrowheads under<br />
the condition that he give him<br />
and wife $1 for every ticket<br />
sold. As of 2018, the couple<br />
has made $400,000.<br />
A really good realtor that actually tries to sell and<br />
is a true commercial realtor is worth it. Most just list<br />
the property and collect at the sale (if there is one)<br />
You could advertise on some of those business for<br />
sale websites, Craigslist and Loopnet. Make a few<br />
cold calls to other owners in the area to see if they<br />
are interested. - OURTOWN<br />
As Ourtown mentioned I would first look to see if<br />
any other operators in the area would be interested<br />
in the locations....I know I am always looking for new<br />
car washes in my area. Posting them here wouldn’t<br />
hurt either and it’s free. Check to see what car wash<br />
association is in your area and I would list them there<br />
as well. Good luck! - RFREEMAN<br />
Also tell your equipment and chemical distributors<br />
that they are for sale. They might get the word<br />
out or know someone that wants them. - OURTOWN<br />
Have you asked any of the long term employees if<br />
they would be interested in buying?<br />
Is the place making a profit? Laser 360’s aren’t<br />
terribly old and are a top of the line machine. I can’t<br />
imagine that whomever you inherited these sites<br />
from would have made a significant investment in<br />
great equipment if they weren’t making some decent<br />
money!<br />
I’m sure that you could move these properties<br />
pretty easily if you reach out to the right people but<br />
sounds like you got a dud for a realtor. - ERIC H<br />
You need to do some research and number crunching<br />
here.<br />
1. You have to determine the value of the business<br />
and land , present-day. This takes into account<br />
things like assessed value and appraised value. It<br />
also takes into account gross revenues and a multiplier<br />
applied to gross.<br />
2. You said the business is profitable. With proper<br />
inventory controls and the right manager in place,<br />
is it feasible to run both locations remotely and be<br />
on site less than once / week?<br />
3. Determine tax implications of: a). selling everything<br />
and not holding the note. b.) selling and<br />
holding some of the note. c.) retaining / operating<br />
the business.<br />
The best option is the one where the taxes, revenue<br />
and stress / involvement / personal commitment<br />
best meet YOUR needs. - WAXMAN<br />
Fracture by tractor<br />
BEFORE AFTER<br />
We built a new express tunnel with 2 self serve bays connected a few months ago. Got<br />
my first ding, maybe more than a ding! Luckily our tunnel attendant was there and<br />
cameras caught the whole thing, so it is getting taken care of by the equipment rental<br />
company. Yes, it was one of the drivers from the local heavy equipment rental companies<br />
that thought he could wash off the tractor in the bay, because they had it rented out the<br />
next day (broke the windshield and bent the cab frame on the tractor as well).<br />
What an idiot. I’ve had two doofus at different locations<br />
try to pull trailers through my in bay automatics<br />
in the last 2 weeks. - APW<br />
I think every self serve car wash I’ve seen has 2<br />
dings/dents above the bays where tractors’ stacks hit.<br />
They try and pull up enough to wash the front then<br />
turn around and back in. - WAXMAN<br />
Without getting into details ... it is even tougher<br />
when it comes to damage when overhead<br />
doors are required because of weather. - MJWALSH<br />
I had a similar incident last year at one of my washes.<br />
A tall cargo van ran into my concrete block header<br />
cracking it pretty bad. I had a structural engineer<br />
come over and design what it would take to replace<br />
and make the building sound again. $7600 we had a<br />
new metal header and supported by metal beams in<br />
the doorway. Engineer fee was $500. - SOAPY<br />
I’ve had 5 hit and runs this year. They all have<br />
come and paid except for 1 entitled a$$. He wants<br />
to talk about how we don’t have signs up saying how<br />
tall our clearance is and how we ruined his light bar<br />
on his side by side. It wouldn’t have stopped him<br />
from damaging our place as he was coming in at a<br />
high speed and never slowed down until he hit our<br />
boom. Not one of these customers left a note in our<br />
box. Somehow, we got the responding deputy that<br />
he knows and he refused to charge him. We then got<br />
the run around and they mysteriously lost all of the<br />
paperwork. I’m not sure how this will play out, but<br />
we have spoken to someone at the sheriff’s department<br />
to complain. Good luck with your damage.<br />
I’ve had good luck with equipment rental companies<br />
even though they hit and ran. - ALPINE DREAMS<br />
26 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 27
TRICKS OF THE<br />
Perhaps it’s time to call the Kool-Aid man?<br />
The wash I am dismantling has most of the panels (tri foam, spot free, etc) attached to<br />
the brick wall with what looks like a lead anchor with a steel nail in the center. I have used<br />
by 4” grinder on a few, tried to drill but that didn’t go so well. Tried to melt the lead(?) with a<br />
propane torch but lost my patience before I could tell if it was going to eventually work. I have<br />
gotten some great advice here, hoping for yet more. -DAN-ARK<br />
Nothing is easy. Drilling them sometimes lets you<br />
reuse the hole, but I only attempt that with mat<br />
clamps now since there’s a lot of leeway and I enlarge<br />
the 1/4” hole to 5/16”. I mostly grind the heads off<br />
now, still slow and messy (Had a chunk burn a hole<br />
right through my shirt and into my chest last time)<br />
but it gets them flush with the wall. I tried cutting<br />
into the steel pin with a cutoff wheel and chiseling<br />
off the rest, but it took about as long as just grinding.<br />
I don’t know what the material is but it’s probably<br />
not lead or it would melt pretty easily. - MEP001<br />
A 5lb hammer and a pry bar I can pull 95% of<br />
them out. Actually been pulling some out the past 2<br />
weeks at my wash. - TDLCONCEPTSLLC<br />
I think they are called drive rivets and the bodies<br />
are aluminum. They can be nasty to get out and are<br />
just a quick and dirty way to hang things. Someday<br />
that thing will have to be removed from the wall and<br />
someone will have to deal with them. Other than<br />
what has been suggested you can just use a cold chisel<br />
on them but can be damaging to the item you are<br />
removing. Sometimes the head comes off and other<br />
times the whole thing will pull out.<br />
...I remember another way I got them out. Using<br />
the claw end of a small cat’s paw pry bar I was able to<br />
pry the pin out a little ways by hammering it in between<br />
the pin and the anchor head. Then removing<br />
that and using a large heavy duty pry bar I wedged<br />
in the claw end behind the head of the anchor and<br />
pried them out. Still a booger to get out but it is<br />
something else to try. -OURTOWN<br />
When we were remodeling our self serves all of<br />
the signs had those lead anchors we just chiseled the<br />
head off then used the claw end to pull the nail out<br />
and fortunately it pulled the body out as well. But I<br />
will NEVER use those again at my wash. - DIAMOND-<br />
WASH<br />
I am have been ripping down the FRP panels at<br />
my place just looks worn and tired way way way too<br />
many holes from the plastic anchors and I am going<br />
back with just brick stainless anchors no plastic or<br />
lead anchors, to me nothing beats clean brick and extrutech<br />
in an automatic bay and brick in self serve<br />
- DLCONCEPTSLLC<br />
There called “Metal Hit Anchors” or “Metal drive<br />
Anchors” the body is made out of zinc. The easiest<br />
way I’ve found to get them out is to use a chisel on<br />
each side of the nail and break the zinc body in half<br />
and then pull the nail out and the rest of the body of<br />
the anchor should come out. We use plastic anchors<br />
now with a plastic center nail. - RANDY<br />
The last time I put up signs on brick I had some<br />
strips of stainless cut and used plastic sleeves and<br />
stainless countersunk screws to mount the strips,<br />
then used outdoor rated double-stick adhesive to<br />
mount the signs on the stainless strips. I marked and<br />
drilled the holes in the strips so all the holes were<br />
drilled into the mortar so it can be patched easily in<br />
the future. - MEP001<br />
I rehabbed a place that had about a million of<br />
them in the concrete decked ceiling. Tried pulling,<br />
drilling, grinding beating them. The end result for my<br />
location was a propane torch. A minute on each one<br />
and they just dropped out, with a nice clean hole left<br />
behind. Might be a pita on walls if your trying to save<br />
signs, but if you can chop the heads off then follow<br />
with a torch to get the remaining lags out? - PGRZES<br />
Come on in! The water’s hot!<br />
Is hot water a must in self service or will tap water temp for all<br />
services? What about from a customer point of view? - BR549MS<br />
I’ve always heated my high pressure soap and<br />
clear coat in the winter… Actually.... I Have my<br />
GAS turned OFF mid March and turned back on<br />
late September (based on weather). I pay a re-connect<br />
fee .... but end out ahead vs the minimum fee<br />
even if I don’t use gas in a particular month. - CHAZ<br />
I turn off my water heater around the first of<br />
June and leave it off until the end of September.<br />
No one seems to notice/care. - I.B. WASHINCARS<br />
The folks at KR have told me that room temp<br />
water for the SS chemicals is as effective as using<br />
hot water especially with the newer chemicals on<br />
the market - and they could have sold me on a<br />
new hot water tank. When we used hot water in<br />
the winter months no customer noticed nor did<br />
they care when we switched to room temp H2O.<br />
For the IBA we have been told that hot water is<br />
beneficial for Touch-Free IBA machines to get a<br />
better outcome so we use a tankless on demand<br />
system to reduce utility costs. - ROZ<br />
I agree with Roz. We have not heated water in<br />
years. - ROBERT2181<br />
We never used Hot Water in our SS. But we definitely<br />
use it in the IBA. - WATER GUY<br />
I must be in the minority because I supply hot<br />
water for my high pressure soap in all my self service<br />
bays. It usually runs $100 per month for 4 ss<br />
bays and 2 IBA March through October. - SOAPY<br />
I quit using hot water years ago. Too expensive<br />
with very few customers noticing whether the water<br />
was hot or cold. - MEL(NC)<br />
No hot water on self serve bays. I do for the automatic<br />
presoak. Never had a customer complain.<br />
- SPARKEY<br />
I heat water for the HP and foam brush soap .<br />
I have hot and cold T’d together so I can regulate<br />
temp. The colder it is outside the warmer I make<br />
it. I also heat the weep. - EARL WEISS<br />
We have gained some customers because some<br />
of our competitors decided not to repair their<br />
boilers and run all cold water. - OURTOWN<br />
I don’t think it’s all that important to have hot<br />
... continued<br />
28 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 29
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TRICKS<br />
OF<br />
THE<br />
Come on in!<br />
The water’s hot!<br />
... continued<br />
water in a Self-Serve car wash. If you<br />
watch the average customer they only<br />
have the selector on High pressure soap<br />
for a short time, just about long enough<br />
for the hose to begin to get warm and<br />
then they switch it to foam brush. Most<br />
of the car washes in our area don’t have<br />
hot water. I have on demand water heaters,<br />
as they fail we aren’t fixing them<br />
anymore. - RANDY<br />
I’m currently cold everything - if<br />
these three solid weeks of rain don’t kill<br />
me I’m going to put an electric heater<br />
on the presoak and crank it up as high as<br />
the tubing can handle, then I’ll advertise<br />
it somehow. - MEP001<br />
I’ve had both and can tell you I make<br />
more $$$ year round having heated water.<br />
In the beginning the boiler didn’t<br />
work and I only had cold water going to<br />
the bays. When I installed the HE HTP<br />
Tank Style Heater, it paid for itself in<br />
6 months over the previous years income.<br />
People do notice. I heat soap and<br />
wax cycles and have the water heater<br />
set on 100°. The nice thing about a<br />
modulating/condensing HE design, you<br />
can run them at lower temps without<br />
it self destructing or adding a mixer. In<br />
the winter when its cold, a 100° wand<br />
feels pretty darn warm along with the<br />
steam it creates. People love it. The HE<br />
water heater is so efficient and cheap to<br />
operate, I just let it run all summer. So<br />
I guess operators using only cold water,<br />
you have to ask yourself, am I leaving<br />
$$$ on the table?! - 2BIZ<br />
I would say it isn’t necessary but it<br />
does help to melt snow and ice out of<br />
hard to reach areas like wheel wells etc...<br />
however that means you are spending<br />
extra money to heat the water just so<br />
people can spend LESS time spraying<br />
ice etc off their cars..... kind of backwards<br />
thinking if you ask me....lol if you<br />
do heat the water, I would advertise it as<br />
heated. Let people know that your water<br />
is all heated and maybe it works to<br />
convince customers your wash is somehow<br />
special, unlike the competitors.....<br />
kind of like a restaurant advertising that<br />
they have a comfortable dining room<br />
and heat and or air conditioning.... it<br />
almost implies their competitors don’t<br />
without saying it. - SPARKLECLEAN<br />
30 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 31
FOR YOUR<br />
INFORMATION<br />
OH NO…<br />
It’s OSHA News!<br />
It’s not all bad, but if you don’t already know, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration<br />
of the United States Department of Labor (OSHA) has announced the following…<br />
Businesses cited for exposure to hazardous<br />
chemicals, improper ladder safety<br />
As detailers continuously work with chemicals,<br />
and are also often on foot in slippery conditions,<br />
it is important to make sure each and every employee<br />
is safe, otherwise OSHA will hand out<br />
stiff penalties. In San Angelo, Texas, OSHA cited<br />
7 S Packing LLC – operating as Texas Packing<br />
Company for exposing workers to releases<br />
of hazardous chemicals. The company faces<br />
$615,640 in penalties.<br />
OSHA determined that the meat-packing<br />
facility failed to implement a required Process<br />
Safety Management (PSM) program for operating<br />
an ammonia refrigeration unit containing<br />
over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. The<br />
employer also failed to provide fall protection,<br />
guard machines and equipment, control hazardous<br />
energy, and implement a respiratory tion program.<br />
The PSM Covered Chemical Facilities National<br />
Emphasis Program focuses on reducing or eliminating<br />
workplace hazards at chemical facilities<br />
to protect workers from catastrophic releases of<br />
highly hazardous chemicals. PSM standards emphasize<br />
the management of hazards associated<br />
with highly hazardous chemicals, and establishes<br />
a comprehensive management program that integrates<br />
technologies, procedures, and management<br />
protecpractices<br />
to prevent an unexpected release.<br />
The company has 15 business days from receipt<br />
of the citations and penalties to comply, request<br />
an informal conference with OSHA’s area<br />
director, or contest the findings before the independent<br />
Occupational Safety and Health Review<br />
Commission.<br />
And in Tumwater, Washington, OSHA fined the<br />
Dollar Tree for repeated safety violations, including<br />
blocked emergency exit routes, unsafe ladder<br />
use and improper stacking of merchandise. A recent<br />
inspection resulted in several “repeat willful”<br />
and other violations for unsafe merchandise storage<br />
and handling, and obstructed exit routes.<br />
The $503,200 fine is also related in part to L&I<br />
finding the same safety hazards at the store during<br />
multiple visits. The violations continued even after<br />
the company was informed by an L&I inspector of<br />
the safety hazards during earlier visits and was provided<br />
specific instruction on how to improve employee<br />
safety at the store and avoid further violations.<br />
“Even after multiple large fines, it appears this<br />
company has not gotten the message to ensure<br />
their safety and health system is working in every<br />
Washington store location,” said L&I Assistant Director<br />
Anne Soiza. “This fine is one of the largest<br />
we’ve issued, and we will apply pressure to Dollar<br />
Tree until its leadership takes sustained, comprehensive<br />
steps to prevent serious hazards.”<br />
This is the third substantial L&I citation and fine<br />
involving Dollar Tree in just over a year. Since the<br />
beginning of 2017, L&I has completed 15 inspections<br />
at Dollar Tree stores after complaints and referrals<br />
about unsafe working conditions.<br />
The Virginia-based company has dozens of<br />
stores throughout Washington. Prior to this most<br />
recent citation, Dollar Tree has been fined nearly<br />
$593,000 since 2013. Last year, a store in Bonney<br />
Lake was fined $166,000 for three willful violations,<br />
and a Kelso Dollar Tree was fined $140,000<br />
for violations similar to the ones found at the Vancouver<br />
store in this recent inspection.<br />
Dollar Tree’s corporate office controls inventory<br />
for local stores, and shipments arrive frequently.<br />
Challenges with too much inventory and not<br />
enough storage space lead to high stacks of boxes,<br />
often leaning over, which cause blocked and impeded<br />
pathways and other hazards.<br />
Improperly stored merchandise can fall, resulting<br />
in serious injuries or death if the boxes strike<br />
employees or cause employees to fall, or if exits<br />
are blocked during an emergency. Lifting heavy<br />
boxes onto over-the-head stacks is also likely to<br />
cause strains and sprains or serious back injuries. In<br />
the Vancouver store, workers were also climbing<br />
on shelving units, which can result in falls.<br />
The violations are not unique to Washington.<br />
Dollar Tree locations around the country have<br />
been cited for improper stacking of merchandise<br />
boxes, mostly in their storerooms, and for blocking<br />
exits or impeding pathways.<br />
The company has now been placed in L&I’s Severe<br />
Violator Enforcement Program, which means<br />
its stores are now subject to inspections at any<br />
time, among other things.<br />
Dollar Tree has appealed this citation, and it<br />
could take several months for the appeals process<br />
to be completed.<br />
Penalty money paid as a result of a citation is<br />
placed in the workers’ compensation supplemental<br />
pension fund, helping injured workers and families<br />
of those who have died on the job.<br />
32 • SUMMER 2019
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OH NO…<br />
It’s OSHA News!<br />
Summer’s here! Do you know the<br />
warning signs of heat exposure?<br />
According to OSHA, the following are common heat-related illnesses.<br />
HEAT STROKE: The most serious form of heat-related<br />
illness, happens when the body becomes unable to<br />
regulate its core temperature. Sweating stops and<br />
the body can no longer rid itself of excess heat. Signs<br />
include confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures.<br />
Heat stroke is a medical emergency that may result in<br />
death! Call 911 immediately.<br />
HEAT EXHAUSTION: This is the body’s response to loss<br />
of water and salt from heavy sweating. Signs include<br />
headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability,<br />
thirst, and heavy sweating.<br />
HEAT CRAMPS: These are caused by the loss of body<br />
salts and fluid during sweating. Low salt levels in<br />
muscles cause painful cramps. Tired muscles—those<br />
used for performing the work—are usually the ones<br />
most affected by cramps. Cramps may occur during<br />
or after working hours.<br />
HEAT RASH: This is also known as prickly heat, is a<br />
skin irritation caused by sweat that does not evaporate<br />
from the skin. Heat rash is the most common<br />
problem in hot work environments.<br />
The chart on the right shows symptoms and first<br />
aid measures to take if a worker shows signs of a<br />
heat-related illness.<br />
ILLNESS SYMPTOMS FIRST AID*<br />
Heat<br />
Stroke<br />
Heat<br />
Exhaustion<br />
Heat<br />
Cramps<br />
Heat<br />
Rash<br />
• Confusion<br />
• Fainting<br />
• Seizures<br />
• Excessive sweating<br />
or red, hot, dry skin<br />
• Very high body temperature<br />
• Cool, moist skin<br />
• Heavy sweating<br />
• Headache<br />
• Nausea<br />
or vomiting<br />
• Dizziness<br />
• Muscle spasms<br />
• Pain<br />
• Usually in abdomen,<br />
arms, or legs<br />
• Light<br />
headedness<br />
• Weakness<br />
• Thirst<br />
• Irritability<br />
• Fast heartbeat<br />
• Clusters of red bumps on skin<br />
• Often appears on neck,<br />
upper chest, folds of skin<br />
• Call 911<br />
• While waiting for help:<br />
• Place worker in shady, cool area<br />
• Loosen clothing, remove outer clothing<br />
• Fan air on worker; cold packs in armpits<br />
• Wet worker with cool water; apply ice packs, cool<br />
compresses, or ice if available<br />
• Provide fluids (preferably water) as soon as possible<br />
• Stay with worker until help arrives<br />
• Have worker sit or lie down in a cool, shady area<br />
• Give worker plenty of water or other cool beverages to drink<br />
• Cool worker with cold compresses/ice packs<br />
• Take to clinic or emergency room for medical evaluation or<br />
treatment if signs or symptoms worsen or do not improve<br />
within 60 minutes.<br />
• Do not return to work that day<br />
• Have worker rest in shady, cool area<br />
• Worker should drink water or other cool beverages<br />
• Wait a few hours before allowing worker to return to<br />
strenuous work<br />
• Have worker seek medical attention if cramps don’t go away<br />
• Try to work in a cooler,<br />
less humid environment when possible<br />
• Keep the affected area dry<br />
* Remember, if you are not a medical professional, use this information as a guide only to help workers in need.<br />
REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION ON<br />
LOCKOUT/TAGOUT STANDARDS<br />
OSHA is requesting information on a possible update to the Control of<br />
Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)) standard. The Agency is interested<br />
in comments on the use of control circuit-type devices to isolate<br />
energy, as well as the evolving technology for robotics.<br />
OSHA is requesting information about how employers have been using<br />
control circuit devices, including information about the types of circuitry<br />
and safety procedures being used; limitations of their use, to determine under<br />
what other conditions control circuit-type devices could be used safely;<br />
new risks of worker exposure to hazardous energy as a result of increased<br />
interaction with robots; and whether the agency should consider changes to<br />
the LOTO standard that would address these new risks.<br />
The current LOTO standard, published in 1989, requires that all sources<br />
of energy be controlled during servicing and maintenance of machines<br />
and equipment using an energy-isolating device. The standard specifies that<br />
control circuit devices cannot be used as energy-isolating devices, but the<br />
agency recognizes recent technological advances may have improved the<br />
safety of control circuit-type devices.<br />
Comments must be submitted on or before August 18, 2019. Comments<br />
and materials may be submitted electronically at http://www.regulations.<br />
gov, the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal, or by facsimile or mail. See the Federal<br />
Register notice for submission details.<br />
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are<br />
responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees.<br />
OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working<br />
men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training,<br />
education and assistance.<br />
NEW RULE WILL REVISE REQUIREMENTS<br />
IN SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARDS<br />
OSHA has issued a final rule that revises 14 provisions in the recordkeeping,<br />
general industry, maritime, and construction standards that may be confusing,<br />
outdated, or unnecessary. The revisions are expected to increase understanding<br />
and compliance with the provisions, improve employee safety and health,<br />
and save employers an estimated $6.1 million per year.<br />
OSHA proposed the changes in October 2016. This is the fourth final rule<br />
under OSHA’s Standards Improvement Project, which began in 1995 in response<br />
to a Presidential memorandum to improve government regulations.<br />
Other revisions were issued in 1998, 2005, and 2011.<br />
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible<br />
for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OS-<br />
HA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and<br />
women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education<br />
and assistance.<br />
OSHA OFFERS SUICIDE<br />
PREVENTION TIPS<br />
As National Suicide Prevention Week is just a few weeks away, taking<br />
place September 8, 2019 – September 14, 2019, OSHA wants you to know<br />
that there are many resources available all year round for those who are<br />
suffering from depression and having suicidal thoughts. OSHA wants every<br />
worker to know that If you’re in crisis, there are options available to help you<br />
cope. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at any time<br />
to speak with someone and get support. For confidential support available<br />
24/7 for everyone in the United States, call 1-800-273-8255. Or you can<br />
chat online at Online chat suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat.<br />
34 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 35
QUICK TIPS<br />
MONEY MAKING TIP<br />
The Vending Sales Formula<br />
Here’s the lowdown on L V S P R T C<br />
which stands for locations, visibility, security,<br />
reliability, time and convenience, according<br />
to Jim Holve, the vending expert behind<br />
ShurVend Vendors.<br />
“L” & “V” — LOCATION and VISIBILITY: When<br />
installing a vendor for high sales volume, the vendor<br />
should have “End Aisle” exposure for high<br />
visibility to make the customer take notice. Our<br />
experience indicates that the best vendor location<br />
is in or near the vacuum area of the wash site. A location<br />
at the end of one of the vacuum islands near<br />
the center of the vacuum grouping is preferred.<br />
“S” — SECURITY: This is priority #3 as the wash<br />
operator needs to have confidence that his/her<br />
vending products, sales, and profits are not stolen<br />
or the vendor put “Out of Service” due to vandalism.<br />
The current versions of our ShurVend security<br />
systems, which keep improving all the time, have<br />
been found to be very effective.<br />
36 • SUMMER 2019<br />
“P” — PRODUCTS: Experience over many years<br />
has proven that more product choices always produce<br />
higher sales volume in a vending center.<br />
“R” - RELIABILITY: Machines should operate<br />
24/7 and require very little attention from the owner<br />
other than collecting the money and restocking<br />
with product. The “Guaranteed Delivery” feature<br />
makes the vending experience hassle free for both<br />
the customer and the owner.<br />
“T” & “C” — TIME & CONVENIENCE: These<br />
are important to the success of a vending machine.<br />
The only unmetered time for a customer<br />
at a wash site is in the vacuum area where customers<br />
are not worried about the clock and can<br />
spend time cleaning their vehicle. When a vending<br />
product is needed, the customer will buy on “impulse”<br />
if the vendor is close by. If the vendor is<br />
not in the customer’s sight or is not readily available,<br />
the “impulse” to buy quickly fades away.<br />
That’s money left on the table by the wash operator.<br />
PROPERTY TIP<br />
What is wrong with this picture?<br />
These pictures were not taken at a car<br />
wash, but at a very popular hamburger chain<br />
that rhymes with “Nick Wonalds.” I took these<br />
pictures because I was waiting in line during<br />
lunchtime and was disturbed by what I saw.<br />
Tape? An illegible screen? A sad coiled hose?<br />
Weeds? Customers are stuck in their cars<br />
while waiting in the drive-thru line and this<br />
is the site they see. It wasn’t glaringly obvious<br />
unkemptness, but it did make me question<br />
the business manager’s commitment to<br />
quality food, quality upkeep and cleanliness.<br />
This photo was taken on June<br />
24. That is plenty of time to<br />
get the property in tiptop<br />
shape after the pollen and<br />
salt and muck of spring and<br />
winter. The manager or owner<br />
should know to clean off the<br />
POS system. Plant some grass<br />
seed. Buy new mulch. Hide<br />
the hose… you get the idea.<br />
And, for goodness sake, make<br />
a better effort that using a taped-up sign,<br />
messily clung to the screen.<br />
Curb appeal is important. It doesn’t have to<br />
break the bank and can make the difference<br />
between a one and done or a repeat customer.<br />
A few years back, the market research and<br />
consulting firm Morpace surveyed 1,000<br />
consumers. A whopping 95 percent of those<br />
surveyed said a store’s external appearance<br />
influences their decisions. Also, more than<br />
half of those surveyed said they would avoid<br />
a store if it appeared dirty on the outside. Two<br />
out of every three people<br />
also said the would not visit<br />
a store based on its outward<br />
appearance.<br />
Do you have properties<br />
you are proud of? Nice<br />
landscaping? Please share<br />
them with the readers by<br />
sending them to me at<br />
debrag@sscwn.com<br />
MARKETING TIP<br />
Keeping it Local<br />
My hometown area got a bit of the Hollywood treatment<br />
recently as Madison Vandenberg, of Latham, New York, was a<br />
top-three finalist on American Idol. Her reign as a finalist was<br />
all over the local news, on lawn signage and even our local ice<br />
cream chain made a special flavor in her name. Also, businesses<br />
would put special messages on their signage. It was a nice way<br />
to show hometown pride and also prove that a business wasn’t<br />
“setting and forgetting” their marketing initiatives.<br />
One idea for car wash signs would be to tap into local<br />
noteriety. For instance, did a local football team do well? A math<br />
team? Is someone being featured in a reality TV competition?<br />
Or make headlines for some noteworthy reason? If so, consider<br />
switching up your signage with a personalized, homespun<br />
message. Or, you can even have a professional banner made<br />
(costing anywhere from $30 to $100+) to show your local<br />
pride. The idea is that your business’s presence isn’t stale and<br />
you are taking pride in your area.<br />
SAFETY TIP<br />
Are you Prepared?<br />
Flooding season most commonly occurs between Spring and<br />
Fall. It can happen anywhere and it is important to be prepared.<br />
According to the Small Business Association (SBA), Floods are<br />
one of the most common and widespread of all disasters, and<br />
continue to grow in frequency and severity and businesses are<br />
more likely to flood than burn down, so it is vital to prepare<br />
now.<br />
The SBA also offers this checklist to follow before a flood<br />
strikes.<br />
33Review Emergency Plan with team, and key employees<br />
33Take all necessary steps to prevent the release of dangerous chemicals<br />
that might be stored on your property - locate main gas and<br />
electrical shut-offs and anchor all fuel tanks<br />
33Postpone any receipt of goods- deliveries, couriers, etc.<br />
33Contact insurance agent, discuss policy, etc.<br />
33Establish emergency communication method (Alert Notification<br />
System, phone tree,etc.); identify meeting place and time for all key<br />
employees in Crisis Management Team; create voicemail for when<br />
evacuated, or out of office, etc.<br />
33Update disaster recovery kits and begin crisis back-up procedures<br />
33Maintain accurate inventory of product on site<br />
33Use plugs to prevent flood water from backing up into sewer drains,<br />
or install flood vents/or flood proof barriers<br />
33Stay tuned to local media & community messaging<br />
After the Flood<br />
33Listen for news reports to learn whether the community’s water supply<br />
is safe to drink<br />
33Avoid floodwaters; water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw<br />
sewage - water may also be electrically charged from underground or<br />
downed power lines<br />
33Be aware of areas where floodwaters have receded, roads may have<br />
weakened and could collapse under the weight of a car<br />
33Clean and disinfect everything that got wet, mud left from floodwater<br />
can contain sewage and chemicals<br />
33Implement DR plan, and monitor local authorities’ communication<br />
33Contact employees via determined method of communication and<br />
discuss next steps<br />
33Contact your insurance agent
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SUMMER 2019 • 37
Spring<br />
2008<br />
Presenting some of the best, and most<br />
noteworthy headlines and excerpts from<br />
the Self Serve Car Wash News archives.<br />
Here are the highlights...<br />
38 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 39
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40 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 41
INDUSTRY DIRT<br />
HAPPENINGS IN & AROUND<br />
SELF SERVE CARWASHING<br />
Lovegrove Electrical to<br />
distribute PDQ equipment<br />
in Western Australia<br />
PDQ Manufacturing, Inc., part of OPW Vehicle Wash Systems, announced<br />
the appointment of a new distributor for the state of Western<br />
Australia. Lovegrove Electrical, located near Perth, WA, has agreed to acquire<br />
the PDQ vehicle wash equipment distribution business from PDQ’s<br />
former WA distributor, Carwash Spares and Repairs, along with related<br />
lines, a press release stated.<br />
Lovegrove Electrical is a large,<br />
family-owned, multidiscipline contracting<br />
company delivering ‘complete<br />
confidence’ via its end-to-end<br />
solutions within the commercial, industrial, petroleum, LPG, solar and<br />
carwash industries.<br />
“PDQ is very excited to have Lovegrove as an official distributor,” Rob<br />
Lewis, PDQ’s International Sales Manager, stated in the press release. “Lovegrove’s<br />
wide array of capabilities will tremendously strengthen PDQ’s<br />
distribution capabilities in Western Australia, especially in the fuels segment.<br />
Chris Read, owner of our former distributor Carwash Spares and Repairs,<br />
leaves a strong legacy of superior customer satisfaction for Lovegrove<br />
to build upon. PDQ thanks Chris for his many years of industry service, and<br />
we welcome the Lovegrove group to the team.”<br />
“We are extremely excited to have the opportunity of working with the<br />
best vehicle wash equipment available,” said Mike Lovegrove, co-owner of<br />
Lovegrove Electrical, in the press release. “It makes our job much easier<br />
when you can approach customers and know that you are selling a very<br />
sound and proven product. We see a strong potential for growth opportunities<br />
across the state as there are some areas that are clearly under washed.”<br />
Tony Lovegrove, co-owner of Lovegrove Electrical added, “We believe that<br />
the LaserWash 360 Plus is the perfect carwash solution for our busy lifestyles.<br />
It’s quicker and gives a far superior wash than its competitors.”<br />
Belanger launches<br />
new website<br />
Belanger, a manufacturer of tunnel and in-bay automatic vehicle wash<br />
systems, has introduced a completely redesigned and improved website<br />
that’s located at belangerinc.com. The new mobile-responsive site, according<br />
to a press release, was developed to provide customers with a more<br />
user-friendly design that allows easy access to critical technical resources, as<br />
well as helpful educational materials. The new site also aligns the Belanger<br />
brand with the image standards of the newly formed OPW Vehicle Wash<br />
Solutions business unit.<br />
“Creating one effective eco-system for car wash solutions is a contributing<br />
factor to the success of our new vehicle wash brand,” said Gary Campbell,<br />
General Manager for OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions, which includes<br />
Belanger and PDQ, in a press release. “A new Belanger site that provides the<br />
same intuitive experience as our other OPW business unit pages is a major<br />
step in improving purchasing, service and education for our vehicle wash<br />
customers.”<br />
Aside from new branding and an updated design, the Belanger website<br />
houses an expansive resource library of technical guides, product literature<br />
and helpful videos for distributors to deepen their knowledge of the products<br />
and enhance customer support. To expedite and simplify the user journey,<br />
the site also features these user experience improvements:<br />
• Improved navigation featuring a more intuitive menu system<br />
• Improved search functionality to make narrowing down and finding relevant<br />
results easier<br />
• Cleaner layout that puts key content first and guides users to their desired<br />
destination in fewer clicks<br />
DRB Systems acquires<br />
Suds Creative<br />
DRB Holdings, LLC, DBA<br />
DRB Systems, a provider of<br />
technology-enabled devices<br />
and software solutions to the car wash industry, announced it has acquired<br />
Suds Creative (“Suds”), a full-service marketing agency for car wash owners<br />
and industry vendors, according to a press release.<br />
“Our mission is to help car wash operators drive growth as a trusted partner,”<br />
said Dan Pittman, CEO of DRB, in the press release. “Traditionally,<br />
we’ve done that with enterprise technology solutions, industry know-how<br />
and best-in-class support. With Suds, we can take that to the next level by<br />
providing strategic marketing solutions, that truly drive customers to the<br />
car wash. We know marketing is a success quotient to a thriving car wash<br />
and lube center, which is exactly why we are partnering with Suds.”<br />
“We’ve been working with DRB Systems for years, and this is just a natural<br />
fit,” said Jason Baumgartner, co-founder and CEO of Suds. “We’re looking<br />
forward to combining the strengths of our two organizations to help car<br />
wash operators achieve greater levels of success.”<br />
With this acquisition, DRB is adding Suds to its collection of brands in<br />
the car care industry, including: DRB Systems, Unitec, NoPileups by DRB<br />
Systems and Sage Microsystems.<br />
42 • SUMMER 2019
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INDUSTRY<br />
DIRT<br />
LSI Industries names new CCO and National Sales Manager<br />
ROSS HORTON<br />
LSI Industries Inc., of Cincinnati,<br />
Ohio, a manufacturer of outdoor<br />
and indoor lighting and graphics for<br />
commercial, industrial, and multi-site<br />
retail environments, announced new<br />
hires recently. Ross Horton has been<br />
promoted to Chief Commercial Officer<br />
for Atlas Lighting Products, a<br />
press release reported.<br />
Atlas Lighting Products joined the<br />
LSI Industries portfolio of brands in<br />
early 2017 after LSI’s acquisition of the stock of<br />
Atlas Lighting Products.<br />
Atlas Lighting Products is a North Carolina-based<br />
manufacturer of quality, energy-efficient,<br />
and fast-selling LED lighting products sold into<br />
the electrical distribution market. The company’s<br />
US manufacturing facility provides for extensive<br />
quality testing, faster delivery, and quick turnaround<br />
on both stock and special-build items.<br />
Tapping his extensive experience with both LSI<br />
and Atlas Lighting Products brands, Horton will<br />
be responsible for marketing, inside sales, customer<br />
service, and IT functions for the Atlas Lighting<br />
Products organization.<br />
“Ross Horton has been an excellent performer<br />
in multiple roles at LSI<br />
Industries and at Atlas<br />
Lighting Products, producing<br />
a series of positive<br />
outcomes wherever<br />
and whenever he<br />
gets involved,” Seth<br />
Walters, President, Atlas<br />
Lighting Products, stated<br />
in the press release. “So, we<br />
are thrilled to promote him to this<br />
new role as Chief Commercial Officer, where<br />
he’ll utilize his expertise to drive strategy alignment<br />
across commercial functions and business<br />
growth, while creating more value for our customers.<br />
LSI has also added on John Bank as a new National<br />
Sales Manager for Retail Accounts Bank<br />
will work directly with national brands and large<br />
retailers, focusing on graphics, décor and digital<br />
signage programs, a press release reported. He will<br />
bring his expertise to provide lighting, graphic,<br />
and digital signage solutions that create engaging<br />
environments, strong identities, and operational<br />
efficiencies, including energy savings from LED<br />
lighting and control products and digital displays<br />
that can reduce print costs and automate<br />
promotional schedules. Bank will also<br />
work to grow lighting product sales,<br />
and advance LSI Industries’ initiative<br />
to expand product offerings of<br />
smart tools, digital, and safety and<br />
security products to each of LSI Industries’<br />
distributors.<br />
Bank, according to the press release,<br />
has a special expertise (both print and digital)<br />
in exterior and interior signage and LED signage.<br />
Prior to joining LSI Industries, he served for 15<br />
years in senior sales positions in the sign industry<br />
with Parvin Clauss Sign Company, Jones Sign<br />
Company, Identity Group, and Kieffer Signs.<br />
“John Bank has outstanding expertise, given his<br />
background in retail signage, and he is able to offer<br />
our customers deep knowledge of lighting, graphic,<br />
and digital signage solutions and the effective<br />
integration of these elements in the built environment,”<br />
said Steve Moeglin, LSI Industries’ Director,<br />
Retail National Accounts, in the press release.<br />
“We’re thrilled that John has joined our team; he<br />
really rounds out the expertise we can bring to<br />
market, and our customers will be thrilled to have<br />
access to his knowledge.”<br />
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American Changer purchases assets of<br />
Triad Design Group Incorporated<br />
American Changer Corporation announced<br />
the finalization of an Asset Purchase<br />
Agreement with Triad Design Group<br />
Incorporated, a manufacturer of Self-<br />
Serve Money Changers servicing a<br />
variety of industries, according to a<br />
press release.<br />
“Triad’s culture of providing high<br />
quality products and services, along<br />
with developing long-term relationships<br />
with customers, supports American<br />
Changer’s continued growth plan and<br />
accelerates innovative product development.<br />
This strategic Asset Purchase<br />
Agreement allows customers<br />
to benefit from increased resources<br />
and shared knowledge,” the press release<br />
stated.<br />
Products and parts for Triad changers will<br />
continue to be sold under the Triad trade name,<br />
which has been associated with developing products<br />
to meet customer needs and filling gaps in<br />
the marketplace. Triad’s principal owner, Chuck<br />
White, will join the American Changer team as<br />
National Accounts Manager following a brief<br />
transitional period. In his role as National<br />
Accounts Manager, White will focus<br />
on several projects which include ensuring<br />
relationship continuity with<br />
Triad customers, sales growth in new<br />
and existing markets, and product<br />
development.<br />
Products and services will be provided<br />
from American Changer’s manufacturing<br />
and corporate center in Fort Lauderdale,<br />
Florida. The absorption of<br />
Triad’s product line into American<br />
Changer’s expanding portfolio will<br />
be supported by American Changer’s<br />
dedicated and experienced team<br />
members.<br />
The acquisition unites three of the<br />
most reputable brands of money changers<br />
in the world – Triad, Rowe and American Changer.<br />
INDUSTRY<br />
Kleen-Rite acquires<br />
Kim Supply<br />
DIRT<br />
Kleen-Rite Corporation of Columbia, Pennsylvania,<br />
is pleased to announce it is acquiring the<br />
assets of Kim Supply.<br />
Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Kim Supply<br />
has been a staple carwash distributor for generations.<br />
Its strategic location and knowledgeable staff<br />
combined with Kleen-Rite’s inventory and pricing<br />
power is sure to be a winning combination for car<br />
wash operators in the Midwest region of the United<br />
States, a press release states.<br />
Kleen-Rite aims to offer fasting shipping times<br />
to the majority of its existing customers.<br />
“It’s all about providing exceptional customer<br />
service,” says Jeff Detz, Kleen-Rite Chief<br />
Operating Officer. “We can service a greater customer<br />
base and offer 1-2-day ship points to most<br />
of the lower 48 continental states.”<br />
The deal is expected to close in the second quarter<br />
of 2019.<br />
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ANY WASH<br />
No matter your equipment,<br />
we work with just about any<br />
equipment on the market.<br />
ANY PAYMENT<br />
Payments are made easily<br />
through credit or loyalty<br />
cards, and mobile.<br />
ANY LOCATION<br />
With one location or<br />
hundreds, tie all your data<br />
together to make managing<br />
your wash a breeze.<br />
651-439-5740 | washcard.com<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 47
EXTRA!<br />
EXTRA!<br />
Presenting the news stories featuring self serves car washes<br />
48 • SUMMER 2019<br />
Car wash praised<br />
for sunflower fields<br />
A self serve car wash in Chester County, Pennsylvania,<br />
is gaining quite the exposure and praise<br />
for its thousands of sunflowers. According to NBC<br />
Philadelphia, the sunflowers attract tens of thousands<br />
of people each year. Please Wash Me owner<br />
Rick Frey said in the story, “People drive up to sunflowers<br />
and as soon as they see them their eyes are<br />
big, and everybody smiles.”<br />
The first batch bloomed the last week of July.<br />
Frey estimated that last year people drove to the<br />
car wash from different states and countries just to<br />
see the sunflowers. He told NBC that people come<br />
to take wedding pictures, pregnancy and newborn<br />
photos and family portraits. “Some people bring<br />
their dogs, cats, pigs, horses, cows, Guinea pigs and<br />
other animals for pictures.”<br />
Frey’s wife, Joey Frey, who is in charge of the<br />
car wash’s Facebook page had to start a Sunflower<br />
Update series to appease the countless messages<br />
she received, asking about the sunflowers. “We’re<br />
always excited,” Rick Frey said in the story. “On<br />
the weekends it can get a little crazy.”<br />
Frey, who has owned the self serve for 15 years,<br />
said he planted the sunflowers nine years ago because<br />
people said they didn’t notice his business and<br />
it was tanking. The sunflower field is free for people<br />
of all ages to visit and walk through and there is a<br />
ramp for handicap people, reported NBC.<br />
New self serve going up next<br />
to an Aldi’s in Virginia<br />
Councilmembers in Leesburg, Virginia, voted<br />
to approve plans for an ALDI grocery store,<br />
gas station with a self-service car wash, a standalone<br />
car wash, a tire shop, and buildings for retail<br />
and restaurant uses. A story in the Loudoun<br />
Times-Mirror stated that, at press time, four of the<br />
buildings have signed leases, including ALDI, the<br />
stand-alone car wash and the gas station with the<br />
self-service car wash.<br />
Developer Peterson Companies worked with<br />
the Board of Architectural Review and the Planning<br />
Commission to refine the application, and<br />
most of the council approved of the buildings’<br />
style, the story said. Councilwoman Suzanne Fox<br />
stated in the story, “When I looked at the renderings,<br />
they were beautiful. I liked them.”<br />
Councilmember Tom Dunn voiced concerns<br />
about their being two kinds of car washes within<br />
close proximity. Molly Novotny, a representative<br />
of Peterson Companies, responded that the final<br />
design, including any tweaks to the architecture,<br />
are under development. Plans are for the businesses<br />
to be open by spring 2021.<br />
A new car wash is<br />
coming to Sioux Falls<br />
A Clean Ride Auto Spa is currently under construction<br />
in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and will<br />
include both full-service and self-service car wash<br />
options and a coffee shop.<br />
According to the Argus Leader, owner and partner<br />
Dave Dreessen wants to create af lex-service<br />
model.<br />
The wash should be open this fall. Dreessen is<br />
one of five local families which invested in the<br />
business. He and other founders wanted a higher<br />
level of car wash in the city, according to the story.<br />
Details for the coffee shop have not yet been<br />
revealed, but the article stated that Coffea brand<br />
coffee will be served.<br />
Did you celebrate<br />
National Car Wash Day?<br />
Starting last year on July 14, a day was officially<br />
carved out for car washing. Known as the National<br />
Car Wash Day, thanks to Bentley Brandon of<br />
Smyrna, Georgia, the day has grown in momentum<br />
and is now officially recognized in multiple<br />
states. Brandon, who worked tirelessly to make the<br />
day happen, also holds the Guiness Book of World<br />
Records title for most washed cars by an individual.<br />
According to his website, “on Sunday, September<br />
16, 2018, Bentley Brandon etched his place<br />
in the [history]. He established a new Guinness<br />
World Record by washing 101 cars in 8 hours by<br />
himself.” The previous record was 55 cars.<br />
New wash in South Carolina<br />
caters to female customers<br />
A new automatic car wash is coming to Rosewood,<br />
and it’s geared to women.<br />
The new Rosewood Express Car Wash is currently<br />
under construction in Rosewood, South<br />
Carolina, and is being designed for the female demographic,<br />
according to The State, the car wash<br />
is going up across from the University of South<br />
Carolina track and field facility. The lot is notable<br />
because of the huge retaining wall that was built<br />
to level the property, according to the story.<br />
Owner George Renard said the car wash is “designed<br />
to be inviting to young female customers —<br />
especially University of South Carolina students<br />
— who don’t want to use a self-service car wash<br />
or pony up the bucks for a full service car wash or<br />
detail shop,” the story said.<br />
The car wash is slated to be open before the<br />
school year begins.
SUMMER 2019 • 49
INNOVATIONS<br />
INTRODUCING NEW AND IMPROVED PRODUCTS AND<br />
SERVICES FOR SELF SERVE CAR WASHES<br />
New website<br />
from Belanger<br />
Belanger has introduced a completely redesigned and improved website<br />
that’s located at<br />
belangerinc.com. The new mobile-responsive site was developed to provide<br />
customers with a more user-friendly design that allows easy access to critical<br />
technical resources, as well as helpful educational materials. The new site also<br />
aligns the Belanger brand with the image standards of the newly formed OPW<br />
Vehicle Wash Solutions business unit.<br />
“Creating one effective eco-system for car wash solutions is a contributing<br />
factor to the success of our new vehicle wash brand,” said Gary Campbell, General<br />
Manager for OPW Vehicle Wash<br />
Solutions, which includes Belanger and PDQ. “A new Belanger site that provides<br />
the same intuitive experience as our other OPW business unit pages is a<br />
major step in improving purchasing, service and education for our vehicle wash<br />
customers.”<br />
Aside from new branding and an updated design, the Belanger website<br />
houses an expansive resource library of technical guides, product literature and<br />
helpful videos for distributors to deepen their knowledge of the products and<br />
enhance customer support. To expedite and simplify the user journey, the site<br />
also features these<br />
user experience improvements:<br />
• Improved navigation featuring a more intuitive menu system<br />
• Improved search functionality to make narrowing down and<br />
• finding relevant results easier<br />
• Cleaner layout that puts key content first and guides users<br />
• to their desired destination in fewer clicks<br />
Lighting for harsh<br />
environments from G&G<br />
G&G Industrial Lighting has announced the release of the new VPX<br />
Industrial Vaporsealed LED Linear, a low-profile, waterproof solution for<br />
harsh environments. The VPX is driverless, seamless and IP68 rated. Its<br />
compact 1” round housing is permanently sealed and requires<br />
no assembly. This vaportight reduces the risk of failure by more than<br />
80% in comparison to traditional models.<br />
The VPX was derived from a need for a high efficiency vaportight that<br />
is able to withstand prolonged exposure to harsh environments without<br />
the need for assembly or maintenance. A seamless extruded housing provides<br />
IP68 ingress protection along with excellent chemical and UV resistance<br />
without the use of clips, gaskets or seals. By creating a completely<br />
sealed housing, the VPX prevents any risk of water intrusion and will not<br />
collect debris. By also eliminating the need for a traditional LED driver,<br />
VPX is able to connect directly to AC line voltage to drive the LEDs,<br />
resulting in higher efficiency, smaller size, longer life and greater reliability.<br />
By removing the power source, the overall size of the fixture is significantly<br />
decreased, resulting in a much smaller footprint with a lumen density<br />
of 150 lumens per cubic inch. The VPX incorporates the highest quality<br />
components and the latest LED technology to achieve an efficiency of<br />
over 120 lumens per watt and 1250 lumens per foot.<br />
G&G’s lighting products are proudly Made in America, all of which<br />
are engineered, tested, manufactured, assembled and shipped from one<br />
facility in Clifton Park, New York.<br />
Regulating valve<br />
from General Pump<br />
General Pump is now offering a patent-pending<br />
CWR4525, a proprietary regulating valve for vehicle<br />
wash applications. The CWR4525 is specifically<br />
designed to handle higher flows of up to 45 GPM and<br />
pressures up to 2,500 PSI, making it especially perfect<br />
for General Pump’s HTCK Series pumps.<br />
Completely made in the USA, this valve also<br />
features a grease zerk to keep the piston and seals<br />
lubricated, multiple connections for easy installation<br />
and is ideal for use in rollover carwashes. This unique<br />
regulator protects against pressure spikes and regulates<br />
pressure variations.<br />
High foaming<br />
presoak from CSI ®<br />
CSI ® has introduced the all new Ultra Presoak UF224, an ultra concentrated<br />
high foaming presoak designed for high performance cleaning.<br />
This is an ultra-concentrated high performance all-in-one liquid alkaline<br />
presoak for all types of car washes. UF224 was developed with unique<br />
surfactant matrix, organic builder, and powerful<br />
Solvent. The ideal ratio of surfactant/builder/solvent offers an attractive<br />
foam presentation for customer appeal and economics.<br />
This product has great compatibility to other alkaline products, surfactant<br />
blends, and extenders utilizing it in various environments. It has proven<br />
to be very effective in overcoming some water hardness and continuing<br />
to perform at a high level. It is perfect for touchless automatics, presoak<br />
arches, prep guns in tunnel applications, and presoak and high-pressure<br />
soap in self-serve car washes.<br />
50 • SUMMER 2019
SUMMER 2019 • 51
www.manniwashsystems.com<br />
1-800-552-4492<br />
1131 Greensburg Road • Lower Burrell, PA 15068 • Phone 724.337.8255 • Fax 724.337.8554<br />
THE HI TECH CAR WASH SYSTEM<br />
IS BACK AND STRONGER THAN EVER!<br />
All Turbo Wash<br />
units come with<br />
the Rear Blaster!<br />
Top Reasons to buy a<br />
TURBO WASH<br />
Touch Free<br />
In-Bay Automatic<br />
The WORLD’S finest self service automatic continues to set the<br />
standards for CLEAN CARS and HIGH PRODUCTION.<br />
While our competitors claim their equipment is high tech<br />
because of its good looks and aesthetics that does not mean it<br />
will make you successful in the car wash business.<br />
This business is all about clean cars and happy customers. It is<br />
not about having the prettiest equipment.<br />
High volume car washes that can deliver clean, shiny cars need<br />
to be a “WORK HORSE”, and that is what the TURBO WASH is<br />
often called. In fact, there are more units of the TURBO WASH<br />
basic design that are 10, 20 even 30 years old that are still out<br />
there washing cars. What other manufacturer can make that<br />
statement?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Clean cars! Better than any other touch free<br />
Available to fit in existing bays easily<br />
Simplicity of operation<br />
Extensive use of Stainless Steel<br />
Highest quality components throughout<br />
High production – you wash more cars<br />
Will STILL be running when you make your<br />
last payment<br />
UL approved electrical throughout<br />
52 • SUMMER 2019
The Total Self-Service Package<br />
1200-1500 psi • 3 hp • 3 phase Available up to 8 Bays.<br />
SIX BAY WASH MODULE·UL Listed<br />
Includes: Soap • Wax • Rinse • Pre-Soak • Foaming Tire Cleaner and Foaming Brush<br />
Standard Features<br />
• Stainless Steel Frame Construction<br />
• Stainless Steel Holding Tanks<br />
• Stainless Steel 360 o Boom<br />
• Stainless Steel 180 o Brush Boom<br />
• Stainless Steel Coin Box (vault ready)<br />
• Coin Box Heaters<br />
• Electronic Coin Acceptors<br />
• Digital Readout Timers<br />
• Motor Starters with Overload Protectors<br />
• Low Pressure Air Pumps<br />
• Trigger Gun and Hose Assembly<br />
• Hogs Hair Foaming Brush<br />
• Automatic High Pressure Weep<br />
• Roof Trough Manifold<br />
• All High Pressure and Low Pressure<br />
Hoses and fittings<br />
• 100 KVA Transformer Per Bay<br />
• Stainless Steel Pre-Soak Pump<br />
• Sign Package<br />
• Wire from Coin Box to Panel<br />
• U.L. Listed Control Panel<br />
Call us for our Special Pricing on Upgrading your Present Equipment<br />
Check us out on the Web: www.manniwashsystems.com<br />
Manni’s Wash Module<br />
Manni's 1131 GREENSBURG ROAD • LOWER BURRELL, PA 15068<br />
WASH SYSTEMS 724-337-8255 800-552-4492 Fax: 724-337-8554<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 53
FUN&GAMES<br />
Think these two pictures taken at a self serve car wash are the same?<br />
Think again! There are six differences. Can you spot them all?<br />
5. $1 and $5 is $10 and $20<br />
6. Row in vending machine is missing<br />
3. Garbage can hole is larger<br />
4. Vending machine is longer<br />
Answers:<br />
1. There are two fragrance trees<br />
2. Flag is missing<br />
WHAT’S<br />
DIFFERENT?<br />
SAY THAT AGAIN?<br />
If you want to impress your customers with your worldly<br />
language skills, you can start by learning how to say “car wash”<br />
in various languages. We will help in getting you started by<br />
presenting you with various ways “car wash” is said across the<br />
globe. Can you guess each dialect? Answers are below.<br />
Answers<br />
1. Turkish<br />
2. Portuguese<br />
3. Polish<br />
4. German<br />
5. Albanian<br />
6. Hungarian<br />
7. Samoan<br />
8. Welsh<br />
9. Finnish<br />
10. Latin<br />
1. oto yikama<br />
2. lavagem de carros<br />
3. myjnia samochodowa<br />
4. waschanlage<br />
5. larje makine<br />
6. autómosó<br />
7. fufulu taavale<br />
8. golchi ceir<br />
9. autopesu<br />
10. currus lava<br />
54 • SUMMER 2019
SUPPORTOUR<br />
ADVERTISERS<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 55
2019<br />
CALENDAR<br />
OF EVENTS<br />
AUG 21-22<br />
WCA AT DISNEYLAND<br />
Anaheim, CA<br />
www.wcwa.org<br />
AUG 28<br />
CONNECTICUT<br />
CARWASH<br />
ASSOCIATION<br />
GOLF CLASSIC<br />
Fairview Farm Golf Course<br />
Harwinton, CT<br />
Wewashcars.com<br />
SEP 9<br />
NECA GOLF OUTING<br />
Brookmeadow<br />
Country Club<br />
Canton, Massachusetts<br />
www.newenglandcarwash.org<br />
SEP 23-25<br />
NORTHEAST<br />
REGIONAL CARWASH<br />
CONVENTION<br />
Atlantic City Convention Center<br />
Atlantic City, New Jersey<br />
www.nrccshow.com<br />
OCT 10<br />
SPLASH!<br />
Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas<br />
www.carwash.org<br />
Association News<br />
ICA to host Splash!, anncounces scholarship winner<br />
The International Carwash Association will be<br />
hosting its Splash! event this fall. Designed for a<br />
powerful community experience, Splash! is a condensed<br />
conference so you can get in, gain an edge,<br />
and get back to your business to put all your new<br />
knowledge into action. You also won’t find any<br />
equipment on display as Splash! is all about the<br />
people, according to the ICA. People will gather<br />
“in one big room and in less than 24 hours, you’ll<br />
get everything you need to stay competitive and<br />
profitable: industry connections, education, inspiration,<br />
and practical tools and strategies.”<br />
For just $99, Splash! provides:<br />
• Insightful educational presentations<br />
• Engaging tabletop discussions<br />
• Solutions from 50+ vendors<br />
• New ideas and connections with attendees from<br />
across the country<br />
PLUS, join in on the Las Vegas Western Carwash<br />
Association Roadshow and tour local washes<br />
before Splash begins Oct. 10.<br />
Every half hour, the program alternates between<br />
stage presentations and networking opportunities,<br />
including:<br />
• Wash Talks are educational stage presentations.<br />
• Windshield Time is a rare opportunity to meet<br />
directly with exhibitors intent on solving your car<br />
wash-related problems.<br />
• Table Topics offer unique, table-specific topics<br />
for small groups to discuss.<br />
The ICA is also pleased to announce the recipient<br />
of its 2019 Larry Harrell Scholarship. Michael<br />
Trentini is a Greensboro, North Carolina, native,<br />
who graduated from Greensboro Day School<br />
NRCC details announced<br />
Those looking to attend this year’s Northeast<br />
Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC) from September<br />
23-25 in Atlantic City, can now book their<br />
room at the Borgota Hotel Casino & Spa. Using<br />
the group code GBCAR19, the room block cut-off<br />
date is September 6.<br />
A few of the features of this event, according<br />
to a press release, are:<br />
• Keynoter Moo Moo’s John Roush: Learn how to think<br />
out of the box and create a brand like no other!<br />
WCA is going to Disneyland!<br />
The Western Carwash Association (WCA) is hosting<br />
an event at Disneyland where attendees will<br />
tour car washes, learn the fundamentals of being a<br />
car wash manager, and connect with peers in the car<br />
wash industry. The two-day event will be held August<br />
21-22 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.<br />
The event will include:<br />
• Car Wash Manager Fundamentals Course | Wednesday,<br />
August 21st | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br />
Effective teams are the core of every successful<br />
car wash organization. Ensuring that your managers<br />
have the right skills to build and maintain<br />
and will attend the University of North Carolina<br />
at Chapel Hill in the fall.<br />
According to the ICA, Trentini spent his junior<br />
and senior years as an employee at Autobell<br />
Car Wash, also in Greensboro, and attributes a<br />
fellow employee, Matt Ryan, for teaching him a<br />
valuable life lesson.<br />
“What I learned from Matt is about far more<br />
than welcoming me to the Autobell team; it’s<br />
about recognizing when someone feels like an outsider<br />
in any situation and making them feel welcome<br />
with kindness and a smile,” he said in a press<br />
release. “Ever since I met Matt Ryan, I keep my eye<br />
out for new employees at work, lonely students at<br />
school, or even my friends who are having a bad<br />
day, and I try to let them know that they aren’t<br />
alone, just as Matt did to me.”<br />
Each year, to encourage the pursuit of a college<br />
education, the International Carwash Association<br />
presents a $1,000 Larry Harrell Scholarship<br />
to a deserving recipient. Recipients are selected on<br />
the basis of high school standing, leadership roles,<br />
community involvement, honors and response to<br />
the 500-word essay.<br />
Eligibility requirements:<br />
• Recipient must be an employee, or direct family<br />
members of employees, of an International Carwash<br />
Association member.<br />
• Must be a graduating high school senior, or have<br />
graduated in the past three years;<br />
• Must be enrolled (or will enroll) at an accredited<br />
post-secondary educational institution;<br />
• Not be the owner, or a direct family member of<br />
the owner, of the member location.<br />
• The “Virtual Carwash Tour” is Back! We’ll get inside<br />
some innovative washes—virtually: This event was<br />
standing room only last year!<br />
• 320+ Exhibits<br />
• Welcome Reception at The Water Club sponsored by<br />
Innovative Control Systems<br />
• Exceptional Educational Programming<br />
• Limitless Networking<br />
• Opportunities to win big at the Borgata<br />
effective teams will guarantee future success. This<br />
course will provide car wash managers the fundamental<br />
skills needed to effectively manage staff<br />
within their organization.<br />
• Roadshow & Annual Membership Meeting | Thursday,<br />
August 22nd | 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.<br />
Gain insight into the industry by touring some of<br />
Orange County’s finest car washes! Featuring a keynote<br />
presentation by Doug Lipp, Author of Disney U.<br />
Those attending are encouranged to stay at Disney’s<br />
Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.<br />
56 • SUMMER 2019
From startup to ongoing success,<br />
we’ll be a partner you can trust.<br />
• CAREFUL SITE SELECTION<br />
• SMART FINANCING OPTIONS<br />
• INDUSTRY LEADING EQUIPMENT<br />
• SUPERIOR SERVICE & TECHNICIANS<br />
• PARTS, SUPPLIES & CHEMICALS<br />
• PROVEN MARKETING SUPPORT<br />
www.hcws.com<br />
Harrell’s Northeast<br />
Littleton, Massachusetts<br />
866-343-6680<br />
Washtech - Mid Atlantic<br />
Charlottesville, Virginia<br />
800-448-4735<br />
Harrell’s Midwest<br />
Indianapolis, Indiana<br />
800-274-2777<br />
Harrell’s Heartland<br />
Johnston, Iowa<br />
800-289-8098<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 57
Association News<br />
NECA awards five scholarships<br />
The New England Carwash Association<br />
(NECA) has awarded five, $1,000 scholarships, including<br />
the first Thomas Rando Memorial Scholarship.<br />
Since the program’s inception in 2011,<br />
NECA has awarded $22,000 in scholarships to<br />
very deserving young people.<br />
The 2019 winners include...<br />
• Tommi Bonomo, whose mother works for AutoShine<br />
of New England, will be attending Southern CT State<br />
University and studying psychology.<br />
• Trevor Koppy, whose father works for Triple Play Car<br />
Wash, will be attending UMass Boston and studying<br />
biochemistry.<br />
• Cally Seidel, whose mother works for National<br />
Ticket, will be attending Bloomsburg University and<br />
studying psychology.<br />
• Julia Simons, whose father works for RoJo, will be<br />
attending Bridgewater State University and considering<br />
a variety of career options.<br />
Michael Connolly, who has been working for<br />
Sandwich Car Wash while studying economics<br />
at Cape Cod Community College, is the Thomas<br />
Rando Memorial Scholarship winner. Michael<br />
works 25 hours/week at the carwash plus attends<br />
college full time, is his class president and performs<br />
community service. Our Scholarship Committee<br />
was very impressed by his drive and determination.<br />
He is a young man who has exhibited<br />
exceptional initiative.<br />
Anyone who works for a NECA member<br />
company or is an immediate relation to someone<br />
who works for a NECA member company may<br />
apply for a scholarship. 2020 applications will be<br />
available next January.<br />
IDA forms new chapter<br />
The International Detailing Association (IDA)<br />
has recently welcomed two new chapters to its<br />
fold: India and France. The introduction of these<br />
chapters follows a significant revamp to the IDA<br />
Chapter program.<br />
According to a press release, when the program<br />
was first established in March 2016, three<br />
chapters were quickly formed by May of the following<br />
year: United Kingdom, Norway, and New<br />
Zealand. However, it would be nearly another two<br />
years before the next chapter came to be in India.<br />
The IDA Chapter Development Committee,<br />
which was officially formed in January 2019 with<br />
Board Member Jason Rose, CD-SV, RT, at the helm,<br />
is working to promote the international Chapter<br />
program by facilitating the formation of new<br />
chapters. The committee will focus on optimizing<br />
the engagement and results of existing chapters,<br />
through efforts such as quarterly progress meetings<br />
and a mentorship program. The committee also set<br />
goals for its inaugural year, including an objective to<br />
establish four new chapters. With the addition of<br />
India and France, the committee is right on pace to<br />
reach its goal by the end of the year.<br />
India, the first new chapter, received IDA<br />
Board approval in April 2019. The chapter’s formation<br />
comes not only at a good time for the IDA, but<br />
also at an important time for the detailing industry<br />
in India, which has begun increasing exponentially.<br />
IDA President Jonathan Munsell, CD, will be<br />
traveling abroad in July 2019 to continue strengthening<br />
bonds with our existing chapters in Europe.<br />
He is planning to visit the UK, Norway, and the<br />
IDA’s newest chapter in France “to show support<br />
and help build awareness of chapters and the IDA.”<br />
Munsell will also be facilitating Meet and<br />
Greets and IDA certification, as he will be in the<br />
UK the weekend of Waxstock, Europe’s largest car<br />
care event. After a brief hiatus in 2018, the IDA<br />
will once again be represented at the show with<br />
a Certification Event – Phase I (CD), coordinated<br />
by the UK Chapter. This tradeshow presence<br />
fits nicely into the Chapter Development Committee’s<br />
goal of supporting the chapters’ efforts<br />
to maximize participation in the larger detailing<br />
industry in their area.<br />
The IDA currently has five active chapters, with<br />
members in 56 countries and territories across the<br />
globe. If you’re interested in setting up a chapter in<br />
your country or region, please email info@the-ida.<br />
com to request a copy of the “How to Form a New<br />
IDA Chapter” packet. You can also find out more<br />
about the requirements and the process of forming<br />
a chapter by visiting the-ida.com/Chapters.<br />
Australian Car Wash Association talks water restricitons, new wage rates<br />
The Australian Car Wash Association (ACWA)<br />
is warning its members of potential water restrictions<br />
and also sharing important information<br />
about wage rate increases.<br />
Between 2006 and 2008 drought conditions<br />
hit Australia and government authorities moved to<br />
stop car washing, according to a press release. The<br />
ACWA accepted the challenge and on behalf of<br />
car wash owners across Australia, the Association’s<br />
tireless work and political lobbying saw the industry<br />
avoid a wide-ranging closedown.<br />
• After a long, dry summer and autumn again<br />
this year and with water restrictions already<br />
legislated in areas including Sydney, the car<br />
wash industry looks set to face the financial<br />
impact of widespread water restrictions, the<br />
ACWA stated. After providing input into Sydney<br />
Water’s drought management plan and negotiating<br />
for car washing to receive an exclusion,<br />
ACWA received a water restriction “Fact Sheet”<br />
from Sydney Water. On the “Fact Sheet,” a drive<br />
through car washing was listed as a specific<br />
exclusion from restrictions.<br />
Subsequent to this, and without warning, the<br />
“Fact Sheet” was replaced with a different publication<br />
on the Sydney Water website which not only reverses<br />
their position on exclusion for commercial car washing,<br />
it encourages the environmentally damaging notion<br />
of home driveway washing, the ACWA stated.<br />
On behalf of the car wash industry, ACWA<br />
has urgently reengaged with Sydney Water in an<br />
endeavour to have the decision reviewed ACWA<br />
has been advised there will be a three-month grace<br />
period before fines apply. Fines won’t be issued<br />
until after 1 September 2019.<br />
“This is a critical issue for Sydney and other<br />
regionally based car wash operators and ACWA<br />
will keep members apprised of the outcome of our<br />
negotiations. CWA is asking our Sydney and NSW<br />
members to bear with us as we attempt to resolve<br />
the situation. At the same time, the ACWA Water<br />
Subcommittee is engaged with SEQ Water as well<br />
as water authorities in Melbourne, who are also<br />
closely monitoring dam levels ahead of considering<br />
their position on imposing water restrictions.”<br />
The ACWA said it will continue to work on behalf<br />
of members but to do this we need continued<br />
support through membership subscriptions.<br />
The ACWA also provided its members with a<br />
free annual wage rate analysis provided by the Association’s<br />
Industrial Relations experts, Employment<br />
Services & Solutions Australia (ESSA).<br />
The Fair Work Commission handed down the<br />
2019-20 Annual Wage Review Decision in June<br />
2019 and the 3% increase has effect from the first<br />
full pay period commencing on or after July 1 2019.<br />
Members are reminded that all car wash operator<br />
employers are obliged to comply with minimum<br />
wage and/or Award obligations and there are severe<br />
penalties for non-compliance, the ACWA stated.<br />
It is anticipated that members seeking to clarify<br />
wage rates or get general information about agreement<br />
making and termination can obtain such advice<br />
without charge. So, if you are a paid-up member<br />
and require assistance simply call the ACWA HELP-<br />
LINE and ask for Graham Lilleyman or Monica Vu.<br />
58 • SUMMER 2019
Prices from<br />
Coast to Coast<br />
See what other self serves<br />
from across the country are charging in the bays*<br />
*The following information was submitted through CarwashForum.com posts as well as car wash website data.<br />
DEEP SOUTH<br />
LOUISIANA:<br />
$1.50 FOR 3 MINS.<br />
CC IS $3 FOR 6 MINS<br />
WESTERN LOUISIANA:<br />
$2 FOR 3:45 MINS.<br />
SOUTHWEST LOUISIANA:<br />
$1.25 FOR 4 MINS.<br />
WESTERN<br />
MASSACHUSETTS:<br />
$3 FOR 3:12 MINS.<br />
NORTH CENTRAL<br />
OHIO:<br />
$1.75 FOR<br />
3:50 MINS.<br />
CINCINNATI:<br />
$3 FOR 4 MINS.<br />
CLEVELAND:<br />
$3 FOR 3.5 MINS.<br />
EASTERN SHORE<br />
OF DELAWARE/<br />
MARYLAND:<br />
$6 FOR 30 MINS.<br />
EASTERN TEXAS:<br />
$2.50 FOR 4 MINS.<br />
HOUSTON,<br />
TEXAS:<br />
$1.50 FOR 4 MINS.<br />
WASHINGTON<br />
STATE:<br />
$2.50 FOR 3.5 MINS.<br />
WESTERN<br />
MICHIGAN:<br />
$2 FOR 3:30 MINS.<br />
CC IS $3 FOR 5:24 MINS<br />
(27 SEC/QUARTER<br />
EITHER WAY)<br />
LAS VEGAS:<br />
$3 FOR 5 MINS. SOUTHERN<br />
CALIFORNIA:<br />
OMAHA,<br />
NEBRASKA:<br />
$3 FOR 5 MINS.<br />
MONTANA:<br />
$3 FOR 4 MINS.<br />
$4 FOR 4 MINS.,<br />
$5 FOR 5,<br />
$6 FOR 6 & $7 FOR 10<br />
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS:<br />
$3.75 FOR 4:30 MINS.<br />
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS:<br />
$3 FOR 3:30 MINS.<br />
NORTH/CENTRAL<br />
FLORIDA:<br />
$3 FOR 5 MINS.<br />
(CC AND ACSH SAME PRICE)<br />
CENTRAL<br />
IOWA:<br />
$3.50 FOR 5 MINS.<br />
NORTHERN<br />
KENTUCKY:<br />
$4 FOR 5 MINS.<br />
CENTRAL KENTUCKY:<br />
$2 FOR 4 MINS.<br />
NORTHEAST<br />
PENNSYLVANIA:<br />
$3 FOR 4 MINS.<br />
SOUTHEAST<br />
MINNESOTA:<br />
$2 FOR 4 MINS.<br />
ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA:<br />
WESTERN<br />
ROCKY<br />
$3 FOR 5 MIN.<br />
OREGON:<br />
MOUNTAINS:<br />
CC IS $6 FOR 10 MINS.<br />
$5 FOR 5 MINS. $3 FOR 4 MINS.<br />
OUTSIDE PHILADELPHIA:<br />
$3 FOR 4 MINS<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 59
Cwguy.com’s<br />
‘Random Thoughts’<br />
How self serves can learn from<br />
the express serve model<br />
By Eric Wilson<br />
Can self service car washes learn something from flex and express washes?<br />
No way! (Just kidding). You can learn something<br />
from almost anything if you want to.<br />
A long time ago Marc (the former Southeast Car<br />
Wash Association/SECWA association manager)<br />
built an express wash in Albertville, Alabama. It<br />
was originally built with two entry units. Apparently,<br />
after a couple months they realized, after<br />
lots of complaints, that they needed to pull one of<br />
the entry units and replace it with a cashier stand.<br />
The other day while washing my wife’s car,<br />
we went to Anthony’s flex service in Hoover,<br />
Alabama. I have been to this location before. It<br />
was newly renovated from a full service wash and<br />
previously had two entry units just like the Albertville<br />
express. Well, the last time we went to<br />
the flex wash they had pulled one of their portals<br />
and replaced it with a cashier stand also.<br />
What do these two express washes have in common?<br />
Even though both entry units had talking<br />
prompts (actual virtual people in both cases),<br />
virtual buttons, barcodes, RFID, credit cards, accepted<br />
all currency, etc.) both locations still had<br />
issues. The units were causing delays and were<br />
overly complex for some customers who weren’t<br />
familiar with the lingo, etc. etc. For flex and express<br />
washes they depend on large throughput<br />
and they cannot afford delays. So, having a well<br />
run and easy-to-use entry unit is vital.<br />
We should also look at this issue for our own self<br />
serve car wash industry. Do we really need a complex<br />
system for selling four washes? Sometimes and<br />
overly complex menu can overwhelm a customer.<br />
Just look at a new push button meter box...<br />
then just think about how you would find that<br />
many functions to fill all the buttons. Do you really<br />
need bumper cleaner, engine cleaner and tire<br />
cleaner? Or four stops? This is the same problem<br />
with the entry units. A complex interaction can<br />
be done through the entry unit, but sometimes<br />
explaining or interacting with customers is necessary,<br />
which is why owners switch to a cashier.<br />
Even a phone number to conduct business or an<br />
attendant at peak hours can be sufficient for a self<br />
service wash.<br />
This can really be an issue with your entry system’s<br />
interface design: How the customer interfaces<br />
with the entry unit and how you accept their<br />
payment. This process needs to involve the least<br />
amount of steps and delays as possible. Luckily, in<br />
the self service industry we are selling less items,<br />
which automatically makes the process simpler.<br />
I talk and see owners that make this process<br />
overly complex all the time. You just need to<br />
think about the process you are trying to achieve<br />
and in what order.<br />
1) Accept money (are you accepting<br />
credit cards? all dollar amounts?)<br />
2). Make a wash selection.<br />
Then look at your entry unit. Are there items<br />
distracting the customer? Is there a refund button<br />
you disabled? Other buttons or displays you do not<br />
use? Do you accept all currencies? If you do not<br />
use some of the functions on the entry unit they<br />
are just distracting customers and really need to<br />
be covered up. Also look at the graphics. Is it an<br />
advertisement for a different company? (Manufacturer<br />
of the system for example.) Shouldn’t useful<br />
information for your customers be there instead?<br />
Instructions on where to start? Arrows maybe? Easy<br />
to understand wording?<br />
A cheap solution would be to make custom stickers<br />
along with lexan faceplates to help block unused<br />
buttons or holes. It would help your entry unit be<br />
more useful and easier to use for your customers. It<br />
should also help speed the entry process up, which<br />
makes you more money. Customer feedback may<br />
also help if you are considering any changes. You<br />
have to put yourself in a “new customer’s shoes”<br />
and pretend you are visiting your wash, or better<br />
yet, any wash for the first time. Or, ask a friend to<br />
visit the wash and give honest feedback about how<br />
easy the functions and language are to understand.<br />
Customers do not want to feel unintelligent, or<br />
frustrated. Happy and confident customers will not<br />
only become regular customers, but will also keep<br />
you in business.<br />
Eric Wilson is a self-serve car wash owner who also blogs online on the popular and very funny website, cwguy.com.<br />
60 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 61
FILL IN THE<br />
BLANK<br />
WHEN I SEE SOMEONE WASHING<br />
THEIR CAR IN THEIR DRIVEWAY,<br />
I _________________________<br />
... am glad they’re not bucket<br />
washing in one of my bays when<br />
paying customers are waiting -<br />
KLEANRIDE<br />
... get a bit jealous, especially if it’s<br />
a nice car, shady out, cool breeze,<br />
Bozz Scaggs on a boom box, pretty<br />
wife helping and a can of something<br />
cool nearby. - WAXMAN<br />
... If it’s being done well - with a<br />
good soap and mitt, clean wheels/<br />
tires/wheel wells/hose off the<br />
undercarriage/clean door jambs,<br />
use a good soft drying cloth - I think<br />
of it as a lost art! - WASHNSHINE<br />
... I’m glad there in there driveway<br />
bucket washing instead at my SS<br />
tieing up my bay. - WATER GUY<br />
MY CAR WASH IS LOCATED IN _______<br />
AND LATELY, THE WEATHER<br />
HAS BEEN _____________<br />
... My car wash is located in Lexington, KY, and<br />
lately, the weather has been extremely rainy since<br />
last year in September - SLASH007<br />
... my car wash is in the Northwest and the first<br />
6 months of the year were high precipitation but<br />
the last month has been almost perfect. - SOAPY<br />
... my car wash is located in Texas (Fort Worth)<br />
and lately the weather has been HOT! Earlier this<br />
year we had a lot of rain more than usual but it’s<br />
just got now - RFREEMAN<br />
... my carwashes are located in Lake Charles,<br />
Louisiana. Weather was bad last week due to<br />
hurricane this week has been perfect! - DAMONI88<br />
... first 6 Months wettest on<br />
record in Illinois. - EARL WEISS<br />
... my car wash is located in central Ky and lately,<br />
the weather has been very rainy for the last<br />
year… - I.B. WASHINCARS<br />
... Cape Coral, Florida and it’s rained every day<br />
since we bought it. - MAC<br />
... my wash is located in Grimes, Iowa, and the<br />
weather has been very hot lately. - DIAMONDWASH<br />
... Our wash is in West Michigan.<br />
June was VERY rainy but July has been<br />
very dry and HOT! - BERT79<br />
... Our 6 bay tandem car wash part of our<br />
laundromat-dog wash facility is in Bismarck<br />
... da capital city of the state of North Dakota.<br />
Since it is the da capitol city & da capital with da<br />
brand new gov mansion is within 3 miles of me<br />
... I try to do my part in my little bitty way to help<br />
clean up whatever political swamp has crept<br />
in or at minimum prevent that existing political<br />
swampiness problem from getting worse. So<br />
hopefully, I get enough support so I succeed<br />
along with other people who also prefer to<br />
take the high road & thee one also ... with less<br />
hypocrisy involved!!! The weather has been very<br />
rainy & extra cool ... my large vegetable garden is<br />
doing extra good this year because of it. It seems<br />
like there has only 2 days where the temperature<br />
has crept up above 90° F during the peak of the<br />
day. - MJWALSH<br />
I SPEND AN AVERAGE OF _________<br />
HOURS AT MY SELF SERVE PER WEEK<br />
... 3, total for 2 sites. But I have 2 full time<br />
employees - SOO NERMAJIC<br />
... probably 8-10 hours a week average. no hired<br />
help. - DAN -ARK<br />
... 2-3 hours a day. 1-1.5 in the morning and same<br />
in the evening. I have a hired hand that helps<br />
look after place also and he’s more of a “drive by<br />
check it out” kind of help. - JOS HSWASHES<br />
... 4 - 5 Hours per day between 2 washes and<br />
storage units - SPA RKEY<br />
... 10-12 hours a week on average. No employees<br />
- BER T79<br />
If you would like to contribute your own answer, visit AutoCareForum.com and do a keyword search of “fill in the blank.”<br />
62 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 63
HONKY TONK ICA
Music to our Ears<br />
SELF SERVE OPERATORS CORRAL IN NASHVILLE<br />
On May 13, 2019, Tennessee’s “Music City,” and<br />
its populous of troubadours, virtuosos, and melodious<br />
dreamer, was infiltrated by a different type<br />
of people. Not armed with steel guitars and fender<br />
telecasters, but instead business plans, questions<br />
and a list of items to buy. From May 13-15, the<br />
Music City Center, located in the heart of Nashville,<br />
Tennessee, was filled with thousands of car<br />
wash owners, roaming the aisles, looking at new<br />
products, asking, “How would this work at my<br />
wash?” or “Is this the best soap for my customers?”<br />
and also filling up seminar rooms, listening<br />
intently to experts in the field, taking notes and<br />
taking business cards. According the International<br />
Carwash Association, The Car Wash Show 2019<br />
drew more than 9,500 attendees and 400 exhibiting<br />
companies making it the largest show ever. It<br />
is unclear how many of those attendees were self<br />
serve operators, but there were two educational<br />
sessions dedicated solely to the self serve market,<br />
so it must mean the ICA felt the demand. Those<br />
two sessions included: Reinvigorating Your Self-<br />
Serve Carwash, hosted by Dale L. Reynolds, president<br />
of Carolina Pride Carwash; and the Peer Power<br />
Hour: Self Serve Wash Panel Discussion, hosted<br />
by Jerry Nix of Speedi Car Wash, Scott Thomas<br />
of Clean Sport Car Wash and Sydney King of The<br />
Good Spray Car Wash.<br />
For this issue, the highlights from Reynold’s<br />
Session are included. The Session was crowded,<br />
hands were raised during the Q&A, and words of<br />
wisdom were dispersed, thanks to the host’s years<br />
in the business. His dad started out in 1966, and<br />
Reynolds grew up learning every aspect of the car<br />
wash. A mechanic at heart, he paid attention and<br />
soon owned his own washes, and now is sharing<br />
his knowledge with other self serve operators. The<br />
following are excerpts from his talk.<br />
How many people<br />
would like to make more money?<br />
How many are willing to do something<br />
different to make more money?<br />
Are you working on the business<br />
or working in the business<br />
-- what’s the difference?<br />
It’s a trap… if we are not looking at the whole<br />
picture, but working on the day-to-day to [simply]<br />
keep the business running.<br />
A lot of people come to a tradeshow and they<br />
want to change their business and they are looking<br />
for the silver bullet -- what’s the next big thing<br />
that’s really going to make a difference. Sometimes,<br />
you find what’s neat and new -- [but] not<br />
always will the silver bullet change your business.<br />
We need to look further down the road. Unfortunately,<br />
businesses change, whether we want<br />
them to or not. Demographics change, economies<br />
change, customers change -- [they will change<br />
the model of car wash they go to and might go<br />
from self serve to automatic to tunnels]. Technologies<br />
change. One of the biggest things I blame<br />
for change is the iPhone -- it is changing the way<br />
we do everything. Operators change. We get really<br />
excited when we get into a business and we put all<br />
that energy into it and after a while we might get<br />
a little tired and we might not put that energy into<br />
it the way we did in the beginning. Competition<br />
changes. Are we really prepared for a new competitor<br />
to come into our market? And, then also what<br />
about model changes? [There are] big changes in<br />
the “car wash model” and what people are building<br />
and investing in. So, how do we deal with that?<br />
What’s your plans for change? Get ready, because<br />
change is coming whether you want it to or not.<br />
(continued ... )<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 65
HONKY TONK ICA<br />
STEPS TO<br />
REINVIGORATING:<br />
The first thing I ask is,<br />
“Do you have a<br />
business plan?”<br />
We suggest you update your business plan every<br />
year -- because things happen that you didn’t plan<br />
for and you have to reinvest in some different areas<br />
to handle [it].<br />
ANNUAL BUSINESS REVIEW: Is business up or down?<br />
What do I do if it is down?<br />
COMPETITION: I have a new competitor, what I am<br />
going to do to compete? I don’t just want to maintain<br />
my business, I want to grow my business.<br />
What’s our wash quality? Am I doing just as good<br />
a job today as I was last year or am I doing better?<br />
We always want to get better. We don’t want to<br />
get worse, but, unfortunately, we sometimes do<br />
because we start chasing the wrong things.<br />
VISUAL APPEAL: does your wash look as nice as the<br />
day you built it?<br />
CLEANLINESS OF FACILITY: One thing I talk about<br />
with the employees of my wash is I wish we could<br />
treat is as a restaurant -- I wish I could have the<br />
health department come in once or twice a year<br />
to inspect it and make sure it’s nice and clean like<br />
you would want to eat there...<br />
Pricing changes? How<br />
many of you changed<br />
your prices in the last<br />
year? Self serve car<br />
wash operators are so<br />
scared to change prices.<br />
But, all your invoices<br />
The thing that I found most interesting was<br />
Superior Control Systems display. The robot<br />
was kind of cool, but the system that allowed<br />
it to see the wheel and make changes<br />
based on that information was even better.<br />
Technology like that and ICS’s Entry Arch<br />
(that could create a virtual vehicle for the car<br />
wash’s computer) means that going forward<br />
the equipment will know what kind of vehicle<br />
it is washing, how long it is, where the wheel<br />
wells and tires are, does it have window<br />
shades, even what is in a pickup’s bed. With<br />
this information the equipment can then take<br />
the appropriate action.<br />
I thought it was one of the best. Having<br />
said that it was a reflection of the<br />
suppliers stepping up to demand…<br />
MARK LAW<br />
PEI<br />
Terrific venue, strong<br />
turnout ... seemed to be<br />
a fair amount of buyers<br />
opposed to tire kickers!<br />
SEAN MCBRIDE<br />
keep going up every year, don’t they? Your<br />
utilities. Your taxes...etc.<br />
New services offered? Have you offered a<br />
new service? What does your customer need<br />
today that they didn’t need before? Or what<br />
is now available?<br />
CREDIT CARD ACCEPTANCE: Do you offer it at your<br />
wash on all services?<br />
MARKETING: Do you change up your marketing?<br />
One of the worst things we see at a car wash, especially<br />
self serves, do is [keep up old signs that are<br />
worn and dirty].<br />
FUNDRAISING: Do you do anything with charity<br />
groups?<br />
FREE VACUUMS: These are a really big thing nowadays...how<br />
can this change your business?<br />
Loyalty clubs: You hear a lot about these, and<br />
unlimited accounts.<br />
WEBSITE: How many people look at the Yellow<br />
Pages? Nobody does anymore. If you want someone<br />
to find your business, you have to have a web<br />
presence. Is there a need to replace equipment?<br />
Maintenance Costs: Are they going up every year?<br />
STAFF TRAINING: What are we doing there? Are we<br />
improving our attendants? Do you have an employee<br />
handbook? Do you have an OSHA Compliance<br />
Program?<br />
PCI COMPLIANCE: There’s<br />
a lot of expenses here-<br />
- how do we improve<br />
efficiencies and reduce<br />
costs and improve what<br />
we offer to our customers.<br />
Start with the owner.<br />
Owners can get tired and get comfortable...<br />
and stop reinvesting in their business.<br />
Every year you have to handle debt<br />
services, property taxes, business licenses,<br />
employees, maintenance, repairs, supplies,<br />
utilities. If you play blackjack and<br />
you have a 9 and a 2 and the dealer has<br />
a 4, what do you do? You double down.<br />
Sometimes with your business you have<br />
to double down and reinvest in your business<br />
again. How do you keep going and<br />
growing so that you’re the leader in your<br />
market?<br />
Are you the best in town?<br />
If people went to your town and<br />
asked, “Tell me where the best car wash<br />
is?” would they point to yours? Are you<br />
FEEDBACK<br />
The license plate recognition program<br />
was what caught my attention. It is set<br />
up to look at the cars coming to your<br />
wash as well as those that pass by your<br />
wash which then would allow targeted<br />
messaging. I think it has potential in the<br />
SS market, not just the express market.<br />
The key is finding a marketing company<br />
that understands the rules associated<br />
with messaging people with license plate<br />
technology. Suds was the only vendor that<br />
could do this at the wash. SCRUBS3<br />
the wash that everyone is talking about? I have a<br />
57-year-old car wash in Roxboro, North Carolina.<br />
Started out a 5-bay went to a 9 bay, went to a 7<br />
and 2, it’s been remodeled 5 times. And we will<br />
be remodeling again next year, for the sixth time.<br />
If you keep doing that, it keeps winning. We just<br />
won the car wash of the year award, voted on by<br />
the community.<br />
Could you sell it if you had to?<br />
A big thing you want to do is run your business<br />
like it’s for sale every day. If you were to pass away,<br />
could your business be sold? Every business will<br />
be sold someday, hopefully for a profit. It could be<br />
sold on the courthouse steps. I cannot tell you how<br />
many times I’ve seen men that owned their car<br />
washes pass away and they left their wives with a<br />
car wash that they cannot run, and the numbers<br />
don’t work. And, when it comes time for them to<br />
sell it, the tax returns don’t support the true value<br />
of that business. If you really want to provide for<br />
your family, report it all, maximize your business<br />
so that it can be sold for the absolute maximum<br />
value. The IRS has a 65-page document on how to<br />
audit self serve car washes. So, they know all about<br />
what you’re doing.<br />
If you don’t love it, then leave it.<br />
Have you ever seen the HGTV show Love It or List<br />
It? It is kind of the same thing with your business. If<br />
you do not love your business. Sell it. You need to love<br />
your business. You need to love what you do. And, if<br />
you don’t, sell it and try something new.<br />
If you want to sell your house, what do you do?<br />
You paint it, you stage it, you fix up the landscaping<br />
and remove all of the junk. If you’re running<br />
a business, you should do that every day. We are<br />
in the cleaning business. We should be setting the<br />
absolute best example of what a clean car wash<br />
should look like.<br />
Love the neighborhood.<br />
Sometimes you might need to clean up the lot<br />
next to your business. Or you might even need to<br />
buy it. If it’s an eyesore that might be unattractive<br />
to the customers coming to your business, maybe<br />
you need to help clean it up and your neighborhood<br />
to make the area more attractive to get more<br />
business in that community.<br />
66 • SUMMER 2019
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68 • SUMMER 2019
SUMMER 2019 • 69
HONKY TONK ICA<br />
WORDS OF WISDOM:<br />
“Think of running a car wash like a sport: It’s a competition and I am<br />
in it to win. I didn’t get in it to come in second place or third place. I got in it to come in<br />
first place. If you run your business that same way, you’ll make more money. But, if you’re<br />
running for second, you’ll get second place prize.” DALE REYNOLDS<br />
Great venue, everyone I spoke<br />
to was buying, not looking,<br />
and the events and<br />
networking were excellent.<br />
KENNETH PEEBLES<br />
The right marketing.<br />
For signage, people notice these things a lot<br />
more than you think. On our signage, we have<br />
promoted an employee of the month and my son<br />
would put certain sayings on the signs. I have had<br />
people say, “we have missed your sayings,” if we<br />
didn’t change it after a certain amount of time.<br />
It is a way for people to remember your business.<br />
You’re part of the community. Sometimes, you<br />
can motivate people with the things you put on<br />
your sign.<br />
Are you environmentally<br />
friendly?<br />
Being green is important to the younger generations.<br />
We offer an environmentally friendly coloring<br />
book that we give out to the schools to help<br />
promote them coming to our wash. The at-home<br />
washer is still our big competitor.<br />
Other things to consider?<br />
WASH CLUBS: New technology is bringing in more<br />
customers, thanks to smartphones.<br />
Would a gated self serve or free vacuums work<br />
for you?<br />
How well are your vacuums performing? Are<br />
you replacing your filter bags?<br />
I really enjoyed the<br />
Nashville show this year<br />
one of the best shows<br />
I have been to…<br />
RYAN MAGAZZINE<br />
Q: Do you offer an express exterior<br />
along with your self serves?<br />
Every market is different and the first thing<br />
we want to look at is, what are the needs of the<br />
community? You need to have the demographics<br />
to support that model. Some people say the self<br />
serve market is dead, but we still build a whole lot<br />
of self serves. But the big thing is, give them a great<br />
wash experience and charge them for it. Self serve<br />
car washes are going to be here for a long time.<br />
Q: How do you deal with<br />
hazardous material dumping?<br />
Video cameras. A woman operator in Texas caught<br />
a guy changing the oil in her pit, so she called the police<br />
who came over and they shut the car wash down.<br />
They called the EPA and it cost her $4000 to clean<br />
up the sewer system. She did the right thing. So, do<br />
you have an oil/water separator? If you have that, it<br />
will catch that oil change. We have video cameras in<br />
every single bay and on the sites, so that if there is an<br />
issue we can track down who is responsible.<br />
Q: How do you minimize rubbish?<br />
About 28 years ago, it was a Saturday and my guys<br />
and I worked really hard cleaning up a site and everything<br />
was pristine and then a customer dumped<br />
three bags of trash on top of our vacuum island. So,<br />
I dug through them, found their address, and took it<br />
back to their house and put it on their front porch. I<br />
was recycling, that’s the way I looked at it.<br />
Q: What do you do about the good<br />
‘ol boys who show up in a pickup<br />
truck and open the tailgate and<br />
shot mud all over your aprons?<br />
FEEDBACK<br />
We got to meet a lot of people from<br />
the companies that we have talked<br />
to many times on the phone. It sure<br />
is nice to be able to touch and<br />
look at carefully in person things<br />
that you are interested in buying<br />
and can usually only see on the<br />
internet. There are several pieces<br />
of equipment that we are buying<br />
soon that we thought seemed really<br />
pricey. After looking them over at<br />
the show we can see why they cost<br />
so much as some of these things<br />
are complex and have a lot of parts<br />
to them. OURTOWN<br />
If we catch someone coming onto our property<br />
like that we will bring them a broom and a trash<br />
can and assist them.<br />
Q: Do you use a<br />
reclaim water system?<br />
Yes, at some locations. At one location our water<br />
costs 2.3 cents per gallon from the city. We have a<br />
3,000 gallon rainwater catch tank-- so we capture<br />
rainwater, we recycle RO reject water and reclaim<br />
our wash water from all the bays to reuse in the<br />
wash process. We try to minimize our consumption.<br />
Q: Is the self serve model dying?<br />
In my opinion, no. There are vehicles that will not<br />
wash in automatics, so you still need the self serve bays.<br />
Q: Using a good quality chemical,<br />
what is a good price range for a car<br />
to be cleaned at a self serve?<br />
It is not so much per car on a self serve, but, buy<br />
the best product that you can and if you can wash<br />
your car without using the brush, price your business<br />
to cover that cost. Some do not like that answer,<br />
but it’s the truth. Use premium products and<br />
IS HAPPINESS THE KEY?<br />
The keynote was given by TED Talks<br />
speaker and author Shawn Achor. Some<br />
highlights of his talk, according to the ICA<br />
were his notes on happiness. “We can pick<br />
(negativity and nervousness) up like second-hand<br />
smoke,” said Achor. “The entire<br />
system can become cancerous… Luckily,<br />
Happiness can become viral too.” That is<br />
the most important piece of the data, he<br />
added. “Our brains are designed to be wireless<br />
connected …We co-process the world<br />
...Happiness is not an individual sport.” This<br />
is part of the reason that obstacles seem<br />
easier to overcome if you have help. If you<br />
look at a hill by yourself, your brain sees a<br />
hill 10-20% higher than if someone is standing<br />
next to you, he said.<br />
70 • SUMMER 2019
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SUMMER 2019 • 71
Q&AFROM THE CROWD<br />
Reinvigorate your employees<br />
You need to reinvigorate your employees. They<br />
are representing you and your business. We want<br />
employees to feel as if they are part of our family. If<br />
you’re not excited will your employees be excited?<br />
You have to get them excited about what they’re<br />
doing -- about the changes you want to make.<br />
Turn to your customers.<br />
Ask them for suggestions. Are there any customer<br />
complaints? Do you look at them? See what<br />
people are saying about your business. When they<br />
tell you things, don’t criticize them. Do your customers<br />
think you care? If they have an issue do<br />
you try and take ownership when there is a mistake.?<br />
Sometimes, we do make a mistake, but taking<br />
care of the customer is so important today. A<br />
quote from a good friend, who passed away was,<br />
“Make every bay work in every way, every day.”<br />
Every day we test every single cycle in every bay<br />
to make sure everything is working properly. If<br />
there is a problem, we want to fix it then before a<br />
customer gets there.<br />
Have a checklist.<br />
Do have a procedure for testing your services? We<br />
have daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly checklists.<br />
Use your own self serve car wash. I have to remind<br />
myself to go to mine and check and make sure I can<br />
actually clean my car. Can you clean your car without<br />
using the foam brush? Check and test your solutions<br />
to make sure you can clean your car without one.<br />
Train the customers<br />
Most people do not know how to use a self<br />
serve: Most people have never been trained-- if an<br />
employee is onsite, they should be trained to use<br />
every single service so that if they are asked, they<br />
can give a customer the right answer.<br />
Everyone who pulls into our wash and has [brought<br />
their] brand new car, they get a free car wash. I then<br />
show them how to take care of that brand new car.<br />
The best investment you can make is your time:<br />
Give customers your personally attention and<br />
time. Make them feel special and make their day.<br />
Look at your Services<br />
How many of you track the services by the amount<br />
of time you sell or percentage of revenue that comes<br />
in? If you don’t check on these services, how do you<br />
know what people are buying and what is selling?<br />
If a service is lasting a long time, then no one is<br />
buying it. In summertime, your offerings might be<br />
changed from what is offered in the winter.<br />
Change up the menu signs: we promote difference<br />
services during different times of the year.<br />
For instance, in the summer, we offer bug remover.<br />
And in the winter, we offer wheel and tire cleaner.<br />
Change it up.<br />
Change the times.<br />
Look at when people are doing business with you.<br />
Most of the business is done during the day. If from 7<br />
p.m. to 8 a.m., only 14% of your business is coming<br />
in, I would see how you can change that. The most<br />
expensive time of operation is nighttime, you have<br />
your lights on, you might be running the floor heat,<br />
so it is costing you more to operate. So, let’s get more<br />
customers to come in during that time also.<br />
WHAT’S NEXT?<br />
As for the 2021 Show, it will be back in Nashville and held from March 24-26.<br />
The Car Wash Show 2020 will take place April 6-8, 2020, in San Antonio, Texas, at the Henry<br />
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SUMMER 2019 • 73
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74 • SUMMER 2019
DARWIN the<br />
at<br />
CARWASH<br />
The investment in security cameras pays off for carwash operators (and the readers of <strong>SSCWN</strong>) with these<br />
mostly frustrating, sometimes funny -- and always cautionary -- stories of Darwins Caught on Camera. Images of these criminals<br />
and/or their vehicles were given to police and the press. Many have been caught thanks to the prowess of security cameras.<br />
This isn’t a crime per se, but yikes … it just has to be shared.<br />
Along with showing up to school and not knowing my class<br />
schedule or locker combination, I also have nightmares of<br />
this happening, and now the nightmares will be even more<br />
prevalent as it actually happened to someone in real life. In<br />
mid-July, cameras caught footage of a 64-year-old driver in<br />
Hackensack, New Jersey, exiting the Spotless Car Wash and<br />
then driving right into the Hackensack River. The woman is<br />
okay thanks to a bystander who plunged into the river to pull<br />
her out along with her passenger. NBC News reported that the<br />
driver of the SUV mistakenly hit the gas instead of the brake.<br />
The story stated, that video shows two car wash workers in<br />
the parking lot as the car careens toward them, almost hits<br />
a fence with an arrow pointing to an exit and then speeds<br />
up, but maneuvers between them as they dodge out of the<br />
way. “When the car drops into the water, the two workers and<br />
two others run over.” Sounds like a real-life nightmare to me.<br />
Maybe the driver thought the car needed an extra rinse?<br />
I am no criminal expert,<br />
but I really don’t understand<br />
a customer patronizing a<br />
business and then going<br />
and robbing it.<br />
So a trailer carrying $29,000 worth of equipment<br />
was stolen from the Hydro-Spray Car Wash<br />
in Columbus, Ohio, on July 11. According to abc<br />
6, owner Scott Aliff, was able to see the theft,<br />
thief as well as his getaway vehicle thanks to his<br />
surveillance equipment. According to the story,<br />
footage shows a vehicle that appears to be a<br />
Dodge Ram truck drive away with a 7×14 cargo<br />
trailer that belonged to the business and was<br />
locked on the property.<br />
Aliff believes the pick-up used to haul away<br />
the stolen trailer, was sprayed and washed at the<br />
car wash an hour before the crime. It is pretty<br />
hard to hide a stolen tractor, so hopefully this guy<br />
will be caught soon.<br />
At least twice a day,<br />
I have to remind my<br />
kids about the importance<br />
of patience. Wait your turn,<br />
I often say.<br />
Patience is a virtue. This isn’t a diner, your food<br />
will be ready when it’s ready...etc. etc. you get the<br />
idea. Well, apparently 68-year-old Joseph Rivard<br />
could use a similar talking to. Rivard was caught<br />
on camera pulling a gun on another customer<br />
at the West Side Car Wash in Dover, Delaware.<br />
Why? This wasn’t an act of defense, or fortitude,<br />
and no one was in danger. It was because Rivard<br />
thought a man took his place in line at the car<br />
wash. The nerve! Someone thinks you took their<br />
place in line and you get a gun in your face? According<br />
to 47 abc, the incident happened a little<br />
before 3:30 p.m. and footage shows Rivard getting<br />
out of his car while in line and , “confronted<br />
the driver in the vehicle ahead of him, claiming<br />
that he believed that car took his place in line.<br />
Rivard then reportedly took a revolver out of his<br />
vehicle and aimed it at the victim while refusing<br />
to let him leave his vehicle.” Upon further investigation,<br />
it was discovered that Rivard was drunk<br />
and was subsequently arrested.<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 75
This next story sets up any good writer with some<br />
wonderful synonymic wordplay.<br />
For instance, “clink” and “can” are<br />
considered slang words for jail. And this story<br />
could easily be headlined: Two cons canned for<br />
clink caper. Or something like that. So, who are<br />
the cons and what cans sent them to the clink?<br />
Why it was David Valiquette and Krystal Pilon<br />
of Windsor, Ontario, who were caught stealing<br />
bags of cans and a recycle bin from the Car<br />
and Dog Wash. The cans were part of a bottle<br />
drive fundraiser to benefit the Pet and Wildlife<br />
Rescue. The amount of cans stolen equaled<br />
about $600. The entire heist was caught on<br />
camera and eventually, the police caught up<br />
with the duo who have been charged.<br />
I believe it was<br />
Eliot “Untouchables”<br />
Ness who said, “That’s<br />
the Chicago way!”<br />
Or maybe it was Al Capone?<br />
Or Oprah Winfrey? Whoever actually said it,<br />
must have known that the city of Chicago as well<br />
as its residents have their own quirks and idiosyncrasies.<br />
Take for instance, this peculiar pair of bandits<br />
who risked jail time and negative notoriety for<br />
some candy and old coupons. Surveillance caught<br />
the pair as they not only broke into the 4 Seasons<br />
Car Wash in Chicago, but also a shrimp restaurant.<br />
Car wash footage shows the pair stealing a<br />
car from the car wash as well as a drawer full of<br />
coins, candy and car keys. “In Chicago, everything<br />
happens. You never know,” Andy Sularz, who’s car<br />
was stolen, told cbs 2. After breaking into the car<br />
wash and stealing the car, the man and a woman<br />
hit up Frank’s Chicago Shrimp House. According<br />
to the story, “After rifling through the back room,<br />
the burglars left with bank bags. Not filled with<br />
cash, but old coupons.”<br />
Police are still looking for the suspects and I am<br />
sure have plenty of questions, starting with why<br />
on earth was the restaurant keeping old coupons<br />
in bank bags?<br />
Now, here is a crime<br />
story with a happy ending<br />
worthy of a Hallmark<br />
Channel movie.<br />
And, it has patriotism to boot!<br />
A 19-year-old teen was caught on camera stealing<br />
an American flag from the Beachon Car & Pet<br />
Wash in Pacific, Missouri.<br />
Car wash owner Bill Hoaglin posted screenshots<br />
of the suspect on Facebook and it only took about<br />
45 minutes for the “tips” to pour in with people<br />
identifying the suspect.<br />
According to The Patriot Post, police reviewed<br />
the footage and stopped by the suspect’s house,<br />
but he was not home. About 15 minutes later, the<br />
car wash’s phone rang. Lo and behold, it was the<br />
suspect. “He wanted to make it right,” Hoaglin said<br />
in the story. “So, I told him to bring the flag back.”<br />
(And this is where the Hallmark Channel would<br />
cue in the redemption music…) So, Instead of<br />
pressing charges, the business owner and the police<br />
officer had another idea.<br />
Hoaglin, who served as a police officer for 18<br />
years, had his daughter go out and purchase every<br />
small American flag she could find. Then, the teen<br />
was given a choice: Either hand out the American<br />
flags or go to jail.<br />
You can probably guess what the teen chose to do.<br />
For over five hours he handed out small American<br />
flags to every customer who dropped by the<br />
car wash, the story stated.<br />
“The middle flag, I stole it,” the young man told<br />
Fox 2 Now. “I made a mistake. Don’t steal flags, kids.”<br />
Hoaglin, who noted that the “punishment” was<br />
not meant to embarrass the teen, said he was very<br />
courteous. Hoaglin added that some people heard<br />
about the flag giveaway and brought their kids to<br />
the car wash to show them what happens when a<br />
person gets caught stealing.<br />
“Community policing used to work a lot back<br />
when I was a kid,” Hoaglin said in the story. “If you<br />
were out being a knucklehead, they wouldn’t haul<br />
you off to jail, they would call your mom or dad<br />
and sometimes that was the worst punishment<br />
than getting a ticket.”<br />
It is unclear if Hoaglin and the teen are now best<br />
friends, but Hoaglin did say this about the incident<br />
and how he is a fan of second chances: “I’m a very<br />
strong believer in that. So, I thought let’s give this a<br />
try. And I think it made a good impression on him.”<br />
76 • SUMMER 2019
Come on, guys,<br />
it’s all ball bearings<br />
nowadays!<br />
Still the<br />
24/7<br />
Operator’s Roundtable!<br />
SUMMER 2019 • 77
Some criminals are identified by tattoos, some by a scar,<br />
this man was caught due to something far different.<br />
And, I am most certain if he ends up in jail, and wants to share<br />
his“crime” story with other criminals, he will not include the part about<br />
being caught due to his bicycle basket. According to the Lincoln Journal<br />
Star, a unique basket on a vandal suspect’s bicycle helped Lincoln,<br />
Nebraska, police track down a 32-year-old accused of robbing a car wash.<br />
On March 26 and April 1, video surveillance at the JetSplash shows the<br />
man riding in on a bicycle and breaking the access gates. Investigators<br />
posted images from the footage to the Lincoln Crimestoppers site, and the<br />
suspect was soon identified.<br />
When officers went to his home, they saw the bike with the same<br />
unique basket parked at his home. Talk about a basketcase! The suspect<br />
was ticketed on two counts of vandalism.<br />
This isn’t a story about a<br />
dumb criminal, but more<br />
about an unlucky guy<br />
who was saved, thanks to<br />
surveillance cameras.<br />
Christian Espinoza was arrested for robbing a<br />
car wash in Salem, Oregon, last September. However,<br />
Espinoza wasn’t the culprit and instead it<br />
was Christopher Espinoza. According to the Salem<br />
Reporter, a lawsuit filed by Espinoza states:<br />
Rather than arrest Christopher Espinoza and have<br />
him booked, fingerprinted and photographed, [the<br />
deputy] issued Christopher Espinoza a citation to<br />
appear in court on September 10, 2018. In a weird<br />
twist, the citation even included all of Christian’s<br />
vitals, including his birthday, height, eye color, etc.<br />
And, when Christian didn’t appear in court, a<br />
warrant was issued and he was arrested.<br />
Luckily for Christian, surveillance footage<br />
proved his innocence and Christopher Espinoza<br />
was found and confessed to the car wash robbery.<br />
Christian, according to the story, is seeking damages<br />
now because, in the age of the internet, his<br />
reputation is at stake.<br />
And this, folks, is why I am proud to have the<br />
name Debra Gorgos. I am the one and only in the<br />
entire world.<br />
I wonder if the thief in this<br />
story knew he was stealing<br />
from a former well-known<br />
MMA fighter who goes by<br />
the name “Caveman”?<br />
In Wichita, Kansas, Rick’s Car Wash, owned by<br />
David “Caveman” Rickels, was vandalized and heavily<br />
damaged by a guy wielding a sledgehammer.<br />
According to KSNW, Rickels said security footage<br />
showed the man taking a “sledgehammer to the<br />
wall,” Rickels said. “He was trying to steal the vault.”<br />
The man is seen on camera for about two minutes,<br />
the story stated, going back and forth from<br />
hitting the wall and standing near his truck. Footage<br />
also shows “the man sifting through some of<br />
the damage and picking up what appears to be a<br />
second license plate near the rear of his truck.”<br />
The man caused about $1,000 worth of damages.<br />
However, Rickels is confident they are going to<br />
catch this person responsible. I, personally, think<br />
Rickels should take a cue from the American Flag<br />
story and not send the man to jail if he is found.<br />
They should instead duel it out in the ring. I’d put<br />
my money on Caveman.<br />
If we had a Dumb Criminals<br />
Hall of Fame Kenny Joe Morrisett<br />
would be one of the<br />
notibles. Why?<br />
Because after robbing a car wash in Jonesboro,<br />
Arkansas, Morrisett took a selfie, left behind a cell<br />
phone and returned to the scene of the crime. According<br />
to KAIT 8, Morrisett was arrested on July<br />
2 on suspicion of commercial burglary, first-degree<br />
criminal mischief and theft in connection with a<br />
March 29 burglary at Wolf Car Wash.<br />
According to an affidavit, the suspect “broke a<br />
window to get into the office, took two locked<br />
cash tills, destroyed the outside of the business<br />
and took nearly $200 in cash.” Footage shows<br />
Morrisett walking to the car wash’s dumpster and<br />
throwing the cash drawer/till away. “The suspect<br />
returns approximately one hour later and can be<br />
seen looking inside the window near where a cell<br />
phone was found,” according to the story.<br />
Police were able to determine that the cell<br />
phone belonged to Morrisett. “There is also a selfie<br />
of Kenny Morrisett taken approximately five<br />
hours before the burglary in which Kenny Morrisett<br />
is wearing what appears to be the same blue<br />
jacket he is seen wearing in the video footage. Mr.<br />
Morrisett’s face profile can also be seen in the glow<br />
of the computer monitor while he was in the office,”<br />
Jonesboro police said in the story.<br />
A thief in Clearfield, Utah,<br />
stole four security cameras<br />
while they were filming<br />
his very own face.<br />
According to KSL.com, a man broke into the<br />
“Splash and Dash” car wash during the early morning<br />
hours of April 19 and stole several cameras.<br />
“The thief can be seen in one of the videos carrying<br />
the ladder through the parking area putting it next<br />
to the camera then pulling the camera off the building,”<br />
the story said. The EZ watch brand cameras are<br />
valued at approximately $2000 each. As the story<br />
states, it is not often a thief targets the equipment<br />
that could eventually lead to his arrest. But, that’s<br />
why this section is called More Dumb Criminals.<br />
78 • SUMMER 2019
SUMMER 2019 • 79
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