Spring2020_SSCWN_web

Automotive Industry executive Vic Keller
acquires AUTEC Car Wash Systems
INDUSTRY
DIRT
AUTEC Car Wash Systems, a global manufacturer
of high-volume, income-driven, fully automated
car wash equipment based in Statesville, North
Carolina, announced on February 25 that it was
acquired by Dallas-based business leader and entrepreneur
Vic Keller. The terms were not disclosed.
According to a press release, since 1981, AUTEC
has specialized and manufactured three fully automatic
car wash systems – soft-touch car wash systems,
touch-free car wash systems, and a combination
car wash system that provides both. They also
manufacture a premier soft-touch car polisher.
Growing from a small company that started in
the founder’s basement, to a multimillion-dollar
corporation, the expert team at AUTEC Car Wash
Systems grew to include marketing, design, research
and development, engineering and drafting,
welding and metal fabrication, paint and surface
preparation, electrical, assembly, technical service
and complete chemical blending, formulating and
packaging operations.
Keller is a seasoned automotive executive and entrepreneur.
He has more than 25 years’ experience
building, growing and leading a diverse portfolio
of companies across numerous verticals including
manufacturing and distribution, automotive, technology,
e-commerce and financial services, the press
release stated. Keller is a firm believer in investing in
people, not just businesses, and his leadership philosophy
focuses on intentionally instilling a great
culture, delivering a profitable financial model and
developing top talent to execute the vision.
“I am thrilled to be operating in the automotive
industry again and to be a part of the AUTEC
team,” said Keller in the press release. “AUTEC has
established themselves as an elite player in the car
wash manufacturing space and has tremendous
potential to further accelerate their footprint. We
see a huge opportunity to drive innovation, technology
and optimization to increase customer retention
and CSI, also known as the customer satisfaction
index, by providing an ultimate customer
experience in order to help our customers reach
their maximum return on investment.”
Keller continued, “I am passionate about the incredible
business that Tom Hobby, the founder of
AUTEC, has built. The AUTEC team has been extremely
welcoming and genuinely supportive of this
transition, and we are working together to capitalize
on strategic opportunities ahead. My vision is to
leverage the successful model that Tom and the AU-
TEC team have created, while driving innovation in
key areas to lead the company into its next chapter.”
In addition to AUTEC Car Wash Systems, Keller is
the founder of KLV Capital, a Dallas-based private
equity firm. Previously, he founded the ZAK Automotive
Companies, which included ZAK products, a
professional-use automotive chemical company that
was an official partner of NASCAR; ZAKTEK, an
insurance services company; and NEXEMO, a business
to business e-commerce purchasing platform
for the automotive industry.
In 2015, after Berkshire Hathaway Inc. acquired
the ZAK Automotive Companies, Keller continued
as CEO and his senior executive responsibilities for
Berkshire Hathaway Automotive, where he oversaw
several operating departments in the multibillion-dollar
organization, including the parts and service
business. Keller developed and led the Berkshire
Hathaway Automotive professional development
department, which provided training, talent acquisition,
sales strategy, customer experience and dealer
academy services to more than 11,000 associates.
Vending Machine News
The sweet smell of success
The power of a delicious scent can drive cravings,
and cravings can drive impulse purchases. And one
entrepreneur in Syracuse, New York, has invented a
vending machine which perfumes the area in chocolatey
sweet heave. According to a press release, the
inventor, who is not releasing his name, stated, “After
taking a tour of the Hershey Chocolate World
Factory, I realized how powerfully I craved chocolate.
I wanted to boost vending-machine sales by
making people crave the items inside.”
The inventor developed CHOCOLATE SCENTS
FOR VENDING MACHINE to encourage potential
customers to buy products from the vending machine.
The unit entices people to crave items sold by
the vending machine, stated the press release. It
is designed to appeal to individuals with a sweet
tooth. The invention is easy to use. Additionally, it
can be used to sell a variety of food items.
The original design was submitted to the Rochester
sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available
for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers.
Vending market could hit
$33B by 2025
The global interactive kiosk market (which includes
self-serve and vending kiosks) is expected to
grow from USD 24.8 billion in 2019 to USD 32.8
billion by 2025, at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2020 to
2025, according to a ReportLinker analysis.
A February 11 press release stated that the interactive
kiosk market growth can be attributed to
several factors such as enhanced shopping experience
for customers, lower investment costs than
traditional outlets, enhanced applications other
than conventional ones, and innovations in touch
screen display and glass technology. However, the
high set up cost and need for regular maintenance
of the kiosks and rising cyber-crime incidents are
expected to hamper the growth of the market, the
press release stated.
Vending kiosks, which offer things such as snacks
and beverages and are primarily used in retail
stores, quick-service restaurants, hotels, airports,
railway stations, malls, and so on, held the largest
share of the interactive kiosk market in 2019
The report did cover the fact that putting up
an outdoor kiosk is more challenging as it can be
prone to theft and fraud. Also, it should have a protection
system against dust, rain, temperature, and
humidity, the press release added. North America
held the largest share of the interactive kiosk market
in 2019 in terms of revenue, and the trend is
expected to continue during the forecast period.
The interactive kiosks market in North America
is driven by various factors, such as the need to
save time, accuracy, and high living standard as
compared to other developed regions. The United
States is the largest market for interactive kiosks in
this region, according to the report
POLL
Do you play
music (on
overhead speakers)
at your car wash?
YES
35%
NO 65%
28 • SPRING 2020