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2 • FALL 2021

FALL 2021 • 3

CONTENTS 

Around the Wash: 

Carwash Cats ..................4 

NRCC Breaks Attendee 

Numbers, Announces 

2022 Dates .........................8 

Self Serve Snapshot .... 10 

Fun & Games ............... 14 

Association Calendar 

& News ............................ 19 

Industry Dirt ................. 22 

Extra! Extra! .................. 31 

Innovations .................... 36 

Tips .................................. 38 

Tricks of the Trade .... 44 

Cover Story .................... 52 

Darwin ............................. 62 

Note to Self 

BY DEBRA GORGOS, EDITOR 

Isn’t it funny how the “be careful what you wish for” theory, once expounded upon 

me as a child, is used more and more as a lesson in adulthood? I would like to think 

that any kind of childhood lesson (crying wolf, not being a beggar and a chooser, etc.) 

was rightfully absorbed into my subconscious and not needed anecdotally in adulthood. 

And yet, here I am, stressed out about all of the traveling I have get to do. Yes, 

that’s right: Tradeshows are back! At this time last year, I was pining for them. The 

networking, the story ideas, the face-to-face interactions, etc. Damn you, Covid-19, 

I would cry into the air. And, here I am, a year later, scrambling to find a flight out 

of Las Vegas to Albany, New York, for The Car Wash Show that won’t make me a 

zombie the next day. It’s a good problem to have, really...who else is excited to be 

“trade=showing” again? The recent Northeast Regional Carwash Convention was 

a perfect way to dip my toe back into the proverbial networking waters. Socializing 

skills had laid dormant for 18 months, but everyone from the attendees to the 

exhibitors seemed to have a calm temperament. Hugs were minimal, so were the 

tchotchkes, but it seemed as if people were just happy to be back to normalcy. I have 

empathy for exhibitors as they do not have it easy. Do they go in for the handshake? 

An elbow-to-elbow tap? How does one interact professionally with someone when 

comfort levels are unknown? It’s question marks all over the place, for sure. 

By the time this publication arrives in all of your mailboxes, The Car Wash Show 

will have come and gone. I am excited to go. I am excited to hear from self serve 

owners. I struggle with cold calling people asking if I can profile their washes. You car 

wash owners are busy. You’re probably fielding calls from customers not understanding 

the “pending” credit card charges or how the timer ran out before they were done 

washing. I certainly don’t want to bother you. So, at the shows is where that happens. 

If I didn’t get to talk to you at the NRCC or The Car Wash Show, you’re always more 

than welcome to write to me and let me know you would like to have your wash 

profiled: debrag@sscwn.com. 

I am impressed, and also grateful, for all of the people behind the scenes making 

these shows happen. There is no universal/commonality across the world for how 

people are responding to and experiencing Covid-19. Maybe that’s what makes us 

humans a good thing? That we all think for ourselves? But, it is still a big pain in the 

tuckus at the same time. I bet if you put 10 random people in a locked room, they 

would not all agree on anything, much less when it comes to germ warfare. My only 

suggestion is to be kind and patient. 

In other news… 

I got mail from the man, the myth, the legend: Editor Emeritus JJ Jakubowski! I 

am not going to lie. I never get ‘real’ mail. Once in a while I will get a thank you note, 

VOL. 49, NO. 4, FALL 2021 

Publisher Jackson Vahaly 

Editor Debra Gorgos 

Design Katy Barret-Alley 

Editor Emeritus Jarret J. Jakubowski 

Editor Posthumous Joseph J. Campbell 

Editor Posthumous Julia E. Campbell 

Self Serve Carwash News is published 4 times 

per year and is independently owned by Jackson 

Vahaly. Web address is www.sscwn.com. 

LETTER TO THE EDITOR 

Oh my gosh, can I just tell you I’ve been reading the SSCWN 

for 25 years and I just laughed out loud when I saw the “Car 

Wash Cats” page? I’m going to have to pause and rethink my 

whole car washing life. How have I survived this long without 

having cats at my car washes? Seriously though, can we have 

more topics like this? It was so fun. Thank you 

Jeanine Humphrey, Hidden Cove Car Wash 

All inquiries should be directed to: 

Self Serve Car Wash News 

110 Childs Ln., Franklin, TN 37067 

jacksonv@sscwn.com 

Copyright 2021. 2 Dollar Enterprises/SSCWN. All Rights Reserved 

EDITOR DEBRA GORGOS’S REPLY: 

Hello, Jeanine! Yes, I agree, it was a super fun feature. And, you’re in luck 

because we have a few more animals to show you on page 6. Also, I would 

love to include more cats, or any other animal squatters, at car washes. If 

anyone has a picture, please send them my way! Debrag@sscwn.com 

4 • FALL 2021

Note to Self 

but that’s it. When I got this mail from JJ, I thought it looked 

like something from an adventure/espionage movie. Think 

Romancing the Stone (1984). Here is the scene in which 

Joan Wilder, played by Kathleen Turner, receives a mysterious 

envelope, which turns out to be a treasure map: 

Now, here are photos of the mail I received from JJ: 

As I started to open the envelope, I imagined I was about to 

embark on a mystifying adventure. Did JJ need me to rescue 

him? Was he sending me a map leading to the treasure trove 

of Self Serve Car Wash News back issues? Alas, it wasn’t a 

map, but still exciting. A cd-rom of photos from past ICA 

shows. I will publish these photos in the next issue. As always, 

thank you, JJ! I know readers of this magazine miss you and 

will hopefully appreciate this theatrical bit. 

One more thing… 

Before I go, don’t forget to notice our advertisers, 

they are what keep us going. 

Until next time, 

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support holidays, site branding, community events and more to increase seasonal traffic. 

FALL 2021 • 5

Another 

Car Wash Cat 

... and groundhog 

How about some heartwarming news? The following are stories 

of cats found at car washes, who eventually found forever homes. 

Now, for a collective “awwwwwwwwwwwwww……” 

We named her creepy because she always was 

watching us detail cars from a distance. I found her 

when she was a kitten in one of the bushes one 

morning. Fed her and made her a house because 

winter was coming. 

I took care of her for about 9 months and one of our 

customers saw her and fell in love and said, “We are 

coming back to get her if it was ok with us,” and now 

she has a fur-ever home. 

Meet 

Creepy 

SPARKLE BRITE AUTO WASH IN 

WILKES-BARRE, PENNSYLVANIA 

..... 

And, meet…The donut-loving Groundhog! 

“We also have a groundhog that we feed. He 

likes donuts and danishes. 

WINSTON WOLF 

For Details Visit • www.swcarwash.org 

6 • FALL 2021

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FALL 2021 • 7

NRCC Breaks Attendee Numbers, 

Announces 2022 Dates 

Despite COVID protocol, the Delta 

Variant and vendor downsizing due to staffing 

issues and illness, the 31st Northeast 

Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC), 

October 4-6, at the Atlantic City Convention 

Center, broke its 2019 attendee record, 

according to show Chairman, David 

DuGoff, with the Mid-Atlantic Carwash 

Association, this year’s host. “Carwashers 

are just the best people in the world,” said 

DuGoff. “It is in our DNA to want to share 

with others. We learn so much from each 

other and that is why we want so much to 

be together again. And that is what we saw 

at the 31st NRCC — record-breaking operator 

attendance!” 

In addition to impressive attendance, 

998 excluding vendors, the NRCC board 

elevated its educational lineup and secured 

high-profile presenter, former Governor 

Chris Christie, as its Keynote Speaker. 

“Governor Christie, a native of New 

Jersey, is candid and entertaining. Whether 

you like his politics or not, he provided 

us with a caliber of speaker we have not 

had in the past,” said Suzanne Stansbury, 

NRCC board member and education 

track coordinator. “We were thrilled to 

have him at our event.” 

The NRCC was able to secure this level 

of speaker thanks to a generous co-sponsorship 

from innovateIt and Micrologic 

Associates. “I thought Governor Christie’s 

comments were both insightful and 

inspiring for small business owners,” said 

innovateIt President Ron Slone. Added 

Miguel Gonzalez, Micrologic President & 

CEO, “Governor Christie was a fantastic 

choice. For me, personally, it was a career 

highlight. His authenticity and energy 

resonated with the audience. My thanks 

to the NRCC for making this possible.” 

In addition to the Keynote, the education 

track included an unscripted Early 

Bird panel discussion on any and all topics 

relating to carwashing, a program on turning 

a difficult customer into a customer 

for life and a lively, candid discussion with 

some industry “Titans” on consolidation, 

transformation and the industry’s bright 

future. That seminar included Sonny’s 

Paul Fazio, Simoniz USA’s Bill Gorra, 

Hoffman Car Wash’s Tom Hoffman Jr., 

Amplify Car Wash Advisor’s Bill Martin 

and International Carwash Association’s 

Eric Wulf. Unfortunately, due to illness, 

Big Ass Fans founder Carey Smith was unable 

to attend. He will, however, be on the 

2022 education track! 

Another change to the 2021 show was 

the expansion of the Welcome Reception 

sponsored by ICS. “We really wanted to 

make it all-inclusive and a true networking 

event so we opened it up to every single 

attendee, no matter if they just came 

to walk the floor or purchased a full convention 

pass,” said Stansbury. “It turned 

out to be a perfect ending to the first day 

of the trade show featuring Jersey snacks 

and beverages.” 

The NRCC board also opted to change 

hotel venues and move back to the iconic 

Atlantic City boardwalk and call the 

newly-renovated Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 

home for the next several years. 

The 32nd NRCC is slated for September 

19-21. For attendee and exhibitor 

registration information visit nrccshow. 

com, email info@nrccshow.com or call 

800/868-8590. The 2022 show is hosted 

by the New England Carwash Association 

with Dave Ellard and John Shalbey Jr. as 

co-chairmen. “We have some terrific additions 

to our educational lineup on tap 

for the 2022 NRCC,” said Shalbey Jr. “We 

always strive to push the bar a little higher 

with each show.” 

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FALL 2021 • 9

BRIAN & 

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REIDSVILLE, GEORGIA 

• YEAR OPENED: 

NOV 5TH, 2021 

We held the grand opening 

ceremony under our 

ownership. 

• TYPE OF 

WASH AND 

NUMBER OF BAYS: 

IBA 1 BAY, SS 2 BAYS 

• HOURS: 24/7 

• HOW DID YOU END UP 

OWNING A CAR WASH? 

In addition to our full-time 

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my wife saw an abandoned 

car wash up for auction, so 

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enjoyed the business of it. 

Nine years later we now have 

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10 • FALL 2021

FALL 2021 • 11

• YOU RECENTLY MADE SOME 

UPGRADES TO YOUR WASH (SEE 

PICTURES); WHAT DID YOU DO 

AND WHY? 

This car wash had been shut down 

for 5-6 years and had the original 

20-year-old equipment so we 

completely gutted it and started over. 

There was an oil lube building on the 

back of the property that impeded 

the traffic flow. We tore it down 

which greatly improved the ability to 

stack vehicles into the IBA. With the 

redesigned property layout we were 

also able to put up a spacious vacuum 

shelter. For our IBA we installed a 

Petit 360i (the first one in Georgia). 

We added air dryers in the self-serve 

bays. Under our new vacuum shelter 

we installed 4 combo vacs. One of 

the exciting upgrades we did was 

install G&G ColorWash lighting in our 

self-serve bays. At night we have 

different colorful light shows playing 

in the bays. When a vehicle pulls in 

the bay, the lighting show pauses, 

and the lights turn bright white while 

the car occupies the bay. Once the 

bay is unoccupied the lighting show 

resumes. All our bays accept credit/ 

debit, cash, and quarters. 

• DO YOU HAVE 

ANY OTHER 

UPGRADES PLANNED? 

The only thing we might upgrade 

in the future is adding credit/debit 

readers to our vacuums. 

BEFORE 

BEFORE 

BEFORE 

AFTER 

12 • FALL 2021

FALL 2021 • 13

FUN& 

GAMES 

WHAT’S DIFFERENT? 

Think these two pictures taken at a self serve 

car wash are the same? Think again! There are 

six differences. Can you spot them all? 

3. Car mat clip is missing 

4. Tree on vending machine is missing 

5. Roof over vending area is larger 

FROM 

LAUGHS 

TO TEARS… 

The following are various Yelp! reviews of self serve car washes: 

2. The word “Capital” was changed to “Cleveland” 

1. Vacuum hose is different color 

FRUSTRATING YELP REVIEW 

I’ve always loved this car wash. It’s centrally located and fairly priced. Until 

recently when I was forced to use the self serve wash. I washed my car for five 

minutes which was listed as five dollars but later when I checked my account 

I noticed that they had charged me 25 dollars!!! A preliminary charge.... Who 

does this??? Charge someone three times the price and then refund it four days 

later? This is super annoying and frankly unnecessary. I am seriously considering 

not going back after years of being a faithful customer. I’m sure they have the 

technology to charge the price according to the usage. That being said, when I 

called to inquire about the charge the person I spoke with was kind and refunded 

my car wash. But that refund was not posted for several days. All in all it caused 

a major Financial inconvenience. Not to mention it’s bad business. I don’t know 

if they assume that most of their customers won’t miss 25 extra dollars for a few 

days but even that assumption is misguided. If you are planning to stop in at 

sea suds be warned the self serve is expensive regardless of the time you use 

you will be charged 25$ Pay with cash, go to the drive through wash or skip it all 

together! Hope this helps 

PERPLEXING YELP REVIEW 

This is a great car wash. However the most recent time I was there I had a 

strange experience with an employee. I was trying to scrape something off my 

car before starting the four minute wash timer when I noticed a man staring at 

me. I ignored him and kept doing what I was doing then I turned around and 

saw the man turning on my car wash and starting the foam brush! He did not 

ask me if I needed help he just assumed I didn’t know how to work the car 

wash. I appreciate that he was just trying to help but it was not helpful and very 

misogynistic of him to assume I needed his help to operate the very simple car 

wash. Great car wash but definitely has some mansplaining employees. 

FUNNY YELP REVIEW 

This is by far the worst Coin-Op Car Wash I have ever witnessed in my entire life. 

I don’t even know where to start as this entire place is a mess. The cash for coin 

machine gives you a mix of quarters with foreign currency that don’t even work 

in their machines when you try to wash your car! Not only that, but when you 

finally get a quarter to work in the car wash machine each quarter gives you only 

10 seconds! Unless you’re Usain Bolt in the 2012 London Olympics you’re going 

to be spending a minimum of 15 dollars to get only a square inch of bird s!$& off 

the hood of your car. Don’t even get me started on the vacuum they have! The 

only thing it sucks is your cash right out of your wallet! All in all I’m 99% sure this 

place is some sort of cover up for a sketchy illegal underground business. 

14 • FALL 2021

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FALL 2021 • 17

18 • FALL 2021

Association News 

2021 

CALENDAR 

OF EVENTS 

*All events are subject to changes 

due to current circumstances. 

NOV 

15-17, 2021 

2021 CAR WASH 

SHOW 

Las Vegas Convention Center 

Las Vegas, Nevada 

FEB 27- 

MAR 1 

2022 

2022 SCWA 

CONVENTION & EXPO 

Fort Worth Convention Center 

Fort Worth, Texas 

MAY 

9-11, 2022 

THE CAR WASH 

SHOW 2022 

Music City Center 

Nashville, Tennessee 

SEPT 

19-21, 2022 

NORTHEAST REGIONAL 

CARWASH CONVENTION 

Atlantic City, New Jersey 

Carwash Association of Pennsylvania 

The following letter and pictures from Association 

President Keith Lutz was shared with Self Serve Car 

Wash News: 

Dear Fellow Carwash 

Professionals: 

Out of everything the carwash industry has ensured 

since the onset of the global pandemic, I am energized 

by the progress and activity that has taken place this 

year, particularly within the Carwash Association of 

Pennsylvania. A little over a year ago, we weren’t sure 

when we’d get back to enjoying in-person events and 

activities, but I am glad to report that CAP has enjoyed 

hosting a busy year of networking events. Please allow 

me to share some of the highlights from those events. 

CAP Baseball Outing 

On August 10, carwash operators and vendors 

across Pennsylvania met in Pittsburgh to see the Pirates 

take on the Cardinals. This annual baseball outing has 

become a family-friendly event we look forward to year 

after year because not only does it provide fun and entertainment, 

but also valuable networking opportunities 

in a relaxed environment. We aim to rotate locations 

throughout the state and welcome suggestions on 

where the 2022 baseball outing should take place. 

Annual Dinner & Tabletop Show 

On September 15, CAP’s Annual Dinner & Tabletop 

Show was an exceptional experience with renowned 

carwash industry expert, Tyler Slaughter coming in all 

the way from Nashville to be our keynote speaker! 

The dinner’s new venue, the Antique Auto Museum in 

Hershey, was packed with the largest attendance we’ve 

seen in recent years. And there’s no wonder why! Tyler 

shared valuable insight and sparked discussion among 

carwash professionals that resulted in an evening of social 

and educational conversation. 

CAP Golf Outing & Picnic Fundraiser 

The CAP Golf Outing & Picnic Fundraiser took 

place following the annual dinner on September 16 in 

Carlisle. Much like our other events this year, the golf 

outing grew in size and welcomed many new faces. It 

was a beautiful day of golf and everyone left with prizes 

– some bigger than others including the grand raffle 

prize of a Yeti cooler! A big congratulations to the winning 

Foursome from Simoniz and a very honorable mention 

to Shore Corporation who took the number 2 spot. 

Most impressively was Mike Burke’s golf performance 

which earned him both skill prizes and some generous 

cash prizes to enjoy. All in all, the day yielded the perfect 

opportunity for networking and professional interaction. 

Submit your Entries for the CAP Scholarship and Carwasher 

of the Year Award! 

We need your help spreading the word! A cash scholarship fund has been established to support the carwash 

community. Any student in or entering higher education and who is either employed by or the relative of a carwash 

professional may apply. Also, CAP has a new award to honor the Carwasher of the Year and we need your recommendations 

for who should receive this honor. Visit www.pacarwash.org today to learn more and apply today! 

I extend my deepest thanks to everyone who supported CAP in 2021 through membership or by attending 

one of our events. We look forward to planning many more opportunities together as an industry to strengthen our 

relationships and knowledge together. 

Keith Lutz 

President, Carwash Association of Pennsylvania 

FALL 2021 • 19

Association News 

Southwest Car Wash Association 

SCWA reveals details for 2022 Show 

The 2022 SCWA Convention & EXPO 

will take place February 27 - March 1, 2022 

at the Fort Worth Convention Center. According 

to the Association’s website, it is the 

first Big Car Wash Show of 2022 and will 

showcase more than 350 exhibit booths displaying 

the latest in car wash, lube and detailing 

equipment, supplies and services. 

Attendees will also have the opportunity 

to enjoy premier education sessions, including 

the “Quick Talks” and the Car Wash 

Academy. The 2022 keynote speaker has not 

yet been announced. This year, the keynote 

was given by publisher, and politician Steve 

Forbes. 

Southeastern Car Wash Association 

The SECWA posted the following message 

along with photos of the event: Thank you to 

everyone who attended the SECWA American 

CarWash Expo this week! From education 

sessions, innovative displays on the Trade Show 

floor, an inspirational keynote presentation, and 

endless networking opportunities— we’re so glad 

we were able to come together in-person for this 

incredible event! 

Australian Car Wash Association 

The following Members Update was shared by the ACWA: 

The rest of Australia is cheering for our NSW 

cousins as they head towards the first significant 

step to reopening this Monday. What a mighty effort 

from the NSW community, and our congratulations 

to all of you for your dogged success in 

vaccinating yourselves to “freedom”. 

Let’s also take this opportunity to send a 

shout out to ACWA members in the ACT, who 

are due to come out of lockdown next Friday the 

20 • FALL 2021 

15th October. Your vaccination efforts have also 

been massive. 

We are also thrilled to advise that the Victorian 

Government approved that car wash premises 

can operate in a fully contactless manner earlier this 

week. This was a small but hard-fought win in a state 

that has taken a hard-line and, some might argue, a 

fatally uncompromising position on small to medium 

business during the State’s COVID pandemic. 

For more than a year, ACWA has relentlessly 

pursued the Government to change its position 

and supported by those members who petitioned 

the local politicians, together we finally managed 

to move the mountain! We trust that this change, 

along with the $2 million in ACWA negotiated 

car wash grants that have flowed to operators, will 

help in some way to get Victorian operators to the 

COVID finish line.

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INDUSTRY DIRT 

HAPPENINGS 

IN & AROUND THE SELF 

SERVE CARWASHING INDUSTRY 

Warren Day named OPW’s new 

Vice President and General Manager 

OPW, a Dover company and a global leader in 

fluid-handling solutions, announced in an October 

4 press release that it has named Warren Day as the 

new Vice President and General Manager for its Vehicle 

Wash Solutions (VWS) business. OPW VWS 

of Hamilton, Ohio, is an industry leader offering a 

full suite of best-in-class solutions, including in-bay 

automatic, tunnel wash systems, payment systems 

and software management. 

Prior to accepting this role, Day was the General 

Manager for ICS, a recent OPW acquisition. While 

in that role, he was responsible for running the dayto-day 

activities of ICS, as well as overseeing the 

integration of the company into the OPW Vehicle 

Wash Solutions business. In addition to his industry 

knowledge, Day brings extensive management experience 

from his roles at both Honda and Danaher. 

“With Warren leading the OPW Vehicle Wash 

Solutions business, we will look at new ways to 

align and promote our entire vehicle wash solutions 

portfolio and help further define what’s next for 

the vehicle wash industry,” said Kevin Long, President 

of OPW, in the October 4 press release. 

“I’m excited to lead the OPW Vehicle Wash 

Solutions business,” Day added. “The portfolio has 

expanded over the years with the addition of both 

Belanger and ICS, and I look forward to working 

with our team to continue delivering new solutions 

for our customers.” 

Sonny’s Enterprises acquires Hydra-Flex 

Sonny’s, of Tamarac, Florida, announced the 

acquisition of Hydra-Flex on August 2, 2021. 

Hydra-Flex of Savage, Minnesota, is a privately-held 

manufacturer of innovative and reliable 

fluid handling products for the vehicle wash industry 

including chemical dispensing systems and 

high-pressure nozzles. 

“Hydra-Flex has revolutionized car wash chemical 

dispensing and nozzle technology. They have 

consistently found better ways to solve customer 

and industry problems with fluid handling,” said 

Paul Fazio, CEO of Sonny’s in a press release. 

“While the products they make are the best in the 

business, what excites me most are the people we 

will gain. Their passion for our industry and for 

customer service fits perfectly with Sonny’s.” 

“This is an exciting time for us and marks a 

huge milestone for the company, our employees, 

and our customers who will all benefit from the 

opportunities this acquisition presents,” stated Jaime 

Harris, President and CEO of Hydra-Flex, in a 

press release. “Being a part of Sonny’s allows us to 

better serve our customers as we continue to grow 

in all areas of our business.” 

Hydra-Flex’s management and staff will remain 

in place with the factory in Savage, Minnesota. 

DRB Systems, LLC, acquired by Vontier 

Vontier Corporation (“Vontier”) (NYSE: VNT), 

of Raleigh, North Carolina, announced on September 

13 that it completed its previously announced 

acquisition of DRB Systems, LLC (“DRB”), a leading 

provider of point of sale, workflow software, 

and control solutions to the car wash industry. 

DRB will function as a standalone operating company 

within the Mobility Technologies platform, 

according to a press release. 

In a July 19 press release, DRB of Akron, Ohio, 

announced that it was to be acquired by Vontier. 

The acquisition was subjected to customary closing 

conditions, including regulatory approval, and was 

completed during the third quarter of 2021. 

Vontier’s portfolio of trusted brands includes 

market-leading expertise in mobility technologies, 

retail and commercial fueling, fleet management, 

telematics, vehicle diagnostics and repair and smart 

cities end-markets. Vontier’s innovative products, 

services and software advance efficiency, safety, security 

and environmental compliance worldwide. 

Established in 1984, DRB has been a provider 

of point-of-sale and optimization 

technology to 

the car wash, quick lube, 

and light repair industries. 

DRB’s mission is to help 

its customers squeeze every ounce of profitability 

out of their investments, according to the press 

release, and is owned by New Mountain Capital, a 

New York-based investment firm. 

“DRB’s passion to leverage technology to unlock 

value for our customers became stronger today,” 

said DRB CEO and President Dan Pittman in a 

press release. “Vontier’s purpose of mobilizing the 

future to create a better world, along with its great 

portfolio of companies, positions DRB’s team to 

continue its growth and better serve its customers.” 

Mark Morelli, President and Chief Executive 

Officer of Vontier, stated in a press release: “DRB’s 

focus on technology and software solutions complements 

our existing point-of-sale and payment 

offerings. Furthermore, entry into the high-value 

segment of the car wash industry positions Vontier 

to increasingly benefit from the growing demand 

for clean, efficient mobility solutions and key trends 

including autonomous vehicles and water conservation. 

We look forward to working with the DRB 

team to deliver an expanded suite of solutions to 

meet the industry’s rapidly increasing needs for 

technology and workflow expertise.” 

Peter Masucci, Managing Director of New 

Mountain Capital, stated in a press release: “We’re 

proud of the successful partnership with DRB and 

the tremendous business building that took place 

since our investment in October 2017. Under 

New Mountain Capital’s ownership, DRB experienced 

significant growth while tripling dollars 

spent on product development and innovation. 

We thank DRB’s management team and employees 

and wish Vontier continued success with DRB 

in the years ahead.” 

22 • FALL 2021

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FALL 2021 • 23

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24 • FALL 2021

INDUSTRY DIRT 

Kleen-Rite Expands its Hydro Systems 

Line of dosing and dispensing products 

Kleen-Rite, a leading family-owned wholesale 

supplier for the car wash industry, announced in an 

August 6 press release that it has expanded its partnership 

with Hydro Systems, a world-leading provider 

of chemical dispensing and dosing solutions. 

While the Columbia, Pennsylvania-based Kleen- 

Rite has long been a leading distributor of Hydro-Systems’ 

car wash proportioners and injectors, 

it is now the exclusive master distributor of Hydro 

Systems’ Janitorial and Sanitation line of facility 

cleaning products in North America. 

Kleen-Rite will provide on-demand stocking 

and shipment of Hydro Systems’ janitorial and 

sanitation products, as well as parts and accessories 

for repair and maintenance. Hydro’s trusted 

technical support team will continue to be available 

to customers for product maintenance and 

troubleshooting, with support from our dedicated 

service team at Kleen-Rite for recommendations 

and more. 

This partnership will allow Kleen-Rite to provide 

benefits to both new and existing customers 

while expanding our selection of durable, accurate 

Hydro Systems dispensing and proportioning 

products, the press release said. “It will bring 

convenient solutions to customers, making it easy 

to order Hydro Systems products through a user-friendly 

e-commerce platform, while also supporting 

phone orders and consulting. Our four 

strategic warehouse locations will streamline the 

ordering process, showcase the availability of 

products, and provide same or next-day shipping 

for stocked Hydro Systems items.” 

Express Wash Concepts raises $50K thanks to Air Freshener Campaign 

Express Wash Concepts (EWC) of Columbus, 

Ohio, announced on October 7, 2021, that it was 

able to donate $50,188 to 38 Ohio-based community 

organizations. According to a press release, 

the donations were collected as part of EWC’s 

Fall Air Freshener Campaign in which customers 

could purchase a special edition air freshener for 

$1, with 100% of the collected proceeds donated 

back to the designated non-profits. 

Non-profit partners were selected by team 

members at each car wash location. During the 

month-long campaign, Moo Moo Express Car 

Wash, Flying Ace Express Car Wash, Clean Express 

Auto Wash and Meyers Auto Wash had 

pumpkin spice scented air fresheners for sale at 

their locations, the press release stated. As an added 

incentive, customers could scan a QR code on 

the back of the air freshener to enter for a chance 

to win Unlimited Washes for a Year. 

“Our quarterly company-wide donation campaigns 

continue to surpass all expectations in 

terms of dollars donated back into the community,” 

said John Roush, Express Wash Concepts 

Chief Executive Officer, in a press release. “It is 

amazing to watch the camaraderie between our 

team members, customers and local organizations 

as we not only bring awareness to their missions, 

but positively impact their operating budgets 

during a time when it is much needed.” 

Participating non-profit partners included the 

following: 4 Paws for Ability, Agape For Youth, 

American Red Cross, Animal Friends Humane Society, 

Artemis Domestic Violence Shelter, Boys & 

Girls Club of Toledo, Brigid’s Path, Central Community 

House, Central Ohio Military Museum, 

Columbus State Community College Development 

Foundation, Fairfield Area Humane Society, 

Fairfield County 211, Flying Horse Farms, Gahanna 

Residents in Need, Giggles & Coos, Harpers Corner 

Foundation, Hilliard Food Pantry, Justice for Sierah, 

Licking County Humane Society, Make it Fit, 

Mothers of Murdered Columbus Children, Ohio 

Wildlife Hospital, PetPromise, Providence House, 

Reynoldsburg Helping Hands Food Pantry, Ronald 

McDonald House of Dayton, SICSA, Solon Benevolent 

Fund, Start Talking Grandview, Streetsboro 

High School Rockets Football Team, Sunrise Sanctuary, 

Sylvania Area Family Services, The City Mission/ 

Laura’s Home Women’s and Children’s Crisis 

Center, The City Mission/ Crossroads Men’s Crisis 

Center, The Humane Society of Greater Dayton, 

We Care Arts, Westerville Area Resource Ministry 

and the Worthington Resource Pantry. 

Access Holdings’ CWON partners with Flagship Car Wash Center 

Car Wash Owners Network (“CWON”), of 

Baltimore, Maryland, a portfolio company of Baltimore-based 

Access Holdings, has closed its in 

uniquely positioned to scale, particularly given its 

existing, actionable pipeline of over 20 opportunities 

in advanced stages of diligence. For more than 

thirty years, Flagship has provided best-in-class 

services across this ever-growing market. Access is 

excited to support the brand’s accelerated expansion, 

enhance its offerings, and continue to secure 

Flagship as the premier operator of choice.” 

Flagship was founded in 1983 by Donnie Hinton, 

who later joined forces with Guy Paolozzi 

in 2010, to create one of the leading car wash 

operators in the Washington DC, Maryland, and 

Northern Virginia (the “DMV”) market with 11 

locations offering express, full-, and flex-serve car 

wash services. CWON and Flagship are aligned on 

a win-win value creation strategy that combines 

Flagship’s local knowledge and premier locations 

with CWON’s best practices and winning playbook. 

The partnership will expand modern car 

wash services, including indoor sites, monthly 

membership options, and increased express services 

to more customers with an objective to grow 

Flagship’s business to 50+ locations by 2024. 

“CWON proved themselves to be a true partner 

throughout the transaction,” said Flagship’s 

Co-Owner and President, Guy Paolozzi, in a press 

release. Paolozzi will continue to lead the business 

post-close. “The CWON team genuinely took the 

time to get to know us and define a mutually developed 

long-term strategy centered around a dynamic 

and actionable growth plan that we are already executing 

against. We are entering this deal confident 

that we have an innovative partner who not only 

understands our mission but also has the vision and 

know-how to execute and improve it,” he added. 

Since 2019, CWON has partnered with leading 

operators in prime markets, with Flagship becoming 

CWON’s third car wash operating brand. The 

network offers unmatched platform operators and 

market-leading brands in each of its geographies. 

Through its partnerships, CWON has expanded 

its presence from a single market comprised of 24 

sites in early 2020 to five markets with an expected 

75+ sites by yearend 2021. CWON expects to 

reach 100+ sites by the end of 2022 via continued 

rapid expansion in current and new markets, according 

to the press release. 

“Flagship presented an incredible opportunity 

for CWON to continue building its network of 

top car wash operators,” said CWON’s Chief Financial 

Officer Andy Colmone in the press release. 

“Guy has built a premier business which shares 

our dynamic, innovative approach. The Flagship 

brand is synonymous with quality, and, together, 

we will accelerate Flagship’s expansion and grow 

its already impressive service offerings.” 

FALL 2021 • 25

INDUSTRY DIRT 

Hoffman named CEO of Mammoth Holding 

David Hoffmann has been appointed Chairman 

and CEO of Mammoth Holding, LLC, an Atlanta-based 

conveyor car wash operator with a portfolio 

of brands in 10 states. According to a September 

30 press release, Hoffmann served as CEO 

of Dunkin’ Brands from July 2018 until its $11 

billion sale to Inspire Brands in December 2020. 

Prior to Dunkin’ Brands — where he also served 

as president beginning in 2016 — Hoffmann spent 

22 years at McDonald’s, and most recently served 

as President of High Growth Markets. “This is one 

of the most exciting days in Mammoth’s history,” 

said Gary Dennis, Mammoth’s co-founder who 

served as chairman and chief executive officer of 

Mammoth prior to Hoffmann’s appointment, in a 

press release. “Dave is an extraordinary executive 

and is the right person to take Mammoth to a new 

level of operational excellence and scale. He has 

a keen appreciation for Mammoth’s unique operator-focus, 

and we know he will do great things 

at Mammoth like he did at Dunkin’ and McDonald’s.” 

Dennis will assume the new role of vice 

chairman going forward and will focus on acquisitions 

and special projects. 

“I’m honored to be assuming the role of chairman 

and CEO from Gary Dennis, who has done 

a remarkable job,” Hoffmann stated in a press release. 

“I’m excited to build on Mammoth’s successful 

operator-focused strategy 

and see many opportunities to 

leverage the experience I’ve 

had working with franchisees 

and owner-operators 

to elevate service and 

build consumer loyalty.” 

“The car wash model 

is prime for disruption,” 

Hoffmann added. “The 

Mammoth team has built 

a foundation from which 

we will launch an industry-leading 

customer service 

model to spur growth 

and deliver outstanding value 

for our operators” 

“Dave Hoffmann is a talented leader, 

team-builder and entrepreneur who brings real 

passion to this role,” said Marcus Kittrell, Mammoth’s 

executive vice president and a board member, 

in a company press release. “The other owner-operators 

and I have been impressed with Dave 

since he joined Mammoth’s board in August, and 

we expect to see great benefits from his deep expertise 

implementing operational excellence and 

digital transformation.” 

The press release also noted that Hoffmann 

joined Mammoth’s board of directors 

in August 2021 and 

made a significant personal 

investment in the 

company. 

Mammoth is the 

first car wash acquisition 

platform formed 

by industry insiders 

and is currently the 

9th largest conveyor 

car wash operator in 

the United States according 

to Commercial 

Plus’s Top 100 list. Mammoth’s 

multi-brand portfolio 

includes Marc-1, Wash Me 

Fast, Swifty, Ultra, Finish Line, Wiggy 

Wash, Shine On, Pit Stop, Lulu’s, Ollie’s, and now 

PureMagic, among others. In October 2018, Mammoth 

partnered with Red Dog Equity LLC, an Atlanta-based 

private equity firm, which, through its 

partnership with Tom Pritzker’s family business 

interests (advised by The Pritzker Organization), 

provides the equity for Mammoth’s corporate development 

initiatives. 

National Carwash Solutions to Acquire Zep Vehicle Care 

National Carwash Solutions of Grimes, Iowa, a 

provider of end-to-end car wash systems, services, 

and solutions, announced on September 27, 2021, 

that it signed a definitive agreement to acquire 

Zep Vehicle Care (“ZVC”) from Zep, Inc. ZVC’s 

offerings will enhance NCS’ chemicals brands, 

helping advance its mission to provide customers 

industry-leading complete car wash solutions and 

services, a press release stated. 

The press release also stated: Zep’s commercial 

car wash chemical offerings, marketed under wellknown 

brands, including Armor All Professional®, 

Blue Coral®, and Rain-X®, will complement 

National Carwash Solutions’ existing products to 

provide customers with the broadest selection of 

car wash chemicals. These products will enhance 

NCS’s comprehensive equipment and service offering, 

including MacNeil Wash Systems, Ryko 

Solutions, TSS products and services and Vacutech 

Vacuums. Zep also brings its PurClean water management 

and reclamation equipment brand to the 

combined entity. 

“We are thrilled to welcome the Zep Vehicle 

Care team to NCS,” Mike Gillen, CEO of NCS 

said in the press release. “ZVC’s beloved products 

are a great fit with our chemicals offering and will 

enhance our ability to provide car wash operators 

with a superior selection of chemicals, equipment, 

and solutions. We’re also excited for this opportunity 

to provide operators with an easy, integrated 

sales and service experience with the best talent in 

the industry.” 

“I want to thank Dan and the Zep organization 

for their leadership and support over the years,” 

Greg Heyer, Chief Commercial Officer of Zep, 

stated in the press release. “The ZVC and NCS 

organizations are a great fit, with similar cultures, 

best-in-class brands, and a focus on delivering the 

exceptional end-to-end solutions our customers 

demand. We look forward to joining the NCS 

family.” 

“We are excited to watch ZVC continue to 

thrive within the NCS organization,” said Dan 

Smytka, CEO of Zep, in the press release. “We 

look forward to collaborating with NCS to ensure 

a seamless transition for customers and employees.” 

Gillen will continue to serve as CEO of National 

Carwash Solutions. Heyer will lead the Zep 

Vehicle Care business, and executives from both 

companies will take on leadership positions. Berkshire 

Partners, an existing investor in NCS, will be 

the majority owner of the newly combined organization. 

Zep, Inc., a leading innovator and manufacturer 

of maintenance, cleaning, and sanitation 

solutions, is majority-owned by New Mountain 

Capital. 

26 • FALL 2021

PREP UNITS 

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FALL 2021 • 27

INDUSTRY DIRT 

El Car Wash named official car wash of the Miami HEAT 

El Car Wash, a chain throughout Southern Florida, 

announced it made a multi-year partnership 

to become the Official Car Wash of the Miami 

HEAT. A September 28 press release quoted Justin 

Landau, the co-founder of National Express 

Wash and CEO of El Car Wash who stated: The 

Miami HEAT are an iconic franchise that is admired 

throughout South Florida. El Car Wash is 

a business with deep Miami roots which are now 

growing from Miami through Broward, Palm 

Beach and beyond and we could not be more excited 

to be a part of the HEAT organization and 

show their fans how we protect the paint.” 

Geoff Kara, co-founder of National Express Wash 

and President of El Car Wash also stated in the 

press release: “As a company, we share many of the 

same core values, including a commitment to excellence 

and community, as well as many of the same 

fans, making the partnership a perfect match. One 

of the most successful NBA franchises, the HEAT 

welcomes El Car Wash as an official sponsor.” 

Glen Oskin who serves as Vice President of Corporate 

Partnerships with the Miami HEAT said 

they are excited to welcome El Car Wash into the 

HEAT family. “The rapid regional growth of El Car 

Wash as well as its attention to service and loyal 

clientele make it an impressive company on the rise 

and an ideal partner for the HEAT and our fanbase.” 

During the 2021-2022 season, El Car Wash will 

have a presence throughout FTX arena (the newly-named 

arena that is home to the Miami HEAT) 

and on radio broadcasts including the El Car Wash 

Protect the Paint Block of the Game and multiple 

special activations. In addition, the Miami HEAT 

will utilize El Car Wash’s extensive footprint 

across South Florida to expand its HEAT fan appreciation 

decal event across all its sites from Miami 

through Palm Beach along with other unique 

events during the season, the press release stated. 

El Car Wash, a subsidiary of National Express 

Wash, is the leading express car wash company in 

Southeast Florida with 17 operating sites and 17 

sites under development. 

Dog wash company wants to go ‘national’ 

Bubbly Paws, a self-service dog wash and full 

service dog grooming salon, of Minneapolis, is 

gearing up for the launch of its franchising option. 

The company announced this past summer in a 

press release that with locations already around 

the Twin Cities: Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Saint 

Louis Park and Maple Grove areas, the company 

is ready to expand its unique pooch-washing concept 

nation-wide, the press release stated. 

Bubbly Paws said its ‘look’ is modeled after upscale 

hair salons and, with an array of grooming 

services, man’s best friend has a number of options 

to choose from, the press release stated. 

“The franchise process started right as the pandemic 

started. We knew we needed to change 

our process, procedures and much more and we 

used the pandemic to update everything from our 

stores, shampoos, and we even created our own 

custom online booking software called the “pawtastic 

app,” Keith Miller, Co-Owner of Bubbly 

Paws, stated in the press release. “The Pet industry 

is booming right now and we’ve proved our concept 

is both recession and pandemic proof. We’re 

excited to share our knowledge, success and love 

of pets with others that want to get into the pet 

industry.” 

Miller and his wife, co-owner Patrycia, opened 

the first Bubbly Paws location in 2011 after getting 

fed up with the hair and mess left over after every 

bath and brushing in their own home with their 

Bernese Mountain Dog, “Roxy.” The concept was 

designed to take the headache out of dog grooming 

for everyone while still retaining that personal 

touch at bath-time. The Millers have been able to 

open a new location about every two years. The 

plan for franchising has included working hard to 

perfect their business model. With many believing 

pet-grooming to be an essential business, the franchise 

holds the promise of longevity. 

“Bubbly Paws was one of the original self-service 

dog wash and grooming salons in the Minneapolis 

area and now we are taking it national, by offering 

other pet lovers the chance to franchise their 

own dog wash.” Patrycia states in the press release. 

“Helping others succeed and follow their passions 

has always been important to me, and now I get to 

help small entrepreneurs around the country help 

achieve their dream of owning their own small 

business.” 

In addition to pet baths and grooming, Bubbly 

Paws believes in giving back to the local pet community. 

In 2020, the four Minneapolis area stores 

donated over $15,000 to local pet rescues. 

ISTOBAL doing great, despite pandemic 

Despite COVID-19, ISTOBAL USA business 

grew by 18% over the last year and a half, according 

to a September 27 press release. The new subsidiary 

CEO, Juan Moncada, estimates sales to continue 

growing in 2022. Moncada stated in the press release, 

“the expansion is mainly due to the efficiency 

and dependability of ISTOBAL’s equipment, and 

the value we provide to gas stations when adapting 

to the ever-changing market trends of today”. 

Additionally, Moncada noted thatm “during 

the pandemic, our sales, technical & supply chain 

teams partnered with our valued distributor network 

to maintain excellent market coverage and 

continue to uncover our customers’ needs with 

pinpoint accuracy. Having a clear understanding 

of what our customers and end consumers want, 

allows us to deliver the tailormade solutions they 

deserve, while maximizing our customers’ ROI”. 

ISTOBAL is a multinational group, based in 

Valencia, Spain. With over 65 years’ experience, 

ISTOBAL exports its products to more than 75 

countries and has 10 subsidiaries and four manufacturing 

facilities in Europe, the Americas and 

Asia. International sales account for 76% of the 

company’s revenues. ISTOBAL has had a subsidiary 

in the United States since 2009; its first manufacturing 

and assembly plant was set up in Bristol, 

Virginia, in 2011. 

28 • FALL 2021

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Presenting the news stories featuring 

self serve car washes 

Lightning strikes self serve 

Self Serve owner is living the dream in 

Reading, PA 

A new Regal Car Wash has opened in Reading, Pennsylvania, according to 

an October 5 Reading Eagle story. 

The owner, Henry Minter, acquired the former Kenhorst Plaza Car Wash 

back in May. This now brings Minter’s portfolio to three self serve car washes. 

According to the story, Minter immediately fortified his newest castle, investing 

upwards of six figures into upgrades and renovations for the Kenhorst 

location — with more still to come. 

“The facility was built in the mid-90s and really hasn’t had much going 

with it,” Minter said in the story. Improvements included adding new meter 

boxes that accept cash, credit or debit cards, as well as LED lighting throughout 

the entire complex and new wall boards in every bay to brighten the 

facility. 

“I want to keep going,” he said in the story, noting he plans to include triple 

foam brushes, Rain-X, and air dryers in the next year or two. 

Minter revealed in the story that the secret to self-serve car wash success 

isn’t necessarily more options, but instead proper upkeep, maintenance, improvements 

and attention to safety. 

“When a customer comes, they can be sure that there’s consistency,” Minter 

said in the story. “That’s really the key to the car wash business. When 

they come, they know they’re gonna get that function when it comes on 

the dial. When people put on that foam brush, that foam comes out really 

nice, there’s a nice scent in the bay and they’re getting their money’s worth. 

High-pressure soap, whatever the function is, it’s gonna work. It’s gonna be 

consistent every time, all the time.” 

Minter also said in the story that proper lighting can play a big role in a 

customer’s experience. “It doesn’t sound like a big deal,” he said. “You kind of 

think, ‘Oh, yeah, you have to have lighting.’ But with the technology today 

with LED lighting, it’s so bright, it keeps the place well-lit. It’s safe. We’ve got 

cameras throughout the entire facility, so people coming here day or night 

feel like they can wash at a safe, clean facility.” 

Minter got into the car washing business after he was becoming more and 

more disgruntled with corporate America. “I’m one of these guys that I see 

the value of car washing because you pay $20,000 to $40,000 for a new vehicle 

these days,” Minter said in the story. “And just to get away on a nice day 

to wash — it’s relaxing. There’s something about doing it yourself, even in the 

automatics and the tunnel washes. 

One day he was visiting a car wash and noticed a phone number that was 

posted. He called the number to inquire about the business, and on the other 

end was a classmate from a college finance course, Scott Egolf, who operates 

several car wash in Berks, Pennsylvania. Egolf encouraged Minter to look into 

the car washing business. In 2006, he purchased his first car wash. Now, he 

owns a total of three and doesn’t regret changing career paths. As for his advice 

for others? “Be a big part of the community,” he said in the story. “Being 

a good corporate responsible business is what we’re looking to do. I’m excited 

about it. I’m very proud of it. I think we’ve come a long way with the place, 

but we still have a lot to go.” 

Zeus spared a car wash owner in Fernandina Beach, Florida, after 

lightning struck — and missed — him while he was onsite on September 

8. According to a Yahoo! News story, a video, captured by security 

cameras from James Mabe’s car wash business, shows the man “running 

for cover” after the lightning starts. Mabe said in the story that he was 

exiting the building to turn off the equipment at the car wash. It was 

then that a bolt struck a nearby metal grate. 

“I received a shock when it hit the grate, traveling electricity through 

my left leg. But no major injuries occurred, just some soreness afterward,” 

Mabe said in the story. “I saw the other bolts coming toward me 

and I tried to act quickly as possible to get out of the way into a dry 

place.” 

A new Autowash has opened in Fort Collins, Colorado, according to a 

press release. The wash, which is the 17 one in Colorado, now has three 

locations in Fort Collins. The September 12 press release stated that the 

new location offers both self-serve and automatic car wash bays as well 

as a membership program for $35 per month. 

Earlier this year they opened the 16th location. The Autowash company 

has been around since. 

Two brothers in VA now own four car 

washes 

They’re not only successful business owners, they’re also brothers! 

Lawrence Fuccella and his brother Kevin already own three other The 

Auto Spa car washes and back in July they purchased another one. 

This time, it was in Mathews, Virginia, according to an October 6 Gazette-Journal 

story. The self serve bays at the new wash are already 

open for business and they hope to open the in-bay automatic as soon 

as possible. They said the supply chain issues that are plaguing businesses 

around the world are having a similar effect in Mathews, and 

the parts just aren’t available, the story said. 

The new IBA equipment will be touch-free and will offer hot Turtle 

Wax products. 

FALL 2021 • 31

EXTRA! 

EXTRA! 

New Megawash also offers 

RV storage 

A MegaWash and Mega RV storage facility has 

opened for business in Ashland, Virginia, according 

to a November 1 WWBT story. 

According to the story, the Megawash features 

both a 75′ touchless car wash tunnel and 100′ 

large vehicle wash tunnel. Gloss Polish services 

and free vacuums will also be available. Touchless 

car wash and self-serve bays will be open 24/7. 

A grand opening, including free car washes, took 

place November 5 and 6. 

The facility, which is only accessible to customers, 

will be secured 24/7. Also, storage customers 

are given discounts on washes for both RVs and 

regular vehicles. 

The business also has a website and offers the 

following message on its homepage: 

Now open! Ditch your run-o’-the-mill churn-‘nburn 

express tunnel. Quit waiting 2 hours behind 

tractor-trailers to wash your RV. Don’t waste big 

bucks on a sloppy wax job. We can do it all, better, 

faster, and at a great value at MegaWash car wash 

& RV wash in Ashland VA. Big or small, we wash 

’em all. 

MegaWash welcomes vehicles of virtually any size. 

If our 75′ touchless tunnel can’t fit your vehicle, our 

100′ large vehicle wash definitely can. Want to wash 

it yourself? Our 3 self-serve bays with 11′ clearance 

are here for your boat, motorcycle, utility trailer, or 

Ferrari. Customers are raving about our quality. 

After your wash, visit our Buff & Shine Bay for the 

ultimate paint polish and protection treatment. And 

enjoy our free vacuums before you head back out on 

the road. Monthly club membership coming soon. 

Beloved car wash owner of Walt’s Car Wash passes away 

Walter “Walt” Bjorn Gislason, age 86, of Wayzata, 

Minnesota passed away peacefully Saturday 

afternoon, Oct. 2, according to his obituary. 

Walt served in the U.S. Army from 1956- 

1958 at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and in 1971, Walt 

and his wife, Raeanna, joined his brother Virgil 

in the c-store/car wash business in Willmar, 

Minnesota, which today is known as “Walt’s.” 

Offering a self serve and automatic car wash, 

oil changes and a convenience store, the operation 

has proudly employed hundreds over the 

Viral TikTok video promotes self serve ownership 

According to a July 27 BuzzFeed story, a 

woman in Tennessee showed her TikTok followers 

that there is money to be made by owning 

a self serve car wash. Hannah Ingram, who 

is only 22, posted a behind-the-scenes TikTok 

where stated, “I bought a car wash and I’m going 

to show you how much money it made.” 

As of November 1, the post has gotten 44.5 

million views. A lot of her posts have also 

been popular where she talks about running a 

self serve. You can find her TikTok account by 

searching for her at Hannah_Ingram_. 

The BuzzFeed article also stated: Hannah Ingram 

only has to tend to it for a few hours per 

week to restock vending machines for air fresheners, 

glass cleaners, tire shine, and other cleaning 

products. “The biggest nuisance is the trash has 

to be taken out every other day,” Hannah explained. 

But that problem is easily solved by the 

high school students Hannah occasionally pays 

to take the trash out for her. (Editor’s Note: Is it 

me or does she make it all seem way too easy?) 

years, including students, immigrants, and developmentally-challenged 

adults. “Walt loved 

to impart his own brand of customer service 

and was often seen pumping gas and washing 

windshields for customers at the self-serve. In 

his office, he is remembered for talking on two 

phones at once. ‘Why else would God give me 

two ears?’” the obituary said. 

He is survived by his wife, Raeanna; daughter, 

Schele (Phil) Smith; son, Erin (Amy) Gislason 

and grandchildren, Ian, Naomi and Katie. 

Now you might be wondering how a 22 year 

old was able to purchase a wash? The answer is: 

Seller Financing. 

According to the article, the entrepreneur was 

able to buy the car wash without parental help 

or a loan, for $140,000. “I just pay the seller’s 

payment every month,” Hannah told BuzzFeed. 

“They already got a loan from their bank for the 

$140,000, so I just make their payments to their 

bank. However, all of the income, expenses, and 

maintenance are all mine.” There’s always a catch! 

She also said car wash brings in about $50,000 

a year in gross income. Ingram also said she is in 

the process of expanding her car wash by adding 

on storage units. “I lucked out with that commercial 

piece of property,” she said in the story. 

“I went to school to please my parents and 

the people around me,” she said. “And I just sat 

there one day stressed out and I was like, I’m 

gonna get out.” And, get out she did. And now, 

thanks to the car wash, she was able to purchase 

her dream car, a Maserati. 

A new Wise Guys opens in 

Kelowna, Canada 

The Canadian-based Wise Guys Car Wash has 

a new location in Kelowna and features three self 

serve bays, and an express wash and touchless automatic, 

an August 23 Castanet story said. 

Wise Guys Car Wash owner Travis Wise said 

they are the only car wash of its kind in the area. 

“Nobody else has all three,” he said in the story. 

There are also Wise Guys Car Wash locations 

in Kamloops, Vernon and Penticton. Wise’s father, 

Grant Wise, started out in the car wash industry 

in 1984. “We focus on quality of wash. Quality 

is everything,” Wise said in the story. “We care 

about having lots of soap, lots of lubrication, the 

best quality soaps, the best quality equipment and 

really competent, smart employees that are welltrained 

and understand the difference between 

the washes and how things work.” 

The three self-serve bays can accommodate motorhomes, 

cube vans, boats, trailers and campers. 

The Kelowna location will offer the Wise Guys 

Wash Club a monthly pass as well as Mucky Mondays 

and Wise Guy Wednesdays where customers 

get $1 off any express or touchless wash. 

32 • FALL 2021

FALL 2021 • 33

EXTRA! 

EXTRA! 

The million-dollar-jig is up for greedy business owner 

A Louisiana man has been charged after fraudulently 

collecting more than $1.1 million in Paycheck 

Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster 

Loan (EIDL) Program loans, according to a 

November 1 smallbiztrends.com report. 

According to the indictment, 56-year-old Michael 

Ansezell Tolliver submitted nine fraudulent 

PPP and EIDL Program loan applications under the 

Tolliver Oil & Gas Corporation of Louisiana Inc. 

and Tolliver Petroleum Corporation of Louisiana. 

Smallbiztrends.com referred to Lowenstein 

Sandler, the New Jersey based law firm, which 

stated: “False statements or other fraudulent conduct 

in connection with a PPP loan may subject a 

violator to significant federal criminal liability in a 

number of ways. The PPP itself specifies that applicants 

must certify the application and indicates 

applicants may be penalized for “knowingly making 

a false statement to obtain a guaranteed loan from 

SBA,” and knowingly using the funds for unauthorized 

purposes.” 

According to the report, Tolliver claimed that some 

of his businesses had more than 100 employees and 

he also submitted inaccurate federal tax returns. 

Tolliver has been charged with two counts of 

wire fraud and three counts of money laundering 

and if convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 

20 years in prison, according to the story. 

Is your car wash located in any of these states? If 

so, you might be in luck! 

Do You Only Vend 

Car Care Products?* 

YES: 83.3% 

NO, WE ALSO VEND SODA/DRINKS: 11.1% 

NO, WE ALSO VEND SODA/DRINKS AND ________: 5.6% (see comments) 

Vended drinks in the past and honestly 

just felt like the juice ain’t worth the 

squeeze. Sure, I grossed an 50-100 bucks 

a month but when you figure time to 

procure and stock, as well as the cost of 

refrigeration on my power bill ($30/Month) 

it just ain’t worth it to me. Some washes 

that are in areas with no nearby convenience 

stores might do well with them… 

-Greg Pack 

I like soda vending. I would like to refine 

the process by buying in bulk, maybe 20 

cases at a time. 

The vending machine is more of an interesting 

and fun thing; not a big profit but it 

all helps and it’s pretty easy. -Waxman 

I had a soda machine at a wash some 

20 years ago, netted about $50 a month. 

Would have been easily twice that if I had 

owned the machine instead of doing it 

under contract with Coca-Cola, but the 

machine was destroyed twice and replaced 

at no cost to me. -MEP001 

Experience with drinks was not great and 

quickly went away from it. Would love to 

offer it again (just a great convenience 

adder) but will need to see something 

that really sparks an interest in trying 

again. -MC3033 

We moved all our vending indoors within 

our attached laundromat because of vandalism-theft 

issues. Drinks, snacks etc. We 

have separate machines for the chemical 

items ... maybe not a hazard but ... it might 

give someone an excuse to criticize the 

lack of separation. -mjwalsh 

Same here, I was on a contract and got 

about $60 a month until a truck tied up to 

it and pulled it down the road… 

-traveler17 

*This unscientific poll was conducted via the carwashforum.com. 

There is still money to hand out to small business 

impacted by Covid-19, according to an October 

30 smallbiztrends.com report, and if you’re 

located in one of these states, be sure to contact 

the various government agencies: 

• Indiana Small Business Restart 

Grant: $94.5 million in grant funding is 

available to small businesses across the 

state. 

• Providence (Rhode Island) 

COVID-19 Small Business Recovery 

Grant Program: The state capital 

is offering $2,500 microgrants to small 

businesses. 

• New Mexico Business Recovery 

Grant Program: The state has $200 

million available for small businesses. 

• Arizona Crisis Contingency and 

Safety Net Fund: The state recently 

announced it has $3.5 million in funding 

available under the EmergeAZ Fast II 

Grant program and the Arizona Small 

Business Association Growing opportunities 

grant. 

• Central Texas Small Business 

Grants: The Bell County 

Commissioners Court and Central Texas 

Council of Governments is handing 

out a second round of grants for local 

businesses and this time it includes 

$1 million in funding from the federal 

American Rescue Plan Act. 

• Chi Biz Strong: Small businesses 

have access to $20 million in funding 

supported by the federal American 

Rescue Plan Act. It will award grants 

between $5,000 to $10,000 to small 

businesses. 

• Williamsburg Covid-19 Small Business 

Grant Funding: Small businesses 

in Williamsburg, Poquoson and York 

County, Virginia, can apply for up to 

$15,000 in funding thanks to the third 

Phase of its COVID-19 Small Business 

Grant Program. 

• Windsor American Rescue Plan Act 

Funds: Small businesses in Windsor, 

Connecticut, now have access to the 

town’s $500,000 in new grant funding 

thanks to the American Rescue Plan 

Act. And it will be available to local 

businesses and nonprofits with 25 or 

fewer employees. 

34 • FALL 2021

AMERICAN 

MADE 

SINCE 1984 

Keeping the Car Wash 

Industry on Time. 

Since 1984 B&C Electronic Engineering 

has been developing technology for 

car wash industry leaders like Coleman 

Hanna, National Carwash Solutions, 

Istobal and many more. Not only are 

B&C timers in thousands of bays & 

vacuums across America, our logic 

and control boards work hard behind 

the scenes in vending machines and 

other equipment, ensuring your 

customers get the best experience 

possible! 

TM5-CU 

New Count Up Timer 

designed exclusively for 

National Carwash Solution 

SST 

Non-display Timer for paid 

or free vacuums 

1034-CU 

New Count Up Timer 

designed exclusively for 

Coleman Hanna 

TM6 

Timer designed 

exclusively for Istobal 

Designed and Built in America 

24-Month Manufacturer’s Warranty 

Exclusive Vacuum Fluorescent 

Displays for Exceptional Viewing 

Experienced US based 

Customer Support & Service 

1070 

Pet Wash Timer designed 

for Evolution Dog Wash 

1047 

Scrolling Message Sign for 

in-bay automatic and 

self-serve bays 

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO PURCHASE B&C ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TIMERS AND PRODUCTS GO TO: 

B&C Electronic Engineering 

www.bce-inc.com 

303-777-3388 

Coleman Hanna 

www.ColemanHanna.com 

713-683-9878 

National Carwash Solutions 

(Formerly Hi-Performance Wash Systems) 

www.hpws.com 

800-922-1313 

Shiners Car Wash Systems in 

Australia 

www.shiners.com.au 

61 3 9646 0777 

Have an engineering problem that you need help with? Contact us at info@bce-inc.com today. 

FALL 2021 • 35

INNOVATIONS 

INTRODUCING 

NEW AND IMPROVED PRODUCTS 

AND SERVICES FOR SELF SERVE CAR WASHES 

Surface wipes 

Holiday Marketing 

Say Ho-Ho-Ho”, Booooooo, or Give Thanks 

with a holiday inflatable from USA Outdoor 

Media. 

These are not ordinary lawn inflatables. These 

Commercial Holiday Inflatables are long-lasting 

and durable, lending visibility and advertising 

impact to any retail or corporate seasonal sale or 

special event. 

• Tie-down to Roof-Top, Parking Lot, 

or off-site Special Event. 

• Removeable Banner System allows for new 

Promotional Sales Messages as needed. 

• Add the Internal Light System for 

night-time exposure. 

• Heavy-Duty Vinyl Construction 

with Full Warranty. 

GOJO Industries, the makers of PURELL® 

products, announced the launch of its latest surface 

hygiene innovation – PURELL® Professional 

Surface Disinfecting Wipes and PURELL® Foodservice 

Surface Sanitizing Wipes. The new offering 

delivers on the unprecedented combination of 

powerful efficacy and peace of mind. 

PURELL® Surface Wipes quickly eliminate 

99.9% of bacteria and viruses of concern, including 

cold and flu, norovirus, strep, Salmonella, Listeria, 

E. coli, whooping cough, MRSA, and VRE. They 

also kill the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS- 

CoV-2) in only 30 seconds. Additionally, they 

have earned the EPA’s lowest allowable toxicity 

rating (Category IV), meaning they don’t require 

gloves, handwashing, or rinsing after use – even on 

food-contact surfaces. 

PURELL® Surface Wipes are designed to be 

used in a variety of professional and foodservice 

settings where frequent and fast disinfection of 

hard surfaces are needed, including schools, offices, 

restaurants, grocery stores, convenience stores, 

and health and fitness facilities. 

The new offering builds upon the PURELL® 

brand’s successful entry into surface products that 

originated with its PURELL® Sanitizing and Disinfecting 

Sprays, which are used for daily disinfection 

of hard or soft surfaces where broader coverage 

is needed. 

Foot operated sanitizer dispenser stand 

100% hands free foot activated hand sanitizer dispenser by 

Testrite Visual is a foot-activated dispenser using a simple designed 

foot pedal to dispense hand sanitizer without the need 

for hand contact. 

• Can hold a wide variety of pump action bottles up to 

and including 1 gallon sanitizer jugs with center mounted 

pumps 

• Paddle at top sticks out ~3”, large range of motion for 

dispensing 

• Height adjustable bottle holder with plastic knob 

• Bottle secures in place with Velcro (R) brand hook loop 

fastener, attached to back plate to prevent losing parts 

• Tray is 6-3/4” Deep, 6” High 

• Surdy Construction, Steel Rectangular base 10”w x 14”d. 

• Aluminum 44” oval Racetrack upright pole 

• 100% mechanical - no batteries or power needed 

• Includes braided steel cable and brass lock for securing 

bottle (if desired) 

• Packs flat for economical shipping 

• Includes safety stop at 18” above the floor to reduce risk 

of bottle falling 

• Ideal for many gallon sanitizer bottles, foot operated 

hands free action 

• Custom requests encouraged 

36 • FALL 2021

INCREASE LOYALTY & REVENUE WITH 

SMART UNATTENDED SOLUTIONS 

Designed for the automatic and self-serve markets, Hamilton’s diverse range of loyalty 

programs, pay stations, and bay timers can help differentiate your car wash and bring a 

truly unique value proposition to your customers. 

CUSTOM MOBILE APP 

Styled and named after your car wash brand, users can: 

Join a Monthly Wash Club | Buy & Gift Washes | Claim Deals & Discounts 

Earn Loyalty Rewards | Pay for Self-Serve Bay Time | Receive a complimentary Birthday Wash 

EXPRESSPASS RFID SYSTEM 

Improve throughput, loyalty, and cashflow by offering a Monthly Wash Club program. Using RFID 

technology, a unique windshield tag on the customers vehicle is read before vending their chosen 

package. Our flexible system includes custom greetings, multiple pass types, and automated billing. 

CUSTOM ECOMMERCE WEBSITE 

Customized to your brand, our new Ecommerce site lets customers sign up for RFID plans, update 

credit card information, purchase gift cards, check gift card balances, add new balance, and buy 

Single Washes & Wash Bundles. 

HOSTED SOLUTIONS 

All Hamilton loyalty programs are managed through a single cloud-based system for ease of use. 

Hosted Solutions also provides multi-site data reporting, a site status diagnostic tool, and Single 

Use Codes for rapid customer service responses. 

www.hamiltonmfg.com | sales@hamiltonmfg.com | 888-723-4858 

FALL 2021 • 37

TIPs 

Who you gonna 

call? Not me! 

For some reason, scammers love going after small 

business owners. Maybe it’s because they know 

they can talk to and target the person in charge and 

are not thwarted by an assistant, operator or 1-800 

number. Whatever the reason, make sure you’re on 

the National Do Not Call Registry. Goodness knows 

you probably get enough phone calls as it is! 

• You can register your home or mobile phone 

for free at: www.www.ftc.govdonotcall.gov/ 

• After you register, other types of 

organizations may still call you, such as 

charities, political groups, debt collectors and 

surveys. 

• If you received an unwanted call after your 

number was on the National Registry for 31 

days, report it to the FTC at www.ftc.gov or 

by calling (202) 326-2222 

• Registrations on the National Do Not Call 

Registry DO NOT EXPIRE. If you have 

previously registered your number, there is no 

need to register again. 

Post your car wash 

on the Nextdoor app 

Words of Wisdom 

“Every place you go someone has a Corvette 

story, someone wishes they had one, 

they knew someone who had one, they lost 

one in divorce, had an accident with one, and 

it’s kind of fun because everyone is so sincere 

with their stories — kind of like the passions 

we have with the daily life of business. And 

that’s something: You have to have the passion 

within. You have to be able to accept the peaks 

and valleys and constantly look at the humor. 

That’s one thing my wife always says, “You 

laugh at everything.” But in life, we have to 

laugh. You have to have the humor. Especially 

And yet another app is growing in popularity 

across the country, and there is a unique advertising 

opportunity for your car wash. The Nextdoor 

app is a platform where neighbors can post pictures, 

items for sale, announce an event or voice 

a concern. To date, Nextdoor is used by 280,000 

neighborhoods globally, and 1 in 3 U.S. households. 

And, it has allowed for 54 million business 

recommendations from neighbors. 

What’s great news for car wash owners is 

that they offer a FREE business page. According 

to Nextdoor, owners can set up a business 

profile in their neighborhood where local customers 

are searching for and recommending 

businesses. And, according to Salesforce, 95% 

of customers are more likely to be loyal to a 

business that they can trust. 

According to Nextdoor, once your business 

is added, you can then share updates, crowd 

source feedback, and draw in new customers 

with a post in the most visible place on Nextdoor, 

the newsfeed. You can also offer local 

deals, and advertise within the app which will 

then go out to specific neighborhoods. 

The app also offers business marketing and 

management tips to small businesses. 

when we look at ourselves in the mirror when 

we get up in the morning! ‘Hey, what did I do 

wrong? I was supposed to wake up thin with a 

six-pack belly!’” 

• Mike Hamel of Hamel Manufacturing Co., 

a family-run and -owned company which 

has been building car wash parts for 

over 30 years. This statement was taken 

from his interview with Perry Powell of 

WashIeads. To hear the entire interview, 

visit WashIdeas at www.washideas.com/ 

mike-hamel. 

Protect your 

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with oSha! 

removable Plug locks 

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38 • FALL 2021

Your carwash insurance experience can be hassle free. You don't have to spend hours 

comparing coverage options. You don't have to stumble through confusing paperwork. 

You can get a specialized insurance policy custom fit for your carwash business with 

Western Carwash Insurance Program (WCIP). 

Coverage Options: 

• Carwash Building & Equipment 

• Commercial Liability 

• Commercial Auto 

• Umbrella 

• Garagekeepers Legal Liability 

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• Surety Bonds and much more! 

Brandi Evans 

Account Manager-Lead 

email: Brandi.Evans@alliant.com 

http://wwwwesterncarwash.com 

CA DOI Lie. #OC36861 

FALL 2021 • 39

Carwash 

Boom Assembly 

MODEL 203 

Zierco’s Original Swivel and 

Boom Assembly, with 

New Rebuildable 

Cartridge 

• Feather light rotating action 

• Twin compression springs are 

tension-adjustable for a variety 

of hose and gun weights 

• Swivel rotates 360˚ - 12 ft. 

diameter 

MODEL 203 FEATURES 

• Temperatures to 280˚ max., 

pressure to 2000 psi 

• Longer hose life as spring 

prevents kinks 

• Ruggedly built, satisfaction 

guaranteed 

• Proven performance with over 50 years 

service in the field (Since 1962) 

OPTIONAL 

107C CARTRIDGE 

FOR COMPLETE 

INFORMATION 

CALL 

414-764-6630 

FAX: (414) 764-9763 

www.ziercowaterboy.com 

107C Cartridge Features: 

• Field Repairable 

• 100% 304 Stainless Steel Internal 

Materials Eliminate Failure Due to 

Corrosion 

• Double O-Ring Design Uses Any 

Type of Grease 

7355 S. 1st. Street 

Oak Creek, WI 53154 

sales@zierden.com 

TM 

VISA and Master Card accepted 

DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INVITED 

QUALITY PRODUCTS SINCE 1937 

40 • FALL 2021

Carwash 

Boom 

Assemblies 

Zierco’s Easy Service Swivel and 

Boom Systems with 

MODEL 204 and 206 FEATURES 

• Twin compression springs are tension-adjustable 

for a variety of hose and gun weights 

• Swivel rotates 360˚ - 12 ft. diameter 

• Temperatures to 280˚ max., pressure to 2000 psi 

• Longer hose life as spring prevents kinks 

• Ruggedly built, satisfaction guaranteed 

• Optional stainless steel components 

• Proven performance with over 50 years service in 

the field (Since 1962) 

Boom Systems with Full 360 Degree roTATIoN 

Booms are Available with 3 Different Mountings 

MODEL 204 

ENHANCE YOUR SELF SERVING 

CONVENIENCE 

STYLE B 

Flat Plate 

Mounts directly 

to the ceiling or 

beam. 

Easy to Use -"Feather Light" rotating action 

STYLE C 

Swivel Base 

Mounts directly to 

the ceiling. 

MODEL 206 

OFFSET Overhead Carwash Boom 

Allows for TWO Center Boom Installation 

STYLE D 

Wall Bracket 

Mounts to wall and 

is adjustable so 

boom swings 

to wall when 

not in use. 

Ideal for foaming brushes. 

FOR COMPLETE 

INFORMATION 

CALL 

(414)-764-6630 

www.ziercowaterboy.com 

CONVERSION KIT 

204B 

To Convert Model 203 

to a 204 Assembly 

Remove boom body 

from hinge plate 

EASY 3 STEP PROCEDURE 

TO CHANGE SEALS. 

NO TOOLS REQUIRED. 

Rotate hinge plate 

counter clockwise to 

remove seal elbow 

Replace O-Rings 

7355 S. 1st Street 

Oak Creek, WI 53154 

Fax: (414) 764-9763 

sales@zierden.com 

QUALITY PRODUCTS SINCE 1937 

TM 

DISTRIBUTOR 

INQUIRIES 

INVITED 

VISA and Master Card 

accepted 

FALL 2021 • 41

42 • FALL 2021

example, a common financial ratio called current ratio is helpful in determining if your business 

has the necessary cash flow to grow. Another financial ratio, inventory turnover, indicates how 

quickly What or slowly your is inventory your is moving and ‘Financial if you need to make any tweaks Ratio’? 

to better align 

your product with market demand.” 

According to the Small Business determining if your business has the 3. Profitability 

Financial Administration’s ratios are grouped Federal into Resources four categories: necessary cash flow to grow. Another 

financial ratio, inventory turnover, 

4. Efficiency (productivity) 

for Small Businesses website, financial 

1. ratios Liquidity indicate the state of your business’s 

financial health either at a cer- 

inventory is moving and if you need sba.gov, there are several financial ra- 

indicates how quickly or slowly your Within these categories, states the 

2. Safety (or leverage) 

tain point in time or during a specific to make any tweaks to better align tios, and each one helps to measure 

3. Profitability 

period. “These ratios are one way to your product with market demand.” 

4. Efficiency (productivity) 

measure your business’s productivity 

Within and these performance categories, and states drive the your sba.gov, decisions 

and strategies around growth. into four categories: 

there Financial are several ratios financial are grouped ratios, and each one helps 

to measure different aspects of your business’s productivity—using assets, generating profits, 

For example, a common financial ratio 

called inventory current and ratio so on. is The helpful sba.gov in offers the following template to use to calculate most 

1. Liquidity 

moving 

2. Safety (or leverage) 

of your financial ratios: 

TIPs 

different aspects of your business’s 

productivity—using assets, generating 

profits, moving inventory and so on. 

The sba.gov offers the following template 

to use to calculate most of your 

financial ratios: 

Words of Wisdom 

“Every place you go someone has a Corvette story, someone wishes they had one, they 

knew someone who had one, they lost one in divorce, had an accident with one, and it’s 

kind of fun because everyone is so sincere with their stories — kind of like the passions 

have with the daily life of business. And that’s something: You have to have the passion 

within. You have to be able to accept the peaks and valleys and constantly look at the 

humor. That’s one thing my wife always says, “You laugh at everything.” But in life, we 

have to laugh. You have to have the humor. Especially when we look at ourselves in the 

mirror when we get up in the morning! ‘Hey, what did I do wrong? I was supposed to w 

see new faces at 

your car wash! 

up thin with a six-pack belly!’” 

- Mike Hamel of Hamel Manufacturing Co., a family-run and -owned company which 

been building car wash parts for over 30 years. This statement was taken from his 

A custom car wash app made 

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UWashApp is proudly brought to you 

by WashCard Systems. 

FALL 2021 • 43

TRICKS OF THE 

(Note: Some posts feature 

minor edits for readability.) 

Presenting some of the best discussions from the Self Serve, IBA and General Discussions sections of CarwashForum.com. To view more 

posts discussing some interesting and common problems, as well as some of the best and brightest solutions, visit CarwashForum.com 

You can lead a horse trailer 

to a self serve, but… 

While working at my other job yesterday, I happened to glance over at my car wash cameras. There was a lady with 

a broom, sweeping out a horse trailer. I was only a mile away, so I took off to go stop her. When I got there, the husband 

was up inside the trailer washing out all of the horse crap into the bay. I shut them down immediately, told them 

to get their trailer out of there and don’t ever come back. I walked away to collect myself. When I walked back over to 

the bay, the lady was washing all of the horse manure into the pit. I asked them again to quit and leave. They could not 

figure out why I was so upset. Said they always wash out their trailers at car washes. Some people just live in their own 

little world. RODEBAUGH1 

They will probably just go someplace else and do the 

same thing, people are so inconsiderate of anyone or 

anything else, that’s why they act like it is not a big 

deal. If they were decent people they would sweep 

it out before washing it out. If they have horses, they 

have land, and a place they could sweep their trailer 

out, but why do that, if it is easier to just bring it 

to your carwash...LOL < not funny, and I know you 

never will, but try to get used to the ignorant things 

people do. TWODOSE 

People don’t have much of a clue when it comes to 

running or operating a car wash or any business for 

that matter. I used to get really pi$$ed off and rip 

them up one side and down the other. [Now] I just 

grin and bear it because ... you can’t help stupid. I 

call them “Head shaking dumb”. If you let every little 

thing get under your skin at the car wash it will eat 

you alive and you will become a hard, bitter person. 

I’ve known a few operators who have gotten out of 

the car wash business because it’s eaten them up 

mentally. It’s not an easy business to be in, if it was 

everyone would be in it. RANDY 

We had the PD and FD show up at one of our washes 

last week because someone reported a gas leak. 

Place was shut down and the gas company came 

out and we were cleared. The place smelled really 

bad and did smell like natural gas. One of our guys 

44 • FALL 2021 

showed up and said, that smell is from rotten onions. 

Sure enough, some j&^%$?! dumped spoiled onions 

in one of the pits. STXCW 

I tell people with animal trailers and grass covered 

landscape equipment the same thing... wash all that 

crap off in your driveway, not on my property. Feel 

free to come back and soap and wax your equipment 

once the “trash” (emphasis on the word trash) is removed. 

SRR5008 

I see your point. But what can you really do? I take 

the good with the bad, a lot of my good car wash 

customers b&!@$ to me about how people dirty 

up the bays and leave trash. Most of the time they 

will tell the person doing it themselves to clean up 

their mess. But I agree with Randy.. this business 

will make you an angry person if you let it. Clean 

the bays and enjoy the compliments from the “good 

guys” using the wash. That’s what I take in, not the 

negative. Just my 2 cents. FASTLX 

I hate putting up signs saying what people can’t do. It 

looks unwelcoming and they don’t read them anyway. 

But at least the a*&^%$^! who tell me: “Well, you need 

to put up a sign!” turn really sheepish when I point to it. 

If someone is washing out a bed or trailer, I decided 

a long time ago that if it’s something they put 

in there, they can’t wash it out in a bay or especially 

out on the lot. If it’s just leaves that have fallen onto 

or into it, I let them be. I never get angry with them 

unless it’s oil, grease, or paint, and even then I don’t 

go off on them, I turn the meter off and ask how 

they plan to get it completely cleaned up before the 

police get there. MEP001 

I decided years ago that I’m in the trash and gunk 

business. When I see a big mess in a bay I figure it cost 

them $10-$15 to leave it for me. I can rinse down the 

bay in 5 minutes. If I catch them “in the act” I give 

them 3 tokens and ask them nicely to please rinse 

down the bay when they’re done. I’ve always been 

thanked. BILL CAPRON 

Of course they wash it all down the drain, then you 

have more problems. SPARKY 

We get horse trailers regularly, I just figure it’s part of 

normal business now. GREG_T 

I get oil driller crews every week come by and wash 

their trucks. I walk thru and they tell me they did their 

best to wash the bays down. I tell them don’t worry 

about it, I’m used to mud and grass everywhere. 

Some people are courteous and some are plain slobs. 

Especially the ones that clean lawn mowers and get 

grass all over the walls and even the ceilings and don’t 

bother spraying anything down. NUPHOENIX

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46 • FALL 2021

FALL 2021 • 47

TRICKS OF THE 

One dispute, two disputes, 

three disputes ... oh, forget it 

Is there a way to block credit cards that have caused chargebacks in 

the past so they don't happen again? Has anyone ever filed a police 

report for fraud when they use your wash then dispute the charges 

or file a trespass order if they come back to your wash? SPARKEY 

I have had the same problem with one customer. 

Twice they have disputed a charge saying they 

should only have been charged $2.50, but they 

racked up $ 11 or 12 dollars of time. My max 

charge per swipe is $15, so they didn’t wash for a 

couple minutes and forgot to press the stop button. 

By the time world pay sends the dispute, it’s 

too late to do anything about it, not that I would 

spend a bunch of time to recover $20, but it would 

be nice to block that card. If anyone knows how, 

please share! TOMSPT CARWASH 

There isn’t much you can do since you don’t have 

a chip reader. And since “we” aren’t in compliance, 

our hands are tied. We get a few every couple 

months and always seem to be the same card 

numbers. We have tried to block them but have 

had zero luck. I understand if they say I didn’t feel 

secure by swiping my card, but when they keep 

doing this it turns to fraud. STXCW 

I don’t even dispute the chargebacks as there’s 

no proof that fraud wasn’t involved since it’s all 

self service. Most of mine are idiot customers that 

don’t hit the “flashing green” button to end their 

charges and get billed the full $15. Unfortunately, 

they dispute the entire $15 so I lose out on all. It’s 

annoying, but with Cryptopay, it’s just something 

I guess we have to accept. The picture (above) 

shows chargeback letters just for 2021. Stack is 5” 

high. It’s always annoying to go to the PO Box and 

get two or three every time for sure. AZCARWASHMAN 

I would set the maximum to a random amount, 

like $14.83 or something. It won’t stand out so 

much and they may think they actually used it 

that much. I.B. WASHINCARS 

I.B. I did that years ago. Every January I up the 

amount to an odd number like $9.72. Last year was 

$9.19 I bet I haven’t had 5 complaints in 2-3 yrs. 

JMMUSTANG 

SSCWN EDITOR CHIMES IN: In what might be a surprise to no one, there has been a substantial uptick in 

chargebacks since COVID-19 plagued the world. According to credit.com, a guest post by Monica Eaton-Cardone, 

co-founder and COO of Chargebacks911®, wrote that we can trace all chargebacks to one of three fundamental 

sources: merchant error, criminal fraud, or friendly fraud. “Friendly fraud occurs when a cardholder disputes 

a charge without a valid reason to do so. And, while these disputes are nothing new, we’ve observed a spike in 

this activity since the outbreak of COVID-19. Friendly fraud chargeback issuances were up 25% through the end 

of March 2020, and the trend doesn’t appear to be dissipating.” Most revealing in Eaton-Cardone’s post was this: 

Roughly 4 in 10 consumers who file a friendly fraud chargeback will do it again within 60 days. And, as COVID-19 

continues to reverberate in the market, the existing trend toward increased chargebacks will only deepen. 

Can you guess the answer? 

I am having an issue with one of my bays not turning on. It takes 

tokens and the timer starts counting but nothing actually turns on 

and starts working. All of my equipment is super old. Does anyone 

have any idea on what would be going on? TANDCCARWASH 

POSSIBLE ANSWERS: 

1. Loose connector 

2. Broken wire 

3. Bad timer 

4. Bad rotary switch 

AND THE ANSWER IS ... 3! Tandccarwash found out it was a bad timer. 

According to forum user MeridianCarWash, the same thing 

happened to him: This same thing happened to me. It was a 

bad timer. I use TM-5J’s and luckily had a few spares so it was 

no biggie. The fact that the customer told me about it gave me 

the opportunity to thank him with a bunch of free tokens as 

well. Would have hated to find out via a Google review... 

48 • FALL 2021

TRICKS OF THE 

Ms. Manners says: Put that 

hose back the right way! 

I’m sure that all of the car wash owners on here have their own way of arranging their equipment. One of 

them is the way we prefer to wrap our vacuum hoses. I find it odd that only 1 out of 100 can wrap the hose 

back the same way they found it (if they wrap it at all). Just an observation. RODEBAUGH1 

Ever see how high pressure wands, foam brushes and 

air shammy hoses are put back? WASHNSHINE 

I’m happy if the customer doesn’t leave the hose on 

the ground where the claw will get run over. I replace 

so many claw nozzles I buy them by the box of 50. It 

actually annoys me more if they wrap and wrap and 

wrap the hose tight around the coin box, then the 

next person leaves it in a knot. It’s most funny when 

they hang the foam brush across the vertical holder 

that’s seven feet up on the wall. MEP001 

Right. Or the wand actually wedged between the 

wall and holder instead of in the holder. They’re creative 

for sure. WASHNSHINE 

I’ve actually watched a customer pull the foam gun 

out of its holder and drop it on the floor to put the 

high pressure wand in it. MEP001 

The stupidity is mind boggling. They must be dependents 

because there’s no way some of them could 

get through life without. OURTOWN 

I often wonder how people put their shoes on each 

morning. GREG_T 

The business owner is always the one who cares the 

most. We rinse the bays down and pick up the litter. 

We wrap the hoses just so and keep the foam brush 

in the holder. 

If it gets to me too much or customers push back 

too much I just think : “hey, I haven’t had a price 

increase in awhile. hmmmmmmm.......” 

When it’s their own stuff, they treat it much differently. 

One time a customer I knew locked his keys 

in his car. I lent him my car ( well-worn but nice 

Volvo XC90) to go home and get his spare key. He 

came racing back in the lot a half hour later with 

my stereo cranked to 11, raving about how awesome 

the sound was. I was reminded: “no good deed goes 

unpunished.” WAXMAN 

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FALL 2021 • 49

TRICKS OF THE 

Which way 

for water? 

Alright for context I am remodeling a 30 year old selfserve 

only site that has been closed for 10 years. 

The current setup is that the water main comes in 

and directly feeds the water softener before supplying 

any other sources. I have looked at some other 

operators’ sites and one guy ran his rinse water directly 

from the main and had all other functions supplied 

by soft water. 

Do you guys have a specific way you plumb your 

washes so that you run soft vs tap water on specific 

functions? Is there a significant cost savings involved 

as far as reduced usage of salt pellets etc. to make it 

worth it? UTAHYOUTUBEGUY 

How I fixed it! 

Threaded 

Screw Lock 

The Problem (SUBMITTED BY KNIGHT01): 

I have a lock that appears to have gotten 

threaded. I have tried the pipe on the end of 

the Allen wrench for more leverage and managed 

to break the Allen. I presumed trying to 

drill it would require a special bit…- 

There’s no reason to leave the rinse unsoftened. What little you might 

save in salt you’ll pay for in maintenance and having to clean the bay 

walls. MEP001 

...honestly it keeps things a lot simpler if everything is just soft water. A 

lot of minerals in the water out here in my country as well causes a lot 

of hard water. UTAHYOUTUBEGUY 

It depends on the hardness of your water if you want to use soft water 

for all functions. If I did not run a hard water rinse I would be buying 

pallets of salt each month. 22 grains of hardness here makes it unprofitable 

to run a soft water rinse. SOAPY 

Last I checked we have 18 grains coming in and everything is soft at our 

wash except the outside hose bib and for some reason the toilet and 

sink. We even weep soft water. Maybe our softener is set up just right. 

Of course we only use typically under 50,000 gallons of water most 

months. OURTOWN 

That is a valid question since a self serve tends to use way less water 

than the drive throughs from what I have been told! All of our dog & 

car wash functions are soft but we draw the line with three of our full 

washing machines in our laundromat. We do not shortchange our customers 

in water quantity like some brand new equipment laundromats 

do either. 

It is appalling to some extent to me ... that so many laundromat owners 

do not have nor plan to ever use a water softener for their heated water. I 

am pretty sure it has something to do with possibly the reality of needing 

to cut costs because they are overextended in other ways. MJWALSH 

Any detergent/cleaner will work better in soft, so the question is really 

only about the rinse. I like the way sealers and protectants break better 

with a hard water rinse and I can set that up in a tunnel, but like others 

have said, your wash will be cleaner with soft. And if you don’t have sfr 

and your customers are not drying, hard will leave deposits. WASHNSHINE 

The Solution: I managed to break the screw 

lock with a better quality allen and a slightly 

longer pipe to lever it as suggested by carwashforum.com 

user David Rolf (A good impact 

gun with the right size allen socket setup 

would probably do it. I’ve found cheap allens 

and cheater pipes just don’t work. Keep us 

posted). My next stop had that not worked, 

would have been an impact driver, but luckily, 

that wasn’t needed. 

50 • FALL 2021

FALL 2021 • 51

to 

clean, the 

cleanable 

un- 

car 

CHEMISTRY SOLUTIONS 

Q& 

A 

The following is a Q&A with Kevin 

Feldman, the Executive Vice President, 

of Sales & Marketing, of Warsaw 

Chemical, of Warsaw, Indiana. These 

questions were sent in by readers or 

procured from carwashforum.com. 

GOT CHEMICAL QUESTIONS? 

WE GOT ANSWERS! 

Question: On a 2-step (LO and Hi ph) 

touchless automatic, what is the optimum 

ph levels for each step? And which one 

should be applied 1st? 

Answer: The pH levels of different products vary 

widely depending on the particular acid or base 

used. Instead of monitoring concentration by pH 

level, I would recommend checking with the manufacturer 

of your presoak. Most companies offer 

chemical “titration kits” which allow you to precisely 

determine the concentration of acid or base, and 

therefore the dilution ratio of the product at the 

bay. As to which presoak to apply first… our customers 

are split 50/50. In the “old days” of car wash 

technology, aggressive acids (such as hydrofluoric 

acid) were almost always used in the first step, followed 

by an alkaline product. Today’s surfactants 

have improved tremendously, and there can be 

many benefits to using an alkaline product first, followed 

by a milder acid neutralization. As always, 

consult your supplier for recommendations, but 

also don’t be afraid to try both ways and see which 

method works best to remove the soils in your area. 

52 • FALL 2021

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Question: I’m in Minnesota and they use 

road salt which is great for business. Out of 

curiosity, can I change the presoak for the 

season? I’ve been using an alkaline yearround, 

but is there a benefit to changing it 

in the winter to neutralize the salt? 

Answer: There can be a benefit to using an acidic 

presoak during the winter months. Calcium-based 

road salts can be solubilized and removed from 

the vehicle surface a little easier when using appropriate 

acidic products, such as those containing 

citric, acetic, or glycolic acids. In addition, some 

municipalities use deicers made with sugar beet 

juice, which can be difficult to remove from a 

vehicle surface using alkaline products alone. In 

the end, though, the actual performance difference 

between acidic and alkaline presoaks may be 

small, and not worth the effort of switching back 

and forth with the passing seasons. 

Question: I know some operators are 

applying triple foam over their pre-soak 

before their high-pressure pass. Is this a good 

idea or just a method to reduce wash time? 

Answer: One of the keys to presoak performance 

is “dwell time”, the amount of time the detergent 

is in contact with the soil on the vehicle surface. 

By applying the triple-foam on top of the presoak 

without rinsing, a car wash operator is giving the 

presoak extra time to work while still providing 

the colorful triple-foam show and reducing the total 

wash time. However, it is important to check 

with your chemical supplier to make sure that 

there won’t be an adverse interaction between the 

presoak and triple foam products – some of the 

higher-end tri-foams do not leave the optimal polish 

and shine if they are not applied directly to the 

vehicle surface. 

Question: Cars that come in somewhat dirty, 

are leaving with a visible layer of dirt. No matter 

what I try, I have upped the chemical, dwell time 

and it’s not working. I also slowed down the 

passes with the high-pressure pass. Any ideas? 

Answer: There are a lot of potential culprits for 

this frustrating problem, particularly in touchless 

wash applications. Here are some ideas to try: 

Check your water quality (hard water decreases the 

cleaning performance of your detergents). Check 

your soap dilution ratios – more isn’t always better. 

When applied too heavily, alkaline products can actually 

“stick” to the sides of the vehicle, compounding 

the problem. Check your water temperatures – 

warm water makes the chemical more effective, but 

“too hot” can also be a problem for the detergents. 

Check your equipment for broken parts or leaking 

lines – nothing ruins a wash like a leaking hydraulic 

line. If all else fails, reach out to your equipment 

and chemical suppliers – sometimes just having an 

extra set of eyes can identify a small problem that 

can make a world of difference. 

Question: Today I filled up my water 

bottle at the wash and I couldn’t stand 

to drink the city water. It had a strong 

chlorine taste. I have a theory that maybe 

the water department’s treatment is inconsistent. 

I’ve tasted it before and it was fine. Could 

these fluctuations in chlorine etc. be messing up 

my chemicals? Should I maybe use the well water 

well to avoid these variables? I thought the 

city water was doing great because my sister 

said her car looked better than ever! 

Answer: Water treatment plants do a great job 

of filtering and disinfecting our drinking water, 

and there are many laws and regulations regarding 

the processes that are used to remove harmful 

contaminants. However, even with perfectly safe 

WE WANT 

YOUR 

STORIES! 

Do you have a funny 

story from the bay? 

Maybe an inspiring 

tale from the wash? 

Try something 

new that worked well? 

“You won’t believe what this 

Darwin did at my wash…” 

“The best decision I ever made 

for my business was…” 

“On rainy days, I like to…” 

TERMS TO KNOW 

viscosity (noun) 

vis·cos·i·ty | \ vi-ˈskä-sə-tē \ 

plural viscosities 

definition of viscosity 

1: the quality or state of being viscous : a sticky 

or glutinous consistency 

2: a. technical: the property of resistance to flow 

in any material with fluid properties 

… water has a small but measurable viscosity, 

or “stickiness,” which results from the weak mutual 

attraction of water molecules. 

— Hans Christian von Baeyer 

b: the mathematical ratio of the tangential 

frictional force per unit area to the velocity gradient 

perpendicular to the direction of flow of a liquid 

— called also coefficient of viscosity 

Solenoid Valve 

Solenoid valves are used 

wherever fluid flow has to 

be controlled automatically. 

They are being used to an 

increasing degree in the 

most varied types of plants 

and equipment. The variety 

of different designs which 

are available enables a valve 

to be selected to specifically 

suit the application in 

question.* 

*Definition according to 

Omega 

Reach out to Editor Debra Gorgos 

debgorgos@gmail.com to share 

your story with our readers. 

FALL 2021 • 55

Q& 

A 

The following is a Q&A with Stephen 

Denissoff, Operations Manager for 

Synergy Solutions of Uniontown, Ohio. 

These questions were sent in by readers or 

procured from carwashforum.com. 

Question: We noticed that the high-pressure 

soap option doesn't work as well as it 

used to. The hydrominder seems to work as 

normal and when I manually start it, I can 

tell that plenty of chemical is getting into the 

tank, and then it works fine in the bay. About 

a day later, the tank looks diluted and it's 

hard to notice any chemical when spraying. 

Any suggestions of what to look for here? 

Answer: The first step would be to check the 

foot valve. Ensure that the drawtube is positioned 

correctly at the bottom of the drum. If 

the drawtube is not full, but at the bottom of 

the drum then check the foot valve, make sure 

the dilution tip is not clogged. If you are still 

experiencing issues, ensure the hydrominder is 

WHAT IS THE DILUTION 

RATIO? 

According to Omni Calculator, the dilution ratio is the ratio of the solute (the substance to be diluted) 

to the solvent (e.g., water). The diluted liquid needs to be thoroughly mixed to achieve true dilution. If 

you have a 1:3 dilution, i.e., a 1:3 dilution ratio, this means that you add 1 unit volume of solute (e.g., 

concentrate) to 3-unit volumes of the solvent (e.g., water), which will give a total of 4 units of volume. 

HOW DO YOU CALCULATE THE DILUTION RATIO? 

According to Omni Calculator, the dilution ratio 

can be presented in the following way: 

solvent ratio : solute ratio 

For example: 5 : 1 

The calculation for the solute looks as follows: 

solute volume = final volume / (solvent ratio + 

solute ratio) 

For example: solute volume = final volume / (5 + 1) 

We can express the calculation 

for the solvent as follows: 

solvent volume = solute volume * solvent ratio 

For example: solvent volume = solute volume * 5. 

There are 5 different variables in these calculations: 

Solute ratio - which is always equal to 1 in our 

dilution ratio calculator; 

Solvent ratio - which can be any number larger 

than 0; 

Final volume - this is the desired amount of diluted 

liquid you want to get; 

Solute volume - the amount of solute used; and 

Solvent volume - the amount of solvent used. 

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56 • FALL 2021

FALL 2021 • 57

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58 • FALL 2021


functioning properly by performing a draw test. A 

hydrominder repair kit may be needed. 

Question: I currently have a high pressure - 

soap, wax/low pressure - foam brush (adding 

presoak), tire/wheel cleaner and either a triple 

foam or a single foam. I want to make sure I'm 

not using too much but also not too little of 

each product. 

I am ordering more tips now, but which ones 

should I be using for each product? Is there a 

general rule of thumb? Should I hire a professional 

to come and do this for me? 

Answer: Yes, there are rules of thumb in tip sizes 

per the chemical manufacturer’s recommendations. 

It is important to have a good relationship with your 

chemical representative in this regard. [You want 

to work with a company that] prides itself on customer-based 

relationships and helps each customer 

get their chemistry set up based on the customer’s 

needs. This will allow you to get the optimal use out 

of their product and will benefit your car wash and 

the customers’ experience as well. Also, please note, 

there are many factors that go into tip sizing such as: 

• Product type 

• Viscosity 

• Dilution ratio 

• Water quality 

• Applicator and more 

Question: I want to make improvements and 

add features to my self serve bays. What is 

your preferred type of application for a salt 

neutralizer product? I’m leaning towards low 

pressure so that I can simply change that function 

to a bug remover (which I don’t currently 

offer) during the offseason? 

Answer: Applying the salt neutralizing product 

will be most efficient as a low-pressure application. 

This ensures that the dilution ratio is applied 

correctly, and the product is working to the chemical 

manufacturer’s recommended dilution ratio. 

Question: The soap and wax in my self serve 

bay is watery and not foaming. I checked the air, 

and it has good airflow. Any suggestions? 

Answer: Ensure that the foot valve and the dilution 

tips are working optimally. If they are, then perform 

a product draw test and check the solenoid valves. 

Question: A self serve wash I am looking to 

buy currently offers presoak, foam brush, and 

tire cleaner low-pressure options. If you were to 

add an option, which would you choose? I'm 

debating keeping the HP wax and changing to 

another product (perhaps a ceramic type sealant) 

however if I add say Rain-X, I'm almost offering 

the same product twice. The other option 

I was considering (although quite pricey) was 

a triple foam application, but I hear so many 

mixed reviews. What would you recommend? 

Answer: The more options you can give to the 

customer, the better off you’ll be. Especially with 

a foam product because it takes time to rinse the 

foam off the vehicle. 

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60 • FALL 2021

NOZZLE TIPS 

The following tip has been provided by 

Kleen-Rite (www.kleen-ritecorp.com) 

CHEMICALS 

& YOUR WATER 

Replacing your worn spray nozzles will save you money! It won’t always 

be easy to tell when your nozzles need replacing, but the quicker you notice 

signs of wear, the better. Nozzle performance issues can waste thousands 

of gallons of water and chemicals. Normal wear can erode interior 

parts of the spray nozzle, which can cause an increase in flow, decrease 

in pressure, and irregular spray pattern. Depending on your frequency, 

you can check for signs of wear after every couple shifts or every couple 

of months. Take time to make a nozzle inspection program and document 

what you find. 

To identify worn nozzles, look for an increase in the flow rate and the 

spray water drop size. As interior parts deteriorate over time, liquid flow 

increases and spraying pressure decreases. You may also see streaks in 

the spray pattern. Check the old nozzles against an identical new nozzle. 

Use a measuring cup to catch the amount of water coming from the old 

and new nozzle during the same time frame and at the same pressure. 

Once the old nozzle delivers more water than the new nozzle, you begin 

paying for excess water, chemical, and wastewater disposal costs. 

There are several ways to extend the life of your spray nozzles. Harder 

materials provide longer wear life. Stainless steel offers good abrasion 

and corrosion resistance. Operators should also add line strainers or 

change to spray nozzles with built-in strainers. The screen mesh traps 

larger particles and prevents debris from entering the nozzle orifice. This 

protects against orifice deterioration and clogging. Decreasing the spraying 

pressure may also help reduce the wear and corrosion rate. Nozzles 

spraying abrasives at high pressures will wear faster than those spraying 

at low pressures. 

Even with proper maintenance, you will inevitably need to change your 

nozzles at regular intervals. When you compare the replacement nozzle 

cost to the excess costs for water, chemicals, electricity, and wastewater 

disposal, you will end up with big savings. 

Everyone one knows that water and a car wash go handin-hand. 

But there are two factors about your water supply 

that can impact the way the chemicals are used for cleaning: 

Hardness and temperature. 

How hard is your water? Hardness has to do with the 

mineral content in the water, particularly calcium and magnesium. 

To check this, make sure you know how to do both 

a titration and water hardness test. Remember: Your supplier 

should have these kits to you. If these numbers are off, then 

your water is negatively impacting your soap and its ability to 

work properly. 

Is the car too hot? Too cold? The temperature of the cars’ 

surfaces coming into your wash can have a major impact 

on the ability of the chemicals to work properly. Most city 

water is between 40- and 60-degrees F. However, during the 

hot summer months, the sun can heat up a car’s surface to 

as high as 150 degrees F. And then, in the winter it could 

be close to freezing. Also, a hot surface could significantly 

increase certain chemicals’ aggressiveness. Therefore, make 

sure you’re checking your waters’ temperatures to counterbalance 

the temperatures of the cars coming into your wash. 

WHAT IS THE ROLE 

OF A SURFACTANT 

IN SOAP? 

This effect is known as “ion shuttling”, where one molecule 

acts as a vehicle that allows a non-polar molecule to dissolve in 

a polar solution, or vice versa. A surfactant can also allow salt 

(polar) to dissolve in oil (non-polar). 

Surfactants in soap basically do the job of dissolving dirt. 

Dirt and water are chemically incompatible, as water is a polar 

molecule (having a partially positively charged side and a partially 

negatively charged side, like a magnet) and dirt is mainly 

nonpolar (having a net neutral dipole). Surfactant molecules are 

large, equipped with an anionic (negatively charged) end and 

non-polar end. Dirt gets tangled up with the non-polar end of 

the surfactant, water mingles with the anionic end, thus allowing 

otherwise non-soluble dirt particles to dissolve in water. 

The following information was provided by chemist Dr. Jeffrey 

Lucas who is also a friend of Editor Debra Gorgos and she describes 

him as “wicked smaht.” When she casually asked him if 

he knew how surfactants in soap worked, this is what he said. 

100 

95 

75 

25 

5 

0 

FALL 2021 • 61 

Astromatic RYKO Parts 3_375x4_875 ad 011817-B PRINT

Darwin 

DARWIN at 

the 

CARWASH 

The investment in security cameras pays off for carwash operators 

(and the readers of SSCWN) with these mostly frustrating, sometimes funny -- and always cautionary 

-- stories of Darwins Caught on Camera. Images of these criminals and/or their vehicles were given 

to police and the press. Many have been caught thanks to the prowess of security cameras. 

Well, this kid didn’t stand much of a 

chance, considering one of the top 5 

rules of “committing a robbery” 

(along with: Don’t leave behind your business 

card; don’t tell others that you ‘did it’; don’t get 

stuck somehow while trying to flee, and don’t 

carve ‘_____ wuz here’ anywhere near or at the 

scene of the crime) is: Don’t return to the place 

you robbed wearing the exact same clothing. In 

Oklahoma City on September 15, surveillance 

cameras at The Car Wash showed a young and 

armed man ordering a customer who was vacuuming 

his car to get down on the ground. According 

to Fox 25, the victim told police that the 

suspect rummaged through his car before taking 

off with his wallet. 

The Car Wash Manager Ryan Sedlacek and Owner 

Jeremy Cummings looked through the surveillance 

footage and thought the suspect looked familiar, 

when it clicked! Apparently a few nights earlier 

a man looking the exact same and wearing the same 

exact clothes was caught on tape trying to break 

into the car wash’s pump room. "He was wearing 

the exact same clothes," Sedlacek said in the story. 

"Same clothes, same gloves, same sweater." 

Surveillance footage from the earlier incident 

shows the man unsuccessfully trying to kick down 

the door before using a crowbar, Fox 25 reported. 

The suspect was eventually identified and arrested. 

And now, let’s interrupt our usual 

dumb criminal stories with a science 

lesson in which we talk about: 

Nominative Determinism. 

The two-word phrase and phenomena is a recurring 

theme in New Scientist magazine which 

describes Nominative Determinism as a theory in 

which people are drawn to jobs because of their 

names. For instance, a man named John Mitt becomes 

a baseball player or Susan Beaker becomes a 

scientist or Billy Mute becomes a mime… you get 

the idea. So, it might not be that much of a surprise 

that James Michael Ransom turned to a life of 

crime. Granted, he didn’t hold people for ransom, 

but maybe robbing vending machines is a gateway 

crime? In West Virginia, Ransom is wanted for robbing 

three vending machines at a Statesville car 

wash, according to an Iredell Free News story. RJ’s 

Car wash’s video footage, according to police, is 

what helped police in identifying Ransom. 

According to the story, the vehicle Ransom used 

was seen on the footage. Ransom and his vehicle, 

a 2011 Dodge Dakota extended cab pickup truck, 

have also been involved in other car wash robberies 

in West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. 

Perhaps Jayson Cruse needs 

to read about Nominative 

Determinism and consider a 

career with Norwegian or Carnival 

because he isn’t cutting it as a criminal. Cruse 

has been arrested for robbing a customer at the 

Super Suds car wash in Abilene, Texas, back on 

August 12. According to KTAB/KRBC, Cruse was 

caught on camera robbing a car wash customer of 

several hundred dollars. Police were able to identify 

Cruse and he was taken into custody on August 

19. When interviewed by police he admitted to 

robbing the man. A second suspect was also caught 

on camera but he has not yet been apprehended. 

A man was pistol whipped in Monroe, 

California, at the State Park Car 

Wash, but thankfully, the assailants 

were caught. 

According to The Monroe News, back in August 

a car wash customer suffered bumps on his head 

after refusing to hand over the keys to his vehicle. 

The attack went down around 8 p.m. The victim 

said he ran away from his attacker, who chased 

him for about 20 feet before stopping and getting 

into a silver 2011 Lincoln that was stolen from 

Louisville, Kentucky. Hold up, 20 feet? I hope 

that is an error. My walk from the computer I am 

typing on to my refrigerator is 22 feet. A woman, 

according to the news story, also jumped into the 

car and fled with him. The car was later recovered 

and the two suspects were later identified thanks 

to surveillance footage taken at the car wash. 

If you read the first crime story on 

this page in which I mention the top 

5 rules of committing a robbery, you 

might have 

noticed that I failed to mention another big rule: 

Don’t leave behind your DNA. In Poplar Bluff, 

Missouri, a man was caught on camera pulling up 

to the Car Wash in the early morning of August 

12. According to KFVS, video from the business 

shows a man in a blue SUV pull up to the vacuums, 

open the doors of the vehicle as though he 

was going to clean it out, but grabs what looks like 

a crowbar and then he started forcing open the 

machine and then he grabbed the money inside. 

According to the car wash’s owner, he caused 

about $8,000 in damages. The suspect then made 

his way over to the Garner’s Car Wash where he 

tried to pull a coin machine off of a wall using a 

rope. What happened to his crow bar? Is he leaving 

behind weapons like in a game of Clue? He didn’t 

get away with anything because he was caught 

“mid-action” by an employee. He fled, but police 

said during this robbery attempt he cut himself 

and left behind his blood at the car wash. Whoops! 

The car wash’s footage was posted online and the 

suspect was identified and apprehended. 

62 • FALL 2021

$1,000 quarters is not chump change, for sure. In fact, I looked it up and it 

looks like $1,000 quarters weighs about 12.5 pounds. And, thanks to Youtuber, 

Coin Metallurgisth, here is what 1,000 quarters looks like: 

And here is what a non-criminal-based way of making $1,000 looks like: 

The reason for the aforementioned examples is because on August 6 in Savannah, Georgia, some 

thieves worked very hard to steal about $1,000 and their whole heist was caught on camera. According 

to WSAV, officers were called to Super Shine Car Wash when someone found the coin machines 

empty and damaged. 

Surveillance footage from around 1 a.m. showed two men damaging the machine and then taking 

off with the 4000 or so coins. According to police, both men were white and traveling in a blue Jeep 

Compass or Cherokee with a gray stripe on the hood. A third person was also in the vehicle, the 

story said. 

The men have not yet been caught, but they have some good imagery to work with. Do you think 

the men counted out their share of the quarters afterwards? All 333 of them? 

FALL 2021 • 63

I was just saying (to myself) that it has been a while since we had a “blowtorch 

burning nutcase” story, and now...here it is! 

In Bensalem, Pennsylvania, a man tried to break 

open a payment machine at the Red Rhino Car 

Wash on July 21. According to WPVI news, the 

suspect is seen on video pulling up to the property 

around 3 a.m. He then walked up to the 

payment machine, lit his blowtorch, and began 

attempting to break it open for cash inside. Car 

wash co-owner Brent McCurdy said in the story 

that there were three locks on the machine and 

the suspect was able to light one of the three locks 

on fire. Then, video shows the suspect trying to 

torch the second lock. It is unclear if he thought it 

was taking too long or what, but he then gets up 

and walks away and then about a minute later, the 

machine goes up in flames. 

The fire melted part of the building’s roof as 

well. And then, out of nowhere, a good samaritan 

appeared and extinguished the fire with an 

extinguisher. 

“If this would have gone down, my heart would 

have been broken right now. We’d have lost the whole 

business. I need to find who they are,” McCurdy said 

in the story. “I heard they drive a huge dump truck, 

and because our entry is tall, he can wash here. When 

I find him, I’ll be giving him a big hug.” 

McCurdy also has a message for the blowtorch 

bandit: “I wanna say: Get a job!” 

Public service announcement time: 

If your car wash is located in New 

Jersey, be on the lookout for a group 

of kids targeting car washes. 

According to an October 22 Fox 29 report, police 

in Salem County are urging everyone to be on 

the alert as a group of teenagers from Wilmington, 

Delaware, are driving to New Jersey to commit 

crimes that range from robberies to carjackings. 

"It’s males, females, anywhere from young juvenile 

age, 12, to early to mid-20s," Lt. Joseph Racite 

said in the story. 

Surveillance video at a Carneys Point gas station 

caught three “kids” robbing a cashier on October 

21. The next day, an employee at another 

gas station was robbed and police said the “kids” 

attempted to steal his car. Later that day, police 

said a female was carjacked in broad daylight at 

J&J Car Wash. Lt. Racite said in the story that 

in many instances it turns into a pursuit. "When 

they’re driving away, their driving is dangerous to 

the entire community.” And, when they’re driving 

away they head right for the bridge to Delaware 

where they know they can get away. Um, I am no 

detective, but I suggest a police officer is stationed 

at the bridge. Or a troll? Carneys Point Police are 

apparently working with police in Delaware to 

help with that, the story said. 

I took the liberty of looking up who 

many entry-level jobs are currently 

available in Adamstown, Pennsylvania, 

and it turns out 

(as of October 28) there are 6,416 within a 10- 

mile radius of where these two criminals were 

caught, according to indeed.com. One job is working 

for Amazon as a warehouse worker and it includes 

a $3,000 sign-on bonus and up to $21.55 

an hour. The reason I am writing this is because 

two young people who appear to be able-bodied, 

are now being held in jail for robbing change from 

a car wash. According to 69 News, surveillance 

cameras at the Adamstown Car Wash captured 

Jenna Hope Belcher, 28, and Nathan D. Conard, 

35, destroying and emptying a change machine at 

the at 5:38 a.m. on October 13. 

Three days later, police were able to arrest both 

Belcher and Conard while they were committing 

a similar crime at the Kwik 'N Kleen car wash, 

according to the story. 

“An officer interrupted the burglary and found 

the suspects hiding behind a dumpster on the 

car wash's parking lot, according to the police. 

Both ran off, leading the officer on a brief chase. 

...A search of the area in which they were hiding 

turned up numerous items, including burglary 

tools and clothing worn during the course of nu- 

I am trying to imagine what 

would’ve happened if this dad 

was at a 1980s birthday party 

where clowns were all the rage. 

Like, this guy: 

So, it looks like a man is now suffering 

from injuries sustained after making a baby 

smile, according to WMAR news. Yes, that’s 

right: A dad was so angry that a stranger 

tried to make his baby smile that he broke 

the guy’s face. In Abingdon, Maryland, on 

August 14, 75-year-old Craig Enlow was at 

the car wash. While there he spotted a baby 

waiting with their family. He then waved at 

the baby and complimented him, trying to 

make him smile. And, for some reason, the 

father of the baby went ballistic. Enlow apologized, 

but the 33-year-old father punched 

him in the face. “He was knocked unconscious, 

fell to the ground and sustained the 

worst of his injuries from hitting the ground 

and not being able to protect himself during 

the fall,” Harford County Sheriff Jeff Gahler 

said in the story. 

The angry dad and the family fled from 

the car wash, but police were able to track 

them down thanks to surveillance footage 

of the incident. The dad has been charged 

with attempted second-degree murder and 

first-degree assault. 

“A 33-year-old without provocation attacking 

a 75-year-old man. There’s absolutely 

nothing that justifies that,” Gahler said in 

the story. “He’s in jail where he should be if 

this is the way he’s going to act in society.” 

Enlow has since had surgery on both sides 

of his face to piece his jaw back together. 

He also suffered three broken ribs and two 

brain bleeds. But, this incident has not deterred 

Enlow in the slightest. “I’m going to 

get through this,” he said in the story. “I’m 

gonna keep smiling.” 

You go, Enlow! 

64 • FALL 2021

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KLEENRITE.COM | 800.233.3873 

FALL 2021 • 65

This next story is not necessarily about a criminal, but a dumb mistake was 

made by a car wash customer in Hillsborough, New Jersey, back on July 24. 

According to a TapIntoHillsborough report, police 

said a 58-year-old woman at the Crown Car 

Wash shot out backwards from a bay, ran over two 

steel and concrete poles and two vacuum machines 

before landing on another vehicle parked in the 

lot. The driver of the car was found to be at fault, 

according to preliminary information provided by 

police Lt. Mark Szymanski. 

Stanley Panasewicz, who was at the car wash, 

provided the following account of the incident to 

TapIntoHillsborough: “The car was in the soap cycle 

when the woman’s car went into reverse, and 

it came back out of the car wash at a high rate of 

speed in reverse, ran over the two cement poles 

protecting the vacuum cleaner, knocked over the 

vacuum cleaner and landed on another car. 

Thankfully, no one was hurt. A ladder was needed 

to get the driver out of her car. 

merous burglaries, the police said.” Belcher and 

Conard admitted to the burglary as well as various 

other crimes. Both are now awaiting sentencing. 

A stolen camper…? Really? 

Why not just steal an 

elephant while you’re at it? 

Or a hot air balloon? Or a giraffe? …… you get 

the idea. In Salyersville, Kentucky, a camper reportedly 

had been stolen from and surveillance footage 

showed it as a carwash on Restaurant Row in Salyersville, 

according to the Salyersville Independent. 

The two people on video exiting the vehicle in Salyersville 

were also caught on camera while parked at 

a nearby gas station. Your News Today aired a story 

on September 27 about the stolen camper, and a 

viewer called police to let them know he spotted 

the stolen camper. The caller, according to the story, 

told police the van in the story was spotted at the 

Country Corner Store. Their investigation led them 

to John Peter Paul, age 50, of Lexington, Kentucky, 

who is currently charged with buying or possessing 

drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, no insurance 

and theft charges pending. 

66 • FALL 2021 

You know what’s bad? When a wayward 

truck crashes into your building. 

You know what’s really bad? 

When that building was running an illegal drug 

operation. Back in September a truck crashed 

into a building after it ran a red light in Sterling 

Heights, Michigan. The car wash next door was 

able to capture the accident on its security footage. 

According to WXYZ, car wash owner Mike Palmieri 

said, “We knew something was up next door, 

but we were neighbors that kept to ourselves,” he 

said. “But whenever the Whoppers weren’t cooking, 

you could smell them.” 

Palmieri said any time in the evening a noticeable 

smell was always coming from the building. “And any 

time after 10:30, it was gone. But if you were here 

in the evening time or morning time, it smelled like 

fresh skunk all morning long,” he said in the story. 

It wasn’t until a garbage truck accidentally crashed 

into the building that police discovered about 60 

marijuana plants inside, which is illegal in Michigan. 

“If people want it and if they know it’s there, 

they’re going to get it, one way or another. Especially 

with the hard times we are having nowadays,” 

he also said in the story. 

I wish I could use this story as an 

example to never, ever give up, even 

when there’s no hope, but then I’d 

be using a bunch of criminals as the 

protagonists. 

In Seaford, Australia, a man and woman were 

arrested after committing several crimes, including 

ramming their car into a police vehicle and 

stealing from a car wash coin machine. According 

to an August 9 ABC.net report, the pair had been 

forcing open coin-dispensing vending machines at 

car and dog-wash businesses throughout Victoria, 

Australia. One car wash was able to catch the pair 

on tape. Police had been called to the car wash 

around 7 a.m. while the pair were breaking into 

a coin machine. As the pair tried to drive off, the 

police car tried to block it from fleeing: 

One of the suspects apparently flung at an officer 

who was trying to remove them from their getaway 

car. However, the other suspect kept stepping on the 

gas, and was able to push the police car out of the 

way and sped off. Police later found the accused pair. 

According to the news story, police prosecutors 

told the court the pair was caught on CCTV at 

each location and the clothing they were allegedly 

seen wearing in the footage had been seized. 

This is the second update in the Carlos 

Jones of Memphis, Tennessee, 

story. If you can recall, Jones pled 

guilty back in September 2020 

to an armed carjacking at a car wash, according to 

WMC5 news. The car wash’s surveillance cameras 

showed Jones, along with another suspect named 

Angelo Bunting, entering the car wash in a white 

vehicle and leaving the scene with the victim’s vehicle. 

Investigators tracked down the victim’s vehicle 

using GPS. Fingerprints found on the vehicle were 

connected to the second suspect, 22-year-old Angelo 

Bunting. The victim was also able to identify both 

men. Jones recently pled guilty to the charges of 

carjacking and brandishing a firearm during a crime 

of violence. As for the update, it looks as if Jones 

will spend 90 months, or 7.5 years, in jail. According 

to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 

on September 23, 2021, U.S. District Court Judge 

Mark Norris sentenced Jones to 90 months in federal 

prison to be followed by five years’ supervised 

release. There is no parole in the federal system.

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FALL 2021 • 67

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