David Begin and Matt DeWolf turn their attention to the future to talk all things 2021. Take a ride with us as we explore what habits may stick, and what the future is going to look like.

If you missed being included in the incredible Halloween "Tunnels of Terror" layout in the Q4 2020 issue of CAR WASH Magazine, fear not! We are changing the tune for the next issue and spotlighting car washes that shared some winter wonderland joy with their customers. If you incorporated special lights or a holiday theme at your car wash or organized a fundraiser or toy drive during the holidays, let us know so we can share your joy and creativity.  

 

Reach out to Shani Calvo no later than Jan. 14 to be included in this feature and REMEMBER TO TAKE PICTURES of your wash in all its beautiful and bright holiday glory.

While the most-clicked article in the 2020 CAR WASH News newsletter probably won’t surprise you (talk about a fun way to spend 30 minutes each week!), who knew that color (in spot #7 and #11) was such a hot topic? If you missed any of these articles in 2020, be sure to check them out. Readers clicked on them more than any other articles last year in the weekly CAR WASH News newsletter.

CLEan Express Auto Wash donated $8,300 to Cleveland’s Center for Arts-Inspired Learning (CAL) to help further its mission of igniting student learning, creativity and success through the arts. The donations were collected from CLEan Express Auto Wash customers at the company’s inaugural Grand Opening/Free Wash Week held in September at the South Euclid location.

Golden Gate Capital, a private equity investment firm, and Tidal Wave Auto Spa Founder and CEO Scott Blackstock announced the recapitalization of Tidal Wave. Blackstock will continue to lead the company as CEO and will remain a significant shareholder. Founded in 1999, Tidal Wave’s current footprint consists of over 60 locations across 11 states in the Southeast and the Midwest, and its unit count has grown 50% annually since 2017. 

Throughout November and December, Tommy's Express Car Wash donated 100,000 surface cleaner wipes to local franchise locations to help educate the community on the importance of preventing the spread of disease by wiping your steering wheel, door handles, and shifter every time you enter or exit your vehicle. The surface cleaners were given out at the over 50 Tommy’s Express franchise locations nationwide.

Splash Car Wash, headquartered in Milford, Conn., announced the acquisition of Eco Car Wash with two locations in Plattsburgh, N.Y., and Williston, Vt. The two sites operate as express exteriors and were owned and operated by Aaron Vincelette.  Vincelette plans to remain on with Splash to assist in adding new locations in the region.

Bubble Bath Car Wash went outside its usual operations to deliver a little extra holiday magic to some seniors in San Antonio, Texas. In partnership with Meals on Wheels San Antonio, Bubble Bath created, collected and delivered more than 900 customized Christmas cards to local seniors.

Express Wash Concepts announced its acquisition of Ultimate Wash in Streetsboro, Ohio. The acquisition brings Express Wash Concepts’ overall Ohio-based portfolio to 33 operating locations under the following brands: Central Ohio-based Moo Moo Express Car Wash, Greater Dayton-based Flying Ace Express Car Wash, Greater Cleveland-based CLEan Express Auto Wash and Toledo-based Meyers Auto Wash. The acquisition is effective as of December 24, 2020.

When it comes to leadership, style counts more than substance. And leadership style is all about actions and behavior: what you do, how often and when. Unlike personality, which is hardwired into us, workplace behavior can be modified, and style is mutable. Fortunately, leadership style can be developed.

There are few documents that rival the importance of a business plan, which outlines your company's course for success. One critical portion of that plan is your marketing strategy, one of the many smaller outlines that come together to form the entire vision.