In this episode of CAR WASH The Podcast, David Begin talks to Human Resources expert Claudia St. John at Affinity HR Group.In part 1, you get to hear about some of the changes you need to be mindful of. We get to talk about minimum wage increases and what that can mean for businesses. Plus increasing disparity among state labor laws is creating some migrations that are having impacts.

Toyota Motor North America announced plans to debut in the U.S. market this year, three new electrified models – two battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Toyota also shared highlights of new internal research evaluating the environmental impact and cost of ownership between a PHEV and a BEV. For this research, Toyota created a tool that shows the trade-off between GHG emissions and total cost of ownership.

Express Wash Concepts announced it has been ranked #175 on Inc. Magazine’s 2021 Inc. 5000 Regionals Midwest list. Part of the annual Inc. 5000 annual franchise, the regional list ranks the fastest-growing private companies in 12 Midwestern states. Express Wash Concepts debuted on the regional list with 82% three-year growth.

A semi-truck-sized sculpture of a human head prompted a sudsy sensation recently in Miamisburg. Star City Car Wash in downtown Miamisburg was selected to be the set for an Old Spice commercial. The commercial’s New York-based director came across photos and videos of the Miamisburg car wash on the internet, and thought it would be the perfect set.

El Car Wash continues to rapidly expand its presence in Miami with the opening of a ninth area location. The new wash features free vacuums, microfiber towels, compressed air, mat cleaners and glass cleaner. Additionally, an environmentally friendly water reclamation system was incorporated. During every El Car Wash opening, the company partners with local communities through fundraising and donation programs. For the South Kendall location, El Car Wash partnered with both Zoo Miami and the Love Fund.

Did you know car wash toys were a thing?  It makes sense, since kids of all ages love car toys of all kind! Toymakers are capitalizing on this trend and there are even lists in the making, such as this one that names "Best Toy Car Washes."

Now is the time when managers need to put into play their ability to give expression to a new vision for their business and for their operational model, which in some ways needs to differ from the previous one. Companies have to be able to go back and put down roots in the “new normal,” whatever that may be.

Some experts say now can be a great time to rebrand, especially if your market’s changed or you’re looking to show vibrancy and growth. When it comes to rebranding it pays to start from the top down, meaning reviewing the name first, then the logo and the tagline. Plus, remember to act, but don’t overact.

DRB® Systems, LLC, a leading provider of software and hardware innovations to the car wash industry, announced that it has acquired Washify®, an advanced car wash point-of-sale system.

OPW Retail Fueling announced the launch of its new DSE Dispenser Sump, which was produced using an advanced composite technology manufacturing process. This UL/ULc listed DSE is installed beneath fuel dispensers to provide access to and secondary containment for dispenser plumbing, emergency shear valves and underground piping connections.

Citing an increase in demand for its Hybrid Ceramic detailing products, the car-care specialists at Meguiar's expanded the company's lineup of detailing products with a virtual debut at the 2020 SEMA trade show. The new products include a wash liquid with the company's Hybrid Ceramic Si02 additive, which is said to boost surface tension and improve water beading. A double-sided wash mitt is also new.