CAR WASH The Podcast

"It's the whole totality of the experience and how we treat our customers to show that they're valued.”Eric Wulf, CEO of the International Carwash Association (ICA), and ICA Research Director Bob Klein discuss the findings of ICA's 2025 Q1 Pulse Report, covering the health of the industry, customer satisfaction, and the balance between price and wash value for car wash customers.Top 5 Episode Highlights:The Health of the Consumer Drives the Health of the Industry – Eric and Bob discuss how customer sentiment and behavior shape industry growth, with pricing dissatisfaction often offset by strong perceptions of value—especially among subscription customers.The Price vs. Value Perception – Car wash owners must recognize the emotional side of pricing and focus on the totality of the customer experience to show value. The conversation draws insights from Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) like Chick-fil-A, where customer engagement plays a key role in perceived value.Subscribers Who Become Transactors: A Retention Opportunity – 54% of former members continue washing their vehicles at the car wash where they previously had a membership, providing an opportunity for operators to re-engage and build long-term loyalty.Loyalty Programs: A Disconnection Between Customers and Operators – The Pulse Report has asked about loyalty for nine years, and customers consistently cite loyalty programs as a key retention driver. However, operators do not prioritize them, signaling a missed opportunity to strengthen customer relationships.Industry Growth & Supplier Outlook – Projections for year-end growth increased slightly from 5% to 6%, with 6 in 10 retailers increasing prices in 2024. Meanwhile, supplier optimism has softened, with forecasted growth of 5%, and their top concerns remain hiring, rising costs, and employee retention. To counteract these challenges, suppliers are investing in training and helping car wash owners enhance customer value.Eric and Bob begin the conversation by examining the overall health of the car wash industry, which is closely tied to consumer sentiment. They emphasize that while customers may resist price increases, strong value perception—especially among subscribers—helps mitigate dissatisfaction.The discussion then shifts to how car wash owners should interpret the Pulse Report's price/value findings. Eric and Bob stress that customer experience is in the operator's control. They highlight how Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), like Chick-fil-A, focus on hospitality and engagement to reinforce customer loyalty—a model the car wash industry can learn from.Bob also references an article he authored in the 2025 Q1 issue of Car Wash Magazine, which explores the five key principles used by the QSR industry to enhance the value proposition and customer experience.The episode also covers the behavior of subscribers who become transactors, noting that 54% of former members continue to use the car wash where they had a subscription. This presents a valuable opportunity for operators to create a dialogue with past members and encourage repeat business.For the past nine years, the Pulse Report has surveyed both customers and operators about loyalty strategies. The data shows that customers strongly value loyalty programs, yet operators do not prioritize them, highlighting a gap in retention efforts.On the growth and supplier side, there is a slight uptick in year-end growth projections from 5% to 6%, and 6 in 10 retailers increased prices in 2024. Looking ahead, the Q2 issue of Car Wash Magazine will explore 12 key factors businesses should consider before implementing price increases.Supplier sentiment, however, is less optimistic, with a softening outlook despite a projected 5% increase. The top three concerns for suppliers remain hiring, rising costs, and employee retention. To stay ahead, suppliers are focusing on training initiatives and working to help car wash operators deliver stronger customer value.

Sarah Mellinger AI Implementation Strategist with OnLogic joins host Kendra Johnson, , International Car Wash Association Senior VP of Growth, for an adventure into the amazing world of AI and how it will shape the carwash of the future. They cover everything from predictive maintenance to AI-powered chatbots—and why this technology isn't as intimidating as it sounds.Who is OnLogic & Why Do They Matter?OnLogic is a global industrial computer manufacturer that specializes in highly configurable PCs designed to survive extreme environments—think heat, cold, moisture, and constant vibration. Since car washes operate in tough conditions, these durable computers are ideal for keeping systems running smoothly.AI & Automation Are Already Changing the GameAI is no longer just a futuristic concept; it's already making car washes smarter and more efficient. From predictive maintenance to optimizing chemical usage, automation helps business owners cut costs, reduce downtime, and improve customer experiences. AI-driven systems can even detect when something is about to break down—before it happens.Why Now is the Right Time to Invest in AIAI isn't a passing trend—it's the next step in the evolution of car wash technology. The industry is built for scale, and AI makes it easier to expand while maintaining efficiency. The key is starting small: running a proof of concept allows business owners to test AI solutions and refine them before going all in.Debunking AI FearsMany people worry that AI will replace jobs or take away human control, but Sarah reassures us that this isn't the case. AI is simply a tool that helps businesses run better, freeing up employees to focus on more valuable tasks. Think of it like any other technological advance—people were once skeptical of automatic car washes, too!How to Get Started with AI in Your Car WashIdentify your goals—are you looking to improve efficiency, reduce maintenance issues, or enhance customer experience?Start with a prototype. Test AI solutions on a small scale before rolling them out across your entire operation.Work with a partner to estimate costs and determine ROI. Most businesses see results in about three months.Keep an open mind! AI isn't about replacing people—it's about making operations smarter and more efficient.Sarah also highlighted some of the most exciting ways AI is already transforming car washes:Predictive Maintenance – AI-powered sensors can track vibrations, chemical usage, and water levels, helping to identify equipment failures before they happen.AI-Driven Cameras – These systems can scan vehicles before and after washing, detecting obstructions and identifying damage.Chatbots for Troubleshooting – If a machine goes down and no staff is on-site, AI-powered chatbots can diagnose and even fix certain issues remotely.Sarah emphasized that the most successful businesses start with a strategy—identifying a few key use cases before expanding AI adoption.Sarah's final piece of advice: Keep an open mind and surround yourself with the right people to help make AI work for you. Check out www.carwashofthefuture.com for more informationThe car wash industry is evolving fast, and AI is playing a huge role in shaping its future.Want to hear more? Listen to the full episode at carwashmagazine.com and subscribe to ICA for the latest industry insights!

In this episode of (insert podcast name here) host Josh Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer at OptSpot, sits down with Donald Miller, CEO of StoryBrand, to discuss how car wash owners can transform their marketing strategies by clarifying their messaging. Miller explains how businesses can position themselves as guides rather than heroes in their customers' journeys. The conversation covers actionable strategies for increasing customer engagement, boosting retention, and driving revenue.Josh Taylor is a marketing strategist dedicated to helping car wash owners grow their businesses through automated customer retention and engagement tools. As a certified StoryBrand expert, he specializes in turning complex marketing messages into simple, high-converting campaigns.Donald Miller is a New York Times bestselling author and marketing expert who has helped brands like Ford, Chick-fil-A, and Intel clarify their messaging and increase revenue. His books include Building a StoryBrand, Marketing Made Simple, and How to Grow Your Small Business. Through StoryBrand, he has helped thousands of business owners cut through the noise and connect with customers.Key TakeawaysThe StoryBrand Framework: Shifting Your MessagingDonald Miller explains how most businesses make the mistake of positioning themselves as the hero instead of the guide.Customers want to be the hero of their own story—your brand should support and empower them.When your messaging focuses on solving customer problems, it builds trust and increases sales.Affirmation Calls to Action: Go Beyond “Join Now”Standard Calls to Actions like "Sign Up" or "Buy Now" aren't enough.Affirmation Calls to Action reinforce the transformation customers will experience, making them more likely to take action.Example: Instead of “Join Today,” try “Start Driving a Cleaner Car Today.”Affirm why washing their car with you was a good ideaValue Stacking: Make Your Offer IrresistibleClearly communicate why your car wash is worth choosing.Layer multiple benefits in your messaging—price, convenience, time savings, and customer experience.The more value you highlight, the more compelling your offer becomes. Tell your customer's story, not yours. It's not the car wash they want…it's the clean car.Clarity is Key: Make Your Marketing SimpleIf your messaging is confusing, you're losing customers.Keep your marketing clear, concise, and repeatable so customers instantly understand what you offer.Training Your Team: Messaging Consistency MattersYour team needs to use the right language when talking to customers.Miller suggests using a simple incentive, like giving team members a dollar each time they use the new messaging.The goal: Create a unified, effective brand voice across all customer touchpoints.

Today's guest is someone who knows a thing or two about business growth and profitability—Mike Michalowicz the entrepreneur behind three multimillion-dollar companies and the bestselling author of Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan, and his latest book, All In. He's also been a small business columnist for The Wall Street Journal and a business makeover expert on MSNBC. These days, he travels the world helping entrepreneurs simplify their businesses, grow sustainably, and—most importantly—avoid burnout.His mission? To lift the weight off the entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode, Mike sits down with Kendra Johnson, International Car Wash Association Senior VP of Growth, to talk about practical, no-nonsense ways car wash owners can streamline their business and set themselves up for long-term success. You'll learn:Simplifying Business Finances – Car wash owners often feel overwhelmed by the numbers, but Mike's NFN (Now, Future, Next) model cuts through the noise and makes managing finances easier.Smart Hiring & Employee Retention – Finding and keeping great employees is critical. Mike shares why hiring for the right reasons is key and how business owners can:Give employees authority and control so they take ownership.Personalize the experience (like putting their names on a company truck) to boost engagement.Initiate knowledge—the more employees know, the more invested they become.Provide psychological equity, which makes employees feel valued beyond just a paycheck.The Power of Recognition – Not all employees want recognition the same way—Mike explains how to tailor it, so it actually means something to your team.Training & Growth – Striking the right balance between employee contribution and personal growth leads to a stronger, more committed team.Identifying Your Best Customer – Here's a surprising truth: your best customer might not be who you think! Mike breaks down:Why you shouldn't just trust what customers say—trust their wallets instead.How to evaluate if a customer is truly valuable to your business.The intersection of customer value and your excitement—the sweet spot for business success.Customer Retention Strategies That Work – Want to keep customers coming back? Mike shares why subscriptions are a game-changer.

As a part of an ongoing series called The Training Experts, this episode features ICA Chief Learning Officer, Claire Moore and Jonathan Delicate, Director of Training at Mr. Clean Car Wash. Jonathan shares his insights on how to effectively implement training programs across multiple locations using innovative tools and strategies. Key Takeaways: Jonathan's journey into training at Mr. Clean Car Wash began with his hiring as a General Manager. A crucial part of Jonathan's success has been using an LMS platform to deliver training across the company's multiple sites in Georgia and Florida. He emphasizes the importance of tracking progress and ensuring employees complete the necessary training modules. Faced with a previous eight-month training void when he took over, Jonathan began by focusing on entry-level employees and moved up to management-level training.  To engage employees, Jonathan introduced a fun, sports-themed approach with The Mr. Clean Huddle, featuring short training videos that cover essential procedures. This has made learning more interactive and accessible for all team members. One of Jonathan's standout innovations is placing QR codes on every piece of equipment in the car wash tunnel. Employees can scan these codes to instantly access training videos related to specific equipment, offering on-demand learning. When asked what advice he'd give to those starting out in training, Jonathan's response was clear: Be patient. 

In this insightful episode of Car Wash The Podcast, host Matt DeWolf is joined by Deborah Jasper, Founder and CEO of Mindset Digital. Deborah shares her expertise on how businesses can capture and hold the attention of today's consumers—who often decide in just 8 seconds whether a message is worth their time! From building better customer experiences to effective employee retention strategies, Deborah provides actionable insights you can use immediately to level up your communication and business growth. Key Takeaways: The 8-Second Rule. Deborah highlights the importance of grabbing attention fast, emphasizing that mobile-friendly, personalized, and easy-to-skim content is key to engaging today's consumers. Jasper reveals strategies to “recruit” employees and reduce turnover, including how to keep messaging clear and relatable using a three-point checklist from Mindset Digital. Deborah breaks down the “curses” that can hinder effective messaging and discusses how gamification can be a fun and effective tool for keeping employees engaged.  Jasper talks about the role of AI in business growth, offering examples of how artificial intelligence can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Reach out to Deborah Jasper at Jasper@mindsetdigital.com for more insights.

In this episode, host Matt DeWolf sits down with Jack Stratton, a Retail Trend Spotter, to discuss the evolving landscape of customer expectations and how businesses can adapt to stay ahead. But first, what exactly is a retail trend spotter? Jack breaks it down—explaining how he uses a combination of qualitative and quantitative data to identify fundamental shifts in consumer behavior that businesses can apply to their everyday operations.   Key Insights: • Luxury Expectations of Modern Customers Stratton identifies a major trend in today's consumer behavior: customers are increasingly expecting luxury experiences, even if it means splurging on things they may not be able to afford. He refers to this as the polarized customer—someone who is willing to pay for premium experiences, regardless of their financial status. • The Power of Subscription Services Learn the key to successful subscription models and how customers are now purchasing these services both online and in-store. Jack emphasizes the importance of being available across all channels and touchpoints—the key to driving consistent, positive customer interactions. To connect with Jack Stratton, you can find him on LinkedIn via Insider Trends: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/insider-trends/⁠

Join Car Wash The Podcast as they sit down with Devario Parson, Sales Director, and Tyler Slaughter, CEO/COO of Camel Car Wash, during The Car Wash Show in Nashville. This heartfelt episode highlights the power of community, support, and the human side of the car wash industry.   Key Moments: • A Life-Changing EventJust a day after the birth of his first child, Devario received devastating news—his home was on fire. His first call? Tyler Slaughter, who immediately stepped up, providing Devario's family with a hotel stay, clothing, and essential supplies to help them rebuild.  As Tyler says, “There's nothing more important than people. It's not a requirement in all companies, but it is in ours.” • Community at the CoreListen as Devario and Tyler share their story, recounting how their Camel Car Wash community—comprised of family, co-workers, and friends—came together in a time of need. This powerful conversation took place in front of an audience that included their extended Camel family, amplifying the message of unity and support. • More Than Just Car WashingDiscover what makes Camel Car Wash more than just a business—it's a community built on compassion, care, and a commitment to each other.

In this second episode of a two-part series, International Car Wash Association CEO Eric Wulf speaks with Jim Davis, a professor of corporate strategy at Notre Dame and now Utah State University. Together, they offer an exclusive preview of Davis's upcoming study, set to be unveiled at ROADMAP, DESTINATION: PROJECTIONS on December 13. The conversation begins with ICA's interest in The Consolidation Curve, which led to Davis's research on consolidation within the car wash industry, and expanded to explore industry saturation. In this episode, listeners get a sneak peek at Davis's key findings, including the difference between consolidation and saturation, their critical importance for business owners, and their impact on both operators and consumers. Davis delves into how these trends intersect to shape the industry, offering insights valuable for strategic planning and operational decision-making. Beyond the data and formal presentations, Davis highlights the invaluable networking and informal "hallway conversations" that bring this research to life and make it actionable. For Davis, these “confluence of factors” can ignite transformative ideas and strategies for the future. There's no better place to plan for your business's future than at ROADMAP. Secure your seat today! carwashroadmap.com/register 

In this kickoff episode of our two-part series, International Car Wash Association CEO Eric Wulf sits down with industry leaders Robert Dubinsky, CEO of Waterway Car Wash, Curt Hutchins, CEO of Sonny's Enterprises, and John Lai, CEO of Mister Car Wash.  These experts share their perspectives on emerging trends, crucial factors for strategic planning, and which practices may no longer serve the evolving car wash industry. Get a front-row seat to this insightful Q&A session, and hear practical takeaways on how to stay ahead in a rapidly shifting market.  Join top car wash organizations like Waterway, Sonny's, and Mister Car Wash at ROADMAP: DESTINATION PROJECTIONS—the premier event for industry professionals on December 13 in Austin, TX. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and gain essential insights for the road ahead. Reserve your spot now at carwashroadmap.com/register.

In this episode of CAR WASH The Podcast, ICA Chief Learning Officer Claire Moore is joined by Alexander C. Pullen, HR Consultant with the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM). Together, they discuss the importance of a robust people strategy and preview DESTINATION: PEOPLE at ROADMAP on December 11th.    Pullen, a seasoned HR professional with over a decade of experience, shares his expertise in helping organizations create better workplaces. He provides valuable insights into why continuous learning is critical in industries like car washing, where organizations and employees constantly evolve.   Key Takeaways:   Learn More:For additional details about DESTINATION: PEOPLE at ROADMAP, visit: carwashroadmap.com/people • Pullen emphasizes the critical role that a solid people strategy plays in any organization's foundational success. He highlights how, at ROADMAP, we will focus on key aspects of the talent lifecycle—recruitment, engagement, retention, and offboarding.• Future leadership needs are a key area of discussion in the car wash industry. The program will help attendees identify tools to lead and grow their teams while also guiding succession planning to ensure an organization is ready for the future.• They preview what a hands-on workshop looks like at ROADMAP where attendees can build their own custom talent strategies. The goal? Practical applications that you can take back to your workplace and implement immediately.

Join International Carwash Association Chief Learning Officer Claire Moore in a conversation with a marketing expert and a headline speaker at ROADMAP at DESTINATION 1: PEOPLE, Jay Baer, New York Time bestselling author, 5x multimillion-dollar entrepreneurial founder and trusted brand advisor to over 700 companies, including 40 of the Fortune 500.  In this episode, Jay delves into the power of combining customer experience with customer acquisition, highlighting the importance of retaining current customers while actively attracting new ones. Key Takeaways: Customer Experience Meets Acquisition Jay discusses how businesses can harness the net present value of customers by encouraging word-of-mouth marketing, where current customers share their positive car wash experiences with friends. The key? Give your customers a compelling story to tell. Subscription Model Impact Learn how subscription models influence revenue, and why the "customer experience engine" often isn't about the product you sell, but the experience that comes with it. ROADMAP Projections Attendees can look forward to Jay's presentation where he'll dive into how to take subscription models to the next level.

Chart your course to ROADMAP with International Carwash Association Senior Vice President/Growth Kendra Johnson as she chats with ICA's Chief Learning Officer Claire Moore and Chief Experience Officer Kim Vinciguerra, to dive into the car wash industry's newest event happening this December in Austin, Texas. Moore outlines the growth and sophistication of the industry as the driving factors in the buildout of ROADMAP and this new event is completely different than what is currently available to car wash professionals. The evolution of operations and specialization of marketing and HR leaders drives the content and solutions at DESTINATION: PEOPLE.  Vinciguerra outlines the difference between ROADMAP and The Car Wash Show, why the timing is critical for kickstarting 2025 before April and highlights what attendees will see at DESTINATION: PRODUCTS. Brand new trends will be on display, such as AI in license plate recognition or motor control centers, and product launches from chemistry to sales training are just a few hot topics to be showcased in Austin.  How will this event feel different from the others? Idea exchange is prioritized, solutions and successes are used to highlight the problems products and services solve alongside designed opportunities to network with car wash peers. Your Destination for PEOPLE, PRODUCTS and PROJECTIONS all await you at ROADMAP on Dec. 11-13, Austin, TX. https://carwashroadmap.com/

Description: Join CAR WASH Magazine Editor-in-Chief Shaneen Calvo as she explores the innovative world of modular construction with experts from Genesis Modular Car Wash Building Systems: Bruce Arnette – Owner Sean McGovern – CEO Charlie Zimmermann – National Sales Manager This episode complements an article in the Q2 issue of CAR WASH Magazine, “On the Fast Track,” and takes a deep dive into how modular builds can dramatically reduce construction time, simplify permitting, and offer customizable options for car wash developments. Key Takeaways: Modular Construction Explained Learn how Genesis's modular systems are built like "Lego blocks," enabling parallel construction. The vertical build takes place off-site, while the foundation and other prep work happen simultaneously on location, cutting build time by up to 75%. Customization Options Explore the most popular customizations, from tower height to tunnel length, and the wide range of systems Genesis can produce in a year. Efficiency and ExperienceGenesis brings 35+ years of experience to the table, guiding customers to value-engineer projects. Their focus is on ensuring the best return on investment by optimizing the construction of the car wash building itself. Hear about some of their most memorable projects and how they were able to provide customized solutions. Why Modular? Modular construction offers: Time Savings: Significantly reduced build time. Customization: Flexible designs tailored to customer needs. Parallel Construction: On-site prep and off-site building happen simultaneously.

Join us for this special episode recorded at The Car Wash Show in Nashville, TN (May2024), where ICA Chief Learning Officer, Claire Moore, sits down with Stephanie Mak, Talent Acquisition Manager at Summit Wash Holdings, and Jay Iraheta, Southeast Regional President at Summit, to discuss the transformative “ElevateHER” program. Key Takeaways: • What is ElevateHER? o Goal: To provide women in the car wash industry the opportunity to grow into management and corporate roles within a traditionally male-dominated space. o Approach: The program begins by building trust and safety among participants, then accelerates into developing self-esteem and self-awareness. o Focus Area: Currently active in the Southeast, with plans to expand to Summit's four other regions. Learn More: • Learn more about the success stories from Summit Wash Holdings's ElevateHerprogram by following the progress of participating car wash leaders on their LinkedIn page: Summit Wash Holdings LinkedIn

In this episode of CAR WASH the Podcast, International Carwash Association CEO Eric Wulf is joined by Alex Chausovsky, a seasoned market researcher and analyst with over 20 years of expertise in economics, business cycles, and industry-specific trends. The episode explores the ICA's Q3 research survey, shedding light on year-end retail growth projections within the car wash industry. Eric and Alex break down current market dynamics and unemployment trends and analyze the Federal Reserve's reactions. They also explore the potential impact of the upcoming election on consumer spending and how these factors might influence the car wash sector.   Key highlights include: Consumer Spending: Despite rising consumer debt levels, spending remains steady, though there's noticeable hesitancy, particularly among younger demographics (39 and under). Credit card delinquencies are up, yet auto loan delinquencies have slightly decreased from the previous quarter. Economic Outlook: Alex Chausovsky provides strategic advice for car wash owners on navigating these economic uncertainties, leveraging insights to optimize business performance. Election Impact: While elections are a significant event, Chausovsky emphasizes that the US economy's size and resilience often mitigate election-related concerns, advising industry players to focus on what they can control.   Join Eric Wulf and Alex Chausovsky on December 13, Projections Day, at the 2024 Roadmap event (https://carwashroadmap.com/register).

In this episode, listen as guest Keith Moye, VP and GM for OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions (a Dover Company), highlights the importance of offering collective solutions to help customers meet their goals and streamline operations. Moye shares examples of inorganic and organic strategies to support the growing car wash industry, such as OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions' acquisition of Transchem Group, and the need to implement innovative technology across existing processes. Hosted by Kendra Johnson, Senior Vice President of Business Development for the International Carwash Association, this engaging episode provides insight into the current state of the car wash industry and highlights the importance of developing purpose-driven growth strategies to holistically support customers.

In this episode, hear from Joey Coleman, award-winning speaker and New York Times bestselling author, as he delves into the importance of customer experience in the car wash industry. For more than twenty years, Joey has helped organizations retain their best customers and employees - turning them into raving fans via his entertaining and actionable keynotes, workshops, and consulting projects. In this engaging episode, you'll learn why customer service is considered the last great differentiator in driving success for your car wash location. Learn how to create a unique and distinct experience that your customers will love. You'll also hear Coleman explain why employee experience is crucial for driving the success of your business. This episode is sponsored by DRN, a car wash industry leader in capturing drive by traffic and fueling new leads.

In this episode, Allie Voiselle, Training Director for Benny's Car Wash shares her insight into implementing a comprehensive training program across multiple car wash sites. A former elementary and middle school teacher, Voiselle talks about how her background in education prepared her to create training programs using backwards design and effectively use an LMS (Learning Management System) to support employee learning opportunities.   Hosted by Claire Moore, Chief Learning Officer for the International Carwash Association, this engaging episode provides insight into the difference between training and education. You'll leave the conversation with expert tips for creating training plans to build a learning culture within your car wash organization.

In this episode, we chat with Kyle Doyle, CEO and founder of Ignite Wash. Doyle shares his experience in the car wash industry and walks us through the journey that led to the recent acquisition of Ignite Wash by Rinsed. Hosted by Kendra Johnson, Senior Vice President, Business Development for International Carwash Association, this insightful episode with leave you with practical tips to better train your onsite team, increase membership, and navigate the acquisition landscape across the car wash industry.

The International Carwash Association's Hall of Fame Award was first presented in 1962 to car wash operator and inventor, Jimmy Butts. Since that time, the award has continued to honor titans of the car wash industry. We're talking about true innovators and leaders - those who have left an indelible mark across the industry. Today's episode honors our 2024 inductee, Lamar Beck of GooGoo Express Car Wash.

"Superfans are loyal, engaged customers who are going to advocate on your behalf. They're more likely to go back and tell their friends about you. But here's the thing about superfans: you don't buy them. This is not about if you can run the right ad or find the right people online and target them with the right thing. You create them.  Superfans are created one experience at a time." Brittany Hodak is an award-winning entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and the bestselling author of Creating Superfans: How To Turn Your Customers Into Lifelong Advocates. This week, Hodak joins Matt DeWolf to discuss how you can use engaging experiences to create customers who market for you.  Hodak was a keynote speaker at The CAR WASH Show™ 2024 in Nashville. For more information visit: brittanyhodak.com

License Plate Recognition (LPR) technology is used broadly across industries, from loss mitigation for lenders to recognizing the vehicles of wash members in the car wash space.  In 2009, DRN Data entered the loss mitigation space working with lenders, banks, credit unions, and insurance agencies to find cars that needed to be repossessed. Soon they realized that LPR could be used for lead generation in the car wash space as well.  Pointing cameras at the street, DRN Data's technology recognizes license plates that drive past the wash and matches that information to the VIN of the car. This data provides the wash owner with more than one hundred marketing attributes for each person zooming by. Senior Executive Director for DRN Data, Noel Peña, sat down with Shaneen Calvo, Director of Media & Editorial for International Carwash Association (ICA), at The Car Wash Show 2024 in Nashville. In this episode, you'll hear the story of DRN Data's 180-degree repositioning and entry into the car wash industry. 

At The Car Wash Show 2024, Claire Moore, Chief Learning Officer for International Carwash Association, interviewed several learning and development leaders in the car wash industry. We look forward to sharing these conversations throughout our 2024 podcast season. In the first interview of our learning and development series featuring training experts, Destiny Baker, Director of Training for Mammoth Holdings, tells us about her path to a learning and development (L&D) role in the car wash space. She shares excellent insight into the importance of training programs for car wash organizations and highlights Mammoth Holding's leadership training program.

Doug Cross, Business Manager for the Australian Car Wash Association, joins Eric Wulf, CEO, International Carwash Association (ICA), and Kendra Johnson, VP of Business Development, ICA, for a conversation about the upcoming opportunities at the Car Wash Show Australia 2024.  Cross breaks down what is happening in the vibrant and evolving Australian Car Wash market, and he highlights what you can expect from the Car Wash Show Australia happening August 13-15, 2024.  It might be time to plan your trip to Australia. If nothing else, Doug Cross said your drinks are on him. See you in Sydney! For more information, visit carwashshowaustralia.com.au.

The Car Wash Show 2024 in Nashville was a huge success! With record-breaking attendance and a sold-out exhibition floor, the event exceeded expectations. This year's show featured engaging events including live presentations at the Pitch theater, the Hall of Fame celebration, The Big Bash, Innovation Alley, and much more.  With all these amazing things happening throughout the show, it's sometimes easy to overlook some of the small and wonderful stories happening at the same time.  In this episode, Mark Bell, producer for CAR WASH the Podcast, takes a mic onto the show floor to hear a few stories from people who have been coming to the show for a very long time. He also catches up with show first-timers to hear about their experiences. Additionally, we'll share two stories focused on the ways in which the show and the car washing industry have changed lives.  For a full recap of the Car Wash Show 2024, visit: thecarwashshow.com.

The Car Wash Show 2024 in Nashville is just ten days away! It will feature the most exhibitors we've ever had, the largest square footage, and it is sold out!  Claire Moore, ICA's chief learning officer, is here this week to reveal some of the opportunities you may not know about along with a few tips and tricks to stay organized and get the most out of the show.  This year we are also excited to have a podcast studio built into the LEAD booth on the show floor. We are inviting you, our listeners, to come and share your stories. Our theme is “Stories of Impact,” so we are gathering stories about how organizations have made an impact on you or your community or what has made an impact on your organization. Come visit us in booth #823!

We are going behind the brand with Qual Chem. Joseph Moldovan, founder and managing director, and Ryan Molinelli, VP of Sales, join us to pull back the curtain on the company's history and to discuss their new graphene product: NanoHex.  We discuss the story of Qual Chem's founding, how they maintain company culture now, and the reasons for adding this new offering to their lineup. NanoHex also represents a new approach to research and development. We explore the unique methods they employed to hone NanoHex and how it will affect their product development moving forward. 

"The most important thing on a remodel is that you go big .... it's really important that you don't just put lipstick on the pig."   If you are considering remodelling your wash, there are many questions you need to answer before you begin. What amenities do you want to add? What is your budget? Is a remodel going to be less expensive than starting over?   John Roush, CEO of Express Wash Concepts, has remodelled countless washes since the '90s. He joins us to talk about the do's and don'ts of revitalizing your wash.

When it comes to investing in your people, staff training is where it's at. It even took the top spot in the Q1 ICA Pulse survey. In fact, 49% of those surveyed shared that they are planning on spending more on training in 2024 and 50% about the same as last year – leaving only 1% that were planning on decreasing their spending in this category. While we've seen an influx of learning and development professionals in this industry, there are a few companies that have made training a priority for many years.  Hoffman Car Wash in New York is a great example. Today we are talking with Walt Hartl, Vice President of Learning, about Hoffman's training history, their culture of learning, and advice for bolstering new training programs. 

In the United States today, new car payments are somewhere in the range of $750 to $800 a month and 25% of people in their 20s and 30s pay more than $1000 a month. That is a huge change from even a few years ago. Could understanding the trends of the US economy make you a better car washer? In this episode, Eric Wulf, ICA CEO, hosts Alex Chausovsky to check in on the current state of the US economy.  Chausovsky is an economist by trade and for several years he has spoken at The Car Wash Show on topics ranging from economic cycles to workforce development. He is also a contributor to the International Carwash Association's quarterly research paper, The Pulse Report.   In this conversation, we discuss the economy using three metrics: the health of the consumer, the cost of inputs, and the cost of capital. Chausovsky also gives his advice on economic indicators we should be watching in the short term and free resources to do so.  For a deeper look into the economy and how it is affecting the car wash industry, dive into The Pulse Report: https://www.carwash.org/pulse  To hear more from Alex Chausovsky, join us at The Car Wash Show 2024 in Nashville, on May 13-15: https://thecarwashshow.com/register24

Membership models and unlimited clubs have become the norm in the car wash industry, but the methods by which we convert visitors to members are mostly restricted to face-to-face in-person sales. This week on the show we explore the question: Could customers join our membership programs online... and could they even do it without even having visited our wash? Marcus Sheridan is a New York Times Official Web Guru, owner of a successful digital marketing agency and author of the book "They Ask, You Answer." Sheridan joins us to discuss what digital campaigns and strategies could lead to online conversions. Along with those campaigns, he explains the kind of information we need to be ready to provide on our sites and platforms and what steps you can take to improve your digital presence today. Armed with these tools, your wash can be a digital David in an industry of Goliaths.   Hear more from Marcus Sheridan at The Car Wash Show in Nashville, May 13-15: www.thecarwashshow.com.

The future of work is not only difficult to predict, it is the wrong question to ask. The question we should be asking instead is: How do we build an incredible team that can help us get to whatever the future of work looks like? Eric Termuende, author of "Rethink Work" joins us with a bold suggestion. He shares that the best solution to talent acquisition and preparing for the ever-changing work landscape is investing in the quality of your work environment for your current employees. Termuende says the keys are to build trust, remove friction, and create a culture of experimentation, and he provides some practical tips for each. Hear more from Eric Termuende at The Car Wash Show in Nashville, May 13-15: www.thecarwashshow.com.

Continuing our content theme from last week, we have another conversation around artificial intelligence. Brian Sathianathan, co-founder of Iterate.AI, joins us to talk specifically about AI in the car wash space.  Iterate.AI works with companies across many industries including several big car wash and convenience store brands. Sathianathan offers unique ways AI can be used in your wash like pay stations, maintenance and managing inventory. He also addresses the security risks around customer data and the best ways to start implementing AI in your wash.  You can read more about Iterate.AI in the Q1 issue of CAR WASH Magazine, which ships on March 28 to ICA members.

Our guest is Terry Brock, who just celebrated his 40th year as a Marketing Advisor. He joins us to talk tech trends which, let's face it, are mostly AI these days.  Brock shares with us some thrilling use cases for AI in the carwash space as well as some input on common concerns. Every new technology has brought with it some fear. Brock reminds us that from fire to airplanes each advancement has introduced danger that we have mitigated with regulation.  Will you lose your job to AI? Probably not but as Brock says: you might lose it to a human that understands and deploys AI better than you. This episode will get you closer to implementing AI solutions in your wash and staying ahead of the technological curve.  More information on Terry Brock can be found at:  https://terrybrock.com/

Danka Dubak, director of marketing for AVW Equipment Company, joins us to go behind the brand and discuss the trends AVW is seeing in the industry from a supplier's point of view.  AVW is a family-owned business that just celebrated 51 years in operation and Dubak is the third generation. As suppliers, part of AVW's job is both anticipating and tracking shifting trends within the industry. The trends Dubak discusses in this episode fall under the umbrella of customer experience. How can a detailing belt, squirt guns, play spaces for children, indoor vacuums, and coloring books influence the comfort of your customer? Tune in to find out.  For more information on the "megawash" from Car Wash Magazine: https://www.carwashmagazine.com/stories/rise-of-the-megawash

Tony Sposit always wanted to be a paramedic. And after high school that is exactly what he did. But in between his 24-hour paramedic shifts, he decided he wanted to find more work (he claims he was driving his wife crazy around the house).When the Frenchtown-Monroe Auto Wash opened near his home, he became an attendant loading cars into the wash. A year later he is now the assistant general manager at that location as well as running the PR for all five of their wash locations — and has earned the nickname “The Monroe Car Wash Guy.”   Sposit joins us to talk about what it was like to change roles so quickly. We also talk about the skills that transfer over from being a paramedic to car washing and the unique experiences he has injected into his wash including a live-streamed TikTok radio show on Saturdays from inside the wash.

If you've found yourself wondering about how you can better motivate today's employees … or how to level up your spaghetti … you're in luck. Our guest, Joe Mull, has some hard truths and expert tips about both in, surprisingly, the same conversation.  Mull, the author of Employalty (plus several others) and host of the podcast Boss Better Now, joins us to share his expert knowledge on better management to inspire high performance and commitment in your workplace. You will walk away from this episode as a better boss. We are sure of that. You can find out more about Joe at www.joemull.com.  Did you like this episode? Joe Mull will also be a speaker in Nashville at The Car Wash Show 2024. Register now at https://thecarwashshow.com/

If you attended the Car Wash Show in 2023, you undoubtedly saw Quick Dry's booth with pink carpet. Jonathan and Lindsay Wiles who own Quick Dry called it the ugliest booth at the show, but the carpet was to bring awareness to a great cause.  In October of 2023, Quick Dry launched its Go Pink Campaign. They sold pink towels to participating customers and donated $10,000 to Hospice and Breastcancert.org of their proceeds from that month. Their customers who used the towels at their washes also donated money from October to charities with whom they already had relationships.  The Wiles join us to talk about the idea for the campaign, the hurdles to make it happen, how they will make it better for 2024, and the humanizing effect that a program like this can have on your view of business.

This episode closes out season three of CAR WASH the Podcast. We spent some time playing clips from some of our favorite shows from the season and discussing what is coming up next year from the International Carwash Association. The episodes we discussed in order of appearance can be found at these links: Season 3, Episode 1: Gleam Car Wash Colorado Pt. 1 Season 3, Episode 12: Honoring Car Washing's Greatest Season 3, Episode 26: Bringing Car Washers Together in Europe Season 3, Episode 18: So You Want to Sell Your Wash Season 3, Episode 14: Get Uncomfortable Season 3, Episode 3: OmniX patents new AI Thank you for listening to season three of our show! Please follow and review on your podcasting platform of choice. We are looking forward to seeing you in 2024!

Claire Moore of the International Carwash Association, Justin Salisbury of Breeze Thru Car Wash, and Michael Schultz of Rich's Car Wash joined Matt DeWolf in an informative live panel at the Car Wash Show™ 2023 in Las Vegas. They discuss talent engagement, investing in your workforce, and how to effectively let employees know their personal worth and impact on the company.

In early November of 2022, Jeff Pavone was on the show to talk about what was happening in the car wash industry in a two-part episode called The Great Market Reset. A year later, Pavone is back with his insight on the industry from his perspective as a founding partner of Amplify Car Wash. We discuss the recent market pause, trends moving forward, the added professionalism in the space, and the trends owners should consider to stand out.

Claudia Moldovan Crea, CEO and Jessica Price Easter, Director of Marketing join us to go Behind the Brand with Qual Chem.

Marketing is all about spending money to (hopefully) make money. The trick is knowing where to focus that spend. This week we are playing you a panel, recorded live at the Car Wash Magazine Live Studio at the Car Wash Show™ 2023 in Las Vegas. Levi McClendon of OptSpot, Nick Rodia of Sgt. Clean Car Wash, and Sam Sousa of All American Car Wash joined host Matt DeWolf to discuss trends they are seeing as the best ways to spend a marketing budget. From YouTube to community engagement and fundraising there is certainly something to take home and try out from this conversation.

This episode is all about people and is applicable to much more than the car washing community. Justin Salisbury, president of Breeze Thru Car Wash joins us to talk about how Breeze Thru Car Wash has maintained its culture as they have grown to 12 locations. He defines culture, gives great tips on coaching, discusses building trust, balancing staff development and profitability, and the importance of failure. Plus a brief aside on kid's baseball teams. You are going to enjoy this one.

The Car Wash Show Europe was held in Amsterdam two weeks ago and we sent a member of the podcast staff to report on the goings on there. He is back this week to play some of those conversations and chat with Matt about his experience at the show.

This week Matt DeWolf is handing the mic over to four very capable speakers who were gathered at the Car Wash Show Europe in Amsterdam last week. Eric Wulf of the International Car Wash Association along with Bryan Madderson of the Car Wash Association in the UK, Thomas Drott of the Federal Association of Gas Stations and Commercial Car Washes in Germany, and Erik Stern of BOVAG in the Netherlands spoke at a round table presentation on the state of the industry in each of their regions.

This is a conversation for managers by managers. Iona Kearney of Speedy Sparkle Wash, John Sproul of Camel Express Car Wash, and Shad Valle of Metro Express Wash joined us to discuss their personal management successes, failures, and ideologies. This panel was presented live at the Car Wash Magazine Live Studio at the Car Wash Show™ 2023 in Las Vegas.

So you collect some data but don't know what to do with it? You collect no data and don't know how to start? You don't know how to get more information from your customers? You want to turn your data insights into a more personalized relationship with your customers? In this episode, we bring you a panel with exactly those insights. Kacy Erdelyi of Spark Car Wash, Anne Mauler of Soapy Joe's Car Wash, and Dylan Von Kleist of Amp, join us to discuss how they are using data, and what they are looking forward to building in the future. This panel was presented live at the Car Wash Magazine Live Studio at the Car Wash Show™ 2023 in Las Vegas.

We are continuing our conversations with vendors who will be headed to the Car Wash Show Europe one month from now! In this instalment, we chatted with Jean de Negri. Negri oversees International Sales for Coleman Hanna Car Wash Systems. Jean de Negri told us about his amazing path to Colman Hanna and the importance of regrouping face-to-face at the show. The Car Wash Show Europe 2023 is in Amsterdam, on September 21 & 22. We will continue to air interviews with exhibitors previewing the exciting things on display at the September show.

We are continuing our conversations with vendors who will be headed to the Car Wash Show Europe one month from now! In this instalment, we chatted with Nate Wellens. Wellens is the Distributor Sales Support & International Sales Representative at Washworld. The Car Wash Show Europe 2023 is in Amsterdam, on September 21 & 22. We will continue to air interviews with exhibitors previewing the exciting things on display at the September show.