Spring2024_SSCWN_web

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2 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 3

CONTENTS
Self Serve Snapshot .......2
Fun & Games ..................6
Polls .....................................8
Association News ....... 10
Industry Dirt ................. 16
KOY “ROOSTER” MILLEDGE OF
ROOSTER’S CAR WASH
Extra Extra .................... 18
OF MESQUITE TEXAS!
Innovations ................... 26
Tips ................................... 28
Tricks of the Trade ..... 32
Silence of the Cams ... 40
Darwin ............................. 46
Year Opened:
I’m not sure what year it opened,
but I do think it’s the oldest in Mesquite.
Owner(s):
Koy “Rooster” Milledge. We are family operated.
How many locations do you have?
We are closing in on a deal for our second one this [month].
VOL. 52, NO. 2, SPRING 2024
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.
All inquiries should be directed to:
Self Serve Car Wash News
110 Childs Ln., Franklin, TN 37067
jacksonv@sscwn.com
Copyright 2024. 2 Dollar Media/SSCWN. All Rights Reserved
4 • SPRING 2024
How and why did you choose this line of work?
My dad and I both worked at a car wash in our younger days. I represent many
young black men who want to get into this billion dollar industry but lack funding and
instruction on how to get funding. I poured my entire retirement into the place.
How many bays does your car wash have?
Our first wash has 4 bays. The second one has 5 bays with 2 super bays for 18 wheelers
and vehicles of the sort. All are self serve. We are looking to hire a detailer as we speak.
Do you have any competition?
There are 4 self serve washes near me all under 2 miles. Talk about competition. We
just focus on being the best. We have the highest google rating at 3.8.
What is the hardest thing about owning a self serve car wash?
The hardest thing is cash flow and repairs. Sometimes funds get low as we have no
loans or grants so we have to wait until the wash generates the cash to make upgrades.
Also, to help save on repairs, I do 90% of the work myself. Had to learn very fast. Always
been good with my hands. Customers sometimes are careless and break things as well.
SPRING 2024 • 5

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?
1. Neighborhood has changed
2. Grate in bay
3. Extra hose on right
4. Taillights are missing
5. Hose mounts are missing
6. License plate is different
EVERYTHING IS
AWESOME AT THIS
LEGO ® CAR WASH!
This car wash made of Legos comes to us from Matt Kustra, a certified
professional Lego builder (yes, there is such a thing. His website, IDEO
Bricks, showcases master Lego builds and now his portfolio includes a car
wash – complete with white car wash bubbles made of white Legos. He
was hired by Euro Ekol Car Wash, a company out of Poland.
Here is Matt’s write up about his creation:
I am proud to announce that we have built a unique car wash made of LEGO®
bricks for Euro Ekol company. This one-of-a-kind construction will serve as
an attraction at trade shows, capturing the attention of visitors. When creating
the car wash, we focused on the smallest details to reflect the authentic
atmosphere and functions of a real car wash. I was particularly delighted by the
foam, which is one of the standout elements at one of the stations. Additionally,
the owner’s collection of cars served as a perfect addition to the entire
composition, adding even more character and authenticity. I am confident that
this original car wash will generate significant interest and be remembered by
trade show attendees as an extraordinary and creative attraction.
6 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 7

WE ASK.
YOU ANSWER.
The following poll was posted
to carwashforum.com.
If you would like to add your vote,
or a comment, follow the QR code.
What’s your runner up?
Fill in the Blank: If the Black Ice air freshener is your top vending item,
your second most popular item is _____________________________________________?
Protect your
team & comPly
with oSha!
removable Plug locks
removable Plug lock & Puck lock Kits
Puck locks & Disk locks
lockout/tagout locks & clamps
t-handles & t-handle locks
retro Fit Security Kits
New Car - KIMBERLY BERG
Lavender - MUDMONEY
Our top selling vending item is a
blue towel and there is not a close
second. Second is the Armor All
sponge pack. Best air freshener is
Black Ice. (fourth place vending
item overall). Second best air freshener
is Pina Colada. - OURTOWN
It’s a close race for second place...
Air Freshener Rose Thorn or Blackberry
Clove… - 2BIZ
It’s a tossup between Stars and
Stripe “America’’ or Cherry Blossom
Honey trees. Armor All sponge pack
and Terry towels from Costco. -
RANDY
Black ice
White towel
Armor All sponge
Microfiber towels
Vanillaroma
Blue towel
New Car - SOONERMAJIC
Black Magic Tire Shine - YHANNAT
Vanilla air freshener - WASHNVAC
Microfibre towel - GREG_T
Blue Microfiber towels. I sell the
wrapped version from Kleen-Rite. -
SLASH007
My second most popular vending
item is the Armor All cleaner
sponge. - WAXMAN
Lemon wipes
Armor All cleaning wipes
Sunset Beach tree
Towels
Blue Magic glass cleaner - SHINEPRO
New Car - SUDSMASTER
All the Security You’ll Ever Need!
Ask About our full rAnge of locks And lAtches for
Amusement & vending equipment, gAs dispensers & self storAge.
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9168 Stellar Court
Corona, Ca 92883
www.laigrouP.Com
S aleS @laigrouP. C om
Ph: 951-277-5180
Fax: 951-277-5170
When you wish the answer was “none”
POLL:
Has your car wash experienced any of the following?
Criminal-based
Property Damage
Criminal-based
Property Damage
Theft
unarmed
None of
the above
(due to attempted theft, spray paint, etc.)
(due to attempted theft, spray paint, etc.)
Graffiti comes and goes. Theft, not as of late
but it’s coming. School will be out in a few
months and there will be some bored hood
rats that will think breaking into the local car
wash is a good idea for extra cash. - STXCW
Since we made the conversion to only dispensing
tokens, and accepting CCs, the theft
issue has seemed to dissipate, However, all the
other fun games and challenges of car wash
ownership have been amplified ...Who needs
some used tires ... ? - SJB
Where do I put [going to the bathroom]in the
corner? - SHINEPRO
I don’t know where to start. In the last 6
months we’ve had so many break-ins it’s hard
to keep them all straight. In one night we had
6 bill changers ripped from the walls. In one
night within 45 minutes we had 2 car washes
broken into. On a busy Sunday morning 4 people
cut open the equipment room, walked and
helped themselves, and one of the customers
got great pictures of their stolen van with no
license plates. It’s pretty hard to protect your
property when they use a gas powered concrete
saw or a 20-volt Dewalt grinder. We have
great video and have filed police reports but
they aren’t too interested in solving property
crime. The self-serve car wash business is such
a [bs] business. - RANDY
This whole thread reinforces the reasoning
behind going cashless. Of those that selected
“none”, how many are cashless? At some
point it’s not worth the headache. The cost of
the break-ins exceeds the cash revenue (be it
wasted time, equipment restoration cost, or
lost money). Every state needs to reduce the
threshold for felony theft to $0.01. - ANALYTICWASH
8 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 9

CALENDAR
OF EVENTS
*All events are subject to changes
due to current circumstances.
Association News
• Canadian Carwash Association
2024
MAY 13-15
Car Wash Show
Nashville, Tennessee
JUNE 16-18
10th Women in
Carwash Conference
Hilton Salt Lake City Centre, Utah
AUGUST 13-15
Car Wash Show
Australia
International Convention Centre,
Sydney, Australia
SEPTEMBER 17-18
Heartland Product
and Equipment Show
Mid-America Center
Council Bluffs, Iowa
OCTOBER 7-9
Northeast Regional
Carwash Convention
Atlantic City Convention Center,
New Jersey
The CCA is thanking all of the car washes across
Canada who participated in the 2nd Annual Car
Wash for a Cure on April 5 and 6, 2024. The event
was organized by the Canadian Carwash Association,
in partnership with the Canadian Spinal Research
Organization.
According to the CCA website, on April 5 and
April 6, 2024, car washes from coast to coast took
part in this initiative through a variety of activities
that promote community building, philanthropy
and contributing to a great cause. Activities included:
1. Car wash owner/operators asking their
customers to donate spare change;
2. Donating a portion of their sales over the two
days;
3. Inviting their community leaders to participate
and promote to their constituents;
4. Creating a fun/interactive activity that engages
their customers in the fundraiser;
5. Promoting their involvement via social media;
6. Raising awareness of the Canadian Spinal
Research Organization.
The Canadian Spinal Research Organization
(CSRO) is dedicated to the funding of targeted research
to maximize functional recovery and cure
paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. “We envision a
world without paralysis caused by spinal cord injury.
Through our many fundraising initiatives, and strategic
partnerships the CSRO/ASRO has raised nearly
30 million dollars for spinal cure research since
1984. Our corporate and community partners help
us to fulfill our mandate of improving of the physical
quality of life for persons with a spinal cord injury
and those with related neurological deficits, through
targeted medical and scientific research and the reduction
of spinal cord injuries through our prevention
and awareness programs,” the CSRO stated.
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NOVEMBER 13
Kleen-Rite Training
Day & Expo
Kleen-Rite Corp., Columbia, Pennsylvania
• Car Wash Operators of
New Jersey
CWONJ is teaming up with Children’s Specialized
Hospital to raise money on the weekend of
May 3-5. “Our association has been raising money
for Children’s Specialized Hospital for 18 years
and contributed nearly $100,000 to that effort,”
said CWONJ Event Chairman Doug Karvelas.
“This weekend fundraiser is a perfect opportunity
for us to continue our support of Children’s. Our
members are very generous, and this will no doubt
be evident in May. We are asking for everyone to
join the effort!”
The weekend event will see participating operators
contribute a percentage of their proceeds to
the effort. All participants will receive You will
receive special marketing materials.
10 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 11

Association News
• International Carwash
Association
The “Game-Changing Ideas” 2024 Car Wash
Show is just days away and it looks like there
will be educational sessions geared towards self
serve car wash owners once again.
The Show, which will take place May 13-15 at
the Music City Convention Center in Nashville,
Tennessee.
Here are some of the educational sessions
that self serve owners and operators might want
to attend:
• Memberships = Tunnel Profits:
How Do Memberships Fit with
Automatics and Self Service Washes?
Brought to you by: McClean Solutions LLC and
the Western Carwash Association
Memberships are a proven win in the express
tunnel market. The industry knows the do’s and
don’ts of membership in this segment. But what
about the automatic and self service market?
How can you use memberships to win in these
segments and how is it different in the automatic/ss
market? Pricing in the express market is
known to be 2x the wash price for a single wash.
Is this the pricing you should offer on an automatic?
How does the processing speed of automatics
change the way you approach monthly
unlimited washing? What technology can you
employ in the automatic market to prevent
overuse of a monthly wash account? This session
addresses these questions.
Date & Time: Monday, May 13th, 2024, 8:45 a.m. CDT
• Southwest Car Wash Association
The 2024 edition of the Southwest Car Wash
Association Convention & EXPO recently
concluded bringing together about 2,700 car
washers from 45 different states plus Mexico;
Canada; Finland and Germany at the Fort Worth
Convention Center, according to a press release.
According to SCWA President Frank Nuchereno,
“I am always amazed to see the excitement and
enthusiasm of all the attendees and exhibitors. As
the first big car wash event of the year, the SCWA
Convention & EXPO is a wonderful opportunity
bringing the greater car wash community together
to start the year with great anticipation.”
The Convention was highlighted by two nationally
recognized speakers.
First, Stu Crum, CEO of True Blue Car Wash
kicked off the popular CEO Forum on Wednesday
giving his insights on the car wash industry now
and heading into the next several years.
Then on Thursday, attendees enjoyed the inspirational
message from Convention Keynote Emmitt
Smith. Smith offered motivational stories on
his career along with insights encouraging attendees
to fill their lives with passion and pride.
The 2024 SCWA event included a record EXPO
area with more than 435 booths and over
100,000 square feet of eye-popping exhibits;
the popular EXPO Quick Talks Stage; plus premier
education sessions including the Car Wash
Academy.
Bill Martin, Metro Express, was honored during
the Thursday General Session with the 2024
Lifetime Achievement Award.
The next EXPO, EXPERIENCE SCWA 2025,
will take place February 26 – 28, 2025 at the Fort
Worth Convention Center.
• Creating Superfans:
How to Turn Your Customers
Into Lifelong Advocates
Brought to you by: Qual Chem
We’re living in an Experience Economy. Customer
experience, or CX, is the new battlefield
for winning — and keeping — customers. According
to a recent study by Gartner, CX drives
over two-thirds of customer loyalty. That’s more
than brand and price combined.
Customer apathy is one of the biggest threats
to business today. Whether they realize it or not,
every member of your organization is a member
of the Experience Department. Everyone has
the power to create superfans: loyal, enthusiastic
customer advocates. In this program, author and
keynote speaker Brittany Hodak teaches them
how.
She shares her memorable, five-part framework
that aligns audience members around the
actionable steps businesses must take to turn
customers into superfans. Go from commodity
provider to category of one in the minds of your
prospects in customers.
Continued on page 14
12 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 13

Association News
Creating Superfans: How to Turn Your Customers Into Lifelong Advocates, continued...
After hearing Brittany’s entertaining and compelling
speech, your audience will:
1. Look for opportunities to Create Superfans in
every customer and colleague interaction
2. Internalize the importance of the Experience
Economy and what it means for the future of
business
3. Adopt a results-oriented attitude to exceeding
customer expectations
4. Actively seek out new opportunities to
vanquish customer apathy
5. Understand why the best marketing doesn’t
cost anything
6. Prioritize long term customer relationships
over short-term metrics and goals
This presentation includes industry-relevant
case studies, live audience interaction, compelling
research, engaging graphics, and humorous real-life
anecdotes. Every audience member receives
a 35-page digital playbook to help immediately
implement Brittany’s proven frameworks in real-world
situations.
Date & Time: Monday, May 13th, 2024, 8:45 a.m. CDT
• Pointing the Way: Using Loyalty
Programs for Retail Success
Brought to you by: AMP Car Wash Memberships
Membership plans have revolutionized the car
wash industry, but in doing so, we’ve sometimes
overlooked our retail customers. Today’s car wash
challenge is reigniting repeat retail business and
elevating the non-member customer experience.
Join us in this session to dive into the world of
points-based loyalty programs. Discover effective
implementation strategies, how to leverage loyalty
for retail customer retention, and increase average
transaction values. Most importantly, learn how a
loyalty program can deepen the customer-brand
connection, creating a loyal retail following for
your car wash.
Date & Time: Monday, May 13th, 2024, 8:45 a.m. CDT
• From Run Down Wash to Local Hotspot
Brought to you by: the Western Carwash Association
Jeremy Enns is the relatively new owner-operator
of a single site in Ontario, Canada with three
self-serve wash bays, a truck bay and an in-bay
touchless automatic. The struggling cash-only
wash was a dump when Jeremy bought it. In the
two years since acquisition, he has transformed
the site into a bustling local hotspot. Revenue has
already doubled, but Jeremy is aiming even higher.
In this energetic session, Jeremy will share the
valuable lessons he learned during the course of
his project and discuss the equipment, chemicals,
and technology partners essential to his site’s
growing success.
Date & Time: Monday, May 13th, 2024, 10:15 a.m. CDT
• How to Buy, Build or Upgrade Your
Wash with SBA Loans
Brought to you by: Celtic Bank
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans are some of the most
affordable financing options to buy, build, or upgrade
your wash. Get the inside scoop from a top
10 SBA lender on how these SBA loan programs
work, how to qualify, and why you should consider
them over other types of financing.
After this session, you’ll:
7. Understand the basics of your 2 big SBA loan
options: 7(a) and 504
8. Know what you can and can’t finance with SBA
7(a) & 504 loans
9. Have an overview SBA 7(a) & 504 loan terms
Date & Time: Monday, May 13th, 2024, 1:30 p.m. CDT
• Optimizing Clean: Mastering Car
Wash Chemistry for Superior Results
and Customer Satisfaction
QualChem’s upcoming education session is designed
for self-serve and in-bay automatic (IBA)
car wash operators, focusing on the science of mixing
car wash chemistry to achieve optimal results.
While a customer may think, “If it isn’t sudsy, is
it even clean?” QualChem’s long-standing and
respected position in the industry delve into the
nuances of car wash chemistry, emphasizing the
critical balance between the use of soaps and enhancing
the customer experience. Attendees will
leave with practical knowledge on how to effectively
mix their car wash solutions to not only
meet but exceed customer expectations for cleanliness
while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness
in their operations.
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, 10:15 a.m. CDT
• Industry Leaders Discuss Keys for
Success Today & Tomorrow
During this panel discussion, Carl Howard, President
and Chief Operating Officer of Autobell Car
Wash, John Lai, President and CEO of Mister Car
Wash and David Hoffmann, Chairman and CEO
of Mammoth Holdings will share their insights on
the car wash business. As leaders with many years
of experience who are at the helm of important
companies in the car wash industry, the panelists
will offer a unique and valuable perspective. They
will take stock of where our industry is today and
offer a view on where it might be headed. How do
today’s best car wash companies differentiate and
succeed? Over the next several years, as competition
intensifies and consumers evolve, what will
companies need to do to succeed and grow? How
might operating models need to change? How
might car wash organizations need to change?
What skills and capabilities will successful car
wash companies need to have? The panel will be
moderated by Bob Dubinsky, President and CEO
of Waterway Carwash.
Date & Time: Monday, May 13th, 2024, 10:15 a.m. CDT
• Making Your Self Serve and IBA More
Competitive
Brought to you by: WashCard Systems.
Change is hard, but being competitive in your
market doesn’t have to be. The way consumers are
spending and interacting with businesses is also
changing. The car wash market is growing more
and more competitive by the day. Get the facts
on trending payment technologies, consumer preferences,
mobile apps, and point-of-sale initiatives.
See examples where independent owners have
experienced great success with easy-to-implement
programs and are willing to share their results to
help you build your business. Creating an excellent
customer experience is the new arena for
winning. Join us as we share the facts about how
to engage your customers, create more sales, and
stand out against your competition.
Date & Time: Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, 3:00 p.m. CDT
CUTTING-EDGE KIOSKS
PERFECT FOR YOUR SELF-SERVE OPERATION
COMMANDER
HTK
CTK
• Northeast Regional
Carwash Convention
The NRCC recently announced that the 2024
Keynote Speaker will be Will Guidara
According to the NRCC, Will Guidara is the
author of the national bestseller “UNREASON-
ABLE HOSPITALITY,” which chronicles the lessons
in service and leadership he has learned over
the course of his career in restaurants.
He is the co-owner of Make It Nice, a hospitality
group that currently includes Eleven Madison
Park, the NoMad restaurants and Made Nice
in New York City. He has been immersed in the
restaurant industry since the age of 13 and hails
from Sleepy Hollow, NY.
While running Eleven Madison Park, Guidara
discovered the remarkable power of giving people
more than they expect, and used this idea of
Unreasonable Hospitality to turn a struggling twostar
brasserie into the #1 restaurant in the world.
This radical reinvention was a true partnership
between the kitchen and the dining room, creating
memorable, over-the-top, bespoke hospitality.
Exactly what you want to give your carwash customers!
The 2024 Northeast Regional Carwash Convention
will be taking place October 7-9 at the Atlantic
City Convention Center.
(419) 867-4858 | www.hamiltonmfg.com | sales@hamiltonmfg.com
14 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 15

HAPPENINGS IN & AROUND THE
SELF SERVE CARWASHING INDUSTRY
All of the news including new hires, acquisitions, merges and anything else concerning the self serve car wash industry.
NCS unveils state-of-the-art facility in Barrie, Ontario
Senior Leadership of NCS including Jesse Wurth, CEO, Jim Belanger, SVP Equipment & Marketing, and Billy Benson, SVP Operations along with Ward 2 Councillor for
Barrie, Craig Nixon, and Paul Markle, Executive Director for the Barrie Chamber of Commerce.
Sonny’s Enterprises
announces the
acquisition of
Washtech and
Wash Pros
amarac, Florida-based Sonny’s, the world’s leading
manufacturer of conveyorized car wash equipment,
parts, and supplies, announced on February
13, 2024, the acquisition of Washtech, which is
based in Calgary, Canada, and Wash Pros, which is
based in Edmonton, California.
Washtech and Wash Pros are full-line car wash
equipment and supply distributors serving the
Calgary and Edmonton markets. Each offers a
comprehensive line of equipment and services for
self-service, in-bay automatic, and tunnel carwash
operators.
“I am happy to announce the acquisition of
Washtech and Wash Pros and continue the partnership
we’ve had for the past few years. They
share the same passion and commitment we do to
serve our Canadian customers best and help grow
their businesses,” said Sonny’s Chairman, Paul
Fazio, in a company press release.
“We are thrilled to continue to best serve our
customers by leveraging the wide range of products
and services that Sonny’s provides,” said Todd
Teolis, President of Wash Pros and Washtech, in
the company press release. “By merging our regional
expertise with Sonny’s leadership position
in carwash innovation and manufacturing, we are
well-positioned to continue delivering top-quality
products and services to support our customers.”
Washtech and Wash Pros will continue to be led
by the same management team for the many clients
it serves.
Stone Soap
owner passes away
The car wash industry is suffering from the loss
of Kenneth Andrew Stone, 75, the president of car
wash company Stone Soap According to his obituary,
he died unexpectedly at his home in Florida
on February 2, 2024.
Stone was born on May 2, 1948, in Detroit,
Michigan, to Rosalyn (Bronstein) and his father
Ralph Stone, the founder of Stone Soap.
“Kenneth devoted his entire 53-year working
career to the chemical manufacturing industry
with Stone Soap Company Inc. of Sylvan Lake,
Michigan, a 92-year-old family business founded
in 1932 by his father, Ralph Stone. For the last
40 years he served as the company’s president and
CEO and was instrumental in building the business
to be a recognized leader in the car wash and
specialty chemical industry in the United States
and worldwide,” the obituary stated.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Helen,
and his children, Richard (fiancée Laura Pontarelli)
Stone and Allison (Jason Weingust) Stone;
grandchildren, Sydney Stone and Morgan Weingust.
According to the Stone Soap Facebook page, the
company introduced the first ever high-pressure
detergent for the self serve industry.
There has been no announcement naming the
new president.
New car wash opens
in Ocala, Florida
Bay Blast Car Wash is now open for business
in Ocala, Florida, according to an April 11, 2024,
Ocala-News story. The car wash replaces the former
Rivals Car Wash, which had operated for a
few years prior to the new ownership.
Updates to the new car wash included new
paint, signage and an all-around clean-up.
Bay Blast Car Wash is one of about 24 self serve
car washes in Ocala. And, even more competition
is on the horizon as, according to the story, a new
Mod Wash is planned. And in March Tidal Wave
Auto Spa opened its second location in Ocala, and
RaceWash is currently building another location
in the same city. Ocala has a population of about
64,000 people.
D&S Car Wash
Supply Acquires
Wash Card Systems
D&S Car Wash Supply (“D&S”), of High Ridge,
Montana, has acquired WashCard Systems, Inc.
(“WashCard”), according to an April 1, 2024, press
release.
Headquartered in Centerville, MN, WashCard is
an industry leader in payment hardware and software
technology for the car wash sector. WashCard
loyalty software has created opportunities for owner-operators
to build traffic, average transaction, and
National Carwash Solutions (NCS) proudly
announces the grand opening of its cutting-edge
facility in Barrie, Ontario, according to a March
19, 2024 press release. The inauguration ceremony
brings together key leaders from NCS, distinguished
representatives from the Barrie Mayor’s
Office, and esteemed members of the Barrie
Chamber of Commerce.
NCS’s new facility exemplifies the company’s
unwavering commitment to revolutionizing carwashing
technology and fostering collaborative
partnerships within the community, the press release
stated. Designed with a focus on efficiency,
operational excellence, and customer satisfaction,
the facility is poised to set new standards for the
carwash industry.
Jesse Wurth, CEO of National Carwash Solutions,
expressed his excitement for the milestone,
stating in the press release, “The opening of our
state-of-the-art facility in Barrie marks a significant
achievement for NCS and the carwashing
industry as a whole. We are thrilled to utilize this
cutting-edge space to drive innovation, empower
our teams, and deliver unparalleled solutions to
our customers.”
Ward 2 Councilor Craig Nixon, representing the
Barrie Mayor’s Office, commended NCS’s investment
in the community and its potential to drive
economic growth. “We are excited to be part of
the opening of this amazing facility in Barrie and
applaud NCS’s commitment to advancing technology
and creating opportunities in our city. This
facility represents a testament to Barrie’s position
as a hub for innovation and business development,”
the press release stated.
Paul Markle, Executive Director for the Barrie
Chamber of Commerce echoed his support for
NCS’s expansion and its positive impact on the
local economy. “National Carwash Solutions’ investment
in Barrie underscores the city’s attractiveness
as a destination for industry leaders seeking
growth and collaboration. We look forward
to the contributions this facility will make to our
thriving business community,” Markle stated in the
press release.
The grand opening ceremony is a celebration of
progress and collaboration, marking the beginning
of an exciting chapter for NCS and the carwashing
industry in Barrie.
profitability – all while offering transparency into
their businesses and customer base. The company
has continued to grow and evolve through changing
economic conditions and the shifting technologies,
including adoption of tap-based payment methods,
QR codes, as well as a mobile app and pay station
hardware, both of which can integrate with the customers’
experience.
Yarusso, founder and owner of WashCard stated
in the press release, “We’re looking forward to
working with Tim Huntington and the D&S team
and put WashCard payment system technologies,
experience, capability to work for many more car
wash owners across the United States and Canada…
The newest payment technologies, like tapto-pay
and mobile apps, are dramatically enhancing
both the consumer wash experience, and car
wash operator sales and profitability. This partnership
will allow us to bring better technology to
more operators in more markets. That’s exciting.”
Tim Huntington, CEO of D&S, also stated in the
press release, “We’re thrilled to welcome aboard
WashCard Systems pioneering technology to complement
our D&S cutting-edge solutions within the
car wash industry. By integrating the expertise of
this leading innovator, we’re poised to drive innovation
to new heights in the car wash industry.”
10th BI-ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
10th BI-ANNUAL
CONFERENCE
Salt Lake City, Utah
June 16-18, 2024
This conference is our place to thrive
together, positioning ourselves to succeed
and lead confidently. It’s a designated space
for professional women in the car wash
industry, becoming a movement to educate,
inspire, and support each other in various roles.
email: bjj@womenincarwash.com
204.489.4215 | www.womenincarwash.com
16 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 17

EXTRA!
EXTRA!
Presenting the news stories
featuring self serve car washes
No more car
washes allowed
in this Texas city
In Brownsville, Texas, there 34 operating car washes,
but now city officials are saying no more can be built,
due to water supply issues.
According to an April 11 krgv.com story, as of March
30, the combined Amistad and Falcon Reservoir levels
were at 22.55 percent. The city hopes this new ordinance
will help in keeping the reservoirs from going dry.
“This is not just about getting through 2024, it’s
about what’s happening in the next five years, 10 years,
15 years down the line,” City Commissioner Roy De
Los Santos said in the story.
De Los Santos explained, under the ordinance, no
new car washes can be built within five miles of an
existing one, the story said. And, if a new car wash is
built outside that five-mile radius, they have to install
a water recycling system. Currently, only six of the 34
car washes have a recycling system. “We’re doing our
part of what will be the needs of water for our citizens.
Most especially for basic needs, that’s our top priority,”
De Los Santos said in the story.
Officials are stating that the new ordinance is permanent.
But, if water conditions improve they will reconsider.
SBA Launches Digital
Hub to connect small
businesses with major
funding
Having a bad day? Be grateful you’re not
this Lamborghini owner
The luxury vehicle is one of 10 in the entire continent of Australia.
A “rare” luxury Lamborghini is now scrap
metal after the driver crashed into a car wash
in Bundall, Australia, a February 25 Yahoo!
News Australia story reported.
The driver said he mistakenly stepped on
the accelerator instead of the brake, causing
him to crash into the car wash’s power pole.
The incident occurred at 6.30 p.m. on a Sunday.
Video footage also shows the car speeding
17 million small business
applications received
over a garden bed.
“The 40-year-old driver was treated for minor
injuries by first responders, while the Lamborghini
itself, which reportedly retails for an
estimated $800,000, was likely damaged beyond
repair,” the story said.
The car wash ended up losing power during
the ordeal and was forced to close but it has
since been restored.
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On April 11, Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman,
head of the U.S. Small Business Administration
(SBA) and the voice in President Biden’s Cabinet for
America’s more than 33 million small businesses,
announced the launch of the SBA’s new Investing
in America Small Business Hub, the first and only
digital portal of its kind providing industry-specific
resources to help small businesses tap into opportunities
under President Biden’s signature Investing in
America (IIA) Agenda.
“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is
delivering generational investments to grow America’s
economy, restore competitiveness, tackle climate
change, and reshore manufacturing – all while
including America’s small businesses, which are
the backbone of our economy,” said Administrator
Guzman in the April 11 press release. “The SBA’s
new Investing in America Small Business Hub will
help more small businesses connect to the resources,
funding opportunities, and support they need
to capitalize on these opportunities and strengthen
their businesses. From the contractor working with
continued ....
New small business applications have increased
to an unprecedented total of more
than 17 million under the Biden-Harris Administration,
Administrator Isabel Casillas
Guzman announced.
An April 11 press release from the Small
Business Administration (sba) stated that the
state of Pennsylvania has had 1.3 million new
business applications since the start of the
Biden Administration.
“This is great news, not just for small business
owners in Pennsylvania, but for all of us,”
SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator
John Fleming said in a statement. “This means
more jobs, a higher standard of living, and is an
indicator of even better things to come.”
The monthly average of 440,000 new business
applications since the start of the Biden
Administration is 45 percent higher than the
average of the previous administration. The
annual growth in new business applications
under President Biden is 90% higher than
pre-pandemic averages. The surge sees substantial
growth in entrepreneurship among
women, Latinos, and Black Americans.
“President Biden’s Investing in America
Agenda has ignited a historic Small Business
Boom as more Americans than ever seek to
start a business,” Guzman said. “With new
business applications being filed at a rate well
above historical averages, it’s clear that this
surge in entrepreneurship is not a coincidence
or COVID rebound alone, but rather the direct
result of President Biden’s economic leadership
and this Administration’s investments
in America, which are creating opportunity for
more entrepreneurs.”
According to an SBA release, the Biden-Harris
Administration’s agenda has fueled a small
business boom with historic federal investments,
including the American Rescue Plan,
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and Inflation
Reduction Act. The release stated that more
than 15 million jobs have been created since
President Biden took office.
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18 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 19

EXTRA!
EXTRA!
SBA Launches Digital Hub to connect small businesses with major funding continued ....
their clients to use the Inflation Reduction Act
rebates and tax credits to complete home energy
efficiency projects, to businesses helping rebuild
America’s infrastructure through the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law, small businesses are front and
center in the Biden-Harris Administration – and
the SBA is here to help.”
The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in
America economic agenda has fueled a historic
nationwide Small Business Boom, with the first,
second, and third strongest years of new business
applications on record occurring in President
Biden’s first three years in office. New Census data
released today show that the United States has exceeded
17 million new business applications filed
since the President took office – a historic rate of
entrepreneurship that the IIA Small Business Hub
will help continue to grow by helping small business
owners leverage opportunities created by the
Investing in America agenda.
The IIA Small Business Hub includes new technological
assistance guides to help more small
businesses access Investing in America grants, contracts,
and market opportunities. It also highlights
SBA resources that can help small businesses
access the investment capital they need to scale
and the certifications they need to qualify for IIA
funding. As part of this effort, the SBA will collaborate
with other federal agencies to host local
events and webinars to connect directly with small
businesses and provide assistance on how to access
IIA contracting opportunities, as well as incentives
such as home energy rebates and tax credits. In addition
to the Small Business Hub, small businesses
are encouraged to continue utilizing the SBA’s full
suite of small business resources to pursue Investing
in America opportunities.
BE ALERT!
Here are the Top 10
small business scams
Scams can impact every business, regardless of
location, size, or industry. But they are especially
a problem for small businesses as they often don’t
have the cyber security support or established accounting
processes of larger companies, according to
the Better Business Bureau.
In an effort to lessen the detrimental impact of
scammers, the BBB has listed the top 10 scams targeting
small businesses.
1. Business Email Compromise (“BEC”)
This is an email phishing scam that typically
targets people who pay bills in businesses,
government, and nonprofit organizations.
According to the Federal Bureau of
Investigations, it has resulted in more losses
than any other type of fraud in the U.S.
With this type of fraud, the scammer poses
as a vendor or other trusted source who
emails an accountant or chief financial
officer. The email asks them to wire money,
buy gift cards or send personal information,
often for a plausible reason. If money is
sent, it goes into an account controlled by
the con artist.
2. Phony invoices
Businesses receive fake invoices
demanding payment for products or
services that were never ordered or
received. This scam mostly involves office
supplies, website or domain hosting
services, and directory listings. Look closely
as you’ll more than likely see the word
“solicitation” in the very fine print. The
amount asked for is initially so small that it
doesn’t seem suspicious.
3. Directory scams
This scam has been going on for decades.
Scammers approach businesses offering
a listing or ad space in a directory that
doesn’t exist. Or, the directory does exist,
but con artists aren’t associated with it. This
can cost the business hundreds of dollars.
4. Stolen identity
Scammers often pretend to be legitimate
companies to trick consumers. Scammers
set up fake websites and “hijack” your
company name and address. They may
also use brand hijacking - blatant copying
and misusing company logos and website
content - to impersonate a business and
deceive unsuspecting visitors. In this
con, the company doesn’t necessarily
lose money. However, their reputation is
tarnished when angry customers ripped
off by scammers think the real company is
responsible.
5. Charity pitches
The most immoral of them all, this one is
where a business is tricked into believing
they are donating funds to a charity.
While many requests are legitimate, small
businesses become victims of fraudulent or
deceptive charitable solicitation schemes
every year.
6. Phishing scams
Phishing scams involve computer viruses
that are difficult to erase. These scams
often appear to be legitimate emails or text
messages. However, when you click on the
link, you download a virus that captures
personal information or loads a form that
asks for bank account or credit card details.
Be leery of unsolicited messages, and don’t
click on links. Instead, hover over the link
with your cursor to see the real address.
Also, be sure your computer has the proper
firewall and computer protection software.
7. Office supply scams
Businesses receive an unexpected
telephone call from someone claiming to
represent a reputable company with which
the business already does business with.
Sometimes scammers will even call in
advance to find out what brand of supplies
or equipment the business uses. The scam
caller will try to sell the business surplus
merchandise at a reduced price, citing
a cancellation or over-order by another
purchaser. The merchandise doesn’t exist.
Don’t be fooled.
8. Coupon books
Small business operators are often
approached to participate in coupon book
promotions. The business will offer a
discount or extras that promoters sell to
consumers. The scammers will then change
the details of the coupons to help sell
the books, or distribute them outside the
company’s normal business area. Ensure
the coupon book is promoted by someone
you trust and the terms and conditions are
spelled out.
9. Vanity award scams
You’ve won an award! No, sadly, you have
not. These vanity award schemes capitalize
on an owner’s excitement over getting an
award that essentially holds no value. This
con targets business owners through email
campaigns. The scam email congratulates
the owner on their selection for the award
and invites them to click a link for further
details on how to claim the prize. But of
course, claiming the honor involves paying
a several-hundred-dollar fee.
10. Overpayment scams
In this scam, you get a check from a refund
check from a business that you have done
business with. The check is for more than
what they owe you. You are then instructed
to wire the balance back to them. Or, they
send a check and tell you to deposit it, keep
part of the amount for your compensation,
and then wire the rest back. Either way,
the check eventually bounces, and you’re
stuck, responsible for the full amount,
including what you wired to the scammer.
20 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 21

EXTRA!
EXTRA!
Droughts are impacting states throughout the U.S.
The water supply for the city of Los Angeles is
doing ‘okay,’ but a drought is still inevitable, according
to an April 15, Los Angeles Times report.
“Although current conditions are promising,
L.A. must maintain its ethos of conservation and
prepare for dry times ahead. El Niño, the climate
pattern that helped drive California’s recent
stormy conditions, is expected to wane in the
weeks ahead, and there is an 85% chance that it’s
drier counterpart, La Niña, will develop by late
fall or early winter,” the article stated.
Martin Adams, the Department of Water and
Power’s general manager and chief engineer, said
in a statement that the reservoirs are full following
two wet winters, but the city is still seeing the impacts
of climate whiplash across the state.
“We know we have to stay focused on our investments
in local water supply projects as LAD-
WP continues to evolve and balance the needs of
our customers with the challenges associated with
extreme weather patterns. More than anything
else, we encourage our customers to stay vigilant
in their water-wise practices, which have helped
keep water conservation citywide near record
highs,” Adams’ statement read.
Two years ago, residents were still experiencing
an on-going three-year drought, and living under
the strictest water restrictions the region has ever
seen and Southern Californians were limited to
just 80 gallons of water per person per day.
According to Mark Gold, director of water scarcity
solutions for the Natural Resources Defense
Council, there are other developments on the
horizon that will help keep the city from issuing
strict water conservation initiatives.
“Among them is a statewide ban on watering
non-functional turf, which is expected to lead to
considerable water savings. A proposed regulation
known as ‘Making Conservation a California Way
of Life’ would develop a regulatory framework
for achieving long-term water use efficiency and
is expected to be voted on by the State Resources
Control Board this summer,” according to the Los
Angeles Times.
About 1,000 miles north is another area being
impacted by low water supplies, but this time, it’s
an entire state. According to KOMO-TV Seattle,
due to the low snowpack and a dry, warm summer
forecast, Washington’s Department of Ecology declared
a drought emergency for nearly the entire
state on April 16.
“The drought declaration covers all of Washington
state except for parts of Tacoma up through
SeaTac and Seattle, to just north of Everett. A
drought is declared in Washington state when
there is less than 75% of normal water supply
and there is a risk of undue hardship, according
to Ecology.”
The Department of Ecology says some simple
habits like turning off the faucet while brushing
your teeth or running the dishwasher only when
it’s full can make a difference.
According to an April 16 NBC MONTANA
report, the Montana Department of Natural Resources
and Conservation announced that a report
shows Montana is facing abnormally dry to severe
drought conditions.
“The 2024 Montana Water Supply Outlook Report
showed 40% of the state is classified in moderate
to severe drought and 50% showed abnormally
dry conditions.”
“Northwest and North Central Montana are
particularly vulnerable this spring following severe
to extreme drought in those regions last year,” according
to the report.
Things are looking ‘dry’ for Amarillo, Texas,
as well. According to an April 16 story from
KAMR/KCIT, the Amarillo City Council recently
renewed the 2019 Drought Contingency Plan
with no changes, ahead of forecasted worsening
drought conditions during the spring and summer
months of 2024.
The current Amarillo Drought Contingency
Plan was adopted in 2019 and is up for renewal
every five years, as required by the Texas Commission
on Environmental Quality. City officials noted
that the plan came amid Amarillo’s long history
of regular drought conditions, including a 2018
stretch in which the city went without rainfall for
more than 100 days.
COA Interim City Manager Floyd Hartman said
in the story, “The Drought Contingency Plan helps
the city implement strategies and policies that protect
and conserve the water supply for our community
and residents during times of drought.”
According to an April 19 KAMR/KCIT report,
drought conditions across the Texas Panhandle
and High Plains have also been forecasted as likely
to worsen through the spring season as the most
recent El Niño cycle comes to an end and shifts
into a neutral and then La Niña phase. The most
recent seasonal drought outlook from the National
Weather Service was noted to anticipate a “large
expansion” of drought across the Panhandle, West
and Central Texas areas by the end of June.
And in Iowa, there is a drought declaration in
Osceola, according to an April 11 Des Moines
Register story. “Osceola is looking at pumping water
from a nearby quarry to boost dwindling levels
in drought-depleted West Lake — its primary
source of drinking water.”
Even with the recent rain, two-thirds of Clarke
County is gripped in severe drought, with the remainder
experiencing moderate drought. West
Lake is 7 feet below normal levels, and the city
has ordered residents to reduce water use or face
penalties, the story said.
In addition to addressing the water emergency,
Osceola Water Superintendent Brandon Patterson,
outlined what he called an intermediate proposal
that reduces water demand and, later, connects the
Osceola and Southern Iowa Rural Water Association
supplies.
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22 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 23

Carwash
Zierco’s Original Swivel and
Boom Assembly, with
New Rebuildable
Cartridge
Boom Assembly
MODEL 203
• 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
• Proven performance with over 50 years
service in the field (Since 1962)
• Temperatures to 280˚ max.,
pressure to 2000 psi
• Longer hose life as spring
prevents kinks
• Ruggedly built, satisfaction
guaranteed
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
FAX: (414) 764-9763
www.ziercowaterboy.com
7355 S. 1st. Street
Oak Creek, WI 53154
sales@zierden.com
VISA and Master Card accepted
DISTRIBUTOR INQUIRIES INVITED
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
OPTIONAL
107C CARTRIDGE
QUALITY PRODUCTS SINCE 1937
TM
FOR COMPLETE
INFORMATION
CALL
(414)-764-6630
www.ziercowaterboy.com
7355 S. 1st Street
Oak Creek, WI 53154
Fax: (414) 764-9763
sales@zierden.com
CONVERSION KIT
204B
To Convert Model 203
to a 204 Assembly
Remove boom body
from hinge plate
QUALITY PRODUCTS SINCE 1937
EASY 3 STEP PROCEDURE
TO CHANGE SEALS.
NO TOOLS REQUIRED.
Rotate hinge plate
counter clockwise to
remove seal elbow
TM
Replace O-Rings
DISTRIBUTOR
INQUIRIES
INVITED
VISA and Master Card
accepted
24 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 25

INNOVATIONS
INTRODUCING
NEW AND IMPROVED PRODUCTS
AND SERVICES FOR SELF SERVE CAR WASHES
Car wash system with 114 foot clearance
Self serve brush
Last Fall, the producers of Inkfish’s Hog Hair
brushes were pleased to announce a new Foam
Brush for the self serve car wash industry.
Inkfish guarantees this brush will clean better and
last longer than conventional style brushes. Only premium
hog hair is used and the thicker, shorter hairs
don’t lose their shape. The 200+ holes means lasting
cleaning power, and the one-piece design ensures
lightweight durability. Brass, non-leak fittings mean
no cross threading that can be converted to a Prep
Brush with the included adapter.
OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions announced it
is offering the brand new insta-KLEEN XT,
which offers the same design features and operational
advantages of the original insta-KLEEN
system, but has a vehicle clearance height of 114
inches (9.5 feet), which is 24 inches higher than
the 90-inch vehicle clearance of the standard insta-KLEEN
system. This extra clearance enables
the insta-KLEEN XT to accommodate the taller
“sprinter-style” delivery vans that are now a common
sight on the nation’s roads.
The insta-KLEEN Drive-Thru Fleet Car
Wash System from Belanger has been dubbed the
“Car A Minute Wash,” and features a heavy-duty,
aircraft-grade aluminum framework that houses
minimal moving parts. Instead, when motion is
required, the system actuates the wash process
through the use of automotive-rated bearings and
lube-free pivot points that are built for reliable,
maintenance-free operation and long service life.
Additionally, unlike “rollover” systems that require
the entire wash unit to sweep over each vehicle,
the insta-KLEEN framework remains in place, allowing
it to achieve the highest level of structural
integrity.
It also has the ability to produce a clean vehicle
in 60 seconds or less, using less water and
electricity. It can require as little as 4 horsepower
of electrical power per wash. In terms of water
consumption, freshwater usage is minimal, especially
if the wash is outfitted with a water-recovery
system.
Both the insta-KLEEN and insta-KLEEN XT
systems can be customized to meet the unique
needs of the operator’s wash offering through
the availability of accessories like Prep Jet, Blast
Arch, Water-Reclaim System, DuraTrans® XD
Conveyor, Presoak Arch, Wave Low Side Washer,
DuraScrubber® Tire Cleaner, Spot-Free
Rinse and a wide array of Dryers.
Point-of-sale system with VIA Guard
Dencar Technology is the developer of an advanced
point-of-sale system for the car wash industry.
its responsive digital signage is integrated into
the point-of-sale and wash control platform and is
based on a design philosophy that replicates the attended
car wash functionality, but with automated
equipment and processes running 24/7. Dencar’s
automated equipment reduces or eliminates expensive
personnel costs working onsite to manually
sell wash passes, install RFID tags, explain options,
reset equipment, and manage the wash pass environment.
Patent-pending Vehicle Identification
Automation (VIA Guard) technology ensures payment
for every wash.
Bilingual car wash tokens
TokensDirect®, a manufacturer of custom-made
coins and tokens for businesses all
over the world, is now offering a selection of bilingual
stock carwash tokens. They range in size
from 0.900” to 1.073” and are available in brass.
Brass tokens are solid metal and last for years.
Email campaign
service
Touch4 Wash has introduced its Email Campaign
Services platform, designed as a secret weapon for
keeping your wash top-of-mind with your favorite
folks.
Why Email Campaigns? It is like having a personal
assistant for your customer relationships. The
company’s email automation does the heavy lifting
for you, crafting personalized messages and sending
them at the right moment, so you can focus on what
you do best — running your wash.
How Does it Work? Easy as pie, yet powerful as a
clean engine. Once your Touch4 Wash system is in
place, the email automation kicks in automatically,
delivering messages tailored to your customers’
needs.
Keep it Fresh: Utilizing a range of sleek templates
that reflect your wash’s personality.
Smart as a Whip: The AI brains analyze customer
habits to send spot-on messages, whether it is a warm
welcome, a gentle reminder, or a sweet deal.
All About You: Every email is decked out with your
brand colors and promos, keeping your customers
hooked.
Hands-Free Fun: Sit back and relax as the emails
run themselves, leaving you free to focus on the fun
stuff.
TYPES OF EMAILS:
Welcome & Refer: Roll out the welcome mat for
newbies and encourage them to spread the love.
Nudge & Remind: Gently remind customers who
have been MIA for a bit, that your wash misses them.
Loyalty Love: Shower your loyal wash buddies with
updates on their points and perks.
Sweet Deals: Tempt your customers with sweet
deals on prepaid credits or membership perks.
26 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 27

TIPs
CUSTOMER SERVICE TIP
Are you getting
the message?
There’s another free way to advertise your
business and reach out to customers, thanks to
Facebook Messenger. If your car wash has a Facebook
page (and if it does not, then you should
consider it… to at least have a way to post your
hours, location, specials for free), then you can
use Messenger as well.
According to LYFE Marketing, you can set up
automated messages for your business page. So, if
someone messages your Facebook business page,
Facebook Messenger will send an automated message
back to them.
The message can be whatever you want.
Oftentimes, these automated messages say
something as simple as, “Thank you for reaching
out to us. Someone will respond back to you within
24 business hours. Thank you and have a great
day!” according to LYFE.
LYFE added that even a message as simple as
that one helps build trust between your business
and potential or existing customers, thus bettering
the chances of you making a buyer or repeat
buyer out of them.
Please note, that you have to access Facebook
Marketing through a different portal than
Facebook and on mobile devices, you will have to
download the Messenger app.
Your Car Wash
BUDGETING TIP
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s an….
Accountant?!
It’s okay to admit you need help, especially
when it comes to managing and balancing your
funds. This is plenty of free help out there, thanks
to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and
if you need even more help, there are accountants
who will freelance their services, set you up with
a system that works for you. Before doing that,
read this information from the SBA.
The following is advice from the SBA.
You need to start with a good balance sheet.
The balance sheet is the foundation of managing
your finances. It operates as a snapshot of
your business financials. It helps you keep track
of your capital and provide a cash flow projection
for future years.
A balance sheet will help you account for costs
like employees and supplies. It will also help you
track assets, liabilities, and equity. You can get
insights by separating and analyzing segments
of your business, like comparing online sales to
face-to-face sales.
COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS (CBA)
Looking closely at money-in and money-out
helps maintain a sustainable balance between
profit and loss. From development and operations
to recurring and nonrecurring costs, it’s important
to categorize expenses in your balance sheet.
Then, you can use a cost-benefit analysis, or a
process that helps weigh the strengths and weaknesses
of a business decision, and put potential
recurring benefits and cost reductions in context.
A CBA is a technique for making non-critical
choices in a relatively quick and easy way. It simply
involves adding money in benefits and money in
costs over a specified time period, before subtracting
costs from benefits to determine success in terms of
dollars. This can come in handy with hiring another
employee or an independent contractor.
For example, let’s say you’re deciding whether
to add outdoor seating for your sausage themed
restaurant, Haute Dog. You estimate outdoor
seating would add $5,000 in extra profit from
sales each year. But the outdoor seating permit
costs $1,000 each year, and you’d also have to
spend $2,000 to buy outdoor tables and chairs.
Your cost-benefit analysis shows that you should
add outdoor seating, because the new benefits
($5,000 in new sales) outweigh the new costs
($3,000 in permitting and equipment expenses)
PICK AN ACCOUNTING METHOD
Businesses often use either the accrual or cash
methods of recording purchases. The accrual
method puts transactions on the books immediately
upon completing the sale. The cash method
only records this once payment has been received.
For example, if you make a sale in January and
receive the $200 payment in February, an accrual
method would allow you to record that on January’s
books, while the cash method would require
that payment to land on February’s books.
GAAP
There are many strategies for preparing financial
statements for a small business. Generally accepted
accounting principles, known as GAAP or
“Gap,” provides a common a way to standardize
financial reporting using the accrual method. Private
companies aren’t required to follow GAAP.
The Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) maintains GAAP in the United States.
GET ACCOUNTING HELP
You might want to get help with your accounting.
Consider hiring a certified public accountant
(CPA), bookkeeper, or using an online service.
Ensure that someone can manage the following:
• Accounts receivable
• Accounts payable
• Available cash
• Bank reconciliation
• Payroll
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SPRING 2024 • 31

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
Brand new brush or brand new motor?
I was wondering when your brushes wear out
on one of your vacuum motors do you replace
the whole motor or just replace the brushes?
I am asking because the motor is still good
We buy the new motor, fast and easy! Plus the armature
on the motor becomes concave and the motor
doesn’t perform as well with just new brushes. -
CARWASHBOY
I change the brushes...personally I think it’s easier
than changing the motor. - RFREEMAN
We tried replacing the brushes but found it less effective
than replacing the motor. Seems that more
than the brushes go with time and use. Customers
notice the new motors too. - ROZ
I change my vac brushes once a year, in August. They
are normally just about gone by then. We change
out the motor every 3rd brush change, by then the
armature is about gone. You always want to inspect
the armature whenever you replace the brushes, if it’s
concave, toss it. I’ve never noticed any difference in
the vac suction after a brush change. A friend of mine
puts a vacuum gauge on the end of the hose about
once a month to make sure it’s still within spec. - RANDY
New motors, I can replace both motors way quicker
than brushes. And you can definitely feel the power
difference with new motors. - KENO
I replace brushes several times before I replace the
motor. You definitely need to make sure to replace
them before they get too short though. If you let
them get too short, electricity arcs between the two
and I took the brushes off then when I went to
have the local carwash place to order them
for me they suggested I just buy a whole new
motor? - BROOKSWASH21
surfaces and ends up ruining the motor. The brush
kits that we order have a little measurement/installation
tool that has a line on it that tells you when the
brushes need replacement. Replacing the brushes for
all 3 motors costs me about $9, instead of $108 for
replacing all the motors. - 8TH STREET CAR WASH
Brushes are fine to replace if you’re willing to do the
periodic inspection of them. If you let them go until
they are “gone” you’ve most likely damaged the motor
itself and then there is no point in changing the
brushes. I have customers in both camps. Some don’t
mind having to periodically inspect the brushes (and
the time it takes) and others feel there is better use
of their time and wait for the motor to die and swap
it out. The real rub on focusing on the brushes is no
one can give you a set schedule to follow. Every vac
at every site has differing usage rates so the brushes
will wear out at different times. It could be 6 months,
a year, 90 days. - DAN KAMSICKAS
I replace the motor when it burns out; fast and easy.
I keep 4 or 5 in stock. - WAXMAN
I think the same! It’s easier to change only the brushes,
and not change the motor yet! And it’s even
cheaper… - FRANKSMISSING
I changed brushes until the armature was toast for
years. Here lately I’m tempted to change them no
more than once, then toss the motor or give it to more
Ain’t no time for the wintertime blues
(Note: Some posts feature minor edits for readability.)
thrifty friends in the business. I keep three motors on
the shelf and when one gets changed out they all go.
Keeps downtime to a minimum. I use a relatively inexpensive
VAL9414, from Kleen rite, less than $50
each. I probably get 10K in vac revenue before a swap
out is needed, fair enough trade. - GREG PACK
I had to replace a vac motor this morning. I didn’t
have time to look at the brushes, but I think I
changed them last July. I always mark the date I install
the motor and the date that last changed the
brushes. I saw the date that I installed the motor was
8 years ago, so I think I got my money’s worth out of
that one. When you change a vac motor you always
want to match the new vac motor with the 1 or 2
motors that are currently installed, same brand and
model motor. Different brand vac motors turn at a
different RPM. - RANDY
I replace the brushes as soon as the thing stops sucking,
i do check vacs 3 days a week minimum to stay on
top of them. I have several vac that have motors that
have been in service since 2013 and 2014. Brushes are
cheap, motors are expensive, everytime I change a motor
I write the date on the motor with a wide and very
large sharpie. Each brush change the date gets written
as well but in regular sharpie. I just changed brushes in
one from 2013 today that has had 12 brush changes
done since it was originally installed. - CBCHEVY4X4
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How do you guys make it through the winters? My wash slows down considerably.
(We are in Mesquite and Garland just outside of Dallas, Texas). - - ROOSTER’S CAR WASH
Having an automatic helps and it snows here so
they salt the roads. - OURTOWN
We make it though the winters fine, it’s our busiest
season. - RANDY
I try to prepay ahead many of the utility bills that I
know will be higher through the winter. Cold winters
were I am and it is my slowest season. I work twice as
hard in the winter for half the business. - SOAPY
I save money in the spring and fall when the car
washes are busy and dip into it as needed in the
winter. - TRISHALE
That’s what I’m going to do this year for sure. -
ROOSTER’S CAR WASH
Winter is my busiest time - SPARKEY
Here in the south Summer is the slowest time of
the year. Spring is the busiest. - GREG PECK
Our winters are our busiest time of the year. Unfortunately
the Wisconsin winter was pretty poor this
year with more rain than snow, so it was definitely
slower this year. Very little salt put on the roads…
- CAR WASH MAN
Summer is pretty busy for me at night. My washes
are very well lit. Ladies love it. Lots of cameras too.
- ROOSTER’S CAR WASH
32 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 33

You shall not pass!
Do y’all have clearance signs on your
self serve bays? Personally, I have never
seen a clearance sign on a self serve
bay. Today I had a customer give the
A/C unit on their motorhome a haircut
and it has me considering adding them.
My main hesitation for not adding
them to the self serve bays is that the
entrances to the bays is on an arch
which lowers the clearance height at
the corners 2ft lower than what the top
of the arch can accommodate (I did not
design/build this wash). The “Exit” side
of the bays is not arched, and has more
clearance than the entrance. I am more
than happy to accommodate tall vehicles
through the “Exit” and worry a low
clearance sign on the arched entrances
will cause them to leave. - RSMITH
If you’re going to put a sign up, I’d use the lower
side of the arch clearance number. That way if anyone
sees more clearance in the middle and decides
to push the posted limit, it’s not on you. If someone
wants to enter and exit from the exit side, I’d
let them figure out how that works but would not
advertise it. - WASHNSHINE
I just added these clearance bars recently. Lots of
boom trucks and backhoes with drivers who don’t
have a clue. Hopefully these bars will get their attention.
I’d rather not have customers who are cutting it
real close on the clearance.
More likely to do other damage like hang a hose or
damage a boom. - ALLEN
Adding a sign is to protect you, the car wash owner.
Add all the signs you like; they still ignore them and
smash your building.
I had a ‘too-tall’ van hit my entry guidepost for
my IBA recently. He was about 4” over height. The
guidepost is on cables, so no damage to his van. However,
my IBA has an entry arch made of heavy steel
angle iron. It is designed to stop overheight vehicles
from entering and damaging my equipment.
The van in question was ready to pay and enter, but
I stopped them. - WAXMAN
I have clearance signs, few drivers know their height.
Last summer a Touron damaged their camper ($12600)
and my bay door ($2800). Can’t fix stupid! - MUDMONEY
It is amazing how many people drive oversize
(height) trucks and have no clue that they cannot
fit into an IBA. Guy in a F250 with tall side bed
railings drove thru the swinging height warning and
into the metal bar. It stopped him after he bent the
legs. He then backed up moving the bar again and
left as he looked at me coming to see what was happening.
Cameras saved me as did the police who
frequent my place.
Contacted him in less than an hour and he immediately
said he would cover the repair cost for the
new bar. Was a big surprise at how fast we tracked
him down. Would have been less upset if he came
clean initially instead of racing away from me. Takes
all types. Just glad we had the bar as a new Profile
would have been costly. - ROZ
34 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 35

Um…may I help you?
I thought I would share a funny story from my car wash today.
It was a busy day at my wash(5 SS, 1 IBA) and I noticed on the
cameras a Dodge Ram with a large tank in the bed pull in front
and block 2 cars in our vacuum bays. I did a few things around
the equipment room and looked back at the camera monitor
and the guy is using a high pressure foam cannon from his truck
and spraying down both cars in our vacuum bays!
I walked out and stood there watching until the detailer goes
“Hi, how’s it going?” I politely replied “Hi, I’m the owner and I
wanted to see what you guys had going on over here?”
He fumbled his words and said they were using the vacuums
which they were clearly not. His two “customers” were very
nice and I explained there is no drainage in our vacuums
bays and they needed to move out to the front parking spots.
There were a lot of customers around so I tried to be as nice as
possible. They moved, parked, and I proceeded to dry off the
vacuums and swept all of the water and soap out of our vacuum
bays as new customers pulled in.
I told my employee and he laughed and said, “That’s like
bringing your own steak to a restaurant and ordering a water!”
Has anyone experienced anything like this? - GP85
self serve
& support equipment
SINGLE VACUUM
• Stainless Steel arches that are
designed for the single SS vacuums
• Fixed SS Boom to provide the hose
near the drivers door of the vehicle
• Vacuum boom can be ordered
to allow the hose to swing
over the vehicle
• Post is 3” x 6” x 8’ tall for the
fixed vac arch
That’s the exact analogy I use when I explain to
bucket washers that bring their own soap/wax and
wash mitts. - AXXLROD
1. I typically walk up with my hand out and say if
you want to set up shop here the rent is payable in
advance. . $2000/month please.
2. Back in my full-serve gas days, a customer asked
my dad to check his oil. My dad told him the car
was a quart low. Customer goes to his trunk, pulls
out a quart and asks my dad to put it in. My dad
says “We only put in products purchased here.”
Customer says, “But I bought Gas Here.” My dad
says, “Would you go to the diner and buy a cup of
coffee and hand the cook 2 eggs and ask that they
be cooked for you?” Customer says “You sell eggs
here?” You’re way too nice. - HEYVERN
Thought about being an a%%(*&# but I’m lucky
enough to be in a nice demographic. Busy Sunday
with a lot of customers around. I guess he’s been
spotted washing cars in random places in town. - GP85
Da nerve of some people! On occasion I have to
run off a detailer trying to set up shop at one of my
locations. One time there was a guy that insisted
he was spending money on water in my bay so I
couldn’t stop him. I had to threaten to call the law
and have him physically removed.
There are some sneaky detailers that have the
customer drop off and pick up the vehicle at his
house. They bring it to my self serve and tie up the
bay using only water to make a bucket of soapy
water, then a rinse. Some are so tight they bring a
bucket of soapy water with a lid on it and pay only
to rinse! I usually catch on to them when I start
seeing them too often in different vehicles. Coincidentally,
yesterday, I found business cards from one
such detailer on the coin boxes in my bays.
Some years back a guy would come to one of
my locations that is next to a neighborhood store.
He would park his truck in one bay and have the
customer park in another. He would walk over to
the store, steal a bucket of water to make his soap.
He would wash and only spend some quarters to
rinse. Sometimes he wouldn’t be finished with one
customer and he would have the second customer
wait in another bay, tying up three bays. I finally
figured out what he was doing by reviewing camera
footage. I caught him red-handed and ran him off.
He had the nerve to hang out at the store and tell
people how he quit using my carwash because I had
“too many rules”.
Had one guy that would have the customers
come at a scheduled time and was making them
think that MY carwash was HIS. He would pull in
with his truck like he owned the place, blocking
the vacuums or blocking the entrance to a couple
of bays, etc. I ran him off, only to catch him again
a day or two later. He wanted to argue that he was
spending money and would help me keep the place
clean. I told him no thanks, go buy your own carwash
to do business at.
There isn’t enough space here for me to type out all
of the times this has happened in the ~23 years I’ve
had these self serve carwashes. - OLFOT
Hey, brother, can you spare me a loan?
I have two washes and need funding. I have an LLC but can’t get approved for a personal business loan. Where can I get a
loan? My DBA is almost 1 year old and my LLC is only a couple months old. Most banks want you to wait 2 years. Need money
now for renovations/remodeling/repairs. Also, where did y’all get your money from in the beginning? - ROOSTER’S CAR WASH
Do you have any other real property assets you can
use as collateral?
Personally, I owned rental real estate free and
clear. I refinanced 4 properties to take cash out to
buy more during the Great Recession. The last opportunity
I found was a foreclosed car wash and I
bought it. Values went up in time and had instant
equity since I bought near the bottom of the real
estate market. So I use my other assets as collateral
to finance any deal that comes my way. Additionally,
I have a great relationship with a local bank
that understands car washes and my business plan.
I have a track record with them. Getting started is
always the hardest but once you do it seems to get
easier. - RFREEMAN
This is awesome. All I have is my house. Thought
about doing a HELOC. I’m going to start to work
more with my bank. Thank you! - ROOSTER’S CAR WASH
I know a local car wash owner that used his house
to get his first one.....8 car washes later he has done
really well for himself and his family. Needless to
say he has a nicer and bigger house now..... Another
one I know maxed out 10+ credit cards to get
enough money out to buy his first one. Worked his
full time job and car washed part time. As he put
it....family ate beans and rice for a few years but
paid the wash off and now he has 5 of them and
is doing well for himself and his family. He quit
his full time job and just runs the washes. Have a
sound plan and know how much you need to borrow...
bankers don’t like when you come in and ask
for a loan but don’t know how much you want....
remember their bidding on your business just as
much as you are for them. - FREEMAN
I owned my land outright and used that as collateral.
I also got bank financing and an sba 504; 60/40
split. Still I was on a shoestring for ten years or so;
I borrowed more $ to build my detail shop then
more again 3 years ago when I remodeled my iba.
I also financed an 8 plex apt bldg and a 5 plex
with a beauty salon. I am heavily leveraged still and
I love every bit. I always make extra principal payments,
still. - WAXMAN
Used for 2-6
self serve Bays
• High and low pressure gauge
• Pre-wired and pre-plumbed
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• Single V-belt & pulley
• Stainless steel belt guards
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• System lettering and
graphic decaling
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SUPER SAVER
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Features
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• Totally self-contained
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• Model CAT 5CP2120
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• Brass regulators
• Automatic chemical mixing tank
• Fused terminal blocks
• 3 HP 3 PH motor
The Power Pack
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36 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 37

How to make
a splash
What is everyone doing for marketing for your washes? We are looking to spend
some $ on marketing this year for both SS and IBA. What have you found to be
most effective? We currently have nothing in place, just our Google business page,
so blank slate. Any good car wash specific marketing company? Thanks - KENO
I only advertise at dual IB higher volume sites, I
have one in a 5k population town so really no need
as it’s just myself and a competing wash a mile or
so away. I’m frequently there so locals know if there
are any issues I’m easy to get a hold of. At the busy
site, I advertise by sponsoring the the high school
football, basketball, and softball games etc… The
local radio station will talk about my car wash at
festivals, parades etc.. Knock on wood, my tunnel
opened 2 weeks ago and is 2 miles away on the road
behind me. So far I haven’t felt any pressure. It’s a
very pro “support local” town so I’m praying it stays
this way. - TRAVELER17
Best advertising for the buck is location, location,
location. 2nd best is a high and large poll sign. 3rd is
a free car wash promotion day. Also, have your car
wash attended as much as possible. - MUDMONEY
Check on 1 and 2. 3 we haven’t ever tried. May try
it. We are only attended about 1 hour a day at all
our locations… hard to justify payroll to keep an
attendant all day. - KENO
I have heard Mel and Mike Ohlinger (Ohmco) offer
some cool options…
Some suggestions:
• Frequent post on your FB page to grow your
followers (3xper week)
• Once you have 30 days of 3x per week posts,
run local FB ads to gain followers
• If you have a website with offers (online purchase
options), run local FB ads to those links
• Run events at the wash to draw in local folks
and post (per above) the pics and comments from
the event
• Run a Promo to get new customers in (using
the above options). Be sure you have a way to capture
customer contact info so you can market to
them later. - JLANMAN
Definitely give away as many free washes as possible
to charities, fundraisers, school sports teams etc.
We often give gift cards to silent auctions or giveaways
in our community, because every new face is
a new possible customer.
When it comes to fundraising for schools and
sports teams, we sell gift cards worth $20 to the
students for $10, and allow them to go and resell
them to parents and the community for the whole
$20 price. This allows them to make $10 per gift
card sold, covers our water, power, and chemical, and
again gets new faces to come through our wash.
We also pay one of our employees an extra 2-3
hours per week to post on Facebook and Instagram,
and to engage with other local businesses on social
media. I follow all of our pages to make sure that
the posts are consistent and appropriate, and to comment
on the posts that they put together to boost
engagement. (The more comments and likes, the
more people get shown the post.) - 8TH STREET CAR WASH
Less than 2 years ago we launched our 2 self service
dog washes…We work with local schools and
charities to expose and promote…Stickers go everywhere….!
- SJB
SPEND MARKETING $$ ON CHEMICAL!
Get your wash to perform at its best!!!!!
SPEND TIME AT WASH TALKING TO CUS-
TOMERS!!! Word-of-mouth and really clean and
shiny cars are worth more than any fb, social media,
advertising $ you can spend. In the ss bays you
are selling time and water. Plaster their car with
soap - make them say wow! - SHINEPRO
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?
Reach out to Editor Debra Gorgos
debgorgos@gmail.com to share
your story with our readers.
“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…”
Some
conversation
starters:
“We were struggling with low
volumes when we decided to…”
“The funniest thing a customer
ever did at my wash…”
38 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 39

A LEADING MANUFACTURER OF CONTROLS,
INCLUDING DIGITAL TIMERS FOR THE CAR WASH INDUSTRY.
CONTACT YOUR
DISTRIBUTOR
TODAY!
the silence of the
cams
Security Matters
The Top 10 Mistakes Owners Make When it
Comes to Security
by Jennifer Spears
When adding any type of security to your site,
it pays to do a little research and make sure you
have thought about what your goals are, current
and down the road, and how best to accomplish
them. The last thing anyone wants is to add security
equipment, only to realize later that it lacks
features you need or even worse — is not reliable.
Any type of security to be used at a car wash
needs to be of a higher quality than what is usually
found at the big box stores that shall not be
named. It doesn’t matter whether the security is in
the form of locks, alarms, access control or security
cameras, consumer-grade equipment is not going
to provide the level of security or the durability of
industrial-grade equipment that’s been tested for
years in real functioning car washes.
For example, if you are adding doors or locks of
any kind, they need to have over-sized, hardened
shackles that will be a hindrance to cutting or sawing
or torching. They also need to be a commercial
design that will be more resistant to picking than
a residential or normal duty lock commonly found
at any hardware store.
The same can be said for alarm systems. An inexpensive
residential system may rely only on a
phone/ethernet line for alarm notification with no
backup method for transmitting an alarm. Thieves
know that these types of alarms are easily defeated
by cutting your line outside the building. That’s
the worst. Paying money for some system that’s
supposed to bring you safety and peace of mind
but instead one tiny pair of wire cutters can render
some systems useless in less than a second.
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40 • SPRING 2024
SPRING 2024 • 41

Security camera systems are another
area where consumer-grade cameras
and recorders can be a total waste of
money. Buying a system made overseas
virtually guarantees that it is going to
be of residential quality or less. Foreign
brands also make repairs and warranties
useless. “Oh, you wanted tech support
with that system? Sorry. Not offered.”
The fact is, you will need the best
value for your money when considering
any type of security equipment. That
doesn’t mean that you have to buy the
most expensive equipment available
across the board. It rarely means that.
But it pays to research the specs and
features you want, and to make sure
that the brand is proven in your industry.
No overseas back doors. Also, make
sure that any service provider or installer
is licensed and has a reputation for
standing behind their service or installation
without a struggle. Unfortunately
in all things…you get what you pay for
when it comes to security equipment.
So, to make sure that you make the
right decisions when it comes to adding
security to your site, here is a list of the
Top 10 Mistakes Owners and Operators
commonly make when choosing security
equipment or providers:
10.
Not Realizing that
Thieves know about Keys
Buying locks at your nearest hardware store, then
finding out later there are only 5-10 different keysets
(or less) for that brand of lock. This is very common,
and it can be a challenge to find a quality lock that
has unique keys. Thieves know this, and have been
known to buy an assortment of locks that gives them
access to businesses all over town.
9.
Only Having an Alarm
Buying an alarm system that sounds a siren and/or
light, but does not contact anyone when triggered.
These days people are accustomed to alarms going
off all the time and even the closest neighbors will
usually ignore them. Make sure your alarm system
is professionally monitored, or at the very least,
will call or text your cell phone, your manager and
possibly others if an alarm is tripped.
Way to go, Maine and Idaho!
New Mexico
recorded
the nation’s
highest violent
crime rate
Washington
had the
highest
property
crime rate
This is according to FBI statistical data shared with USAFacts.org.
Maine
had the
lowest
violent
crime rate
AS OF
2022:
Idaho
held the
lowest
property
crime rate
8.
Going Wireless
Buying a residential-grade
wireless alarm system or wireless
security camera system.
Thieves can buy a jammer
that will defeat most wireless
systems easily, even wireless
video cameras. These inexpensive
systems are no larger than
a pack of cigarettes and can
effectively render many wireless
alarm and video systems
useless in seconds with a broad
spectrum of Electro Magnetic
Interference (EMI). These devices
block encrypted signals
as well. There is no residential
system in the world that can
survive in a car wash.
Business owners in California
take a stand with the city
A group of business owner in Oakland,
California, are refusing to pay taxes until they get
help from the city in regards to all of the crime.
According to a March 8, 2024, NBC Bay
Area Fed story, “Organizers are asking more
small business owners to join them and force
the city to provide more police patrols and protection.”
In the past two years, La Perla Puerto Rican
Cuisine, has been robbed twice at gunpoint.
Owner Jose Ortiz said he police patrols are
scarce, despite pleas for help. “We’re proposing
not to pay taxes to the city until you give me the
services that we deserve,” Ortiz to NBC.
“We’re not the only ones,” Ortiz said in the
story. “We’re all in the same boat all across the
city of Oakland. The city needs to immediately,
effectively do something about it.”
City Councilman Noel Gallo said he empathizes
with the business owners. “Why do we
keep just elevating taxes, but we’re not providing
the services for safety?”
The movement, called Citizens Unite, is
being led by Edward Escobar, who said in the
story that even large businesses are having difficulty
covering their tax bills in the current environment,
and the issue is far more severe for
small operators like Ortiz.
The movement seems to be gaining traction.
According to the story, a spokesman for
Mayor Sheng Thao’s office said progress is
being made, thanks to the fact that Oakland
has filled all but one of its vacant police officer
positions… adding that a group of businesses
withholding taxes would be counterproductive.
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SPRING 2024 • 43

7.
Only Installing
One System
Only installing an alarm system or video
system – not both. These days many police
departments will not respond to any type of
alarm except a panic alarm unless there is
video verification of an event. If only installing
a video system, make sure it at least has alarm
functionality so anything that triggers the
system can send immediate notification of a
break-in or vandalism.
5.
Not Being Specific
When installing a security camera system, you
expect a camera to see EVERYTHING. This is
not feasible on anything but the cameras you see
in your dreams and cinema movies. A wide-angle
camera gives you just that. A wide-angle view of
a large area. You cannot get facial recognition off
of this or license plates. Cameras are built for very
specific reasons, so you need to know what you
expect from your cameras, and what their specific
purpose is, before you get a quote on a system.
specifically.
3.
Settling for a
Brief Warranty
Putting in an alarm system or security camera
system that does not come with a long warranty
period and ongoing technical support. What do
you do when things go wrong? Who provides
repair services? How do you pull footage of an
event to give to the police? These are just some
of the questions you will need answers to before
choosing a manufacturer or service provider.
44 • SPRING 2024
6.
Believing that
“One Size Fits All”
Buying a “pre-packaged” alarm or video system that
is not specifically designed for your facility. There is
no “one size fits all” system. Each location is unique,
and different environments could require highly
specialized sensors or cameras for durability and/or
functionality. Going down to your nearest supercenter
and purchasing a 4 sensor alarm system or a
4 camera video system for a car wash is NOT going
to get you what you need or want. Don’t waste your
money. Get what you need the first time.
4.
Forgetting that
Water Ruins Cameras
Buying an off-the-shelf all-purpose security
camera to be mounted in your tunnel or bays.
Security cameras that are not completely sealed
to keep water and moisture out ,will not last long
in wet areas. Buy a camera that has been designed
to work in high volume wet areas or car washes.
2.
Misplacing the Focus
Not monitoring entry doors or cash points.
Alarming doors and watching them with cameras
will alert you to break-ins and provide video
evidence of who, what and when bad stuff happened
at your facility. Also, alarming your change
machines, autocashiers and other unattended
machines can alert authorities that you are being
burglarized. Many times, these types of alarms
catch thieves in the act. Security cameras can
then convict them with the proof that is needed
that they were in the process of breaking in or
vandalizing your expensive equipment.
Good
news
(sort of)...
More than 70% percent
of violent crimes in 2022
were aggravated assaults
followed by robbery (17.4%),
rape (10.5%), and homicide
(1.7%). But, here’s the good
news, overall, the violent
crime rate fell 1.6% between
2021 and 2022, primarily
because of lower rates of
aggravated assault (the
majority of violent crime
since 1982), according to
FBI statistical data shared
with USAFacts.org.
1.
Thinking it
Won’t Happen to You
Waiting til it’s too late and you’ve already been
burglarized is unfortunately what a lot of people
do. On average it takes three times of getting
broken into before most people are convinced
it’s worth the money and time to get a system.
“It won’t happen to me.” “We have a business in a
low crime area.” “It’s already happened to me so
I’m sure it won’t happen again.” We’ve heard it
all. A burglary occurs every 26 seconds, with an
average loss of $2800. That bears repeating. Every
26 seconds.
The article’s contributor is Jennifer Spears, carwash owner and sales manager with CarWashCameras.com. With more than 24 years of experience working with car washes
and more than 10000 camera systems under her belt she’s seen it all. Her favorite phrases when it comes to cameras at any type of vehicle facility? “There are never enough
cameras!” & “You need another hard drive with that?” Her staff welcomes comments and questions and can be reached at 866-301-2288 and sales@carwashcameras.com.
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SPRING 2024 • 45

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.
Now this is a hole
to be proud of!
You sir, are no Andy Dufrense!
Police in Euroa, Victoria, Australia, are
looking for a man who dug a hole with his
hands to break into the Hot Bubble Car
Wash back in February. According to The Euroa
Gazette, CCTV footage captured a male
outside of the car was between 2 a.m. and
4 a.m. on February 28. He apparently broke
into a shed next to the car wash and dug a
hole with his hands. He then stole keys, and a
security camera. The keys were then used to
open the facility’s coin boxes.
A forensic team inspected the crime
scene, including fingerprints allegedly left by
the suspect. The investigation is still ongoing.
46 • SPRING 2024
A man looking like a mix
between Kenny Powers of
Eastbound and Down, and
comedien Paul Rodriguez, was
kind enough to leave behind DNA, after
setting fire to a car wash in Miami, Florida.
Around 12:30 a.m. on March 2 at the
Tunnel of Luv car wash, a man is seen
on camera urinating inside of the tunnel
bay, and then lighting fire to part of the
equipment.
According to a March 15 Local 10 report,
police said he had just gotten off the
Marathon Bus and walked over to the car
wash, which was closed at the time.
The fire caused major fire and smoke
damage, a news release stated. Authorities
have estimated the damages to the business
to be approximately $60,000.
In Fernley, Nevada, we have a brazen
duo who stole from a car wash
between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., allowing for
plenty of light to help capture their car on video.
According to News 4 & Fox 11, on March 29 the
burglary took place at the Fernley Touchless Car
Wash, and it involved a man and a woman. One
of the two broke into multiple machines and took
an unknown amount of change. They were driving
a Red Buick Verano that was bearing the Nevada
handicap registration of PHF8474.
I took the liberty of trying to figure out the logo
on the suspect’s shirt and found out it is for a company
called “Cookies,” and it is the leading lifestyle
and cannabis brand in North America. Does this
help the case? No, but it, for one minute, allowed
me to feel like a real gumshoe….
SPRING 2024 • 47

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You know you have serious bragging
rights after you’ve survived a
machete attack and suffered only a
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The incident took place back in February
2022, at a car wash in Canberra, Australia, when
a man by the name of Aaron Campbell was
caught on CCTV footage attacking a man with a
machete and breaking his window.
First a machete and now a rock?! What is this, The Flintstones?
In Tiverton, Rhode Island, a rock-wielding man
knocked out gas pumps at the American Dream
gas station and car wash, according to an April 15
WJAR story.
Surveillance video captured the entire incident.
A man, wearing a blue crewneck and black beanie,
used a rock to destroy each screen at the pumps,
the story said.
“He started at 12:34 a.m. He made sure all the
pumps were fully out of service. When he was done,
he went back right where the camera and he was
trying to hit it with the same rock. It looked like a
brick or rock that he was trying to hit it with,” business
owner Hamden Ahmad told WJAR.
“Clearly, the person’s intention was to put the
gas station out of business,” Ahmad added.
According to the surveillance footage, the vandal
didn’t target any other parts of the business, and
the car wash and convenience store were left untouched.
Police were able to locate and arrest the culprit.
According to Ahmad, replacing one pump is expected
to cost around $100,000, which was likely
going to be covered by insurance.
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In Greeley, Colorado, at about 11:30 p.m. February 13, Greeley police
responded to a report of a robbery at a gas station/car wash.
According to an April 11 ABC NEWS story,
CCTV cameras caught the whole incident on
tape. The victim, despite being attacked with a
machete, only suffered a laceration on his scalp
and finger.
The victim said he knew the attacker as “Doggie
from Queanbeyan.” That knowledge, along
with the footage, as well as a face mask left behind
containing DNA, lead to an arrest.
A recent court hearing (two years later)
found Campbell guilty of even more offenses
and he was sentenced to more than 10 years in
jail. However, he will be eligible for parole in August
this year… seems a little soon for me! In
fact, Campbell apparently questioned, “Why am
I getting out so early?” after his sentencing. You
cannot make this stuff up.
Do you think the police of Eureka,
Missouri, shout “Eureka!!!” every time
something has been found or solved, or do you
think they are so over it they have put a ban on
the expression? Sort of like the people of Endwell,
New York. Do they really like it when people say,
“All’s well that endswell…” on purpose? Don’t even
get me started on Boring, Oregon. Moving on… unfortunately,
police didn’t get to shout “eureka” or
any similar words because they haven’t caught the
The caller, who is part owner
of the business, said he was
stabbed with a screwdriver after
he tried to stop two men from
breaking into a coin machine
inside one of the car wash bays.
According to the Greeley
Tribune, the owner told police
he heard a loud “bang” coming
from the car wash while he was
closing the store, and decided
to see what it was. (Doesn’t every
horror movie indicate that
you should never go ‘and see
what that noise is?)
The victim said he saw one man power-washing
a truck, and the other was trying to force entry into
the coin machine with a hammer and screwdriver.
They apparently saw the victim approaching
and they both jumped into the truck and tried
to drive away. That’s when the store owner went
culprit yet, but they are getting close.
Back in late February, a 37-year-old man was
caught on camera using a cordless grinder to break
into two meter boxes at the Beacon Car & Pet Wash
in Eureka, Missouri, according to the My Leader Paper.
The suspect stole about $100, however the cost
to replace the two meter boxes is $16,697.05, the
story said.
According to the story, police were called at about
9:25 a.m. on February 28 to the business when the
up to the front of the passenger
window and knocked on
it. That’s when one of the men
rolled down the window and
stabbed him with a tool.
Then the truck backed up
into the vacuum station and
crashed into a cement pillar,
knocking the pillar down and
making the truck un-driveable.
The two men then fled on foot.
Police were able to identify
one of the suspects after viewing
surveillance footage and
that led to the arrest. Police are still looking for
the second man. The man who was arrested denied
driving the truck, but police said, “Nice try,
bucaroo, we have you on tape!” No, they didn’t
actually say that, but they did tell him that the
surveillance footage proved otherwise.
damaged boxes were discovered. Surveillance video
apparently showed the man breaking into the boxes
at about 3:15 a.m. that day, according to the report.
The man was seen leaving in a white 2002 GMC
pickup. That’s a pretty good clue…Eureka! (Sorry,
I couldn’t resist). The car wash’s owner told investigators
he saw a similar pickup via his surveillance
footage at his other Beacon Car Wash in House
Springs, where meter boxes also were damaged and
money was stolen, the report said.
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SPRING 2024 • 49

Who here has ever memorized
a social security number
other than your own?
Not me. But a guy in Chillicothe, Ohio, had
the wherewithal to give out a social security
number belonging to a relative when he was
questioned by police. Back on April 8, police
were dispatched to the Crystal Klean Car Wash
after the owner noticed suspicious activity on
his surveillance cameras, according to a story
from The Scioto Post.
“Upon arrival, Officer Joshua Wright made
contact with the business owner, who reported
observing a male subject on security cameras
tampering with doors and coin machines. Officer
Wright then encountered a white male subject
exiting a silver Pontiac. The subject claimed
to have no form of identification and provided a
social security number belonging to a ‘Clarence
Tabor.’ However, further investigation revealed
discrepancies, as the subject’s tattoos did not
match the description of ‘Clarence.’”
He was then taken to jail. Upon further investigation
it was revealed that the subject’s true
identity was Dwayne Tabor, who had an active
felony warrant. Does Clarence know this? If not,
or even if he does, it could make for one awkward
family dinner.
And, now we introduce the “ewwwwwww
gross!” story of the month.
A 20-year-old man was arrested on a charge
of indecent assault after grabbing a woman
at a car wash in Denton, Texas, a Denton Record-Chronicle
reported. On April 11 at about
10:41 a.m., Denton police were dispatched to a
sexual assault report at a car wash.
While on the way, the officer said he might
know the culprit due to an incident, similar in
nature, that took place on March 26.
The story stated that the victim was cleaning
out her car when someone came up behind her
and touched her inappropriately. She said she
first thought it was her husband messing with her.
Hopefully that husband knows not to ever do that!
However, when she turned around, she said
the man was doing “weird things with his tongue
and his... “you get the idea.
Surveillance footage showed the man walking
up behind and startline the woman. Officers
were able to track down a witness who gave a
similar story.
Officers searched the area and tracked down
the alleged offender. He was arrested and charged
with indecent assault.
The March 26 incident involving the same
suspect at another location was also caught on
surveillance cameras.
“Denton County jail records indicate that
Denton Police Department officers and Denton
County Sheriff’s Office deputies have arrested
the man 15 times since July 2021. The previous
charges do not include assaultive offenses and are
mostly for criminal trespass,” the story said.
50 • SPRING 2024
Two words for this next story: Inside job.
Hate to say it, and if the owner is reading this I do apologize, but it doesn’t take Columbo to
figure out this guy knew where the money was. What do you think? In Duarte, California, a burglar
was caught on surveillance video breaking into the Route 66 Car Wash & Lube, according to a March
5 abc 7 story. The burglary occurred Friday morning and footage shows the intruder shattering a
glass window before entering the business. He then takes abbout $300 from the cash register and an
undetermined amount was taken from a file folder. The damages totaled about $1,500, according to
the car wash’s owner, Javier Ramos. How did the culprit happen to know there was money in the file
folder? I certainly wouldn’t look inside of one!
The business opened in December and has been struggling to make a profit, according to the
story. The man being sought was wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, a blue Dodgers baseball
cap and a black face mask, the story said.
This next story features a victim similar to the one that dodged a
machete, but instead, this man dodged a bullet…
In Monroe, Louisiana, police arrested a man
for an alleged attempted manslaughter following
a shooting at a car wash, according to an April 10
Ouachita Citizen story. On April 4, officers were dispatched
to Tommy’s Car Wash Express to respond
to a shooting. “On arrival, officers learned that a victim
had been struck by a bullet and crashed their
vehicle, a gray GMC Yukon, into a ditch…”
According to surveillance footage you can see
Roderic Willis, 34, pulling into a parking spot on the
east side of the car wash. Shortly after Willis parked,
the victim parked behind Willis, the story said.
“Willis was seen walking to the back of his vehicle
as the victim got out of their vehicle and the two
exchanged words. Willis and the victim walked toward
the front of Willis’ vehicle, still talking, before
the victim backed away and opened the driver’s side
door of his vehicle,” the story said. That last sentence
used the word “vehicle” way too many times.
Surveillance footage then shows the victim
walking back up to Willis and punching him several
times. Willis fell into his vehicle through the driver’s
side door while the victim continued to strike
him, police said, according to the story.
According to the arrest report, Willis then retrieved
a firearm from his vehicle as the victim tried
to close Willis’ door on him before running away
and getting into his gray GMC Yukon.
Willis then allegedly shot the victim, striking
him approximately two to three times. Sidenote:
Man! Both of these men are like the Energizer
Bunnies of beatdowns. Willis then apparently kept
shooting at the vehicle as the victim drove away,
the story said.
Surveillance footage then shows Willis walking
around the car wash parking lot with the firearm
still in his right hand while making a call on his
phone with his left hand.
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52 • SPRING 2024