convenience & carwash canada july-august 2019

JULY | AUGUST 2019

Canada’s most read Canadian owned and operated Convenience, Retail Petroleum and Carwash Publication

PARKLAND FUEL CORPORATION CELEBRATES 50 YEARS PAGE 09

BOB ESPEY

President & Chief Executive Officer

BLUEPRINT TO FOODSERVICE: DINNER TO GO PAGE 14

WALK-IN FREEZERS AND COOLERS: LOWERING ENERGY COSTS PAGE 37

SNACKS: HEALTHIER CHOICES PAGE 25

PLASTICS: SEEKING SINGLE USE ALTERNATIVES PAGE 62

FORECOURT INSIGHT: LOOPING UNDERGROUND FUELING SYSTEM PM41670539

PAGE 20

BRUSHES: CLEANING WHEELS AND RIMS PAGE 55

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CANADA’S VEHICLE WASHING CHEMICAL & EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER Protecting The Environment

INDUSTRY LEADING: • Touchless products • Packaging • Car Wash Equipment • Chemical Monitoring • Service

TAP & WASH

PAYMENT

WWW.MONDO-PRODUCTS.COM 695 Westney Road South, Unit #1 Ajax, ON L1S 6M9 905-426-9339 / 1-800-465-5676

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

Cover Story

Petroleum and Carwash

Industry News

Instore and Nutrition

09 20 45 14

Parkland Celebrating 50 Years

Forecourt Insight – Looping Underground Fueling System

Electric Vehicles Charging Options

Blueprint to Foodservice Dinner to Go

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Publisher’s Message Welcome to Summer

P.O.P. – Point of Purchase Signage

Women in Carwash Alyssa Sanderson

Snacks – Healthier Options

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Editor’s Message Remember Your Regular Customers

Doors – Choosing Your Style

Down on Your Corner Gas King’s Newest Location

48 Vacuums To Pay or Not to Pay

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62 Plastics – Seeking Single Use Alternatives (Part 1)

Security – Safety by Design

37 Walk-In Freezers and Coolers – Lowering Energy Costs

Carwash Construction Building to the Next Level

55 Brushes Cleaning Wheels and Rims

Upcoming Events September 24 – 26, 2019 Convenience Industry Council of Canada (CICC) Toronto, ON www.convenienceindustry.ca October 1 – 4, 2019 PEI Convention at the NACS Show Georgia World Congress Centre, Atlanta, GA https://www.pei.org/show

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What’s New

Women in Carwash™ Conference October 21, 2019 Retail Convenience Awards Halifax Convention Centre, Halifax, NS hammoud@conveniencestores.ca Mike Hammoud (902) 880-9733

January 20 – 22, 2020 Women in Carwash™ conference Arlington, Texas www.womenincarwash.com 204-489-4215 / 778-772-3057 Brenda Johnstone/Andrew Klukas

October 22, 2019 Atlantic Convenience Expo Halifax Convention Centre, Halifax, NS Hind@hammoudconsulting.ca Hind Hammoud (902) 877-8132

June 22 – 24, 2020 Women in Carwash™ conference Niagara Falls, Ontario www.womenincarwash.com 204-489-4215 / 778-772-3057 Brenda Johnstone/Andrew Klukas

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Publisher’s Message

Welcome to Summer

Welcome to the summer that almost wasn’t. Weather plays a large roll in how we, as Canadians view the seasons. Traffic is certainly down on the highways and lakes and in your stores. Purchases for seasonal drinks and snacks might be down too, as a result. This issue we hope to inspire you to offer your customers value, regardless of the weather.

Morning is a key time to boost sales with a breakfast special. Our healthier snacks article offers you insight into what’s hot and how you can take advantage of new products and pair them with beverages for increased morning sales.

How does your store compare to your competition? Are you getting the very best out of your foodservice? Meline Beach speaks with some of the industry’s top vendors about how and what they can do to help boost your dinner sales through innovative product selections.

With the new controversial carbon tax in many provinces, now is a perfect time to look at your refrigerators and coolers to learn how you could lower your energy costs. James Costanza talks numbers and how operators can potentially reduce their consumption and costs through the utilization of new walk-in cooler and freezer technologies. Contact your local utility boards too and ask if there are any rebate programs available too.

Summertime, kids and increased traffic at this time of year could lend itself to an increase in thefts. Our store design and security article can help you consider the steps you’ll need to take to ensure you make the best of your store design to eliminate or have the least worries about theft and security issues.

Carwashing in Canada is seeing a boom this year, and we bring to you a healthy dose of carwash topic articles; from carwash doors to pay or not to pay vacuums to new carwash building technology and carwash wheel brushes. And don’t forget your POP! This edition we offer you detailed suggestions on your Point-of-Purchase signage for your carwash too.

We hope you enjoy the many topics that you’ll find within this edition and wish you a high traffic, high selling summer season.

As always, your business is my business, and my open door policy to your valuable feedback remains, not only intact but stronger than ever. If there is a topic that you would like to have featured, if you have questions or concerns, or perhaps you need an introduction to a vendor, please feel free to email me at bjjohnstone@convenienceandcarwash.com or if you read an article on our website, leave a comment.

We’ll respond to you

Brenda Jane Johnstone Publisher

Convenience & Carwash would like to introduce you to our new advertisers.

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Stanmar Int’l– page 24

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

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Editor’s Message

PUBLISHER Brenda Jane Johnstone bjjohnstone@convenienceandcarwash.com SALES Cody Johnstone Vice President, Sales 416-838-4674 codyj@convenienceandcarwash.com Brenda Jane Johnstone 204-489-4215 bjjohnstone@convenienceandcarwash.com Diana Signorile National Sales Media Solutions 403-607-8133 diana@convenienceandcarwash.com MANAGING EDITOR Angela Altass editor@convenienceandcarwash.com DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA Cody Johnstone codyj@convenienceandcarwash.com DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Doug Coates, Edge Advertising Keith House, Production EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Ian Burton, Istobal Scott Findlay, Core-Mark Int’l Kim Hansen, MI Petro David Hoy, Peninsula Co-Op Andrew Klukas, WCSA Dave Watson, The Chamois & Convenience Store Ltd. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alice Ahearn Angela Altass Meline Beach Dave Bowen Jim Costanza Josh Hart Timothy Hogue Steve Lieneman Sean Sportun Del Williams Ed Kammerer CIRCULATION James Gordon subscriptions@convenienceandcarwash.com WEBSITE www.convenienceandcarwash.com

Remember Your Regular Customers

This is the time of year when increased traffic comes through your door as people travel on vacations, weekend trips to the cottage and just generally get out and about more.

It’s exciting to see business booming and while there may be many new customers walking into your store during the summer season, don’t forget to value those who are there year-round. The folks who live or work in your neighbourhood or travel by on a regular basis are the key to your success during the slower seasons.

I often see a person’s face light up when the convenience store cashier recognizes them and either mentions them by name or at least acknowledges that they are valued as a regular customer. It can make the difference between that customer returning to your store frequently or, like some of the summer travelers, just stopping in one or two times.

It’s also the time of year when most children, and their parents, are free from school commitments but many will be passing your stores enroute to soccer, baseball or other sporting events and activities. Keep an eye open for any sports tournaments taking place in your town and be prepared to welcome that winning team, or cheer up those who didn’t get the trophy, by having cold and frozen beverages available as well as a variety of snacks. Many parents these days are looking for healthier snacking options for their children. Take a read through the healthy snacks article in this issue to find out more about the trend to a healthier way of snacking. Sports tournaments can last a weekend or longer so some of the families in attendance could make several trips to your store if you are offering what they are looking for.

Also take note of special festivals or summer celebrations that are occurring in your area and make sure you are stocked up and ready to serve a sudden increase in clientele.

Enjoy the glorious days of summer and the increased business that usually comes with it but remember that it is a short season and there are many months to come where those regular customers are the highlight of your business. If you don’t already have one, maybe this is a good time to consider a loyalty program that recognizes them and thanks them for their continued support.

Angela Altass Managing Editor

REACH DIVERSE NEW MARKETS ADVERTISING TODAY!

PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT No: 41670539 Return Undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Department 543 Borebank Street Winnipeg, MB R3N 1E8

For advertising information and rates contact: Diana Signorile at 403-607-8133 or email: diana@convenienceandcarwash.com

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Women in Carwash Conference Exceeds Expectations!

This is the next segment in our Women in Carwash feature, introducing and celebrating women working within the carwash industry across North America.

Following is the story of another inspiring woman for you to enjoy.

M

y name is Alyssa Sanderson. I am 23 years old and I work for Wash Worx Car Wash in Loveland, CO. I started in the industry when I was 19. I became an assistant manager only five months after the beginning of my employment. At the beginning of my career in the industry, I did not have any mechanical ability. I didn’t even know what a crescent wrench was, or that there is more than one type of wrench for that matter. My brain does not naturally think mechanically, so I must push myself out of my comfort zone every single day. I am fortunate enough to have a great mentor who took the time to show me how to perform maintenance on carwash equipment. After fourand-a-half years in the industry, I can confidently say that I can adequately perform preventative maintenance on every piece of equipment at my site.

I originally started at a carwash in Fort Collins, CO. I didn’t think too much of it. I thought it would just be another job to get me by for the time being. Prior to the carwash, my only experience was in the restaurant industry and I was ready to try something different. After working at the carwash for a few months I discovered that it is something that I really enjoy. Every aspect of it fascinates me

and there is always something new to learn every single day. The carwash is kind of like the jack of all trades. Some of my job duties include customer service, solving customer complaints, maintaining site cleanliness, writing schedules, payroll services, resolving damage claims, maintaining equipment, and equipment repair. One day I might replace a motor while the next day I’m doing plumbing. You never know what each day will bring you and that is what I love about this industry.

I have accomplished a lot throughout my carwash career. One of my greatest achievements was attending Sonny’s Car Wash College in Tamarac, Florida. I obtained my Car Wash Equipment Maintenance Certificate at the end of the class. I passed with over 100 per cent in the class. I was the only woman in the program and I got a better score than many of the men. I have also been fortunate enough to give a presentation at my local Chamber of Commerce, attend the ICA carwash convention in Las Vegas, and take multiple equipment courses at High Performance Wash Systems in Denver. I think the most empowering thing for me is knowing I have the knowledge to repair several pieces of equipment without asking for help.

Being a woman in the carwash industry, which is

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CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

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predominantly ran by men, is extremely challenging. There is a common misconception that women are not as capable as men in the industry. Many believe that we are not able to perform maintenance and repair. It has been a struggle to get people to take me seriously. My advice to other women in the industry is to display confidence! Show them what you are capable of and share your knowledge. Speak up! Once they see that you know what you are talking about, you will gain respect. Together as women we can break these social standards!

I don’t think anybody dreams of growing up and working at a carwash.

It’s a life path that I just happened to cross. There have been ups and downs throughout the duration of my involvement in the industry just like anything else, but I wouldn’t change anything if I started all over again. My experiences (good and bad) have gotten me where I am today and have made me the person I am. Obtaining mechanical ability and management together have changed me for the better. I have gained skills that help me in my everyday life.

My biggest challenge in the industry is repair. The same equipment doesn’t break often, it’s few and far in between.

So, for example, let’s say our air compressor has a leak, I may have learned how to fix it at one point but then say it happens again two years later, it’s hard to remember that far back, which makes it difficult. But all I can do to overcome that is push myself. I have failed many times over, but I never stop trying and I grow each time.

In the future, I see myself continuing my career in this industry. I plan to continue managing for awhile so that I can keep obtaining more knowledge.

Eventually I would like to own my own carwash. I would love to open a carwash in Colorado Springs someday. My dream is to own my own family oriented small business. I want to create a comfortable life for myself. Owning my own business would give me a sense of purpose and accomplishment, and that would be my dream come true.

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Parkland Fuel Corp.

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

by Angela Altass

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Parkland is Canada and the Caribbean’s largest, and one of America’s fastest growing, independent suppliers and marketers of fuel and petroleum products and a leading convenience and carwash operator. of what the team does every day and the fact that they do work really well as one Parkland, independent of where they are in the business.”

Espey, who proclaims his love for the western Canadian provinces, became vice president of retail markets for Parkland in November 2008 and was promoted to chief operating officer in November 2010.

He was appointed president and chief executive officer in May 2011.

“Western Canadians, and particularly people in the Prairies, have such an open President and Chief Executive Officer

and trusting culture,” comments Espey,

Bob Espey, the man at the helm of a

who has spent time living in several

business that services customers in 25

Canadian provinces, as well as in other

countries through three channels: retail,

countries, such as Africa and England.

commercial and wholesale, stresses that

Celebrating 50 years as a public compa-

team effort is the driving force behind

ny, Parkland is a business that is continu-

Parkland’s success.

ously adapting and changing, says Espey.

“My job is to facilitate and build a great

“One of the strengths of Parkland is

team and that is something I am passion-

that it has always been focused on grow-

ate about,” states Espey. “I believe that if

ing,” he says. “One of the things I am most

we build the right team, we will be suc-

proud of is the team that we’ve built here

cessful, not only with our customers but

at Parkland and their ability to carry on

ultimately for our shareholders. It only

that tradition of growth and change to re-

works when we all work together as a

ally create a downstream champion in the

team. Externally, the marketplace sees us

space that’s the preeminent consolidator

as Parkland or our brands. They don’t see

in Canada, and now also North America,

individuals or departments or functions

and hopefully soon internationally.”

and it is when we work together as a team that we are successful. I am really proud

The company is fundamentally built around four pillars, notes Espey.

Celebrating 50 Years Team Effort Drives Parkland’s Success

Parkland Fuel Corp.

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JULY/AUGUST

“Finally, the fourth pillar, is having a great team and that works together to provide great service to customers every day.”

and that works together to provide great service to customers every day.”

Some of the well-known Parkland brands, in which they own or operate, include Ultramar, Fas Gas Plus, Esso,

We work to have the best logistics and the best service to both our internal and external customers.

Pioneer, and Chevron Canada retail.

“The first is to grow the business or- Parkland will open its first Chevron reganically and 95 per cent of our team fo- tail site in Calgary in the coming months cuses on that every day,” says Espey. “The

and Espey, who lives in Calgary with his

second is having the best supply capacity

wife and three children, is excited to now

in the industry, which we call the supply

be able to purchase gas at a Parkland

advantage. That is where we work to have

location.

the best logistics and the best service to

“I work and live in Calgary so I couldn’t both our internal and external custom- buy gas at a Parkland gas station,” he ers and be the partner of choice for re- mused. “That’s a market of 1.3 million finers to move gasoline, diesel and other

people where we really don’t have a sig-

hydrocarbons into the marketplace. The

nificant presence. The first Chevron site

third is to be an acquirer and to acquire

in Calgary will be located just off the main

great companies that we can fold into our

highway in the city, Deerfoot Trail, so I am

business and continue to grow. Finally,

looking forward to getting my fuel there.

the fourth pillar, is having a great team

I am quite excited to grow the Chevron

Parkland Fuel Corp.

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

11

say that every acquisition that we’ve brought in has ended up being a great business for Parkland and it’s that focus on treating each opportunity as a unique one that has enabled us to do that.”

Parkland continues to keep an eye on the market south of the border.

“We’ve been in the U.S. market five years now,” comments Espey. “We started with a company called SPF Energy and became comfortable with operating in the United States and with the team we have there. One of the things we’ve learned is that the U.S. is not one homogeneous market. It’s many different markets and the markets that we like are the mid-continent region and the Rocky Mountains where I would say that in some ways it looks and feels a lot like Canada. It’s the low population density, high distribution focused market that plays to our strengths and fits in well with the business that we do in Canada. It fits with our operating model and we’ve been fortunate to buy great businesses that

As the company moves forward, Espey wants to ensure that they maintain their teambased focus.

have been able to grow in that market.”

brand in Alberta and in some of the key urban

states Espey. “I like the downstream marketing

markets where we don’t have a large presence. We

space that we are in. We will continue to be a busi-

recently opened our first Chevron site in Edmonton

ness that’s active in both retail and commercial

and since then have been rolling out a number of new

along with wholesale and supply. Certainly, the

locations under that banner.”

focus is a little different in each jurisdiction. In

As the company moves forward, Espey wants to ensure that they maintain their team-based focus.

“In our industry, I’ve seen time and time again that great teams outperform and that’s why the focus is on team and, as we grow, it’s very important that we don’t lose that team-based approach,”

As an acquirer, Parkland has a history of making

Canada, we are more focused on organic growth

sure that the companies purchased, big or small, con-

and acquisitions within some of the white space

tinue to thrive and be successful.

areas where we don’t have a big presence. In the

“I think one of the things that we do very well is that

U.S., we are more M & A (merger and acquisition)

we do a lot of due diligence,” says Espey. “Not only to

focused and in the Caribbean, we just recently

understand the business financially but culturally as

bought a business that brings our footprint as far

well and to make sure that when we do integrate a

as South America. We see some great opportunities

business, we understand all aspects, to ensure conti-

to continue to grow through servicing the market

nuity once that business is part of Parkland. I would

and focusing on high growth markets while also

Parkland Fuel Corp.

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JULY/AUGUST

looking for strategic acquisitions that fit well within the supply obit.”

Parkland has been able to buy some great assets with a great team to run those assets, adds Espey.

“We continue to work every day to make the business stronger and better so it’s a great platform, a great business and we’ve been getting some great results,” states Espey. “I am passionate about this company. I feel very fortunate to be able to work at Parkland and work in the industry and lead a team that has been able to continue to outperform consistently.”

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Blueprint to Foodservice 14 

JULY/AUGUST

by Meline Beach

Dinner to Go

HOW TO DRIVE FOODSERVICE SALES AT DINNERTIME. Increasingly

blurred lines between retail foodservice, QSRs and even grocery stores, create a competitive advantage for c-stores wanting to compete in the dinner category with their foodservice offering. The quantity and quality of options available for consumers are at an all-time high.

One growing c-store competitor is Rabba Fine Foods. All of their 34 locations across the Greater Toronto Area offer customers a fresh and hot

foodservice program covering all main meal occasions, including dinner. The European-style store has been in existence for over 40 years and resembles a hybrid between a c-store and a mini market.

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Rabba features all the amenities of a convenience store, such as lottery, tobacco, Automated banking machines and phone cards, as well as fresh foods of a market, complete with produce, meat and an extensive foodservice offering.

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA 

www.core-mark.com

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For everything you need.

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Foodservice Fresh Sandwiches Full Category Management

Contact your local Core-Mark office Ontario 1-877-864-0285

NW Ontario/Sask.

1-800-665-7575

Manitoba 1-800-982-7552

Calgary 1-800-242-8402

www.core-mark.com carcand@core-mark.com

Vancouver 1-800-663-9963

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JULY/AUGUST

What’s for dinner?

Category Sales Manager Peter Lombardi states that their most popular proteins fall within two categories: Home Meal Replacement (HMR) of several chicken combination meals and fresh with various bean offerings. In addition to that, Rabba also offers a hot table featuring chicken, lasagna, chili, grilled vegetables and an assortment of rice, potatoes and even sushi and shawarma at select locations.

McCain has a variety of craveable dinner foodservice options that are versatile and hold well, including McCain’s Potato Wedges and Potato Bites. Prepared and served on location, these products are cost-effective in terms of labour, making them a great option for operators who want menu items that will be both profitable and popular, while looking to manage operating costs.

“It is very important to have a variety of products available to suit the needs of both the convenience store customer and operator,” says Greg Boyer, marketing director at McCain. “For the operator,

that means products that are simple to prepare and have a longer hold time, so that if they’re prepared in advance, they still taste great when the customer picks them up.”

Boyer adds: “We also find that successful C&G operators offer products that are easy for the customers to recognize.

For example, Tater Tots are a great option for operators who want menu items that will be both profitable and popular.

They are one of the fastest growing sides Tater Tots are a great option that will be both profitable and popular. Growing at more than 12 per cent annually.

in Canada, growing at more than 12 per cent annually.”

Relatively new to the Canadian market, US-based White Castle also offers hamburgers and cheeseburgers to the consumer on the go who craves beef as part of their dinner meal occasion. With portability a top benefit, packaged six in

a box, White Castle’s famous sliders are sold frozen for at-home re-heating, available at Rabba Fine Foods.

“We are quick to proclaim the power of pairings,” says Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. “With some sides and the right mix of beverages to complement our sliders, an affordable meal solution is something C&G stores anywhere are uniquely qualified to bring to their customers.”

Similarly, Pinty’s products of wings, burgers and chicken breasts are also available frozen for take home and hot for immediate consumption in the C&G channel. Its popular Pub & Grill skus are distributed through Core-Mark and include salt and pepper wings, buffalo wings and honey garlic chicken breast chunks. Items served hot at Circle K cstores include breaded wings and boneless, tender chicken breast chunks.

Lombardi has spent the last five years focusing on providing customers with fresh convenience offers, first with Shoppers Drug Mart’s emerging convenience format, and most recently with

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CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

Rabba Fine Foods. Throughout his tenure in the foodservice industry he has seen the category evolve.

“The evolution of our foodservice offering is driven by consumer trends and demands,” says Lombardi. “One example is our barbecue chicken category.

We just recently introduced a free-range chicken that is grain-fed without antibiotics or growth hormones. This item is extremely popular and addresses the growing trends of healthier choices.”

Other foodservice items related to healthier choices include veggie burgers, plant-based cheese, plant-based pasta and cauliflower pizza – just to name a few.

Who’s Buying?

When it comes to dining, convenience continues to be top of mind for today’s consumer. According to Boyer, last year, delivery and take out outperformed total traffic across full service, QSR and retail foodservice channels. And, with an abundance of third-party online apps to choose from, it is easier than ever to take advantage of delivery and takeout opportunities to grow a foodservice business in the C&G channel. For example, as stated on their website, 7-Eleven now facilitates delivery of food, snacks and everyday essentials through foodora in Vancouver, Edmonton,

Calgary and Toronto and Uber Eats in Winnipeg, Saskatoon and Regina.

Unlike older generations, who may associate c-stores as a place for cigarettes and soft drinks, many younger generations, including Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2010) do not share the same stereotype and are fully accustomed and comfortable with purchasing foodservice at c-stores. Today’s customers are strapped for time and are looking to purchase a decent meal on the go, in perhaps a more convenient manner than a QSR. Pinty’s frozen products are reputable, yield a 30 per cent margin and take up little space in freezers.

For Rabba, their busiest time of the day is often between 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., where they could prepare upwards of 10 chickens in that three-hour window.

Depending on location, another busy time is between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. for one of their stores located near a downtown Toronto hotel.

“In either instance, people are hungry for substance and we’re pleased to satisfy their cravings with something wholesome, nutritious and quick,” says Lombardi.

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Finer Details In terms of advice for foodservice success, Lombardi suggests that C&G retail owners and operators keep current with what’s trending by reading various publications and to use their supplier network.

“Suppliers know what is working and what is not – try various products until you find the right ones that address your customers’ needs and eating habits,” says Lombardi.

In an effort to compete with grocery stores, Chris Oake, retail account manager at Pinty’s advises retailers to get rid of TV dinners as “it’s not 1997,” and to avoid unnecessary, excessive markup on foodservice items.

“Carry items that have brand recognition and a higher dollar margin. Pinty’s frozen products are reputable, yield a 30 per cent margin and take up little space in freezers,” says Oake, who also encourages C&G retailers to leverage sports and contesting as a means of attracting consumers to their foodservice program.

“A lot of people visit c-stores to purchase sports lottery tickets, especially on Sundays during football season. Wings are a perfect complement to football.”

Boyer advises C&G owners and operators to locate their foodservice offering as close to the register as possible.

“Location and prominence in-store are

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extremely important for a successful food program. The size of the food program and the closer it is in proximity it is to the cash register; the more customers are aware of the offerings and likely to make impulse purchases.”

With 2.1 million monthly active users in Canada and over 12 million in the United States, GasBuddy is a toprated travel app.

Packaging is also an important consideration for a successful dinner foodservice program. While these meal options may be larger in scale, their packaging should follow certain guidelines to ensure best quality for takeout and delivery. This includes vented paper packaging over Styrofoam to release steam and preserve crispness, separating hot and cold items from each other, with condiments and napkins on the side, and sealed to avoid any perception of tampering.

Frank Beard, an analyst on convenience store and retail trends with GasBuddy, strongly encourages C&G retailers to leverage mobile advertising as a means of raising awareness and drawing

in foot traffic. Not only does GasBuddy, as a mobile application, provide an outlet for advertising, it also encourages users to rate their experiences at C&G stores they’ve visited.

“People don’t go to c-stores to shop,” says Beard. “They go there to buy something quickly. That’s why it’s important for brands to build awareness of their products before customers visit.” With 2.1 million monthly active users in Canada and over 12 million in the United States, GasBuddy is a top-rated travel app. “For the dinner occasion, the challenge is for C&G retailers to go beyond a basic, undifferentiated product offering and create a true destination menu— something worth driving a few extra minutes. One way to do this is with customization and made-to-order options.”

An example of this is Casey’s, a convenience store with gas bar in the United

States. Founded in 1959, Casey’s has become known for its helpful employees, clean stores and wide selection of freshly prepared food items. So much so, that its fresh pizza offering is the country’s fifth largest pizza company.

They key to successful foodservice in the C&G channel, according to Beard, is to build an offer that really resonates with the people in the community.

“After all, a convenience store is really a community store.”

Meline Beach is a Toronto-based communications practitioner and frequent contributor to Convenience & Carwash Canada. In addition to freelance writing, Meline provides communications and public relations support to businesses across Canada.

She can be reached at: www.mlbcomms.ca.

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CONTACT: JIM YELLE Office 403.266.5558

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Forecourt Insight 20

JULY/AUGUST

by Ed Kammerer

Seven Benefits of a Looping Underground Fueling System Car buying isn’t anyone’s idea of an enjoyable activity, but imagine how difficult, inconvenient,

fuel-delivery and containment-sump systems, along with other ancillary equipment pre-assembled at time-consuming and, yes, silly it would be if the the OPW factory. The loop system signaled a parapurchaser had to work with different suppliers in digm shift as the industry’s first plug-and-play unorder to procure the vehicle’s many components. For derground-fueling system when it was introduced example, finding the right steering would require a more than a decade ago – so it pays to reiterate the trip to the steering-wheel store, the perfect engine benefits it can offer the fuel-site operator: would need to be acquired directly from the motor Regulatory Compliance: All underground fuelmanufacturer, selecting the tires would demand a storage and delivery systems are regulated by stop at the wheel shop, etc. local, provincial and federal regulations. These It just makes sense that the vehicle manufacturer standards have become stricter over the years and does the heavy lifting of acquiring the components the loop fuel-delivery system has been designed and putting them together, so the buyer has a com- to not only meet, but also exceed, the demands for plete, fully operational vehicle to purchase. So, why leak-free fuel containment. can’t that same logic be used by convenience-store Leak Prevention: The development and fuel retailers when outfitting their sites with an un- implementation of double-wall piping systems and derground fuel-delivery system? sealed containment sumps mean that there are As it turns out, they do have that option in the substantially fewer fuel leaks than in the past. This patented FlexWorks Loop System from OPW, which has created a safer fuel-delivery process for drivers, consists of all the components in the underground fueling sites and the environment.

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Leak Detection: Secondarycontainment systems lose their effectiveness when fuel leaks go undetected for a period of weeks or months; at that point, they have become primary containment systems.

The loop fuel-delivery system makes it easier for the fuel-site operator to check if any leaks have occurred, thus allowing them to more quickly remove any fuel that has gathered in the containmen t sump and repair the leak.

Reduction in Piping Connections: Every pipe-connection point is a potential leak point. The loop fueldelivery system reduces the number of pipe joints by as much as five times when compared to traditional systems, meaning fuel leaks are at least five times less likely to happen.

Accessible Pipe Joints: Some piping systems require the pipe joints to be buried, making them inaccessible from ground level. In addition, when these buried joints leak, they leak directly into the ground, creating an environmental hazard. Since the pipe joints in the loop fuel-delivery system are all contained and accessible at ground level, they are easy to inspect, repair and replace, with any leaks easier to detect and prevent from entering into the ground.

Easier Dispenser-Sump Installation: Deep-lying dispenser-containment sumps are labor intensive to install, service and inspect. The dispensercontainment sumps in the loop fueldelivery system lie closer to the surface, with all piping and entry fittings easily

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Conclusion This method of coupling and connection A decade ago, the FlexWorks Loop eliminates the need for rubber interstitial System created a new state-of-thetest boots, additional pipe fittings and art standard in completely integrated, field-fabricated steel riser pipes or flex environmentally secure underground connectors that are required for use with fuel-delivery systems that combine deep-lying dispenser sumps. factory-assembled components from a OPW will soon be expanding the single supplier with less field labor. The range of the FlexWorks Loop System as it finalizes development of a high- capabilities that made it a revelation back then are still applicable today for flow version. This looping fuel-delivery fuel-site operators who are looking to system will be targeted toward large optimize leak prevention and detection, retail truck stops and the increasingly How It Works installation times, and the inspection, popular hybrid c-store sites that house The true innovation in the loop fuel- truck-fueling islands. The plug-and-play repair and maintenance of their delivery system – which is virtually high-flow loop system will have all the underground fuel-delivery systems. failsafe – is the use of a combination benefits of the legacy system, but will of revolutionary new types of piping feature components compatible with connections, dispenser-sump designs, high-speed fuel dispensers and large- Ed Kammerer is the director of Global minimized piping joints and streamlined diameter OPW FlexWorks piping that Product Management for OPW, based in in-field fabrication requirements. will allow higher fuel flow rates, thus en- Cincinnati, OH, USA. He can be reached To explain, the loop fuel-delivery sys- abling quicker refueling of trucks, which at ed.kammerer@opwglobal.com. tem features a double-wall coaxial piping will mean less time at the pump for the For more information on OPW, go to setup that is contained within a larger driver and higher vehicle throughput for opwglobal.com. access pipe, which allows a pipe section the fuel-site operator. to be removed and replaced without needing to break concrete. All of the piping connections and fittings are secondarily contained in containment sumps that are easily accessible from forecourt level, which simplifies inspection, testing, repair and replacement.

The dispenser sumps are prefabricated and assembled at the factory in order to eliminate potential installation errors at the job site. Dispenser sumps are shallow and have angled sidewalls that will also not deform or crack under burial loads. All piping penetrations into the sumps are sealed with flexible or rigid double entry boots that are compatible • Shorter installation with long-term exposure to fuel and the cut your installation time in half environment, as well as ground forces • All accessible all the time and movement. The entry fittings are installed and tested at the factory, enyou will never break concrete again suring that they are in the exact location • Above-ground maintenance for proper connection to the dispenser’s saves you time and money piping inlets.

All piping enters and exits the shallow dispenser sumps at a 45-degree angle instead of horizontally, which makes them Learn more about the Loop System easier to install and connect near the top benefits at opwglobal.com/loopsystem of the sump instead of at the bottom of a traditional sump. The ends of the sections of coaxial piping are fitted with double-wall swivel couplings or barbed NPT fittings that connect directly to shear valves that have angled connection ports.

accessible from the forecourt surface.

Optimized Entry-Boot Design: Legacy entry boots have proven to not be sufficiently robust to provide a secure long-term seal to the sump. The entry boots on the loop fuel-delivery system have been designed to form a safe, long-lasting seal with the sump and have been pre-installed at the factory, eliminating the need to install in the field.

The Loop System seamlessly delivers cost-savings and performance.

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by Angela Altass

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

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Healthy Snacking On the Go When people get hungry they often tend to reach for a snack and, these days, that means seeking out retailers who are offering healthier options.

“We have seen a major move by consumers and retailers in demanding healthier snacks with specific requests to have nonGMO, sulphur-free dried fruit, and lower sugar ingredients,” says Martin Pamensky, president and chief executive officer, Stanmar International Group, which is offering On the Go Fusion Snacks and Ceres On the Go Smoothies as new innovative product offerings. “Convenience stores are now offering a large selection of healthier snacks. It appears from thousands of consumers we have surveyed through Snack Nation that consumers are looking for clean ingredients with non-GMO, low sugar and no added flavours and colours.”

Snacks with protein, including those that are plant-based, are growing in popularity, notes Pamensky.

“Snacks with protein claims are growing at 11 per cent in the U.S. market,” says Pamensky. “The major trend is the combination of salted snacks with protein and sweeter ingredients, such as dried fruit and dark chocolate. Plant based protein is the next best thing and our On the Go Edamame ticks all the boxes.”

Consumers are reading labels and educating themselves about healthier snacking options. Parents are looking for the best options for their children by using the Internet and influencers to show them what is good, says Pamensky.

Following the growing flexitarian movement, it seems that plant based has potential when it comes to better-for-you snacking as three in 10 consumers say they are interested

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in snacks made with plant based protein, rising to four in 10 among women ages 18-34, says Mintel’s Better-For-You Snacking Canada 2018 Report, which also notes that 51 per cent of Canadians agree that they would like to see more healthy snacks packaged for eating on the go.

There is increasing consumer interest in healthier snacks, “especially in the convenient and portable snack areas,” says Kylie Landry, brand manager – McSweeney’s, Direct Plus Food Group, which is launching a new line of Jerky Trail Mix in July that is a mixture of McSweeney’s Canadian jerky combined with nuts, seeds and dried fruit.

“We are seeing a few trends, such as low or zero sugar options and high protein, as well as healthy fats,” notes Landry. “Ketogenic diets – high fat, high protein and low carbohydrates – are also trending.”

Consumers are reading ingredient labels more than ever before and parents are trying to find snack foods that their children will love while offering nutritional value, says Landry.

“There has been year over year increases in the meat snack category as the demographic is expanding to include more females and families as consumers,” says Landry. “McSweeney’s offers a large variety of meat snacks and is proudly Canadian, 100 per cent glutenfree and a great option for high protein snacking.”

The best way for retail customers to be aware of healthy snack offerings is to create secondary display places in high traffic areas of the store, says Landry.

Consumers are looking for products that taste good, are reasonably priced and provide greater health benefits, comments Jiries Rabba, founder, PrOATein Bar. Some consumers are looking for products with a specific purpose, such as high protein, gluten-free or lactose-free.

“As health snacks typically don’t turn as quick as conventional snacks, it is hard to justify why they should get any premium in-store placement,” says Rabba. “However, you will start to see retailers dedicate sections, usually somewhere near the checkout, to a variety of

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

healthier options, which includes bars.

This lets consumers know the offerings you have in addition to the regular set of confectionary and snacks. Variety of snacks is very important for consumers looking for instant consumable snacks.”

Canadians are more informed regarding nutritional value, ingredients and general health over many other first world countries, says Rabba, who describes his company as always having healthy snacking top of mind, along with the innovation that comes with it.

“The rise in healthy eating has been around for a long time, with awareness towards organic food, non-GMO, gluten-free, etc., but healthy snacking is something that many new companies are getting into,” says Rabba.

“Canadians have much fewer options when compared to the United States in this segment, especially in the grocery and convenience sector. I believe we are a few years behind the U.S. regarding

options and types of snacks but we are closing that gap. Instant consumable, single-serve snacks are still high on the list of innovation. Functional drinks are also having interesting additions and flavours. Energy drinks are very much growing in several channels and I see this only getting bigger.”

Marketing and easily read points of differentiation are very important to catch the consumer’s eye, says Rabba.

Many products are now becoming free of the most common top 10 allergens to accommodate for school snacking.

Consumers are becoming informed when it comes to snack selections as they seek products with minimal ingredients that they can read and understand, states Miriam Farber, sales and marketing manager, HoneyBar Products International Inc., which, this year, has launched HoneyBar Snack Bites in two flavours: almond salted caramel and quinoa and cranberry.

“These are 18g individually wrapped bites, with nine bites in a re-sealable pouch,” comments Farber. “They are the ultimate grab and go snack and are certified gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free as well as use non-GMO ingredients.”

People are looking for a good ratio of carbs, protein and fibre in their snacks, says Farber.

“Trends include alternative, international flavours, plant based alternatives, reduced sugars, keto, low carb and vitamin boosters,” notes Farber. “I believe that more consumers are educating themselves and are asking more from brands, including information on ingredient sourcing.”

With consumers upping the ante by demanding more from snacks, retailers need to look at their offerings in this area and ensure there are enough healthy options to keep their customers coming back for more.

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How to Best Use P.O.P. Effectively GET THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK: EFFECTIVE WAYS TO USE POINT OF PURCHASE SIGNAGE AT YOUR CARWASH

Point of Purchase (P.O.P.) signage is a very effective tool for marketing your carwash, but some simple guidelines will make your advertising and marketing dollar stretch a little further. Before starting your marketing project, take some time to establish a realistic budget.

Advertising and marketing are essential to increasing traffic at your wash and drive revenue. If you know the financial picture for your site, you will be able to determine the effect of the marketing campaign and build on it for the future. Establish a good, better, best budget for the signage. Your signage company or carwash sales rep should be able to help you with that by giving you prices and options to fit your wash and optimize your budget.

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T

he next step is deciding what your message will be. Are you running an unlimited wash club program? Are you trying to entice customers to upgrade to the top wash? Do you have a gas discount program in place? Knowing what message you want to convey to your customer will help you and your sales rep decide what signage will work best for you.

Divide your carwash up into customer traffic areas. First plan would be to bring them in off the street. How will they know you’re there unless you tell them? Maybe you have a decently sized permanent sign that announces your presence but curb signage can also catch driver’s attention.

SOME OPTIONS FOR CURB SIGNAGE ARE: 1) TEARDROP OR FEATHER FLAGS

These move in the wind and the combination of the movement and the height (9-13’ high) help to draw drivers to your wash.

2) ANTENNA WINDMASTERS

These versatile signs can be very effective.

The frame has two antennas that slide into the fluted coroplast of the sign to mount the sign to the frame. The frame has springs so it also moves a bit with the wind. This sign can be customized both in design and shape to help attract customers. Depending on the area where the sign will be visible, you can choose from a single or double sided sign and even a three-dimensional version.

Once the customer is on the site, use your marketing campaign to drive revenue. There are many ways to use your promotional signage to entice customers to spend additional money at your wash.

3) WINDOW GRAPHICS

If your wash has windows, use them to advertise your promotions. You can choose from perforated vinyl so you retain visibility from inside the wash or standard vinyl if visibility isn’t a concern.

4) BOLLARD COVERS

Use your safety bollards to advertise your wash. These are typically three-sided coroplast signs that cover the bollard so they can be seen from many angles.

5) GATE SIGNS/BANNERS If your location has a convenience store If your wash has a gate at the entrance, on site, there are many options available hang a banner or tie-wrap a sign onto it to you for advertising your wash inside to encourage your customers to purchase the store. your chosen promotion.

6) DRUM COVERS

10) CHANGE MATS

Use your chemical drums as marketing resources! You can choose from a drum cover that slides over your chemical drum or a drum wrap that wraps around the outside of the drum and leaves the top of the drum (or trash can) uncovered.

Also referred to as cashier mats, these can be found on the counter at the cash register. They can be used to display your carwash menu or any special promotion you are running. This sign is literally at the point of purchase so another nudge toward your carwash is a great idea.

7) POLE BANNERS

If your site has light poles, banners can 11) HANGING SIGNS be mounted on both sides to advertise Hanging signs can vary from simple three-sided mobiles above the cash your wash or wash promotion register to bigger, more substantial and permanent signage that hangs from the 8) STANDARD WINDMASTERS While antenna windmasters can ceiling. Again, having a realistic budget in certainly be used around the site as mind will help you decide what would be well, standard windmasters offer the most effective for your carwash.

If your site is a petrol site, using the versatility of replacing the inserts (two fit in each frame) fairly inexpensively space at the gas pump to advertise your which makes changing your promotion wash or promotion is money well spent.

Customers typically are pumping gas for easy without blowing out your budget. several minutes and you can capitalize 9) CONE SIGNAGE on their attention while at the gas pump Using your traffic cones to market your with some simple signage. wash is a great way to stretch your marketing dollars. There are several 12) PUMP TOPPERS varieties of cone signage: corrugated Pump topper signs can go on top or on plastic signs that attach to the cone, the sides of the gas pump. There are many sleeves that slip over the cone (good for varieties of pump toppers – with a frame, covering up well-worn cones too), full frameless or even pump decals that color decals that mount directly onto the mount onto the front of the pump itself. cone and simple one-color logos screen One thing to consider here is visibility. If you choose to use pump toppers, be sure printed onto the cone.

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Work with a graphic designer to make sure your “sales person” has the right message and appearance as well as the perfect location.

to put the signs where your customer is sure to see them. Whether you choose the top or the sides of the pump, make sure the sign is as close to the edge to ensure customers of varying heights can see it.

Now that you have your budget and your financial picture in front of you and you know your signage options, decide where you want to spend your money.

Which customer area should get your good budget money, which should get your better budget money and which

area deserves your best budget money?

If your permanent curb sign is doing a good job of attracting customers, then spend your good money budget on curb signage. Perhaps adding a teardrop flag near your permanent site sign to add a little pop is all you need. If you don’t have a convenience store or gas pumps, then maybe you combine your better and best budget money on the signs around the site. Covering traffic cones, safety bollards and chemical drums go a long way towards dressing up your

site and creating a cohesive marketing message. Combine that with a few wellplaced standard or antenna windmasters to announce your message loud and clear.

One last tip is to remember that your marketing tools work like an additional sales person on your site; selling your products and promoting your carwash.

Work with a graphic designer to make sure your “sales person” has the right message and appearance as well as the perfect location.

Alice Ahearn works at Ahearn Signs, Inc. in Belleville, Michigan. Ahearn Signs, Inc is a family owned company that has been in the carwash signage business for over 29 years. Website: www.ahearnsigns.com Phone: 734-699-3777 Email: orders@ahearnsigns.com

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by Sean Sportun

Safety Through Design:

Effective Security Measures

Fun Fact: No retail business exists without a security threat

of some kind, and no building housing a retail business is without its own security risks. Crime victimization is the one commonality consistent amongst retailers, large and small.

A welcoming retail establishment

must be many things to enhance the opportunity of being profitable.

The property must be functional and efficient, achieve certain aesthetic standards, be properly located and accessible to the target markets served by the retailer, and provide security from interference, interruption, and attack. Most of these elements are covered at the store design stage, but all too frequently the important element of security is overlooked.

As a result, security design elements are seldom considered in the planning stages, creating needless opportunities for crime and victimization against the retailer.

A security design is much more than just placing a CCTV cameras on a floor plan. While it is true that anyone can complete that task, there are more indepth processes in place than meet the eye. When approaching a physical security design, it’s important to know the area in which you are building or renovating. There are certain risks and threats that might need to be mitigated

via a robust security design that would be identified through a thorough security risk assessment.

A security professional, if brought into the design process early on, can begin to influence design to meet security needs without necessarily using only security devices.

One concept that champions this is Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). CPTED is a methodology that a security professional uses to mitigate risks and threats using non-traditional methods. “Crime prevention need not amount to building isolated walled and fenced communities.

On the contrary, the same design techniques that make communities more attractive and more neighborly can also prevent crime (Crowe & Fennelly, 2013, p. 22).”

Natural barriers, natural elevations that promote surveillance through intuitive landscaping and site design, and removing possible areas in which concealment could be achieved are just some of the options that can be explored during the design stage to mitigate potential

risks & threats to the retail location.

A security professional who understands the philosophy CPTED, along with the factors that contribute to crime at gas-convenience stores, will help frame a future proof approach in determining effective preventative measures, recognize key intervention options and then select appropriate responses for your safety & security plan.

The benefits of applying CPTED principles: • CPTED is the most cost-effective way for retail and convenience store owners to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour while reducing physical risks to themselves and their staff.

• In many cases, the benefits of CPTED can be achieved at little to no cost, especially at the design planning stage.

• CPTED can be integrated into the shopping experience to improve profitability and sales.

• Risks of litigation and financial liability are reduced when CPTED is used.

Once a building has been constructed, security weaknesses and risks begin to

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manifest themselves, but it can be far too expensive to make basic structural changes to correct them. However, a welltrained CPTED security professional will likely be able to apply strategies to achieve the desired security enhancements at a fraction of the cost.

Aside from having a time-delayed safe, cash control policies and an employee safety training program in place; a combination of the below security measures can help retail stores cut down considerably on crime, allowing business owners to rest easier: Physical Security Options

As you develop the physical security aspect of your security plan, be sure to consider well-tested measures, like a combination of locks, cameras and alarms, in your retail store. Here’s how each of these options help: High-Security Locks: Installing high-security locks to exterior doors can guard you from break ins, even by the most determined intruder. Locks should be commercial grade and the doorframe should be reinforced to provide additional protection.

Intrusion Alarm Systems: An intrusion alarm system is a fail-safe measure that alerts the business owner when an event in the store seems threatening. They not only scare away intruders, but they will initiate a law enforcement response.

Digital Video Recorder Security System: The clear presence of a CCTV system, complimented with signage stating surveillance equipment is in use, have been found to have a deterrent effect by increasing risk of identification to a potential offender.

However, we must remember that a surveillance system is more of an investigative tool than a crime deterrent – installing a camera doesn’t equal security, but the proper placement of a camera can make your store feel and appear safer.

Having an adequate system, with a minimum hard drive memory retention of 30 days will greatly assist police in their investigation to identify an offender.

Interior Store Layout

Several characteristics of a store’s interior layout can influence its vulnerability to be victimized by crime, especially a robbery.

Most important is visibility, from two perspectives.

First, employees should be able to maintain a visual of their surroundings and second, individuals outside the store, including patrolling police, should be able to see into the store. Potential offenders can be deterred by brightly lit stores in which employees and the store’s pay point area are clearly visible from the street, this can be achieved by having LED lights installed.

Having a clear unobstructed storefront can be accomplished at little to no cost by simply reducing window signage and reviewing the placement of store displays/ shelving around the store to ensure they remain low-profile with height levels

always keep the area clear and acts as a visual deterrent by fostering a sense of police presence and community engagement through the Crime Stoppers logo with the reflective words “Community Safety First” printed on the decal. The existence of the decal is further intended to draw and capture witness potential by getting people both inside and outside of the store to pay attention to the Clear Zone area.

Ultimately, the program strives to deter offenders from targeting the store location altogether because of the inherent risks of getting caught are perceived to be higher.

Exterior Store Environment

The red Clear Zone decals provide a constant reminder for employees to always keep the area clear and acts as a visual deterrent by fostering a sense of police presence and community engagement

staying below four feet. This will allow an employee to observe the movement of customers or potential offenders while in the store; and will also give employees the opportunity to provide superior customer service.

A program called The Clear Zone can be an effective way to enhance this visibility.

The program is intended to strip away the offenders’ anonymity through strategic placement accomplished by identifying a prominent window that overlooks the cash handling area and ensures promotional materials do not obstruct the view into and out of the store. With the majority of transactions, including robberies, taking place at the sales counter removing signs from the window eliminates the cover it provides for an offender.

The prominent window is then highlighted and defined through the application of the red Clear Zone decals that borders the window. The decals provide a constant reminder for employees to

Once again, visibility is also a factor outside the store. Poorly lit parking lots and building lighting increase the likelihood of an offender to select and victimize your location. The use of LED lights in strategic areas on the exterior will provide adequate illumination of the property. This will provide employees to observe what is occurring outside and affords the ability of passersby to provide informal surveillance of the store’s interior and exterior.

Another equally important factor to look at is the availability of potential escape routes, which is a consideration in determining whether or not a store could be a prime crime target. For instance, poorly designed fencing and landscaping (or the absence of it) can facilitate an offender’s quick flight from the store, thereby making the store a more attractive target.

There are many effective security measures that can be implemented, however until a risk assessment on the specific location is completed a defined security design is difficult plan for. It is important to remember, a good physical security design can mitigate, if not prevent, new and unforeseen risks and threats to your retail location. Make security planning a priority.

Reference: Crowe, T. D., & Fennelly, L. J. (2013). Crime prevention through environmental design (Vol. 2). Waltham, MA: Butterworth-Heinemann.

Sean Sportun, ICPS, is manager, Security & Loss Prevention for Circle K Stores – Central Canada. He can be reached at sean.sportun@circlek.com.

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by James Costanza

NEW WALK-IN PANEL-FRAME SYSTEM SIGNIFICANTLY LOWERS C-STORE ENERGY COSTS The extent to which the convenience store industry has become embedded in

Canadian culture was confirmed on Aug. 30, 2017. That’s the day that the country, which was marking its sesquicentennial, celebrated its first National C-Store Day. According to the Canadian Convenience Stores Association (CCSA), the national recognition “was an opportunity to help raise the profile of c-stores” by “reinforcing the critical role that… convenience stores in Canada play in growing the communities they serve.”

The numbers certainly merited that recognition. According to the CCSA’s 2017 Annual Facts & Figures Report, there were 27,239 c-stores in Canada at the end of 2016, a 2.8 per cent increase over the

26,486 that were in operation at the end of 2015. These sites employed more than 234,000 people and produced more than $56 billion in annual sales revenues.

While 65 per cent, or 17,689, were defined as being independently operated – meaning they were overseen by retailers that controlled the site’s operations, including determining and tracking inventory, even though their gas offering may be branded – these were not just one-off mom-and-pop shops. In fact, 60 per cent of Canada’s c-store sites have more than 800 square feet of retail space, with onein-five having a footprint of more than 1,800 square feet.

So, it goes to figure: larger c-stores, larger product offering, larger inventory,

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larger storage requirements, larger on- freezers. This new panel-frame system site walk-in coolers and freezers – and has been designed to offer optimal larger electric bills. thermal-envelope performance that results in lower energy usage and utility When The Bill Comes Due costs, while performing comparably to Controlling utility costs is a front- traditional wood-frame panels in span of-mind concern for c-store retailers tests. because electricity charges are a large This new panel-frame system design part of a site’s monthly budget. Because combines the proven structural strength these costs can be volatile, the site of wood framing with the thermal peroperator must perform the delicate formance of polyurethane insulation. balancing act of deploying equipment The system features a foam-frame comthat is energy-efficient while it can also ponent with a structural element embedreliably provide the necessary cooling ded in it, resulting in a framing system and freezing capabilities. that increases walk-in unit R-values to a Walk-in coolers and freezers must per- level that significantly slows the rate of form two crucial tasks: withstand the heat/humidity flow and condensation daily abuse to which they are susceptible, formation, while limiting issues affectand be constructed in a way that they are ing life-cycle performance. resistant to the intrusion of exterior heat The key to the improved performance and humidity. These intruders result in of this new panel-frame system is a methcondensation formation that will nega- od of construction that injects a polyuretively affect the walk-in’s thermal and op- thane foam insulation jacket around the erational lifespan. A cooler or freezer that structural member. The polyurethane is works harder to maintain predetermined injected with a blowing agent that can temperature and humidity levels will form a rigid plastic, but only three per gobble up energy at a prohibitively high cent of the material in the foam insularate of electricity consumption while tion is a solid. The other 97 per cent conbeing more susceptible to breakdowns sists of millions of miniscule air bubbles that require costly maintenance or even that have the blowing-agent gas inside replacement. them. These air bubbles are better able According to the website electric- to resist the flow of heat through them choice.com, the average cost of a kWh when compared to wood. of electricity in the United States (with Additionally, the density of the polyrates in Canada generally in line with urethane foam is only five pounds per those in the U.S.) was 13.19 cents as of cubic foot (lbs/ft3). By comparison, March 2019. This is a cost that can add wood framing weighs between 27 and 30 up rapidly if inefficient or ill-performing lbs/ft3, making it up to 15 times denser walk-in coolers and freezers require ex- than the polyurethane foam, and the cessive amounts of electricity. principle of thermodynamics tells us Therefore, it would behoove budget- that heat can flow more easily through conscious Canadian c-store operators to identify and incorporate walk-in cooler and freezer technology that is able to withstand the efficiency-robbing assault KPSG tongue-groove of exterior temperatures and humidity.

To The Rescue

Fortunately for those retailers attempting to find a walk-in panel system that combines structural strength with optimized heat and humidity resistance, KPS Global, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA, has created the FUSIONFRAME panelframe system for walk-in coolers and

Walk-in coolers and freezers must perform two crucial tasks: withstand the daily abuse to which they are susceptible, and be constructed in a way that they are resistant to the intrusion of exterior heat and humidity.

KPSG structural-core

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA 

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denser materials. The result is that using polyurethane foam gives this new panelframe system an R-value of R5.9 per inch of thickness, while the typical R-value of wood is R1.2 per inch of thickness, making it around five times more resistant to heat flow than wood.

There are four main benefits for operators who outfit their walk-in coolers and freezers with FUSIONFRAME: • Energy Savings. A high volume of heat that flows into the walk-in unit forces the refrigeration system to work harder to remove it. If less heat is flowing into the unit, there is less that needs to be removed, meaning the refrigeration system doesn’t work as hard. This requires less electricity to power the system, lowering utility costs.

• More Airtight Construction. When two pieces of wood are joined together there will be a temperature difference at the joint. It is in this area, where the temperature is lower, that the heat will conduct at a greater rate.

This new panel-frame system uses a tongue-and-groove connection that fits together more snugly at the joints than wood. This allows the frame components to seal themselves through a locking action that restricts moisture vapor from entering into the center of the panel joint.

• Warmer Joint Surfaces. With less heat transmitting through the new frame, the outside surface of the joint stays warmer, thereby significantly reducing the possibility of condensation formation in high-humidity environments.

• Energy-Efficiency Standards. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has created an energy-efficiency standard for the insulation used in constructing the walk-in unit’s walls and ceiling, which is also a good guideline for Canadian c-store operators. The minimum R-value for the freezer wall and ceiling insulation must be R32.

However, walk-ins built with woodonly frames will allow a level of heat conductance that can reduce the overall R-value to as low as R21. Operators can get an assist in maintaining – or improving – the R32 R-value threshold

by using this new panel-frame system in their walk-in units.

The c-store market has established itself as a critical one in the Canadian economy, but only those sites that are able to control their utility costs can truly optimize the bottom-line performance of their operations. This new panel-frame system provides c-store operators a revolutionary new way to keep energy consumption and

costs down, while still maintaining the structural integrity of traditional wood panel-frame systems.

James Costanza is a technical fellow for KPS Global, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA, and can be reached at james.costanza@ kpsglobal.com. For more information, visit fusionframe.com.

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA 

by Josh Hart

WHY DO T I NEED DOORS? And, what style is best for my application?

he main reason carwashes utilize doors in carwash applications is for one of two reasons, either to retain heat in a bay or to offer security when the wash is closed.

If you operate in cold climates, doors are a necessity to keep your equipment from freezing during the winter months.

There are however many other reasons that certain types of carwashes use doors.

1) Noise reduction: With many new washes going up in highly populated areas, noise can be a problem for local residences or businesses. Many cities will now require doors specifically for the purpose of reducing noise level in these highly-populated areas. The typical polycarbonate door is constructed of 5/8-inch thick multi-wall polycarbonate. Having multiple layers will greatly increase the amount of sound blocked by the door. A polycarbonate panel will reduce the noise level from the wash by approximately 21 db. A vinyl roll up door on the other hand is a single layer typically constructed of 22 oz vinyl material.

However, if the door properly seals the opening, this type of door can reduce the noise level by approximately 15 db.

2) Traffic flow: Traffic flow in any rollover or tunnel wash can be tricky.

There are normally signs or lights to signal when a vehicle should enter the bay, but if a customer is not paying attention to these signals, they may enter the wash at the wrong time and throw off the wash cycle. Having doors that open and close between wash cycles can clearly define the appropriate times for the vehicles to enter and exit the wash bay.

3) Wind reduction: This is important in all types of carwash applications.

Often, a carwash bay can create a wind tunnel. With too much wind, the chemical is blown everywhere but on the car like it should be and can affect the finished wash. In warmer climates, many people add just one door to solve this problem. In the self-serve

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CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA 

application where people exit their vehicles one or two doors will not only block the wind, but provide a warmer, more enjoyable washing experience for the customer.

4) Water run off: Doors not only keep the chemical from spraying outside of the bay from the wind, but can eliminate water runoff that should be going in the drains from running out of the wash into the parking lot or streets.

What are the differences between vinyl and polycarbonate doors, and are other types available?

There are many types of doors available in the market, but only two styles that have been designed for and have succeeded in the carwash application.

The first style and the most popular over the last few decades has been the overhead polycarbonate style. The other style is a vinyl roll up door. Vinyl roll up doors have been around forever, but have only been modified and used in the carwash market for the last nine to 10 years. Both style doors have clear panels to allow natural light into the bay and both are constructed of corrosion resistant hardware to survive the tough environment. The big differences come down to a few key items.

1) Speed: A polycarbonate overhead door can be paired with a pneumatic opener or an electric opener and will typically operate at speeds up to 18 inches per second. However, the vinyl roll up door is only available with an electric model opener and will operate at speeds of up to 34 inches per second giving it a slight edge over overhead style when you are opening and closing the door after every car.

2) Security: The edge definitely goes to the polycarbonate door in this category. The polycarbonate used in the sectional overhead doors has an impact resistance 200 times that of a glass panel. It can take impacts comparable to that of a steel door, but does not leave dents to show for it.

Paired with a pneumatic opener that holds pressure from the operator on the door in the closed position it is very difficult to break through or lift this style door. The vinyl roll up door

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on the other hand offers no security aluminum and polycarbonate of the level whatsoever. You can easily lift overhead style door. the door up or cut through the vinyl to gain access to the bay. However, the Once I determine the style of door vinyl style door can be mounted on that works best for my application the outside of the building or inside are there other things to consider? a separate security style door if you Let’s start by breaking down the two styles. want to run this type of door between If you determined that a polycarbonate every car and just have the security overhead door would work best for you there are a number of items to consider door to close at night. at the time of purchase: 3) R-Value: This is a category that does not easily provide a clear-cut winner. 1) Hardware options: When purchasing a door for a carwash environment, Your typical polycarbonate door will there is a good chance that it is gooffer an R-value around three to four ing to get a lot of water and chemical where a vinyl roll up door does not spray on the door itself and attached hardware. If you purchase a door package consisting of corrosion reTHE POLYCARBONATE sistant components you will greatly USED IN THE SECTIONAL reduce the amount of maintenance OVERHEAD DOORS HAS required down the road. Plastic AN IMPACT RESISTANCE hinges, plastic track, stainless steel 200 TIMES THAT OF A bearings, shaft, and hardware have GLASS PANEL. IT CAN TAKE a lifespan over double your standard IMPACTS COMPARABLE TO components with little or no mainTHAT OF A STEEL DOOR, tenance. A key factor on the overBUT DOES NOT LEAVE head style polycarbonate door is to DENTS TO SHOW FOR IT. look at the Strapeze Counterbalance System instead of torsion springs to balance your door. The best torsion springs are only good for 100,000 have a registered R-Value. However, by cycles while the Strapeze system is operating the vinyl door up to twice as rated for 500,000 cycles. To get the fast you can retain much of the heat max life out of your springs you need in your bay that escapes when the to grease them on a regular basis and doors open and close. the grease drips down on your door 4) Knock out ability: The edge here panels. The Strapeze system requires goes to vinyl roll up styles. Most are zero maintenance. Furthermore, to designed with the ability to break out replace your springs you need to take of the tracks when impacted and have down your shaftline to perform the a reset feature that will pull the door work where the Strapeze system is back into the track on the next cycle. mounted off to the side of the door The polycarbonate doors will most and can be worked on without removlikely suffer damage on impact and ing any other components of the door. will require replacement panels to fix The Strapeze Counterbalance System the door. Therefore, with roll up doors is only recommended on doors that you suffer less downtime if your door have an automatic opener and not for is impacted and avoid the repair costs use on manually operated doors. to replace the door panels with over2) Operator styles: There are really head doors. only two styles to choose from when 5) Appearance: This one comes down it comes to openers for overhead to personal preference. With the vidoors. The first is a pneumatic opennyl roll up door you must have a solid er. The most popular style pneumatic top panel, but can mix and match the opener is a direct drive style opener. intermediate panels with clear panIt attaches directly to the door to els or colored vinyl. Many people like open and close the door. By attaching the look of the colored vinyl where directly to the door and not turning others prefer the straight anodized

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the shaft to operate the door, the door and operator are always in sync. This ensures that if the door stops for any reason the operator also stops which eliminates the possibility of the cables slacking and coming off the cable drums on the shaft. Pneumatic openers are constructed of anodized aluminum or stainless steel making them ideal for the carwash environment.

They are also designed to operate at very high cycles so you can open and close the door between every car. The other style is an electric opener. There are a lot of different options when it comes to electric overhead door openers, but very few are actually designed for the carwash environment.

The most popular style is a jack shaft opener that has been modified with stainless steel drive shaft and coated windings inside the motor. This style opener has proven successful in the carwash market. However, you need to keep in mind that this style opener turns the shaft rather than attaching

directly to the door so you are more prone to cable jumping as mentioned above.

If you decided that the roll up style door is best for you there are fewer options to consider. Most of the time these doors are designed as a package. Be sure to confirm with your door supplier that the door you choose was manufactured specifically for the carwash environment. Some of the items to look for would be stainless steel shaftline, stainless steel bearing plates, stainless steel bearings, stainless steel fasteners, and tracks made of a corrosion resistant material. The best operator for these style doors is an electric jackshaft model. There are no cables with this style door so cable jumping is not an issue.

There are many options with colors and clear panels available so reach out to the manufacturer to get a complete spec sheet showing your options.

If you have reviewed all the above information you should have a better idea of what style door would work best for your application. Verifying that the hardware

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package you chose consists of materials designed for the carwash environment will drastically reduce the maintenance on your doors as well as the long-term performance of your system. Regardless of what style you choose, your doors need to be cleaned regularly to maintain a new appearance. All of the chemical used to clean your car ends up getting sprayed all over the door and hardware. It is sprayed off the car in the wash process, but ends up building up on the door panels if they are not cleaned off regularly. Contact your door manufacturer or distributor to get recommendations on what works best to clean your style of door. Manufacturer’s websites usually offer a variety of resources such as owner’s manuals, maintenance manuals, and specification sheets that can also help you to make a well-informed decision.

Josh Hart is the president of Airlift Doors, Inc. and can be contacted at jhart@ airliftdoors.com 612-529-1000 #106.

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by Dave Bowen

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Electric Vehicles Are Coming -

ARE YOU READY? Predications are in the next three to five years, 50 per cent of the vehicles in North America will be electric.

Whether this is a true fact or not, EVs are already here and sales are growing rapidly every year.

Almost every major car manufacturer now has at least one electric vehicle model to offer, and several are gaining ground on industry leader Tesla. As well, many provinces have major incentive rebate programs available on electric vehicle purchases.

The question now for EV owners is: “where do I charge my vehicle when I’m away from home?” Municipalities and cities are now researching strategic placement locations for EV charging stations for urban centres offering long term parking areas. Auto dealers are all installing charging stations not just for their customers’ convenience, but also for charging the dealership EV inventory.

But what about retail locations in

general? With a growing demand for units at retail locations, consumers may find both free charging stations, seen as customer service, and pay to charge usually by credit card stations.

Some of the big grocery chains are already installing chargers, as test sites, to determine customer usage, ease of parking and hooking up, as well as units like Praevar that can also offer ad value LED/Digital graphics for in-store products, specials, and even store mapping.

Retail petro service centres on Canada’s major highways are a natural fit for EV charging stations as electric vehicles can now travel much further on one charge but will still require re-fuelling, or recharging along the way. Small, more affordable EV chargers are now available for every day use at some convenience stores and retail petroleum locations.

Operators have the option of installing single EV pedestals as stand alones, wood post mounted or installed on an existing lighting pole with hydro readily available. Following the installation of an EV station, the only decision remaining is whether to offer level one, two or three charger units.

These charge levels determine the length of time to reach full charge. For instance, some of the grocery chains are looking at level three because this level of charge takes approximately 30 minutes and time is geared to the estimated time that a customer might spend in this location, or perhaps might spend more time thereby having to purchase more time waiting to reach full charge.

As well, retailers have another opportunity to go green. Many of you have converted, in one form or another, to LED

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Making your site appear brighter and safer at night could be attained by using pole mounted LED lighting to illuminate EV charging stations.

lighting or perhaps, sign technology inside and outside, contributing to the green movement. By offering customers an EV charging station at your site, you’re inviting more environmentally conscious users to enjoy the services you offer while they are purchasing other items in your store or perhaps having a coffee and donut or sandwich.

On larger sites such as a major highway service centres or large truck/retail stops, making your site appear brighter and safer at night could be attained by using pole mounted LED lighting to illuminate EV charging stations.

Praevar utilizes two technologies, one for clients that realize that ad value can add sales and profits to their existing locations. So beside stand-alone wood post or pedestal mount units or to an existing lighting pole they can also have self contained units with built in LED and digital running ads.

These EV charger units allow you to advertise in store specials, carwash deals, new products, and loyalty rewards, etc. These units are wireless and blue tooth compatible easily programed or changed every minute, hour, or day just

another tool to set you aside from your competitors.

The second technology is the stand alone EV charger only in a pedestal form, wood post mount or onto an existing lighting pole and available in level one, two or three charging power.

You may not be ready to consider EV charging at the moment but your competition is, and as new requests come in every day and the fact we are creatures of habit those that offer EV charging now will become a destination point, hard to change once it becomes the norm, and so will all their increased sales and extra profit.

So this is one case when you know your customer won’t be afraid to say “charge it please.”

Dave Bowen has over 42 years of experience in the specialty and lighting industry and the last 22 years in the c-store/ retail petro market specializing in LED lighting technology. He is the owner and president of Roctan 2000 Ltd and can be reached at 548-888-1113 or by email at db@roctan2000ltd.com.

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by Steve Lieneman

Free vacuums has become nearly synonymous with carwashes in the past 10 to 15 years as express exterior washes have boomed.

FREE VACUUM IS A GREAT BUSINESS MODEL. BUT IS IT THE ONLY WAY TO GO? NO.

PAID VACUUM? IT’S POSSIBLE – AND BECOMING MORE POPULAR PAID VACUUM – or even a combination of both free and paid – is not only possible in the current market, it can be truly preferable and profitable.

Why paid vacuum?

Reasons for choosing paid vacuum vary. Some wash owners simply dislike offering something for free.

Free vacuum is a bit of a misnomer, though, since wash owners typically factor the cost of a vacuum system investment into wash package pricing.

Nonetheless, some owners feel labeling vacuums as free devalues their brand or the service.

Other operators don’t want to miss potential revenue from customers who

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA 

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in smaller markets with little competition find they can charge for vacuum because no one nearby is offering it for free.

Similarly, a wash in a market with older washes that charge for vacuum (which had been the norm prior to the boom in express tunnels) has no problem directly monetizing vacuums because customers there are used that approach.

Other savvy number crunchers scrutinize data and tailor wash package pric-

New technology and savvy business planning are driving the increasing numbers of washes charging for vacuum. Bliss Car Wash, which has several locations in California and is pictured here, has incorporated innovative pay stations at some sites that allow the company to offer a unique combination of free and paid vacuum. Image source: Vacutech

want only to vacuum but not wash their vehicles.

Many wash operators appreciate the speed paid vacuum offers plus the resulting profits. Often when customers must pay for vacuum, they spend less time than if the vacuums were free. Less time on the lot means more volume, more revenue.

That was the case for Bliss Car Wash, which has several locations in California and more in the works. California real estate is expensive, so large sites aren’t part of the Bliss business model, says Field Operation Support Manager Steven Zarate. Bliss bases its business model on small, conveniently located sites that emphasize monthly memberships.

The Bliss business model includes a combination of free and paid vacuum.

Club members receive unlimited free vacuum time. Single-wash purchasers receive a set amount of free vacuum and can buy additional vacuum time.

Each Bliss site has about seven to nine vacuum stalls.

“We had to figure out a way to be able to provide vacuum time for our members,” Zarate said. “The only way we could do that is by controlling the vacuum time.”

The approach has worked well – club members find open vacuum stalls despite Bliss having smaller sites.

Wash owners with paid systems also recognize that until the express tunnel boom, customers traditionally paid for vacuum via a coinbox or by paying attendants at full- or flex-service washes.

While current industry wisdom may feel like free vacuum is the only option, many operators find customers across the country are used to paying for vacuums and think nothing of it.

Why the rise in paid vacuum?

Paid vacuum or a paid/free combination are increasing in popularity due to creative, smart business planning plus innovations in vacuum and point of sale technology.

As the carwash industry has grown in recent years, investors and owners have become financially more savvy and have incorporated paid vacuum into overall business planning.

Investors and owners now heavily analyze factors such as wash startup and operating costs plus market conditions.

They’ve determined paid vacuum can be a profit center once woven into an overall business plans. For example, washes

ing such that they can collect on both washes and vacuums.

New technology is also driving the return to paid vacuum. Companies are unveiling new ways to make paying for vacuum easy and convenient for both wash operators and their customers.

Innovations include point of sale systems that allow customers to pay at individual vacuum stalls rather than having to walk to a centralized purchase point.

Customers are also much more likely to readily pay for vacuum when they can do so with a credit card rather than an oldfashioned coin box or be hassled with a change machine.

Still, many operators want the option

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

51

to offer not just free vacuum and paid vacuum but also the flexibility to switch between the two models as needed.

To address market demand, Vacutech recently introduced PIVOT – a technology innovation that allows wash owners to simultaneously offer both paid and free vacuum and seamlessly switch between the two.

PIVOT integrates with point of sale systems to control vacuum settings.

Vacuum hoses are nonfunctional until triggered. To turn on an individual vacuum stall, options include scanning a bar code created with a wash purchase, entering a code, or paying with a credit card, or mobile pay. PIVOT allows wash operators to customize vacuum control settings. For example, basic wash purchases might include five minutes of

“It was not about charging for (vacuum) or creating an extra profit center,” Zarate said of PIVOT allowing Bliss to easily and seamlessly limit vacuum time on its small wash sites. “Eventually, though it will create an extra profit center.”

Paid vacuum, seen here at Blaine Street Car Wash in Riverside, California, is making a comeback after years of free vacuums being the norm with the boom of express exterior car washes.

Image source: Vacutech

free vacuum while top wash packages might receive 12 free minutes and club members have no limit. Or a special promotion might include free vacuum for everyone for a given month.

Bliss has sites that include PIVOT and the technology has simplified what can be hassles for the company, Zarate said.

The sites with PIVOT are easy for the company to set the vacuum controls to differentiate between club members and single wash purchases. Single-wash customers can then also buy more time – an added revenue perk.

“It was not about charging for (vacuum) or creating an extra profit center,” Zarate

said of PIVOT allowing Bliss to easily and seamlessly limit vacuum time on its small wash sites. “Eventually, though it will create an extra profit center.”

At Bliss sites that don’t have the free/ paid vacuum technology, signage informs customers of intended time for club members versus single wash purchases. Car wash teammates are then tasked with enforcing the guidelines, and that can be a hassle. The ability to have vacuum controls both flexible and automated has been very beneficial, Zarate said.

How do I choose between free, paid or combined?

More important than the vacuum payment model is to first choose a powerful, reliable vacuum system

customers will enjoy using. A phenomenal vacuum system will generate return customers, which in turn builds ROI. Once you’ve selected a great vacuum system, research how to incorporate it into your business plan. Check out competitors. Visit nearby markets to see what trends might be headed your way. Connect with other owners and operators. Talk with vendors about what new technology is available. Run your numbers.

Do your homework, and you just might find paid vacuum is a solid fit for your wash.

Steve Lieneman is vice president of sales & marketing for Vacutech.

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by Timothy Hogue

TAKING YOUR CARWASH BUILDING TO THE

NextLevel

Now we have drones, virtual reality, augmented reality, BIM, project management and more. It doesn’t stop there!

In recent years, there have been many advances in

building and construction materials.

There has been a much-anticipated revolution in the construction industry regarding materials as well as building design. Now we have drones, virtual reality, augmented reality, BIM, project management and more. It doesn’t stop there! Researchers and various institutes are taking building technology to the next level. New developments in self healing as well as lighter weight concrete, 3d printing, more efficient solar panels and various other construction materials has been aggressive and intense. These benefits may not be available in the near future, but there are advances in construction that can be realized today.

Due to these new advances and innovations in materials as well as construction techniques, there are many options to consider when either building your new carwash or considering remodeling an existing one.

Insulation Systems

Whether you are building a new carwash or remodeling, one of the main considerations is keeping your energy costs controlled. One of the main criteria affecting new commercial construction, as well as remodeling an existing commercial building, is the increased energy codes. These have been developed by the International Code Council, a member-focused association dedicated to helping the building safety community and construction industry provide safe, sustainable, and affordable

construction through the development of codes and standards used in the design, build, and compliance process. Most communities and many global markets choose the International Codes, or I-Codes. Providing minimum safeguards for people at the workplace, the I-Codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety and fire prevention codes.

This latest version also references other codes and criteria which affect most North America as well as global markets.

This can affect many other items in the design of your new carwash building but the major issue is R-Value: How efficient the insulation systems are that have been designed in the structure in order that it might have less energy consumption and become more energy efficient. The main requirement is continuous insulation. This is insulation that is continuous across all structural members without thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings.

It is installed on the interior or exterior or is integral to any opaque surface of the building envelope.

There are many recent advances in exterior sheeting options that are available today that help you to meet the new energy codes by combing a vapor barrier, rigid sheeting, built in exterior rigid insulation, continuous air barrier as well as structural durability. Thus meeting the definition of continuous insulation. Since it combines rigid insulating foam and structural sheathing into a fabricated product that provides uninterrupted exterior insulation, air sealing, and a solid nailing surface for exterior finishes, many find it helps meet new code requirements in less time and with much less cost.

Magnesium Oxide Board

Another very exciting product available today and one that is a tremendous innovation in the carwash industry and should be used in every modern

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carwash building, whether doing new construction or a remodel, is magnesium board. This product represents a dramatic shift in sheet building technology and has been designed to replace plywood, OSB, fiber cement and gypsum based sheet building products. The proprietary design and formula offers superior structural and high-impact strength, stiffness, durability and fire-resistance.

The interesting aspect to the carwash owner is that this board material is impervious to water, dimensionally stable when wet, structural when wet, does not warp, does not swell, and does not delaminate. It is completely inorganic, does not mold or feed mildew, is termite proof, contains no toxins or formaldehyde and is paintable with any typical acrylic paint.

There are multiple locations that you can utilize this material in your new carwash building or a remodel project.

Magnesium board can be used as exterior wall sheeting, as a paintable exterior cladding treatment, as an underlayment in any wet area i.e. as an underlayment behind PVC for structural support. It can also be used in place of sheetrock in typical office areas, restrooms and any place where water is of concern. This board comes in multiple sizes and is easy for the contractor to install. It scores and snaps easily, lighter than fiber cement products,

has excellent nail holding capabilities, and you can achieve a level five finish with less paint and materials.

High Efficiency Waterproof Linear LED Systems

Another innovative item that is purpose built for the carwash industry, as well as a great energy saver, is LED Lighting but not just any LED lighting but linear waterproof fixtures that have polymeric outer housings that provide superior waterproof capabilities as well as chemical resistance. This is especially important in the harsh conditions of the typical carwash tunnel. Installing these bright, linear LED lights is a great way to modernize an existing carwash.

These modern linear fixtures feature quick connect cabling couplings that allow a day chain connection which creates less hard wired locations and saves money on installation. There are many choices in LED lighting today but it is important to look for fixtures that have an embedded aluminum heatsink which provides ample cooling for a long lifetime and allows the fixture to operate in both cold and hot weather environments. The light output can range up to 12000 lumens as well as have efficiency up to 140LPW. The lights can be mounted on structural members or sidewalls inside the car wash building,

on board equipment, on exterior wall areas for accent as well as vacuum systems where certain types of LED can be curved or bent to match a desired profile shape.

Building Systems

Of course, when it comes to either building a new carwash facility or remodeling an existing one, there are many options regarding framing systems. There is typical block construction, however this type of construction has limitations in design and is also becoming more difficult to meet the latest energy codes due to its poor insulative nature. Wood construction, however it has obvious issues regarding a water intensive structure such as a carwash. Steel construction which is superior in structural integrity but can often be difficult regarding carwash design due to exposed fasteners and water retaining spaces etc. Modular construction is great in that the structure or additions will come in modules that can be installed quickly when located on site however they have design restraints due to transportation limitations. The module size must be limited due to highway dimensions. Pre-engineered bolt - together tubular steel construction allows for great design early in the process while not having any of the typical issues with standard steel construction.

These structures are designed and preengineered to meet the requirements of the site location. They offer great design and structural benefits while also having certain parts pre-constructed for fast erection, however some designs maybe more appealing than others when using this type of construction.

No matter what type of construction that you undertake, careful planning in your design, as well as coach of materials is most important.

Timothy Hogue is the president of Modernwash Buildings and Solutions, MetronGarage and the Metron Group Inc. He is an industrial and architectural designer who specializes in automotive related buildings and structures. His buildings have been featured on Fox Business, as well as many architectural publications. He can be reached at tim@modernwash.net.

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CONTOURED BRUSHES ARE KEY TO SUPERIOR CLEANING OF VA R I E D W H E E L A N D R I M S U R FA C E S Wheel brushes with filaments of varied length provide necessary friction to clean both flat surfaces and intricate detailing far better than typical options.

by Del Williams

T

unnel washes need to do a great job cleaning the wheels and rims of cars, trucks, and SUVs – particularly decked out ones – to keep customers coming back. But too often standard-length wheel brushes simply scrub the flat surfaces and ride over the interior detail, leaving tightly adhered dirt and road grime largely intact.

For tunnel wash owners who cannot afford excess labor or unhappy customers, the key to providing superior cleaning of wheels and rims is to utilize wheel brushes with filaments of varied length. This provides necessary friction to clean both flat surfaces and intricate detailing far better than typical spray washing or cylindrical brushes with single-length filaments.

and/or touching them up at the end with hand brushes.

However, today eliminating manual labor from the wash process is essential to control costs as well as improve consistency and throughput. Despite this, relying on automated sprayers, even with high or low-pH chemicals plus heated water is not sufficient because dirt and road grime will continue to adhere to the wheel without physical agitation.

“The fact is that scrubbing and friction with a soft brush of varied filament length is often needed to break the bond between well-adhered dirt and the various surfaces, nooks and crannies of the wheel, rim and tire,” says Dan Pecora, owner of ChicagoIll.-based Erie Brush, one of the largest manufacturers of brush and vehicle detailing supplies to the Optimizing Wheel Cleaning international carwash industry.

In the past, it was relatively common for tunnel washes Tunnel washes have traditionally utilized rotatto get wheels clean by some form of having employees ing, pencil-type tire/wheel brushes to provide physistand at the entrance with high-pressure spray guns, cal agitation. While this works for flat surfaces, this

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approach simply cannot reach the irregular surfaces of wheels and rims, so fails to clean them properly.

“A typical pencil type wheel brush, with a flat cylindrical surface, will miss cleaning recessed areas or nooks and crannies in wheels,” says Pecora. “To really get into and clean all the contours of wheels and rims, you need a wheel brush with a contoured surface of varied length filaments.”

In order to fill this need, the industry has responded by developing innovative automated wheel brushes, with varied configurations of size and shape.

With a unique name like the Wheel Wonder, this brush is characterized by filaments that are gradually varied in length between four to six inches to create a wave-like pattern.

As a vehicle travels through the automated carwash, the longer filaments reach deep into wheel crevices while the shorter filaments clean the surface. In terms of longevity, wheel brushes can survive many thousands of vehicles with very little maintenance due to the special core that prevents bending or denting.

According to Pecora, these uniquely shaped, automated wheel brushes can be used on the smallest cars to the largest vehicles without adjustment, and are gentle on all types of wheel surfaces, whether steel or aluminum.

These wave-like wheel brushes do a consistently better job than approaches involving manual labor, which inevitably varies in quality depending on the employee, workload, and fatigue.

Of course, automating the wheel cleaning process with these types of brushes also significantly reduces operational cost.

Eliminating the manual labor involved with cleaning wheels and rims can save tunnel wash operators tens of thousands of dollars a year in labor costs. Additional savings are possible as well by reducing or eliminating expenses related to operating and maintaining high-pressure sprayers, which require heating and pressurizing the water/cleaning solution.

Tunnel wash operators who have not looked into such contoured wheel brushes will benefit from the savings and efficiencies it brings to their operations.

Del Williams is a technical writer based in Torrance, California. He writes about health, business, technology, and educational issues, and has an M.A. in English from C.S.U. Dominguez Hills.

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA 

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Greener and Healthier Growing your Business while saving the earth.

Eco-Packaging is proud to introduce a variety of environmental friendly products.

By using these compostable food service wares, we hope to reduce the environmental impacts one step at a time.

Compostable Straws

Compostable Hot Beverage Cups

Compostable Cold Beverage Cups

Trays, Bowls and Plates

For further information on Eco-Packaging Inc. and the many modern earth friendly products they have available please contact Wayne Middleton at retailconcepts@shaw.ca or at (204) 232-6763

Down on Your Corner CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA 

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Gas King welcomes its newest location with convenience store and carwash in Medicine Hat After a lengthy renovation, Gas King is pleased to introduce its newest location in Medicine Hat, its second location in the city for the chain, complete with a SnacKing convenience store and a Crown carwash that includes both a self-serve and automatic car wash, located at 642 Kingsway Ave SE.

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Morris is very pleased with the final outcome, which serves as the flagship station in Medicine Hat and employs 10 staff members.

“We purchased the site in January 2017, and ran it as an independent brand, known as Kingsway Gas & Car Wash, until we closed it for renovations,” says Brent Morris, president of Lethbridge based Gas King Oil Co Ltd. “The entire site was pretty much gutted. CTM Design Services of Calgary did all the design work and were great to work with.”

Morris further explains: “Upgrades include new fuel tanks, fuel islands, canopy and four Gilbarco fuel dispensers in the forecourt. The carwash renovations include all new wash equipment and paneling on the walls and ceiling and touch screen pay stations in all the selfserve bays and a touch screen teller at the automatic wash. The store has been totally redesigned and has all new equipment too.”

While the renovations may have taken longer than expected, Morris is very

pleased with the final outcome, which serves as the flagship station in Medicine Hat and employs 10 staff members. The new location also boasts a state-of-the art carbonated fountain drink dispenser with over 20 flavours and four flavour shots, a soft-serve ice cream machine and, of course, Williwa slush beverages, a staple at all Gas King and SnacKing locations. There is also a kitchen upstairs where they make their own sandwiches and other fresh deli items for sale at both Medicine Hat locations. Certified

by Alberta Health, Morris mentions that their all-meat submarine sandwich is already a customer favourite.

“Customer response has been great,” says Morris. “We are thrilled to serve the local community and are looking forward to adding new members to our very successful King Card Rewards loyalty program.”

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Saying Goodbye to Single Use Plastics

by Angela Altass

With the Canadian government’s

least to paper with poly lined,” said Ken recent announcement that it intends to Hsu, general manager, Eco-Packaging, ban single use plastics by 2021, now is whose products are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). the time to look for alternatives.

It is anticipated that such items as “Our company was established in 2007, plastic bags, straws, cutlery, plates, and and there was nearly no interest back then. One single sales transaction would stir sticks could be included in the ban.

A good starting point for those con- require a good amount of time to explain sidering compostable plastic as an al- and promote. Nowadays, more customers ternative to regular plastic would be to are wanting compostable, and that gives check with your local waste collection us a hint that compost and reduce is the companies to see if they will collect and solution to the single use plastic problem.”

Companies are being recognized compost these items.

“We have seen a large movement from for their efforts regarding sustaintraditional plastics to compostable, or at ability. UK-based retailer Thornton’s

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

Budgens recently received the 2019 NACS European Convenience Retail Sustainability Award for its outstanding pursuit of a significant and compelling sustainability initiative that significantly improved commercial performance, competitiveness, customer perception, staff engagement and prospects for continued financial strength.

“We congratulate Thornton’s Budgens on the award and the recognition of their efforts to raise awareness around the critical issue of plastic pollution,” said Jay Ard, vice president of industry affairs for Coca-Cola North America, which sponsored the award.

Thornton’s Budgens launched plastic-free zones inside the store in 2018 after converting 1,825 product lines to non-plastic packaging within a 10week timeframe. According to Andrew

63

Thornton, owner of Thornton’s Budgens, plastic-free is top criteria for shoppers’ choice of store, whereas a year ago it wasn’t even on the list.

7-Eleven Denmark has started offering products like fair-trade coffee served with organic fresh milk in 100 per cent plant-based cups and utilizes environmentally friendly packaging solutions wherever possible.

In Canada, most retailers would have to rely on privately operated haulers and composters who are equipped to take in compostable alternatives to regular plastic.

“If retailers could adapt 100 per cent compostable packaging at their store level, this would help them to reduce their dumping costs by only having one bin for compostable versus having three bins for garbage, recycling, and food

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“As the general public demands more compostable products over traditional plastics, conventional recycling and composting facilities will have to equip to proper standards to pick up the need,”

noted Hsu. “At this time, we encourage retailers to connect with their local or nearest private composting facility to inquire about the disposal of certified compostable products.”

Editor’s Note: This is part one of a two-part series on single use plastics. Part two will appear in the September-October issue. If you would like to share your ideas on ways to reduce single use plastics or tell our readers how your location plans to deal with this issue, please send an e-mail to editor@convenienceandcarwash.com.

scraps,” said Hsu. Facilities are required to provide proper environments for the compostable plastics, including temperatures at between 111 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, moisture and bacteria. Due to the necessary requirements to compost the products, customers would not be able to take them home and put them in their backyard compost bin.

“At this time, it is quite unfortunate that PLA (polylactic acid) products would need to go into a regular garbage bin at home due to curbside programs not supporting compostable products,” stated Hsu. “This means, compostable products would be incinerated or sent to landfill. However, compostable products are much better from the fact that they’re made from natural renewable resources, emit much less pollution and consume much less energy for their production. In an incinerator, burning PLA products emit no toxic gas, unlike regular plastics.”

With the impending federal government ban, combined with consumer interest in more environmentally friendly options, the future might include an increase in the number of facilities where compostable plastics can be processed.

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA 

For everything you need.

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CSI Introduces eyeSight.one, a Clean and Easy Chemical Measurement System that will Save You Time and Money!

What’s New

eyeSight.one is a technological breakthrough in the carwash industry that provides a quick, clean and easy chemical use measurement system that will save you a tremendous amount of time and money. eyeSight’s unique design operates with an easily removable hand pump, allowing for chemical scaling in both mL and oz for added flexibility, and is leak and spill free.

As introduced at 2019 ICA The Car Wash Show in Nashville, these are available now! To learn more and view a video, go to https://www. cleaningsystemsinc.com/eyesight-one/ If you have any questions about this breakthrough and or would like to place an order today, please contact Pat Fredrickson, AVP of Application Technologies, at pfredrickson@ cleaningsystemsinc.com or at 920.337.4464.

Essential Oils Will Make Time Spent in the Car More Relaxing Driving is a leading cause of stress in Canadians. Just commuting to work and home again can take up to an hour away from one’s day. Add in traffic snarls, aggressive drivers, and it’s easy to see how driving can add to a person’s stress level.

However, infusing some essential oils into the car can work wonders to calm an anxious driver and ease one’s mental state.

“Essential oils are well known for their refreshing and restorative properties, helping relieve headaches, ease stress and energize the soul,” says Megan Currie, senior marketing manager for Armor All Canada. “It is the little things that count.”

Essential Blends by Armor All offers seven essential oil scents in a car air freshener to enrich one’s drive, including two that are new this year.

White Tea & Rose is like a spa-on-the-go. Tea is well known as a renewing elixir, and when combined with the aroma of roses it is like a springtime walk through the garden.

Or uplift the journey with Purple Fig & Pear, reminiscent of late summer road trips through dusty tree-lined roads as the summer sun ripens fruit to sweet perfection.

Easily carried in a pocket, purse or handbag, or stored in the glove box or clipped onto the sun visor, these compact sprays come in two scents — the calming aroma of Vanilla Lavender and energizing Citrus Pomegranate.

For more information, please visit essentialblends.ca. Get all the latest updates by following Armor All on Facebook and watching its videos on YouTube.

CSI Introduces the New and Improved LustraFoam with Carnauba Cleaning Systems, Inc. (CSI) of De Pere, Wisconsin is pleased to introduce, UF431, new and improved LustraFoam with Carnauba.

This product has been designed for the ultimate show in performance with improved advanced surfactant/dispersion technology.

New and improved UF431 gives exceptional foam presentation with attractive lava-like deep orange color and pina-colada fragrance.

In addition, the product contains not only carnauba wax nanoparticles dispersion but also hydrophobic polymers as active sealants to produce the strongest protection as well as ultimate shine on the vehicle surfaces. Carnauba is the hardest wax known and is a natural water repellent and UV protector.

Provide your customers with an exceptional show and pleasing scent with a deep, glossy, ultimate shine! Learn more at https:// www.cleaningsystemsinc.com/lustrafoam-carnauba-wax/.

Please contact your regional sales manager or customer service at 920-337-2175 or customerservice@cleaningsystemsinc.com with any questions.

Reach Diverse New Markets!

Reach thousands of readers with our print & digital versions that they can access quickly on mobile devices and desktop.

Advertise Today!

FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS! go online to subscribe. visit: www.convenienceandcarwash.com (U.S. subscriptions postage rates apply.)

Register your company to be listed in our Real-time Resource Directory and the Real-time Carwash Buyers Guide.

For advertising information contact: Diana Signorile at 403-607-8133 or email: diana@convenienceandcarwash.com

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

Jay Walsh appointed executive officer of Franklin Electric MADISON, WISCONSIN USA – Franklin Fueling Systems’ President Jay Walsh has been appointed as an Executive Officer of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. Franklin Fueling Systems, LLC is a subsidiary of Franklin Electric, a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and fuel. This move is in recognition of Walsh’s critical role in the growth and continued success of Franklin Fueling Systems and Franklin Grid Solutions. In addition to his current role as president of Franklin Fueling Systems, Walsh will become a vice president of Franklin Electric.

Walsh has been employed by Franklin Fueling Systems for over 24 years and has served as president since 2017. Prior to becoming president, he was the leader for all sales and marketing efforts of Franklin Fueling Systems.

Gregg Sengstack, chairperson and chief executive officer of Franklin Electric, commented: “I am very pleased that Jay has been appointed as an executive officer of Franklin Electric, and I am confident that through his continued leadership, Franklin Fueling Systems will continue focusing on profitable growth by supplying best in class solutions for our customers.”

CALYPSO Since its’ original launch in 2001, the popular Calypso brand reinvests in itself for 2019 with a makeover that includes a new logo, new labels and cool exterior cap expressions like Shake That Glass or On Island Time. Calypso has also launched two new skus in Canada for 2019, Island Wave Lemonade (a blend of tropical fruit flavs!) and Pineapple Peach Limeade! For more info contact the Canadian importer Beverage World Inc. info@beverageworld.ca ALO Alo, the global leader in aloe vera juices, continues to innovate their product profile. New for 2019, Alo Zeal, containing real aloe vera juice and pulp harvested straight from the leaf, never from powder, paired with a ginger and lemon inspires your body with a boost of positivity.

Sweetened with cane sugar, aloin-free, gluten-free, vegan, BPA-free bottles, no artificial flavors, preservatives or colours, only real aloe vera juice and pulp. For more information, contact the Canadian importer Beverage World Inc. info@beverageworld.ca

Acqua Panna Trademarks are owned by Sanpellegrino S.P.A., San Pellegrino Terme (BG), Italy and used under licence. © 2018 Sanpellegrino

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CSI Introduces Ultra Presoak UF224, an Ultra Concentrated High Foaming Presoak Designed for High Performance Cleaning.

PetroClear’s New Diesel Exhaust Fluid Dispenser Filter Housing and Filter Element

Filtration Products to Its Line of Dispenser Filtration Products Improve DEF Quality Assurance Through Quality Filtration Albion, IL – PetroClear, a longtime trusted manufacturer of fuel-dispensing filters, has introduced new Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) dispenser filtration products designed to help prevent retail and commercial fuel site operators from distributing contaminated DEF. Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems in diesel vehicles are extremely sensitive to DEF contamination. (ISO 22241 provides stringent purity standards for DEF.) Vehicle problems stemming from contaminated DEF range from on-board indicator lamps illuminating, to premature water pump and injector wear, to SCR repair or replacement, which can be costly. PetroClear’s new DEF Dispenser Filter Housing and DEF Dispenser Filter Elements help filter contaminants before they reach the vehicle’s on-board DEF filter.

“Quality DEF dispenser filtration products, such as PetroClear’s new DEF Dispenser Filter Housing and DEF Dispenser Filter Elements, along with good DEF dispenser maintenance practices, are essential components of a strong DEF quality assurance program,” said Dwight Rutledge, PetroClear business development manager.

PetroClear’s new DEF Dispenser Filter Housing is constructed of heavy-duty 316L stainless steel for maximum durability and includes a mounting bracket kit and wrench.

Additional benefits of PetroClear’s DEF Dispenser Filter Housing include: • One-inch NPT or one-inch BSPT inlet/outlet connections are available • Includes a ring nut closure to facilitate quick cartridge changeouts • Features a spring-loaded knife edge seal that provides positive sealing for filter element PetroClear’s new DEF Dispenser Filter Elements filter urea crystals and other contaminants to prevent them from reaching a vehicle’s on-board DEF filter. Additional benefits include: • Five micron (absolute) and 10 micron (absolute) particulate removing filters are available • Filter elements help prevent SCR malfunctions resulting from DEF contamination • Elements help extend the life of vehicle’s on-board DEF filters For additional information, please visit petroclear.com or contact your local PetroClear representative.

Cleaning Systems, Inc. (CSI) is pleased to introduce a new product, Ultra Presoak UF224. This is an ultra-concentrated high performance all-in-one liquid alkaline presoak for all types of carwashes.

UF224 was developed with unique surfactant matrix, organic builder, and powerful solvent for the best performance in car wash cleaning.

The ideal ratio of surfactant/builder/solvent in the product assures the best cleaning performance, in multiple car wash cleaning situations, with attractive foam presentation for customer appeal and economics.

This product has great compatibility to other alkaline products, surfactant blends, and extenders utilizing it in various environments.

It is perfect for touchless automatics, presoak arches, prep guns in tunnel applications, and presoak and high-pressure soap in self-serve carwashes.

Ultra Presoak UF224 is a presoak that delivers optimum coverage to the surface and ensures safety and great cleaning effectiveness to the vehicle. Learn more at https://www.cleaningsystemsinc.com/product/ ultra-presoak-224/.

Please contact your regional sales manager or customer service at 920-337-2175 or customerservice@cleaningsystemsinc.com with any questions.

KPS Global Releases White Paper on Walk-In Unit Frame Performance KPS Global has produced a new white paper covering the optimization of R-values and condensation resistance through a polyurethane foam jacket around a structural core. Benefits of improved R-values and condensation resistance include energy savings and improved life cycle of the walk-in unit.

The new white paper follows the launch of KPS Global’s patented FUSIONFRAME, a new insulated panel frame system offering more than four times the R-value, 29.30 vs. 6.25, and comparable structural performance to traditional wood-frame systems. This system eliminates thermal bridging and limits heat gain, condensation development and panel joint icing.

“Keeping unwanted humidity and heat from entering walk-in storage units is the name of the game,” said Mike Eakins, CEO, KPS Global. “The wood frames that have come to define the industry have outlived their usefulness, causing excess energy usage and ongoing maintenance issues from condensation.”

In tests of a five inch insulated panel against a five inch wood-frame panel, FUSIONFRAME reduced heat gain through the freezer envelope by 50 per cent. This system also eliminates thermal bridging found in traditional wood framing. With tangible improvements in energy efficiency and comparable structural performance to wood, this system is cost-effective and environmentally conscious.

Those interested can access the white paper at kps.global/fusionwhitepaper or contact KPSG at (800) 633-3426 or fusionframe@ kpsglobal.com.

CONVENIENCE & CARWASH CANADA

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Vacuum Prospector Catches Coins Picking through carwash vacuum dirt is never a pleasant task. Someone’s got to do it, though, or you’re throwing money away!

Carwash operator Todd Perkins had been cleaning his vacuums for three years when he started to wonder how much money got sucked up across the United States. After checking census data and doing some math, Perkins estimated that carwash vacuums could be collecting up to 69 million USD each year. His seven-vacuum carwash netted almost $1,000 in change annually, so Perkins began developing a better way to catch and sort this additional income.

His solution? The Vacuum Prospector Clean Out Bucket! Designed to take the place of normal vacuum buckets, the Prospector uses a unique system of 162 holes and a false bottom.

Simply put the bucket into a vacuum and let it fill up. When ready, remove the bucket and hold it over a trash can before releasing the bottom latch. This exposes the holes and allows dirt and dust to pour out of the bucket, revealing larger and more valuable items like coins.

Each hole is smaller than both the US and Canadian dime and allows the bucket to catch all currency. In Perkins’ tests at his Oregon carwash, he easily retrieved $482 USD from the Vacuum Prospector in only six months. The US market primarily only uses coins up to 25 cents. While 50 cent and $1 coins do exist, they are not as common. This fact makes the Vacuum Prospector an extra-valuable tool for the Canadian market, where operators can collect loonies and toonies on top of smaller change.

Perkins designed the Vacuum Prospector to work in all carwash vacuums, with no retrofitting necessary. It even has out-of-the-box compatibility with J.E. Adams models! Get your own Vacuum Prospector Clean Out Bucket for only $39.95 by visiting www.vacuumprospector.com.

Paul and Michael Higgins, Co-Chairmen of Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Appointed to the Order of Canada Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee Inc. is pleased to share the news that the company’s co-chairmen and members of the founding family, Paul Higgins Jr. and Michael Higgins, have been appointed members of the Order of Canada.

The Order of Canada is Canada’s highest civilian honour. The Order was established in 1967 as a fellowship that recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

Membership is awarded to those who exemplify the order’s Latin motto, desiderantes meliorem patriam, which means “they desire a better country.” In the past 50 years, only 7,000 people have been invested into the Order. As the Governor General of Canada’s website says: “The contributions of these trailblazers are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. Their grit and passion inspire us, teach us and show us the way forward.”

In announcing the Higgins brothers’

appointment to the Order, Governor General Julie Payette’s office stated: “Michael and Paul John Higgins are renowned leaders and innovators in the food industry. Third generation cochairmen of Mother Parkers Tea & Coffee, the brothers have expanded the business nine-fold, distributing their products to every major retail grocery chain in North America. Respectful of the impacts of the industry on the environment, they launched a non-profit program, Water Wise Coffee. Discreet philanthropists, they have supported various community and national initiatives, both personally and through their company, for several decades.”

Mother Parkers is a Canadian familyowned company and one of North America’s largest manufacturers and distributors of coffee and tea products.

Paul and Michael Higgins are the third generation of the Higgins family to lead the business, which has grown from a

small wholesale grocery distributor in Toronto in 1912 to a global industry leader that employees over 1,000 people in North America and supplies some of the world’s largest retailers, restaurants and brand owners. The brothers took over from their father as co-chief executive officers in 1993 and steered the business through periods of phenomenal growth, innovation and transformation. Earlier this year, they transitioned to the roles of co-chairmen of the Mother Parkers board of directors.

In learning of their appointment to the Order of Canada, Paul Higgins Jr. said: “I am shocked, thrilled, humbled and overwhelmed to be recognized by our great country and to join the ranks of a group of truly great contributors to Canada.”

Michael Higgins added: “This is an amazing honour to be given the Order of Canada and it is humbling to receive one of the highest awards in this great country that we love so much.”

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Ad Index

Aerodry Systems, LLC......................................................... 67

Nat’l Energy Equipment........................................................8

AirServ Canada...................................................................12

Norbec................................................................................40

Bulloch Technologies Inc....................................................63

Oasis Car Wash Systems.............................................. 49, 67

CICC/NACDA ....................................................................16

OPW Fueling Systems.........................................................23

Delcan Products Ltd........................................................... 61

PDQ Manufacturing......................................................... OBC

Airlift Doors Inc....................................................................42

Nestle Water......................................................31, 44, 67, 70

AquaBio Technologies........................................................ 21

North Shore Tobacco..........................................................53

Ceres Organic ....................................................................24

On the Go Snacks...............................................................24

CoreMark Int’l................................................................15, 65

P.D. McLaren Limited.................................................... 29, 47

Distribution Regitan.............................................................33 Eco Packaging Inc..............................................................58

Erie Brush & Mfg Corp........................................................ 57

Pumps & Pressure Inc.........................................................44

RockyView Industries..........................................................28

Scholtens Inc....................................................................... 31

Gourmet Chips..................................................................IBC

Uniti.....................................................................................13

International Drying Corp....................................................70

Women in Carwash™............................................................ 7

Modernwash........................................................................36

XpresSystems Inc...............................................................39

Hilary’s (STIG).....................................................................35

Washtech Vehicle Wash Systems.......................................29

MI Petro...............................................................................19

WPMA..................................................................................22

Mondo Products................................................................ IFC

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JULY/AUGUST

SURF’S UP. With the newly redesigned Tandem Surfline, throughput and profits will be up too. Now faster and more efficient than ever before, the most innovative automatic friction wash just got better.

A second side brush helps get customers through quicker, and our wall-mount system and Ultimate Cover package is now standard. Pumps and solution controls are off-board. And with all non-corrosive materials and optional Ultimate Lighting packages, the Tandem Surfline will always look as good as it cleans.

DRIVE | CLEAN.

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