CarwashU

IT'S YOUR BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT ON JEWISH-OWNED BUSINESSES

CARWASHU, A FATHER-SON BUSINESS WITH COLLEGE CHEER

By Mitzi Saul, Marketing and Communications Director, Jewish Federation & Foundation of Northeast Florida

Ever since Andrew Jaffa attended college at the University of Michigan, and then received a second degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Florida, he dreamed of working in the automotive industry. Andrew says that owning and operating a car washing business with his father Jimmy, is like working in the automotive industry. “A car wash is a manufacturing plant where we assemble clean cars. Dirty cars go in, and clean cars come out!” Like an automotive plant, the work can be physically demanding, and all moving parts need to be well-maintained in order to effectively and safely wash hundreds of cars every day.

Although their college-themed CarwashU has only been around for a little over three years, the father-son team have been in the car wash business for a long time. Baywash was a traditional full-service wash built in 1999 and sold in 2003 as the industry moved from full serve to express car washes. From 2005 to 2016 they built and operated four CarbuX express car washes while washing approximately 3,000,000 vehicles during that time.

In the 70’s and 80’s Jimmy was busy building residential homes throughout the Jacksonville area, but he is most proud of being a co-founder of Jacksonville’s Eruv in 1999. An Eruv is a wire “wall” that surrounds the community (around 10 square miles in Mandarin) that allows observant Jews to carry items and push strollers during Shabbat and on holidays. Throughout the years he and other volunteers have spent countless hours inspecting and maintaining the Eruv. After getting out of the home building business, he built and operated self-storages and self-serve car washes. That’s where he and his son germinated the idea to build full wash tunnels.

Business is booming (especially during sunny days) and the Jaffas plan on opening another CarwashU in Orange Park later this month. With considerable investment and years of planning, CarwashU is the only flat-belt car wash in Jacksonville. Unlike the chains used at other washes, the flat belt is literally a moving sidewalk, and this means that there is no damage to tires or rims.

Andrew appreciates the innovative and technical side of the car wash. “I love the challenges, and every day is so unique. Most importantly, I’m grateful and lucky to have worked with and learned from my father. He’s been an amazing mentor for the past 25 years.”

CarwashU, “the only wheel-safe car wash” is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week and located at 6929 103rd Street on the westside of Jacksonville. The second location opening in mid-October will be at 950 Park Avenue in Orange Park. Car washes start at $8. Go to carwashu.com to learn more.

SEE & BE SCENE

THROUGH THE LENS IN NORTHEAST FLORIDA

Beth El Beaches Synagogue opened our doors to one and all (masked of course), welcoming many new families to our Open House.

Before Rosh Hashanah at Torah Academy, we invited a beekeeper over to explain the life and purpose of bees.

DuBow Preschool weekly Shoobie Doobie Shabbat with Morah Rachel

Martin J. Gottlieb Day School Middle School students during STEAM and social studies classes, building a sukkah and Beringia Land Bridge.

SEE & BE SCENE

Eleven members of The Coves created works of art in a Paint Night with talented artist Chrissy Granados last month. Chrissy had been a staff member at River Garden until early ����, when she left to pursue other interests.

River Garden fi nds wonderful ways to celebrate the High Holidays.

The Coves at River Garden is glad to be welcoming presenters from our Jewish community. To present a program in-person or virtually for members of The Coves, please contact Cheryl Fisch at (���) ���-����. Stav Brenner off ers an update on Israel for members of The Coves.

Sunday, August ��, the Jacksonville Jewish Center community gathered at Jacksonville Beach to hear the shofar blast.