IConnected cameras track a vehicle from the pay station to the tunnel, ensuring that the equipment will provide the purchased services to the correct vehicle, Davy explains. Controllers also provide safety for the consumer by controlling the conveyor and other equipment, automatically pausing the tunnel when there is a problem.
This tight control can allow for customers to receive a custom “light show” in the tunnel as well, Davy states. This feature can create a unique experience for each customer based on what was selected and purchased. Modern controllers can even activate unique signage or special lighting for any visiting unlimited wash club members.
Another advantage controllers enable is to-the-inch application of chemicals. This precise application means operators can effectively control their washes’ chemical costs. When set up correctly, equipment only sprays the vehicle, not the gap between vehicles, Davy notes. This to-the-inch application continues through the entire tunnel and applies to such services as ceramic coatings, wax applications and other necessary chemistry. This universal control not only saves on chemistry costs, but it also provides customers a better wash experience.
n any business or organization leadership is the key to success and profitability. So what is effective leadership. Whether in your car wash business or in SCWA - leadership is all about empowering an organization. The way you empower an organization is bringing people together in a positive way; providing a vision; and keeping faithful to the mission. The “Catch 22” is that leadership comes from creating order out of the chaos of many individual agendas. So the first step toward effective leadership of an organization is unity of purpose. Leaders must establish parameters, but not make them so tight that they stifle individuals’ ability to generate productive ideas and results. In business - effective leaders also understand the importance of the individual emotional aspect. Everyone needs encouragement and praise. Allow your people to be the heroes. Assure them of the importance of their contributions. Listen to them. Do not undermine the authority that you have given them. Use every opportunity to build their confidence. Reward them for above average performance. Most importantly, always let them know that you need and appreciate them.
“An empowered organization is one in which individuals have the knowledge, skill, desire, and opportunity to personally succeed in a way that leads to collective organizational success.”
Stephen Covey, author of
Energy efficiency can be another advantage. “Your tunnel controller also helps you save electricity by driving each piece of machinery in the tunnel, activating your vehicle frequency-driven devices and controlling signage and lighting around your facility,” Davy continues. “Additionally, your tunnel controller can help conserve energy by leaving your dryers on when multiple cars are in the tunnel, avoiding costly start-ups of the dryer system. Without wasting chemical or electricity, you are better able to control your per-car costs and make each service more profitable.”
“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”
In our ever-changing world, continued education and new skills training are essential to organizational success. Successful leaders empower the organization with necessary information and open communication; a person kept in the dark cannot be proactive and productive to the organization as a whole.
Leadership is the process of enabling individuals to think, behave, take action, and control work and decision-making independently. Stephen Covey, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” describes it this way: “An empowered organization is one in which individuals have the knowledge, skill, desire, and opportunity to personally succeed in a way that leads to collective organizational success.” This is our goal in SCWA – to provide the tools necessary for our members to be successful.
Bath points to efficient look-ahead features in a carwash tunnel that can include the controller keeping the blowers running for the following vehicle. Again, this step saves energy and creates cost savings. “There are many features that can help operators save power, water, etc. When you understand all these modern-day features, your process will benefit as well as your cost savings,” Bath says.
• Leadership is about networking with other leaders
With the ramped-up speeds and maximum loading efficiency needed, it is easy to see the importance of proper control in the world of express tunnel washing. Integrated and cooperative monitoring systems have proven to be a profit protector for many bustling car care operations. How do modern controllers enable these monitoring systems to prevent both loading issues and damage complaints in carwash tunnels?
Here, camera systems can provide on-site tracking and help avoid delays caused by a loader, which prevents slowed productivity and missed rollers. Inside the tunnel, cameras can even stop the conveyor when the vehicle is not where it is supposed to be, Davy states. Stopping the tunnel can prevent costly accidents and the downtime they create. These anti-collision systems allow a carwash to run vehicles closer together, further increasing valuable throughput and revenue on busy days.
and spending time with your best people. It is all part of keeping on top of current situations and not getting caught off-guard.
• It must study the competition and know the trends in the market.
• Set a higher standard for yourself than others expect of you.
• Don’t be average and ordinary in your performance. Be prepared and always be thinking ahead.
As the SCWA leadership, the Board of Directors is committed to staying focused on our mission of providing you our member the relevant resources to be the best operators in the car wash industry.
One of the resources is the SCWA Charlotte Car Wash Tour. Visit the best of Charlotte and get ideas for your car wash. To register visit www.swcarwash.org
Vehicle proximity devices, such as sonar, help identify features on vehicles so a wash can provide a better clean, Davy notes. For example, these devices can detect the windshield location, allowing for special windshield wash services or side mirror rinses. It is also possible to identify truck beds, allowing a wash to automatically turn off devices. This can prevent too much soap from being dumped into the truck bed or turn off blowers so they will not blow debris out of the bed onto other vehicles.
SCWA is continuing to identify resources that will help members and the greater car wash community rebound stronger than ever. We believe there are opportunities to be found even in times like now. This effort will lead into the 2021 Convention & EXPO and beyond. SCWA is developing plans to expand many of these efforts in a broader and expanded role over the next several years. The SCWA website provides resources and links as we all continue to navigate this unprecedented time –www.swcarwash.org
Periodically SCWA members are featured in national publications. Recently SCWA member The Wash Tub’s employee was highlighted in Professional Carwashing & Detailing.
Here are just a few of the actions SCWA undertook:
• Worked with Texas Governor Abbott to have car washing confirmed as “essential businesses” in Texas.
For many of the SCWA members we are entering the season of tropical storms and hurricanes. The following is a check list for you to be better prepared in case you are facing this situation.
Preparedness Emergency Action Plan (ESP) Development
• Worked with SCWA members in many other states, such as: Colorado, New Mexico, Hawaii, Kansas, Maryland and Ohio; by providing information as to the essential business nature of car washing.
• Create an emergency action plan (EAP) and assign roles for an emergency response team (ERT) that is appropriate for your business
• ERT members should fully understand their responsibilities as well as general goals and procedures as outlined in your EAP
• Worked with many city and county officials to give car washes the option to open as essential businesses in local communities such as Dallas; Fort Worth; Greenville; Houston; Albuquerque.
We are proud to recognize today's rising young star player, Austin Mitchan.
operations and dismiss personnel
• The EAP should minimally include:
Austin Mitchan works as a manager for The Wash Tub in San Antonio. According to his nominator, Area Director Mike Mireles, Mitchan is making an impact at a young age.
◦ Contact information for ERT members, civil authorities, etc.
◦ Plans for backup communication
Thank you, Austin, for making our industry better.
Name: Austin Mitchan
Age: 24
◦ Details identifying critical areas of your facility and operation as well as those employees trained and authorized to initiate shutdown procedures
Title: Manager
◦ Plans to protect and, if necessary, relocate all vital company records
Workplace: The Wash Tub, S.E. Military location, San Antonio
◦ Plans to protect key equipment, stock/inventory, etc.
◦ Evaluation and preparation for flooding and/or windstorm-related flooding
◦ Designate an ERT member to track weather conditions and the progress of the storm
According to President Jeff Blansit, “I have been very proud of the role SCWA has played in trying to keep the car wash community working as an “essential business”. We stand ready to continue our efforts on behalf of our members and the car wash community”.
◦ Designate an ERT leader who would have authority to implement the EAP upon reaching benchmarks outlined in your EAP, including when to cease
Impact: Austin Mitchan has been with The Wash Tub for almost two years and has greatly impacted the business in that short amount of time. Mitchan is from the San Antonio community and graduated from Highlands High School. Following high school, he was accepted to the Mays School of Business at Texas A&M University, where he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business.
◦ Arrangements with appropriate contractors for poststorm repairs and supplies
◦ Details for securing the site after the storm Please consult with a professional on developing the
Kirikian Industries is in the forefront of foam washing material technology. With first hand knowledge and expertise as car wash operators, we have developed the Neoglide Technology specifically for the needs and demands of the industry. We are committed to customer service because we know and understand that customer service is the most important aspect for a car wash operator.
appropriate plan for your specific business operation. Each business is unique and requires careful evaluation and planning to prepare for a natural disaster.
• Continue to monitor and track the progress of the storm, its path and its intensity
• Determine if or when an emergency action plan should be initiated
• Follow your procedures on when to shut down operations that may be in the anticipated path of the storm
Plans to evacuate the ERT before the storm reaches your area, if evacuations become necessary, should be evaluated well in advance of the storm. Please heed the advice of local and state authorities with respect to evacuations. If it is possible for members of the ERT to remain on the premises safely during the storm, the following proactive measures may be taken to prevent extensive damages:
• Monitor for possible structural damage and make repairs as needed, if possible
• For the threat of fire, monitor water pressure for the sprinkler system and identify potential causes of fire (electrical sources) - take corrective action as necessary
• Monitor for flooding from rain or tidal surge and create barriers using sandbags as needed
Actions & Evaluations After the Storm
• Secure the site evaluating and addressing any safety hazards
◦ Check for water damage to equipment, etc. before turning on electricity and consult with an electrician as necessary
◦ Ensure that fire protection equipment is in working order and, if needed, contact the local fire department for instructions on activating fire protection components.
• Survey and take pictures of all damages
• Begin salvage and clean-up as soon as possible after addressing safety concerns and work with designated contractors to:
◦ Make temporary repairs to mitigate damage (roofing, clogged drains, broken windows, etc.
◦ Remove standing water and address moisture and the potential spread of bacteria, mold, etc.
◦ Separate damaged goods, inventory/stock from undamaged items
◦ Compile an itemized list of materials and labor used in making repairs
• Contact your insurance company to report a claim for damages
• If possible, resume operations
- Southwest Car Wash Association
s the temperatures rise outside during summer months, so do the risks that your employees may be harmed by the dangerous effects of heat. As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to help monitor and minimize the risk of heat stress for your workers.
Consider the Heat Index and Temperature
The heat index combines air temperature and humidity to determine how hot it feels outside:
• 80-90°F: Caution needed for prolonged moderate work outdoors.
• 91-103°F: Use extreme caution, reduce outdoor work, take extra breaks, and monitor workers closely.
• 103-124°F: Danger for prolonged exposure. Halt outdoor work (except emergencies) to prevent heat illness.
• 126°F or higher: Extreme danger, avoid outdoor work. High humidity above 60% affects sweat evaporation, impacting the body’s cooling ability.
Keeping Your Employees Safe
Business owners should consider monitoring daily heat index readings and adjusting work schedules and demands accordingly to prevent heat illness. Risk management tactics may help, including:
• Additional Workers: Bringing on extra workers for labor-intensive projects to allow for more frequent breaks.
• Preventative Measures: Offering regular rest breaks, shade, water, and adjusted schedules to minimize heatrelated risks.
• Acclimatization: Allowing new and returning workers to gradually increase exposure time for working in the heat.
• Appropriate Attire: Providing lightweight, breathable clothing or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for comfort and safety.
• Adjusting Workloads: Considering rescheduling highly labor-intensive tasks to cooler parts of the day if possible.
• Heat Illness Recognition: Educating workers on symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke: headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, excessive sweating, elevated body temperature, and red/hot/dry skin.
• Medical Attention: Encouraging workers experiencing symptoms to stop work and seek medical help immediately.
s an entrepreneur, understanding how to be a great leader yourself — and how to find and instill great leadership in others — is critical.
Throughout my journey as an entrepreneur and CEO, I’ve sifted through countless leadership frameworks, read tons of books, debated with colleagues and spent years figuring out what makes an effective leader. In my view, great leadership boils down to four key pillars: planning, people, process and performance.
Let’s break down each pillar, why it matters and how you can use it to become a better leader.
Planning: Conscious strategy
Planning is the first pillar of effective leadership. My
definition of planning involves setting clear, measurable goals, outlining specific steps to achieve them and creating a strategic roadmap to guide the way.
Importantly, my definition also includes prioritization. Part of planning is understanding that not everything can be a focus at the same time but also being proactive about using your resources most effectively. Whether you’re constrained by time, budget, team expertise or something else entirely, great leaders will clearly outline what their priorities are — and what their priorities are not — throughout a project’s life cycle.
To be a leader who plans effectively, you need to embrace foresight, decisiveness and a big-picture view. Practice seeing challenges and opportunities ahead, making smart
decisions and keeping a clear vision of where you’re headed. When leaders neglect planning, their teams are likely to struggle with making progress towards their goals. They may feel disorganized, overwhelmed or frustrated at the lack of results their efforts are generating. It’s the leader’s job to course correct, managing the many variables that can affect a project instead of hoping everything falls into place.
People are at the heart of any organization, and managing them well is crucial. I believe the foundation of managing people is clear communication and expectations.
Why are clear expectations so important? People can only succeed in their roles if they know what success looks like — and that alignment may not come naturally.
For example, some leaders may think “success” in a role requires constant communication and churning out deliverables. Others may think “success” requires innovative thinking and taking ownership over the role. Both perspectives are valid, but for employees to excel in their roles, they need to know how you’ll be evaluating performance and what you want to see them achieve.
By applying these pillars to your own leadership and instilling them in your team, you’ll be on the right track towards sustainable growth.
As leaders, it’s also our responsibility to organize our time so that we can manage proactively rather than reactively. This requires clear, organized and thoughtful direction to keep teams aligned and working productively.
When leaders fail to set clear expectations, teams can become confused and unmotivated. They may struggle to understand their roles or what is expected of them, leading to misalignment and decreased productivity.
It’s crucial for leaders to communicate openly and frequently, ensuring everyone is on the same page and working towards common goals. This clarity not only enhances individual performance but also fosters a culture of accountability and mutual respect.
The process pillar focuses on the importance of coordinated systems and productive organizational design. The heart of an efficient team is a well-structured organization with clear methodologies and processes. This structure serves as the foundation for building next-level growth and development. By holistically understanding the current organizational design, leaders can identify areas for improvement and implement new systems that enhance efficiency and productivity. Coordinated systems ensure that everyone is working towards common goals in a consistent and streamlined manner.
Depending on the role and organization, creating processes may require establishing standard operating procedures, optimizing workflows and leveraging technology to support organizational needs.
A well-defined process also requires regular attention. A system that’s effective and efficient today may not be effective and efficient a year from now. As your company grows, your team changes and technology advances, processes may need updates and overhauls to reflect the new environment.
When leaders overlook the importance of processes, teams can become inefficient and chaotic. Without clear systems and methodologies, you may see the effects of duplicated tasks and wasted effort on overall productivity. Effective process management enables teams to operate more efficiently, reducing redundancy and maximizing resources.
Performance: Consistent accountability
Performance is the final pillar, emphasizing the importance of consistent accountability. Effective leaders value results and hold teams and team members accountable for achieving their goals. This involves having a bias towards action, finding ways to solve problems and breaking large projects into actionable chunks.
Accountability is also about ensuring that everyone is responsible for their contributions, and that performance is regularly monitored and evaluated. Leaders need to set clear performance metrics, provide regular feedback and recognize achievements among their teams.
When leaders neglect accountability, performance can suffer. Teams may lack direction, fail to meet goals and miss opportunities for improvement. In the long term, the business may struggle to move forward at all.
By fostering a culture of accountability, leaders encourage continuous improvement and drive high performance across the organization.
At the end of the day, “being a good leader” can feel like an abstract, intangible goal. However, it really comes down to nailing these four foundational areas. By applying these pillars to your own leadership and instilling them in your team, you’ll be on the right track towards sustainable growth.
-Hope Horner MSN
eading car wash brands recognize that genuine growth hinges on forming strong connections within their local communities. Today, more than ever, developing a comprehensive community strategy and meticulously managing your online reputation is crucial. By doing so, car washes can foster customer loyalty and stand out in a competitive market.
w ith one another.
A vibrant community presence is crucial for long-term success. Top car wash brands have effectively utilized fundraising as a powerful tool for community engagement. Car washes generate goodwill, build meaningful relationships, and connect with a highly engaged audience by actively supporting local schools, sports teams, and non-profits.
But this problem is not the real problem.
These connections go beyond selling car washes to support a cause or earn money for a school trip. They allow car washes to build brand affinity within their community, attracting consumers based on these community ties and creating a strong competitive advantage.
Member-data studies have shown that demographics such as school and sports parents are loyal members who maintain their memberships longer than the industry average.
Like the Girl Scouts sell cookies through online links, car washes now have access to digital fundraising technology that simplifies the fundraising process.
Involving local non-profits and charities can also create
tem, then technology becomes a true and valuable tool, and not a dis traction.
affinity and attract new memberships. Working with organizations that put-on toy drives or food drives, where people can drop off supplies at your car wash, is an excellent way to bring new people to your location. This also creates a positive association with your car wash brand, making it more likely that new consumers will convert to members.
Connecting with larger employers in your car wash trade area can drive membership growth and create strong connections. Providing the HR manager of employers in your area with a membership and having them send out a link offering all employees a free car wash can be a powerful tactic. This approach connects your car wash with the community while expanding your member base through people who work in your area.
Creating a membership program for Veterans and First Responders is an excellent way to build an affinity with your brand in the community. Offering a discounted membership to these groups demonstrates your support for the people who serve the community your car wash operates in. Additionally, hosting special events or appreciation days for veterans and first responders can strengthen these ties. Partnering with local veteran and first responder organizations for community initiatives can enhance your brand’s visibility and goodwill.
Maintaining a polished online presence is crucial when developing a community-driven plan. AI transforms how car washes engage with customers and manage their online presence. AI-powered tools streamline review management, allowing car washes to analyze customer feedback, extract key insights, and generate personalized responses. This improves local SEO and builds stronger connections with the community.
AI tools simplify content creation and optimize posting times on social media, enhancing brand image and fostering deeper customer relationships.
Having a solid online presence is an important piece of a community strategy.
Success in the car wash industry requires a holistic strategy that combines digital fundraising, community outreach, and proper online presence management. Focusing on these areas enables car washes to create a thriving ecosystem of community engagement, customer loyalty, and sustainable growth.
Brian Mattingly, founder and CEO of Welcomemat
Small businesses felt the brunt of the economic pain during the pandemic, with one survey showing that 60% of small businesses were closed for some part of 2020.
To help offset the financial setback, the U.S. government set up the employee retention credit (ERC) program as a refundable tax credit that helped businesses continue to pay employees during shutdowns or who were financially affected by the pandemic.
However, the IRS has denied over 14,000 claims, totaling more than $1.1 billion.
Here’s what small businesses need to know about their current ERC claims and what you can do if you need to withdraw them.
In the early days of the pandemic, someone suggested to me and a group of fellow self-employed workers that we should consider applying for the credit.
If your small business needed the ERC, the program was a helpful tool to keep many businesses afloat.
I didn’t file the ERC claim since it didn’t seem to apply to me, and I hadn’t lost any work at the time. But it’s understandable how some businesses may have been confused about the credit and who could claim it.
One problem has come from groups the IRS calls “promoters,” who’ve heavily marketed the ERC credit and have convinced many small businesses to apply for credits even if they don’t qualify for them. The IRS says some promoters are still pushing small businesses to apply, calling the credit a grant, business stimulus payment, or government relief program.
The IRS recently said that it still has 1.4 million unprocessed ERC claims, which means potentially more will be denied if they’re not legitimate.
For now, the IRS moratorium that began last year on new ERC claims is still in effect. If you’re planning to file a claim in the future, the IRS released some warning signs that an ERC claim may be incorrect. You can check out the entire
list, but it includes the following red flags:
• Claiming the credit for all the quarters it was available, which is uncommon
• Claiming the credit just because a shutdown order was implemented in your area
• Making an ERC claim for all wages for all employees on your payroll
• Citing supply chain issues to claim the credit
• Claiming the credit for too much of a tax period
What to do if your small business submitted an incorrect ERC claim
The IRS has said that ERC is “one of the most complex credits” it’s ever administered, so it’s not surprising why so many small businesses have been confused by it.
Thankfully, the government has set up a withdrawal program on the IRS website where you can remove your claim if you believe it’s incorrect.
You can ask to withdraw your claim if all of these apply to you:
• You made the ERC claim on an adjusted employment tax return
• You filed your adjusted return to claim the ERC and made no other adjustments
• You’re withdrawing the entire amount of your ERC claim
• The IRS hasn’t paid your claim
• If the IRS has paid your claim, but you haven’t cashed or deposited the check
If your small business needed the ERC, the program was a helpful tool to keep many businesses afloat. But just be cautious if anyone tells you that you can continue claiming these credits or if they encourage you to fill out the claims even if you don’t qualify.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify or believe you may have filed an incorrect ERC claim, talking to a tax professional to figure out your next steps is a smart move.
-Chris Neiger, MSN
SCWA CORPORATE MEMBERS
Breeze Thru Carwash
Mammoth Holdings
Mister Car Wash
PLATINUM OPERATOR MEMBERS
Benny’s Car Wash
Carisma Wash
CarWash808 Express CLEAN
Hello Deluxe Car Wash
Living H2O
Metro Express Car Washes
Racer Classic Investments
SnapClean Car Wash
Soft Suds
Sonny’s The CarWash Factory
The Wash Shop
WhiteWater Express Car Wash
Brink Results
Coleman Hanna Carwash Systems
DRB
Erling Sales & Service
Innovative Control Systems
Micrologic Associates
Motor City Wash Works
National Carwash Solutions
Pro-Tech Service Company
Qual Chem
Quest Car Care Products
Sergeant Sudz
Simple Wash Solutions
Texas Wash Works
Ver-Tech Labs
here is a lot of variety in the carwash industry. Not only are there different types of washes, but the design, equipment, chemistry, staffing and service can greatly vary from one site to the next. However, there’s one nonnegotiable constant in every wash: Water.
Since water — and lots of it — is so essential to this industry, it only makes sense to strive for ways to maximize every single drop. That’s where the reclaim process comes in. Collecting, rehabilitating and reusing as much water as possible is essential to protect the environment, the availability of resources and a carwash’s bottom line. That’s why industry leaders are currently driving innovation to find ways to reclaim even more water than ever.
Reclaim Refresher
The amount of water used per car can vary from site to site depending on the length of your tunnel, number of applications and other variables, but a common range is 65 to 80 gallons of total water used per car.
A standard reclaim system can dramatically lower that number. Using reclaim on all the applications mentioned earlier can reduce water use to around 25 gallons per car and save a carwash about 75 cents per car. Those savings pay for the system in a year or less. They also have a major impact on your water use and your bottom line.
None of this is new information. This probably offered a nice refresher about just how valuable reclaim systems are, but you already likely knew all or most of these details. However, new advances in reclaim technology are here to take another big step.
Reclaim systems have improved vastly over the years to improve the water quality, cleanliness, color and odor. Water contaminants are measured in microns and, like golf, lower numbers are better. For reference, drinking water is 0.5 to 1 micron, and a standard reclaim system can get down to 5 microns.
“Windows down” describes how reclaim water has typically been used in carwashes for decades. That means the reclaimed water is used to rinse the sides of the car below the windows. It isn’t used for glass, mirrors or the top of the car. High-pressure pump applications, like side blasters and tire washers, are the most common and high-volume reclaim users. Reclaim water is also great for wet-downs and undercarriage applications.
However, new innovations now allow us to expand reclaim usage to more parts of the wash process. Five-micron reclaim water is great for “windows down,” but these new advances are literally taking reclaim use higher — both on the car itself and in the amount of reclaim water used.
New systems have been developed that come after the reclaim process to further improve the quality of the reused water. Thanks to extra filtration and flushing, additional contaminants smaller than 5 microns can be removed, including waxes, silicones and residual chemistry, to elevate water quality.
This process involves flushing the reclaim water through disc filters for additional cleaning. These stacks of discs capture those additional contaminants, removing them from the water to elevate the quality. The contaminants are backflushed to tanking for extended storage and additional settling, while the water is re-pressurized for use.
from, when it should arrive and what to do if it doesn't arrive. Example: If you have a rental property, your tenants or property management company might send you paper checks each month.
from, when it should arrive and what to do if it doesn't arrive. Example: If you have a rental property, your tenants or property management company might send you paper checks each month.
This “higher quality” reclaim water can be used in more applications. Throw that “windows down” philosophy right out that same window. Now, with this additional step in the process, you can use reclaim water in more applications, including top high-pressure rinses and mirror rinses. That takes your wash’s freshwater usage down even lower to around 15 gallons per car. The environmental impact continues to go down, as your savings go up.
Recurring payments— including mortgage/rent, utilities, taxes (estimated income taxes and property taxes), insurance premiums… payments made to personal or household assistance providers… and other bills that recur on a regular basis. Search your checking account and credit card transactions histories to make sure you haven't missed any of these. For each listing, provide your account number, password/PIN and the company's contact phone number or website as well as a brief description of when and how it is paid. Indicate where you wire a check or have set up automatic payments from an account.
Recurring payments— including mortgage/rent, utilities, taxes (estimated income taxes and property taxes), insurance premiums… payments made to personal or household assistance providers… and other bills that recur on a regular basis. Search your checking account and credit card transactions histories to make sure you haven't missed any of these. For each listing, provide your account number, password/PIN and the company's contact phone number or website as well as a brief description of when and how it is paid. Indicate where you wire a check or have set up automatic payments from an account.
One major area where this new approach will pay off is areas with water restrictions. In these areas, this new process can produce reclaim water that lowers your freshwater usage enough to meet even the strictest local mandates.
Any payments made annually or semiannually deserve special attention—the less often a recurring bill is paid, the greater the odds that your financial agent will overlook it when reviewing your finances. The is common with longterm-care insurance, home/auto insurance and property taxes. Highlight the dates these are due, and add a warning that this date is important. Example: A woman was in a rehab facility when her long-term-care policy's bill arrived. The deadline passed before she or her loved ones realized anything was amiss. The insurer fused to reinstate the policy.
Any payments made annually or semiannually deserve special attention—the less often a recurring bill is paid, the greater the odds that your financial agent will overlook it when reviewing your finances. The is common with longterm-care insurance, home/auto insurance and property taxes. Highlight the dates these are due, and add a warning that this date is important. Example: A woman was in a rehab facility when her long-term-care policy's bill arrived. The deadline passed before she or her loved ones realized anything was amiss. The insurer fused to reinstate the policy.
This opens the door to building sites in areas where it previously seemed too restrictive. Now, a new build with this process and proper tanking and circulation can get reclaim use all the way up to 90%.
At a new-to-the-industry site, the traditional reclaim system can be outfitted to flow some of its output to its traditional uses, and some to the new disc filter process for additional cleaning. The tanking can be built to accommodate this and keep both types of reclaim water in continuous circulation to constantly clean and improve the water quality. This
such as a friend or family member, to be
such as a friend or family member, to be notified if the policy is behind in payments.
policy is behind in payments.
circulation also prevents the water from becoming stagnant and developing additional odor.
And, there’s a solution for existing washes as well. The disc filter system can be added after a standard reclaim system as an “advanced filter.” The water flows through the reclaim system, then the disc filter system and then to the tunnel for use. This works great to increase reclaim usage at retrofits or washes without an extra storage tank.
Bank, investment and credit card accounts. Include each institutions's name and contact phone number, account number and passwords/PINs.
Bank, investment and credit card accounts. Include each institutions's name and contact phone number, account number and passwords/PINs.
An investment in the reclaim process delivers endless benefits to carwashes, their owners and even their customers. Reusing and conserving water is great for the environment and helps reduce waste, while lowering expensive water and sewer bills.
Financial professionals you work with. This could include a tax preparer, estate attorney, financial planner, investment adviser and/or trust officer. Provide phone numbers and e-mail addresses. These pros might be able to help the agent answer questions about your finances— though likely only questions related to their specialties. In addition to keeping this list with your plan, give it to loves ones so if all else fails, these people can piece together your financial activity.
Financial professionals you work with. This could include a tax preparer, estate attorney, financial planner, investment adviser and/or trust officer. Provide phone numbers and e-mail addresses. These pros might be able to help the agent answer questions about your finances— though likely only questions related to their specialties. addition to keeping this list with your plan, give it to loves ones so if all else fails, these people can piece together your financial activity.
Continued reclaim innovation and evolution ensure the carwash business remains sustainable in our ever-changing world.
A continually improving reclaim solution is one major area where carwashes can actually combat ever-rising costs and environmental restrictions. These newest advancements ensure that growth can continue — even in restricted regions — and current sites can continue to evolve, improve and, of course, profit.
Your personal information. Provide your full name, mailing address, email address and phone number(s), date of birth, Social Security number and mother's maiden name. If you were widowed within the past five years, include your late spouse's personal info, too. Photocopy your driver's license and health insurance/Medicare card and attach these to your financial guide.
Your personal information. Provide your full name, mailing address, email address and phone number(s), date of birth, Social Security number and mother's maiden name. If you were widowed within the past five years, include your late spouse's personal info, too. Photocopy your driver's license and health insurance/Medicare card and attach these to your financial guide.
Confirm that your financial guide is understood and properly stored. When you hand your guide to your financial agent, ask him to read it in your presence so
Confirm that your financial guide is understood and properly stored. When you hand your guide to your financial agent, ask him to read it in your presence
- Jay Dayak, Professional Carwashing & Detailing Magazine
and above par for wash results to reach maximum efficiency. Monitoring the equipment with daily and weekly checks are a must to prevent potential mishaps or out-of-control usage — water, chemistry, etc.
“Speaking from the standpoint of our systems only, if completely biodegradable chemicals are always used and routine maintenance followed, quarterly nutrients need to be added to the system, and an annual filter change is required,” Gibney says.
D&S Car Wash Supply announced in a press release a significant change in its executive leadership team with the appointment of Dave Smith as the new CEO.
If maintained correctly, the final results provided by closed-loop carwashing should rival conventional wash quality, the NWI team states. The path to achieve this quality is not without some increased maintenance requirements and equipment costs. But, these factors should be weighed against the savings of reduced water and sewer costs to determine the feasibility and profitability of closed-loop operation.
Smith brings his extensive experience in PE-backed management to D&S, having previously held the CEO position at ASPEQ Heating Group under Industrial Growth Partners and Bunker Hill Capital, and at O’Brien Corporation under Industrial Growth Partners.
With a proven track record of driving growth and innovation, Smith is poised to lead D&S through its next phase of strategic development and expansion.
Ideally, a closed-loop wash is using completely biodegradable chemicals, operating a true restoration system that removes chemicals from the water and following the manufacturer’s required maintenance, Gibney concludes. If so, customers will not be able to tell any difference in wash quality compared to the use of fresh water.
National Carwash Solutions Announces David Kemp as New CCO
National Carwash Solutions (NCS) announced David Kemp as chief commercial officer (CCO) in a press release, effective May 9, 2024.
By freelance contributor, Jonathan Abrams, Professional Carwashing & Detailing .
With nearly 30 years of experience in commercial leadership and financial roles, Kemp has a proven track record in engineered products markets.
Kemp’s career includes executive leadership positions at companies such as Emerson and Fike Corporation.
Most recently, he served as CCO of Ergotron, a manufacturer in healthcare and workspace ergonomics markets.
Could someone step in and successfully manage your financial affairs if you are unable to do so yourself? Of course, you could execute a "financial power of attorney'' designating someone as a "financial agent" to act on your behalf in financial matters if you're incapacitated. But just drafting that document with an attorney, which you should do, doesn't guarantee that this relative, friend or adviser will know what to do. The issue isn't so much whether he/ she lacks financial savvy-it's that figuring out someone else's finances on the fly is a massive challenge. Having a financial plan in place for health emergencies is especially on many people's minds now because of the coronavirus pandemic, but an incapacitating emergency could come up at any time. Here's how to prepare finances for an emergency handoff…
With a deep understanding of commercial challenges, Kemp is dedicated to fostering a world-class, data-driven sales culture at NCS, focusing on customer service, cost-to-serve, profitable growth and technology, stated the press release.
In his new role, Kemp will oversee sales, sales operations and marketing departments at NCS.
Mark VII Announced in a press release the appointment of Uwe Scharfy as its new CEO, effective May 1, 2024
With over 29 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, Scharfy brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to Mark VII.
He joins the company from BAUMER of America, where he also held the position of CEO.
Consolidate credit cards and bank accounts. Missed credit card payments are among the most common missteps when someone takes over your finances. The more cards you use, the greater the odds that there will be a problem. Cut back to only two, if possible.
In his new role, Scharfy will be responsible for driving the company’s strategic vision, leading its growth initiatives and ensuring continued success in delivering innovative carwash equipment to Mark Vii customers.
If you have multiple checking or savings accounts, consider consolidating to one of each, preferably at the same bank-more accounts mean higher odds of overdrafts. Especially troublesome are accounts with automated withdrawals or payments-easily overdrawn if no one is paying close attention. If there are lots of CDs, savings accounts and/ or moneymarket accounts at different institutions, some could be easily overlooked.
Spotless Brands announced in a press release 15 openings during the first quarter for a strong start to 2024.
Spotless Brands continues to expand rapidly in existing and new markets.
Stick with paper statements. It's perfectly fine for you to access your accounts online, but it's easy for someone else to overlook or be shut out of your online only accounts, which may be difficult to access. Bills and statements that arrive in the mail provide a wonderful fail-safe. That's true even if the financial agent doesn't live near you-your mail can be forwarded to that person by the post office or a trusted neighbor.
Whistle Express announced in a press release it is more than doubling its portfolio in the Cleveland- Akron market with the acquisition and rebranding of five Rainforest Car Wash locations.
Create a concise guide to your finances. Having all of your financial information in one place will save your designated agent a lot of time and greatly reduce the odds that something will be missed. Handwrite this list, or type and print it. But don't save it on your computer or send it via e-mail-that would increase the risk that this sensitive info could be stolen. Among the details to include...
The company will convert the carwashes to Whistle Express later this year, investing in upgraded wash technology and new signage, and it will host grand opening events to celebrate.
Income sources. Note how each of your income streams arrives-pensions and Social Security payments often are direct-deposited into bank accounts, for example. If you
• Waste testing that meets any landfill or disposal site requirements.
• Soil, water, waste and air testing.
Chris Ewert • (512) 891-7777 cewert@austin.rr.com 8127 Mesa Drive, #C-305 • Austin, TX 78759 www.integritytestingaustin.com
• Energy ROI savings is one year which is the cost of the Elite 460
• Energy comparison of two 30 HP motors vs. ten 15 HP motors
• The average cost per kilowatt in the USA is $0.11/kWh, for $32,000 annual savings
• The installation of two 30 HP motors vs. ten 15 HP is a onetime saving of $56,000 (Based on cost of $7,000 per motor)
• First year saving is $88,000 and $32,000 each year therea er
• All machines silenced
• No moving parts or sensors
• Very low maintenance costs
X
X 52 wk/yr = 4,368 hr/yr CONSUMPTION COST 45 kWh X 4,368 hr/yr = 196,560 kWh/yr
Convert to (2) 30 HP motors = $32,000 savings
Elimination of (8) 15 HP motors installations at $7000/ea. = $56,000 savings Total first year savings $88,000 | Savings every
150 HP X 0.746 kWh/HP = 112 kWh
hr/day X 7 day/wk = 84 hr/wk
hr/wk X 52 wk/yr = 4,368 hr/yr CONSUMPTION COST
In addition to competitive membership pricing, Clevelandarea drivers can expect easy-to-use technology and menu boards, along with free self-serve vacuum stations, floor mat-cleaning machines, towels and sprays.
Customers can also add affordable and effective treatments like Rain-X® rain repellent for windshields or Armor All® protectants and sealants to extend the life of their car’s exterior and protect against bugs, pollen and other elements.
Vizza Wash, LP announced in a press release its acquisition of Wet-N-Jet, an express carwash located at 11847 Alamo Ranch Pkwy. in San Antonio, Texas.
Following the acquisition, the company will rebrand as The Car Wash Express.
Complimentary services offered include bug prep, microfiber towel usage, window cleaner usage and vacuuming.
The Car Wash Express offers flexible payment options.
Guests can opt for a single wash or take advantage of the convenient monthly membership plans, available for purchase both on-site through the user-friendly kiosk or online for added convenience.
Incorporating cutting-edge technology to streamline operations, The Car Wash Express utilizes license plate reader technology for swift and effortless guest check-in.
In a press release, Rinsed announced it has acquired the carwash salesperson platform Ignite Wash.
By measuring coverage, engagement and conversion rate in real-time at the individual customer service associate level, Ignite is able to help carwashes increase conversion to membership, and those compounding effects lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars in increased sales revenue.
Ignite Wash plugs into the operator’s existing point-of-sale hardware, providing them with tools to manage, at scale, the interactions between customer service associates and customers.
From training and performance monitoring to real-time leaderboards and gamifcation, the Ignite platform creates a sales system that ensures a first-class customer experience and consistency across an organization, continued the press release.
FEBRUARY 26 - 28, 2025
■ Fragramatics 1600 hr Turbo Motor
■ Poly or aluminum dome
■ Computer controlled timer
■ UV protected graphics
■ Filters – Four-bag system uses high performance, synthetic filtration media with 15 sq. ft. filtration area. Two easy-access service doors on rear
■ 1-1/2” dia. vac hose – high-flex, vinyl, crushable, 15 ft. long. Includes cuff and polyethylene hand tool
■ ¼” x 25’ Wire braid or coil hose with inline gauge
Specifications
■ 1.25 HP ‘Big Dog’ high output compressor
■ Brushed Stainless Steel Tank and Main Cabinet
■ Coin acceptor – mechanical
■ Electrical - 120 V ac, 25 amps
■ Mounting - One internal and two external lugs with security collars. Uses 3/8” bolts for secure installation.
■ Tank Dimensions - 18.5”dia. x 42”h
■ Unit Weight - Net 145 lbs. Ship weight 185 lbs.
■ Ships in carton/pallet: 67”h x 32”w x 31”d
■ Multi-coin acceptor
■ Lighted dome
■ Debris catcher
Options
■ Dome colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, white
■ Hose colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, white, gray, black Now available with our new air detail tool
Coverage
Package
Special
Replacement
CARWASH PROGRAM FEATURES
• Equipment Breakdown Coverage
• Crime Coverage - Theft of Money
• Sign Coverage
• Glass Coverage
• Choice of Deductibles Available
• Accounts Receivable
• Ordinance of Law
• Outdoor Property
• Money and Securities
• Valuable Papers and Records
• Newly Acquired or Constructed Property
• Hired and Non-Owned Auto Liability
• Cyber Liability OPTIONAL COVERAGES AVAILABLE
• Business Auto
• Garagekeepers Liability
• Workers Compensation
• Commercial Umbrella or Excess General Liability
• Flood
• Windstorm
• Builder's Risk
• Lessor's Risk
• Bonds
• Employment Practices Liability
Placing a wet cell phone into a bowl of rice to dry it out not only doesn’t work - it also can damage the device. Better: Hold the phone with the connector pointing down... gently tap out any liquid...then leave the device to dry out in a place that has good air circulation before reconnecting it to the charger. Don’t place your phone on a radiator or use a hair dryer or other external heat sources. Also, don’t try to insert a cotton swab or paper towel into the phone. Fortunately, water damage is gradually becoming less of a problem as more devices can withstand getting wet.
Weekend-only workouts are good for you. Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise five days a week for a total of 150 minutes. Recent finding: Moderate-tovigorous activity of 150 minutes concentrated over one to two days - the “weekend warrior” pattern - was associated with lowered risks for atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke similar to the same number of minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity spread out over a week.
ow to dispose of an old fire extinguisher. First, determine if it’s unusable: Look for an expiration date or date of manufacture - most extinguishers have a shelf life of five to 15 years. A unit that is dented, missing parts or clearly damaged should be replaced. If your extinguisher has a gauge, it is unusable if the needle no longer points to the green section. Recharge it: The chemicals in some extinguishers can be replaced by a fire protection company. A Google search for “recharge a fire extinguisher” can help you find a company near you. Recycle: Cannisters that are completely empty can go to a recycling center. Try your fire department: Many local fire departments accept extinguishers that still contain chemicals. If your fire station won’t take it, look for a hazardous waste disposal service in your area.
Recipe for happiness - more exercise, less social media. Recent finding: Cutting daily social-media use by 30 minutes...or increasing daily exercise by 30 minutes... improved depression, stress, life satisfaction and overall happiness. Best: People who did both had the greatest boost in these well-being measures.
can attest to the exponential increase of technology inside facilities since the dawn of professional carwashing. From automated pay stations to modern wash media to effective drying systems, the pace of technical advancement has been astounding.
washes depend on functional speed and accuracy, and these important factors are generated by the best integrated controller and management systems.
This continued development has created across-theboard change in the car care industry. Speed is king, and wash cycle speeds have surged as daily vehicle counts have climbed. But, this process of acceleration also ushered in the expectation of new services and improved wash results. Now, both tight timing and effective operation have become important for every wash cycle performed.
Fewer electric vehicles (EVs) qualify for tax credits. The number of EVs eligible for up to $7,500 in tax credits has fallen from almost two dozen to just 15. New for 2024: Eligibility will be determined by individual vehicle, not model, based on vehicle identification numbers (VINs) that automakers submit to the IRS for approval. Your dealership can tell you if a specific vehicle qualifies. Qualifying EVs for full or partial credit: Audi Q5PHEV... Chevy Bolt EV and EUV... Chrysler Pacifica PHEV... Ford Escape plug-in hybrid, F-150 Lightning... Honda Prologue... Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV 4xe, Wrangler PHEV 4xe... Lincoln Corsair Grand Touring PHEV... Nissan Leaf... Rivian RIS SUV, RIT truck... Tesla Models 3, X, and Y...and Volkswagen ID.4.
To maintain pace in this hyper-competitive market, every owner must stay current on the capabilities of today’s carwash control systems. Often called the “brain” of the modern carwash, these carwash controllers connect the different phases of automated operation. Wash equipment, business systems, HR functions and more communicate and share information. Only by learning about this technology and implementing industry best practices can a carwash owner hope to ensure dependable and profitable operation.
For longer laptop battery life. Keep the battery charged to at least 40% most of the time - do not let it run down completely. Unplug the laptop once it is charged leaving the battery at full charge for a long time shortens its life. Buy replacement chargers or cables from the laptop’s manufacturer - it is worth the higher cost to ensure hardware compatibility and safety. Avoid exposing your laptop to very hot or very cold temperatures - if you notice it getting too hot, turn it off and let it cool down. Don’t use performance apps that monitor battery life - apps such as Save Battery and Battery X constantly use power.
Brian Bath with Innovative Control Systems notes that the newest carwash controllers allow vehicles to be processed faster than ever before. High-volume express
The SCWA members listed below have joined SCWA since our last issue. We Appreciate Your Support!
The list of ways a controller keeps a carwash moving is impressive. Model controllers across the industry have very efficient abilities that allow bumper-to-bumper washing while providing precise results. Bath points out that new controllers do this by allowing different types of automation, like raising the roller, to maintain a regular flow of vehicles.
Today, car-per-hour conveyor speeds currently vary in the industry — speeds of 150 cars per hour up to even 220 cars per hour are common across the express world, Bath reveals. The large tunnel properties where operators have 20-plus vacuum spaces have really pushed up speeds and profits across the board.
Overall, carwash tunnel controllers help operators dial in their profits and provide a clean, dry and shiny vehicle, according to Todd Davy, senior vice president of sales for DRB Systems. Other advances that modern technology allows are integration of a controller and a point-of-sale (POS) system. To this end, the controller communicates with the POS system to make sure every customer receives the wash services for which he or she paid.
Time-wasting and costly rewashes can become a problem if a vehicle receives the wrong services. Modern controllers work with other systems to address this issue.
We have taken specific measures in designing our equipment to perform exceptional at line speeds in excess of 160 cars per hour. Simply said, we clean at
More Uptime
Designed to run... and stay running longer than the competition. We select premium components to ensure our customers are as successful as they can be.
Reduce Your Re-wash %
Designed to clean... Better than any other! It is amazing to see how well we clean. See for yourself, take some time to visit several washes and compare. Experience the
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20TH
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4600 Spicewood Springs Road
Suite 103 Austin, Texas 78759
