Connected 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.
MONITORING SYSTEMS
FROM THE SCWA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As this issue of ADVANTAGE comes to your mailbox, we are putting the finishing details on the 2025 SCWA Convention & EXPO. As you will see in the following pages of this edition the 2025 SCWA event promises to be the best yet.
This past year has delivered interesting challenges and changes to our industry and so we are focusing much of these dynamics into EXPERIENCE SCWA 2025. One of the most satisfying aspects of this year has been watching the car wash industry continue to grow and evolve. Parallel to the industry growth, SCWA has worked to develop and present relevant programs and events for our members.
EFFICIENT PROFITABILITY
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.
REFRESH • RENOVATE • REINVEST is the focus of the 2025 SCWA Convention & EXPO and will include an expanded EXPO Floor featuring over 435 exhibit booths in 100,000 square feet highlighting the very latest in car wash, lube and detail equipment, supplies and services. The very popular Quick Talks will again be a part of the EXPO Hall including a full schedule of sessions such as – Automation – Looking at New Technologies; Employee Best Practices; 5 Secrets of a Successful Car Wash Manager; How Self Serves Can Be More Competitive; and Safety is NOT an OPTION! –to name just a few of the topics.
The highlight of the Convention will be FOX NEWS Host Brian Kilmeade our keynote speaker. Kilmeade’s enthusiastic style will bring focus on the passion & excellence we can bring to our business; to our customers and our family every day!
The CEO Forum will be keynoted by Michael Dominguez, CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International. Michael was the CEO keynote a few years back and was one of the highest rated speakers we have ever enjoyed. Michael will share how we can produce the most amazing customer experience understanding the market and cultural dynamics today.
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.”
As small business owners we are all busy and have much going on in our lives – so taking a couple of days away from our business can seem like a stretch. However ROI is the key and if you come away with just a couple of good ideas to make your business more profitable and successful – then it is certainly worth the time. Every good CEO will tell you time away from the everyday grind of your business is an important exercise.
Here are five solid reasons to EXPERIENCE SCWA 2025 –the first BIG Car Wash EXPO of the Year.
1. Be up to date on the latest in equipment, products and services. Visit all the top car wash companies – both large and small – under one roof, at one time, in a relaxed atmosphere.
2. Premier Education – learn new ideas; industry trends; business insights; new car wash innovations to impact your business immediately.
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.
3. Connect with other successful car wash operators. Meet friends and attendees from across the U.S. Networking
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?
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
together uncovers fresh ideas and inspiration.
4. Share with others – each of us has ideas and experiences that can be valuable to others. This gives us the opportunity to make the car wash industry a better place for all.
5. Relax – Have fun. EXPERIENCE SCWA 2025 will give you a chance to mix a little business and pleasure. Start the new year on a positive note.
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.
EXPERIENCE SCWA 2025 is February 26-28, 2025 at the Fort Worth Convention Center and offers something for everyone at any stage of your business. The full program and registration information is included in this edition or you can visit our website: www.swcarwash.org to register online.
We encourage you to come and experience the power of the car wash community as only you can find at SCWA 2025.
On behalf of SCWA we wish everyone Happy Holidays and a successful 2025. See you in Fort Worth!
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.
INDUSTRY UPDATES
Private equity firm snaps up two locally-based car wash chains
Two locally-owned car wash companies have been scooped up by one of the ten largest car wash companies in the country.
Boise-based Bluebird Express Car Wash and Nampa-based Epic Shine Car Wash were both acquired by Spotless Brands of Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.
Bluebird filed with the City of Boise last month to change its registered ownership on the buildings it previously owned to Spotless. Bluebird declined to comment at the time, and Spotless later issued a news release about the acquisitions. Terms of the deals were not disclosed.
Private equity firm Access Holdings launched Spotless Brands in 2020 with the goal of building a “transformative, innovative, and enduring market leader.” The firm started with the acquisition of Cobblestone Auto Spa and its 27 locations in 2020, and with the latest deals, now owns 197 car washes around the country. Before the Epice Shine and Bluebird Express deals, Spotless operated four distinct brands.
Bluebird currently operates six locations in Boise, Meridian, Caldwell, and Ontario, with another planned location in Emmett. Bluebird was founded by John Michael Fery in 2019. Fery and his brother Dominick served as CEO and COO of the business, respectively.
Epic Shine has eight car washes in Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Caldwell, and Twin Falls, with another location set for Star. Dan Abel started Epic Shine in 2015 at the corner of Chinden and Linder.
Together, and with the planned locations, Epic Shine and Bluebird operate 16 locations and would make up the largest collection of facilities under common ownership in the Boise area.
“We are thrilled to enter these two new states with the additions of Bluebird Express Car Wash and Epic Shine Car Wash,” Spotless Brands CEO John Standley said. “Spotless is excited to bring our fully integrated, centralized services to support Bluebird and Epic Shine’s teams as they continue to deliver outstanding service to their loyal customers and local communities.”
INDEPENDENT CAR WASHES
Join the nation’s largest car wash buying group and leverage the purchasing power of over 1,500+ car washes, while still enjoying the FREEDOM to choose your suppliers!
Hall of Famer Barry Sanders joins El Car Wash as part-owner
NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders joins El Car Wash ownership as the company expands Michigan presence.
El Car Wash announced in a press release that NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders has taken an ownership stake in the company.
Sanders, widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and a Detroit Lions hall of fame legend, will play a key role in El Car Wash’s expansion across Michigan.
“Barry’s legendary career, his dedication to excellence and his deep ties to Michigan make him an ideal partner as we continue to grow and expand our footprint in the Midwest,” said Co-CEOs Justin Landau and Geoffrey Karas of El Car Wash. “His involvement will undoubtedly help us bring our vision for superior car care to a new region, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come.”
El Car Wash opened its first Michigan location in Brighton, Michigan, earlier this year and opened its second location in Madison Heights, Michigan, at the corner of 14 Mile Rd. and Stephenson Hwy. earlier this week.
“Becoming a part of the El Car Wash movement was the perfect opportunity for me to invest further in Michigan,” said Sanders. “The company’s impressive growth, dedication to excellence and unique approach to customer experience are just a few reasons why I can guarantee you’ve never experienced a carwash like this. I’m excited to invite everyone to join us at the Madison Heights opening, as I will personally be there.”
The Miami-based company has donated over $350,000 to various organizations over the past three years, frequently partnering with local schools, hospitals, first responders and charitable organizations, stated the press release. They also focus on providing employment opportunities for all, with specialty hiring programs for neurodivergent individuals and veterans, which they plan to replicate at their new Michigan locations.
Washworld Inc. Announces New Distributor
According to a press release, Washworld recently added a new member to its distributor network, KT Distributors located in Lexington, Tennessee, where it will be selling and servicing Washworld equipment.
The company is committed to excellence in providing topnotch carwash services and helping its customers’ businesses thrive.
The company prides itself on providing customers with dependable equipment at a competitive price, stated the press release.
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El Car Wash Expands Footprint With Four New Acquisitions
El Car Wash announced in a press release the acquisition of four carwash locations, further expanding its footprint across South, Southwest, and Central Florida as well as deepening market share within its core geographies.
The acquisitions include two Downtowner Car Wash locations in Naples/Fort Myers, Florida; Octopus Car Wash in Orlando, Florida; and Greenlight Car Wash in Broward County, Florida.
These acquisitions collectively are part of El Car Wash’s strategic growth plan to provide high-quality, convenient carwash services across Florida with leading market share within each of its sub-markets, stated the press release.
El Car Wash has over 100 operating and development locations between Florida and Michigan.
Read more at www.carwash.com/el-car-wash-four-newacquisitions.
Quick Quack Car Wash Announces El Paso, Texas, Expansion
Quick Quack Car Wash announced in a press release it has officially opened its first location in the El Paso market.
The first El Paso location marks the 56th Quick Quack Car Wash in Texas, covering most of the state, with plans to double that number as early as next year.
The first El Paso location was recently acquired and rebranded as Quick Quack Car Wash and is located at 1341 N Zaragoza Rd.
Mister Car Wash Inc. Announces Grand Opening of 500th location
Mister Car Wash Inc. announced in a press release the grand opening of its 500th location in Tucson, Arizona.
The new Tucson location demonstrates Mister Car Wash’s growth and commitment to providing exceptional car care and customer service across the U.S.
Since its inception, Mister Car Wash has been dedicated to delivering an extraordinary carwash experience, and the opening of the 500th store exemplifies this ongoing commitment.
The Houghton Rd. location features a state-of-the-art tunnel experience with proprietary cleaning systems, eco-friendly products and a dedicated team of professionals ready to deliver the high- quality service Mister Car Wash is known for, the release stated.
In addition, Mister Car Wash offers a Titanium Wash featuring its Titanium 360, a comprehensive wash formula that provides all-around protection. underbody corrosion defense and a brilliant, mirror-like finish.
Pomerantz, who has served as chief operating officer (COO) of the company since February 2024, will succeed cofounders as well as co-CEOs, Scott Wainwright and Todd Bender.
With this promotion, Pomerantz will assume day-to-day leadership responsibilities of the company, continuing his work driving positive performance for the business.
Pomerantz brings nearly three decades experience in the carwash industry to his new role, having held previous positions in operations, chemical and equipment sales, distribution, manufacturing, and development.
As COO at WOW, he played a key role in developing and executing strategic operational initiatives directed at augmenting efficiency, diversifying offerings, and enhancing customer loyalty and satisfaction, stated the press release.
Champion Xpress Carwash Announces Grand Opening of 50th location
According to a press release, Champion Xpress Carwash announced the grand opening of its 50th location, marking a significant milestone in the company’s growth.
The latest location in Des Moines, Iowa, strengthens the company’s presence in the Midwest, bringing the total to 11 locations in the region.
Over the past 20 months, Champion Xpress opened 26 new locations through greenfield development, stated the press release.
Metro Express Car Wash Opens Newest Location in Spokane Valley
Metro Express Car Wash marked the grand opening of its newest location in Spokane Valley recently with a ribboncutting ceremony and a community celebration at 2120 N Argonne Rd., the company announced in a press release.
The event highlighted the company’s dedication to community involvement and featured donations totaling $8,000 to the Boys & Girls Club, underscoring Metro Express’ ongoing commitment to supporting local causes.
The celebration was attended by members of the Greater Spokane Chamber and Spokane Valley Chamber. as well as partners, customers, and community members.
Guests enjoyed hot dogs and refreshments provided by Random Eatz, while customers were offered special deals, including $10 off per month for the first three months on the top unlimited membership.
Metro Express Car Wash began the festivities by announcing that $2,000 had been raised during their soft opening, thanks to the generosity of their customers.
WOW Carwash Announces Promotion of Heath Pomerantz
WOW Carwash announced in a press release the promotion of Heath Pomerantz to CEO.
To further support the cause, Metro Express added $3,000 to the donation, while Banner Bank contributed $500, and Meridian Construction donated an additional $2,500bringing the total contribution to the Boys & Girls Club to $8,000.
The new Spokane Valley location reflects Metro’s commitment to providing a high-quality and memorable experience for customers, stated the press release.
VETERANS IN CARWASHING: CLASS OF 2024
MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
Periodically SCWA members are featured in national publications. SCWA is proud to highlight Lawrence Stovall and AutoBrite who has recently been recognized as a Veteran in Carwashing by Professional Car Washing & Detailing magazine.
Lawrence Stovall has been the owner and president of AutoBrite Company in San Antonio, Texas, since 2006. “Lawrence has taken his skills from leading sailors on ships and negotiating talents for the U.S. at commissioned officer posts in D.C. to the world of carwashing,” says nominator Margaret Ousset, a friend of Stovall. “He has a keen eye to recognizing industry trends before they happen and engineering talent to execute the best solutions for his customers.”
Ousset says Stovall is very humble on all he has accomplished. Now, he focuses his managing talents into his people, the equipment designed for customers, as well as manufacturing carwash chemicals and detailing products.
“When you walk into the building, it says it all. He has literally painted his commitment on the entry wall,” continues Ousset. “Lawrence is a great mentor and coach to his employees and his customers. Even his detail customers, he encourages that anyone can lift themselves up with hard work and dedication. The company holds training and product demonstrations to help educate customers on best practices for products and processes.”
WHO SHAPES A BRAND — THE LEADER OR THE AUDIENCE?
brand’s identity is often thought to originate at the top, defined by executives who set the tone and vision. Yet, in today’s interactive landscape, audiences wield unprecedented influence, shaping how brands are perceived in real time.
Striking the right balance between leadership vision and audience feedback isn’t just important — it’s essential for long-term success. Here’s how to understand this dynamic and build a brand that thrives.
1. Leadership sets the vision
A brand’s foundation is laid by leadership. Visionary leaders define the mission, values and tone, creating the blueprint for everything the brand represents. Think of iconic brand leaders like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk, whose personal convictions and leadership styles became synonymous with their brands. This clarity of purpose ensures the brand communicates consistently across every touchpoint.
However, leadership isn’t just about setting the tone. It’s also about action. Every decision — product offerings, pricing, sustainability practices — sends signals to the public. A leader’s choices either reinforce the brand’s message or create misalignment. For example, a brand positioning itself as eco-conscious must ensure its operations reflect this commitment. Any gap between message and practice risks eroding trust.
changing market.
2. Audiences shape perception
In today’s social-first world, audiences are no longer passive participants in branding; they’re active collaborators. Social media, reviews and word-of-mouth amplify consumer voices, sometimes overshadowing leadership narratives. One viral story can reshape public perception in moments, highlighting the need for brands to remain vigilant.
Take the example of LEGO. When customers criticized its product line for reinforcing gender stereotypes, the company didn’t ignore the feedback. Instead, it introduced more diverse and inclusive options, showing a willingness to evolve without losing its identity. This response bolstered LEGO’s reputation as a forwardthinking brand and deepened its connection with its audience.
Listening to consumers doesn’t just mitigate risks — it also uncovers opportunities. Successful brands actively solicit feedback through surveys, forums and social media engagement. This creates a feedback loop where customer insights guide innovation and improvement. For instance, Nike’s ability to stay culturally relevant comes from its leadership’s foresight combined with a keen understanding of consumer sentiment.
The challenge for leaders is to be steadfast yet adaptable. While consistency builds reliability, leaders must also recognize when audience preferences evolve. This doesn’t mean chasing every trend but staying aware of meaningful shifts that could impact the brand’s relevance. By holding firm to core values while adapting execution strategies, leaders ensure their vision remains intact even in a fast-
The takeaway? Brands must treat their audience as partners, valuing their input and allowing it to shape the brand in meaningful ways while staying true to their mission.
3. Finding the balance between vision and feedback
The most resilient brands succeed because they navigate the interplay between leadership and audience influence. It’s not an either-or dynamic; it’s a partnership. Leaders provide the
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strategic direction, while audiences validate and sometimes challenge that direction through their actions and feedback.
A key element of this balance is knowing when to adapt without losing authenticity. For example, Nike’s “Just Do It” campaigns consistently push the envelope with bold themes. While driven by a clear leadership vision, the campaigns are also deeply attuned to cultural conversations, striking a chord with consumers. This blend of foresight and responsiveness keeps Nike aspirational and relevant.
Brands that thrive in this space prioritize three strategies: maintaining a strong foundation of values, staying in tune with evolving audience needs and avoiding the trap of chasing fleeting trends. Collaborating with skilled brand strategists or design agencies can help companies fine-tune this balance, ensuring they neither lose sight of their mission nor ignore valuable audience insights.
The path forward
A brand’s identity thrives on balance — anchored by leadership vision yet enriched by audience engagement. The most enduring brands understand this interplay and harness it to build trust, foster loyalty and maintain relevance. However, achieving this balance requires a deliberate approach.
First, prioritize listening. Successful brands actively monitor conversations, solicit reviews and engage in meaningful dialogue with their audience. This creates a feedback loop that not only reveals how the brand is perceived but also uncovers opportunities for growth and alignment.
Next, embrace consistency without rigidity. A clear set of core values and messaging serves as the foundation for your brand, but staying relevant means adapting to audience insights when warranted. Flexibility doesn’t weaken a brand; it strengthens its connection to the people it serves, provided the adjustments remain authentic to the brand’s essence.
Finally, build avenues for engagement that foster loyalty. Consumers who feel heard are more likely to champion your brand. Create opportunities for your audience to be part of the story — through interactive campaigns, social media discussions or exclusive access to new initiatives. This not only strengthens relationships but also ensures your brand evolves alongside its community.
Ultimately, the most successful brands recognize that leadership provides direction, but the audience shapes the journey. By staying attuned to feedback, remaining steadfast in values and fostering meaningful connections, your brand can achieve the perfect balance — one that leaves a lasting, positive impact.
- Greg Walthour, MSN
STOP LOSING MILLIONS DUE TO BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE
ne of the most unfortunate reasons customers may be leaving your business (“churn”) is that you’ve developed lapses in your customer service and customer experience that are alienating your customers and driving them away. These customer service lapses often get worse during a period of rapid company growth. It’s fairly easy to deliver fantastic service when you only have a few clients. But when a company’s clientele starts to grow, the attention and attentiveness given to each customer tend to wane.
Workers no longer personally sign their thank-you cards. Instead of interacting directly with VIP or long-term customers, managers have become confined to their offices, burdened by an increasing amount of paperwork. Phone calls are answered more slowly and inconsistently, leading to longer-than-expected customer response times. When responses do arrive, they are often abrupt and impersonal. Additionally, recruiting standards have been lowered, and the notes in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system have lost some of their original detail and complexity. Managers are frequently unavailable to resolve customer conflicts because they are simply too busy.
Is this lowering standards of the unavoidable? Definitely not — as long as you refocus your attention and resolutely maintain your commitment to offering outstanding customer service. The guiding principle is this: If you would have done something for your very first client, you must find a way to continue doing it for your ten-thousandth, without hurrying, without taking shortcuts and without doing anything that would make a customer believe that your company doesn’t appreciate them.
Generally speaking, a growing company is more like a commodity provider than it thinks. You need to prioritize offering outstanding customer service in every customer interaction if you want to keep your business out of that commodity dustbin, where you’ll be seen as completely interchangeable with other suppliers.
Here are five crucial actions to help you get back on track.
1. Look for any violations of customer service standards
How fast do you answer your phones? Your standard should be three rings. Why? According to studies conducted by the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, by that fourth ring, guests will have become concerned that you won’t answer at all or that you won’t be attentive if you do.
How fast do you respond to emails? In today’s society, a “within 24 hours” requirement is unacceptable; that’s equivalent to 36 years of internet time. Instead, make a commitment to respond to every question on the same
morning or afternoon. Do you receive queries on your website? You might be amazed to discover that these often go completely unanswered. These should receive the same attention as emails.
2. Create a company lexicon
This lexicon (phrasebook) should be full of preferred customer service language that employees should use, as well as phrases they should avoid. Some phrases that are immediate turn-offs for your customers may include, “No problem,” “I beg to differ,” “I’m not going to argue with you,” “Did you plug it in?” and “Calm down.” Employees should always use courteous phrases like “You’re welcome” and “My pleasure.”
3. Develop your situational empathy skills
Improving and sustaining a high level of customer service requires training in situational empathy. Also known as “customer service-specific empathy,” this enables an employee to relate to consumers again and again via phone calls and emails.
4. Customize your service training to fit your business’s specific market
For instance, if your clientele is high-net-worth individuals, some transformative concepts and practices are special to them. Similarly, patient experience training can be a lifesaver in the medical field.
Understanding the unique needs and expectations of these clients can greatly enhance service delivery and foster longlasting relationships.
5. Meet them at their current location
When your customer base is expanding quickly, you want to make every effort to offer convenient communication, allowing customers to select the channel and switch it whenever they want. They should be able to easily and conveniently text you in the morning, tweet at you at night, and call you when necessary.
If you communicate with clients through various platforms, consumers shouldn’t have to repeat information they’ve already given on another channel. In fact, they detest doing so. Choosing the correct CRM (customer relationship management system) can help you avoid the dreaded “Could you repeat your credit card number for me?” charade. Some CRM solutions are made to be “conversational,” meaning they will continue a conversation as your customer moves from X to Y.
- Sherry Shahriari, MSN
THE AUTOMATION ANSWER FOR THE EVOLVING CARWASH INDUSTRY
TECHNOLOGY
Brian Epstein will be a speaker at the 2025 SCWA Convention and EXPO with an in-depth discussion on how automation is changing the car wash industry. Visit www.swcarwash.org to register today.
The carwash industry is rapidly evolving, with express carwashes at the forefront of technological innovation. As competition intensifies and customer expectations rise, operators are increasingly turning to advanced technologies to optimize operations and enhance the customer experience. This article explores the most impactful technologies in the industry, including license plate recognition (LPR), vehicle scanning sensors, radio frequency identification and sophisticated controllers as well as new entrants like automated chemical mixing systems, digital payment and membership platforms, AI and machine learning algorithms, UV and ozone sanitization systems, robotic arm technology, smart maintenance systems and enhanced dryer systems.
Together, these innovations are shaping the future of carwashing, offering a compelling return on investment (ROI) and driving the industry toward greater automation and efficiency.
plates, enabling seamless customer identification and service customization.
For operators, LPR systems streamline membership management and enhance the customer experience by providing personalized service. For example, a member’s vehicle is automatically recognized upon arrival, triggering his or her preferred wash package without requiring any manual input. This not only speeds up the process but also fosters customer loyalty, as the hassle-free experience encourages repeat visits.
Vehicle scanning sensors
Vehicle scanning sensors are critical to delivering a customized wash tailored to each vehicle’s specific needs. Using infrared, laser or other technologies, these sensors create a detailed profile of the vehicle, including its size, shape and condition.
This data allows the system to adjust water pressure, chemical application and drying processes to ensure optimal results. The precision offered by vehicle scanning sensors leads to reduced waste, lower operational costs and higher customer satisfaction, all contributing to a strong ROI.
The shift toward automation in carwashing
Automation in carwashing is not just a trend — it’s becoming a necessity. As labor costs rise and customers demand faster, more consistent service, carwash operators are increasingly adopting technology to stay competitive. Automation optimizes every aspect of the wash process, from water and chemical usage to customer interactions, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency and improved wash quality.
License plate recognition (LPR) systems
LPR technology is revolutionizing customer interactions at express carwashes. These systems use cameras and specialized software to read and recognize vehicle license
Automated chemical mixing systems
Precise chemical management is essential for maintaining wash quality while controlling costs. Automated chemical mixing systems ensure that the correct concentration of cleaning agents is used in every wash cycle, eliminating the guesswork and reducing waste.
These systems automatically mix and dispense the necessary chemicals based on the vehicle’s needs and the selected wash package. The benefits are twofold: consistent wash quality and significant cost savings due to reduced chemical usage. Additionally, automated systems minimize the risk of human error, leading to better overall performance and a more reliable operation.
Sophisticated controllers and automation systems
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.
Advanced controllers are the backbone of modern carwash operations. These systems manage the entire wash process, from water pressure to chemical mixing and timing, ensuring that every aspect of the wash is optimized for efficiency and effectiveness.
“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.
FINAL RESULTS
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.
Sophisticated controllers integrate seamlessly with other technologies, such as LPR systems, vehicle scanning sensors and automated chemical mixing systems, to deliver a fully automated wash experience. This integration not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces downtime by proactively monitoring equipment performance and alerting operators to potential issues before they become critical. The result is a more reliable, high-performance carwash that maximizes throughput and profitability.
Digital payment and membership systems
The carwash industry is increasingly embracing digital payment solutions and membership platforms to enhance customer convenience and streamline operations. Digital payment systems allow customers to pay via mobile apps, contactless payments or online platforms, eliminating the need for cash transactions and speeding up the payment process.
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.
By freelance contributor, Jonathan Abrams, Professional Carwashing & Detailing .
FINANCIAL
Membership systems integrated into these platforms offer additional benefits, such as automated billing, detailed usage tracking and personalized promotions. These features not only improve the customer experience but also drive customer loyalty and increase recurring revenue, making digital payment and membership systems a smart investment for operators.
AI and machine learning algorithms
Prepare Your Finances for an Emergency Handoff
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…
Robotic arm technology
AI and machine learning are transforming how carwashes operate, offering real-time optimization and predictive maintenance. AI-driven systems analyze data from sensors, cameras and customer interactions to optimize the wash process, ensuring that each vehicle receives the best possible treatment.
Machine learning algorithms can predict equipment maintenance needs based on historical data and usage patterns, reducing downtime and preventing costly repairs. Additionally, AI can be used for dynamic pricing strategies, adjusting prices based on demand and customer profiles, further boosting revenue.
UV and ozone sanitization systems
SIMPLIFY IN ADVANCE
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 response to growing health and safety concerns, UV and ozone sanitization systems have emerged as a valuable addition to the carwash process. These systems use ultraviolet light or ozone to sanitize the vehicle’s interior and exterior, killing bacteria, viruses and mold. Offering UV or ozone sanitization as a premium service can attract health-conscious customers, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the initial investment may be higher, the ability to provide a unique service can set an operator apart from competitors and generate additional revenue.
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.
Robotic arms are making their way into carwashes, offering precision cleaning and detailing in hard-to-reach areas, such as wheels and undercarriages. These robotic systems can be programmed to perform tasks with a level of accuracy and consistency that manual labor cannot match.
In addition to cleaning, robotic arms are being explored for drying and detailing applications, further automating the carwash process. The investment in robotic technology pays off by reducing labor costs, improving wash quality and enabling operators to offer specialized services that differentiate their carwash from others.
Smart maintenance systems
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.
DRAFT A ROAD MAP
Downtime is a carwash operator’s worst enemy, but smart maintenance systems are helping to minimize it. These systems use IoT sensors and cloud-based software to monitor equipment in real-time, predicting when maintenance is needed and alerting operators before issues arise.
Smart maintenance systems extend equipment lifespan, reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns and improve overall operational efficiency. The ability to schedule maintenance without disrupting operations ensures that the carwash runs smoothly, maximizing profitability.
Enhanced dryer systems
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... 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
Drying is a critical stage in the carwash process, and
Grit Trap Disposal Testing
• Waste testing that meets any landfill or disposal site requirements.
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.
enhanced dryer systems are making it faster and more efficient. These systems use high-efficiency motors and adjustable airflow to dry vehicles quickly and thoroughly, reducing energy consumption and improving the customer experience.
Some enhanced dryers incorporate sensors that adjust the drying intensity based on the vehicle’s shape and size, ensuring a spotless, streak-free finish. Investing in advanced drying technology not only improves wash quality but also increases throughput, allowing operators to serve more customers in less time.
The broader impact of advanced technology
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.
washes depend on functional speed and accuracy, and these important factors are generated by the best integrated controller and management systems.
like LPR, vehicle scanning sensors, AI-driven systems and robotic arms lead to increased customer satisfaction, higher throughput and reduced operational costs. For example, a carwash operator who implements LPR and AI systems might see a 20% increase in membership sales and a 15% reduction in chemical costs within the first year.
The financial benefits, coupled with improved customer loyalty and competitive positioning, quickly offset the initial investment, making advanced technology a worthwhile pursuit for any carwash operator.
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.
Conclusion
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.
The adoption of advanced technology in express carwashes extends beyond operational efficiency — it significantly enhances the customer experience and supports environmental sustainability. By optimizing resource usage, such as water, energy and chemicals, these technologies help operators reduce their environmental footprint, appealing to eco-conscious customers.
Moreover, the integration of these technologies provides a competitive advantage in a crowded market. Operators who invest in advanced systems can offer superior services, attract a tech-savvy customer base and build a reputation for innovation and quality.
KEEP IT MOVING
ROI analysis
The integration of advanced technology in express carwashes is transforming the industry, offering operators the tools they need to deliver high-quality service efficiently and profitably. From LPR systems and vehicle scanning sensors to AI algorithms and robotic arms, these innovations are redefining the carwash experience and driving the industry toward a more automated, sustainable future.
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.
For operators willing to invest in these technologies, the potential returns are substantial. Not only can they achieve immediate cost savings and revenue growth, but they also position themselves as leaders in an increasingly tech-driven industry. As the carwash landscape continues to evolve, those who embrace advanced technology will be wellequipped to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
While the initial cost of adopting advanced technology can be significant, the long-term ROI is compelling. Technologies
Brian Bath with Innovative Control Systems notes that the newest carwash controllers allow vehicles to be processed faster than ever before. High-volume express
- Brian Epstein, Professional Carwashing & Detailing.
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.
Unmatched Performance.
SCWA 2025 CONVENTION SPEAKERS
CONVENTION & EXPO
Brian Kilmeade - Thursday General Session Keynote
SCWA welcomes Brian Kilmeade as our 2025 Convention & EXPO Keynote Speaker. Brian will provide convention attendees with unique perspectives and insights to guide our businesses in 2025 and beyond. Brian’s understanding of American history along with his knowledge of current events provides the foundation for his business outlooks.
Not many broadcasters can say they are on the air for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week, but that is exactly what Brian Kilmeade has been doing since 2006. Whether discussing newsmakers or celebrities, or covering local or national news, Kilmeade provides a unique perspective that audiences appreciate for its candor.
After joining Fox News in 1997, Kilmeade was soon named co-host of Fox & Friends, where he still thrives alongside the extraordinarily talented Steve Doocy and Ainsley Earhardt. Together they have powered their way to the top spot in morning cable TV. After Fox & Friends airs from 6 – 9AM ET, Kilmeade has the privilege of hosting his nationally syndicated radio show, The Brian Kilmeade Show, on Fox News Talk from 9-12PM ET.
Every weekday morning, Kilmeade provides viewers with the latest on the day’s breaking news, business, sports, politics, and entertainment. During his tenure at Fox News, he has developed the ability to interview and provide insight into newsmakers, politicians, celebrities, and athletes alike. His radio show features many Fox personalities and big-name guests—and somehow still manages to cover the daily news with seriousness and a smile. Kilmeade also hosts the 7-season Fox Nation series What Made America Great, in which he explores pivotal places that have shaped the events of American history. He has also authored 7 books on American history, 6 of which were New York Times bestsellers.
He currently resides in his hometown of Massapequa, NY, with his wife and 3 children. When he is not working, you can often catch him on the soccer field watching or coaching. He graduated from LIU- CW Post with a BA in Communications in 1986 where he also played soccer.
Michael Dominguez - Wednesday CEO Forum
Michael Dominguez brings an outstanding reputation for helping companies and small business achieve amazing customer service and branding. As the President & CEO for Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI), he leads a team of nearly 80 professionals located among 26 offices across North America and Europe. ALHI serves a membership group of hotels that are Independent Hotels & Independent Brands that are an exclusive luxury collection. Prior to joining ALHI, Michael served in executive sales leadership roles with MGM Resorts, Loews Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, Starwood Hotels and many more.
Michael is actively involved in leadership roles in the Meetings and Events Industry and is a Past Chairman of the International Board of Directors for MPI. He definitely knows about the service industries.
Michael speaks on important topics for the service oriented industries – like the car wash industry. His insights include creating the perfect unique brand for your business; how to make your customers come back and then back again; the current state of service centered industries, and how to prepare your business to succeed in the year and beyond. Michael was been recognized in national magazines as one of the top industry speakers and has been an invited speaker at South by Southwest. Michael will help us move forward together in the car wash industry as we begin a new year and focus on all the opportunities before us.
Renovate • Refresh • Reinvest
and enjoyable setting, providing proven, time tested strategies, techniques & products to improve your business.
WEDNESDAY HIGHLIGHTS
Devotional @ Fort Worth Convention Center • 9:30 am
CEO FORUM 2024 • 10:30 am
Michael Dominguez, CEO
Associated Luxury Hotels International
Michael Dominguez brings an outstanding reputation for helping companies and small business achieve amazing customer service and branding. Michael is actively
involved in leadership roles in the Meetings and Events Industry and is a Past Chairman of the International Board of Directors for MPI. He definitely knows about the service industries.
This SCWA CEO Forum will be a “can’t miss” for you, your employees and your business! EXPO Floor & Quick Talks Hours | Wednesday 1:00 - 6:00
Convention & EXPO
THURSDAY HIGHLIGHTS
convention attendees with unique perspectives and insights to guide our businesses in 2025 and
After joining Fox News in 1997, Kilmeade was soon named co-host of Fox & Friends, where he still thrives alongside the extraordinarily talented Steve Doocy and Ainsley Earhardt. Together they have powered their way to the top spot in
FRIDAY
HIGHLIGHTS
• REGISTRATION AND CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
Begins at 8:00 am
• CAR WASH ACADEMY
Concurrent sessions offering straightforward business solutions; management strategies, and innovative car wash business ideas.
The Academy will offer topics for all car wash models & experience levels.
PLUS -
Professional Detailing Educational Sessions presented by the International Detailing Association.
All Academy Sessions Begin at 8:30 am
• CLOSING SESSION - You will not want to miss!! RENOVATE • REFRESH • REINVEST
The transformation currently happening in the car wash world!
Celebrate SCWA Evening Event at Second Rodeo - Mule Alley in the Stockyards
Begins at 10:30 - Adjourns at 12:15
“Wonderful show, tremendous sessions... invaluable information, knowledge, and networking.”
CHOOSE EITHER ALL ACCESS REGISTRATION OR DAILY/SINGLE EVENT REGISTRATION
All Access Member Registration Fees (per person).
INCLUDES ALL EVENTS: Wednesday CEO Forum, Thursday Keynote Address, All EXPO Hours Pass (Wednesday & Thursday), Thursday Lunch & Celebrate SCWA Evening Event, Friday Car Wash Academy, All Seminars, Continental Breakfasts, Coffee Breaks & Convention Materials, On-Site Gift from SCWA!
Received: By Feb. 5 After Feb. 5
SCWA Member (spouse or staff of current member)
ALL ACCESS REGISTRATION & ANNUAL DUES PACKAGE - SAVE $25
One Year SCWA Membership (A $150 value) Included with this ALL ACCESS Registration Option. (Required for New Members or Optional for Current Members)
New Member Package Renewal Member Package
Daily/Single Event Registration (per person)
Wednesday Daily - Annual CEO Forum, All EXPO Floor Hours Pass (WED & THUR) &
REMOTE SYSTEM ACCESS REAL TIME EMAIL ALERTS Choose top-of-the-line features to invest in your future.
CUSTOMIZED INTERFACE
ADAPTABLE INTEGRATION UL508A CERTIFIED
SECOND RODEO BREWING
We’re back for our Thursday Night Celebration!
Second Rodeo Brewing is a venue inspired by the outlaw cowboys of old in the heart of Mule Alley at the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Join SCWA for an evening of music, cold brews, games and a casual dinner – a night Exclusively
Your ALL ACCESS registration or single event ticket will provide you entry to this experience!
2024 SCWA WADE WELCH
MEMORIAL
GOLF CLASSIC
The 2024 Annual SCWA Golf Classic produced another successful “Sold Out” Golf Classic.
Thank you to the golfers and sponsors who joined us recently at the JW Marriott TPC Golf Club in San Antonio for this popular
EVENTS
SCWA event. Congratulations to the Qual Chem team for being the winning FIRST PLACE team.
In addition to the pictures in this issue, please be sure to check out all the pictures on our Facebook page and also the SCWA website.
A very special thank you to the 2024 Golf Classic Sponsors who helped make the Classic possible and successful.
Gold
Qual Chem
Reception Sonny’s The Car Wash Factory
Lunch DRB
Classic Sponsor Assured Partners
Kick Off Tacos OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions
Closest to Pin Mark VII Equipment
Longest Drive Simoniz
Putting Contest Sonny’s The CarWash Factory
Drawing Prizes Miracle/Attlee
Standard Change Makers
THE LATEST EMAIL SCAMS
mail scams are becoming tougher than ever to detect. Thanks to artificial intelligence, even scammers who lack strong command of the English language or graphic design skills now can create emails and websites that look 100% legitimate, with none of the telltale typos, mangled syntax or clunky graphics that previously tipped off potential victims that something was amiss. Among the latest email scams going around now—from scam expert Steven J.J. Weisman, Esq.…
Spoofing scam
A man receives an email request from his adult daughter asking if he could buy some gift cards and send her the numbers. The email says she’s tied up with something but needs the gift cards ASAP…and promises that she will pay her father back within the week. The father is suspicious—he’s heard of gift card scams—but the email address on the message is his daughter’s.
Scam: Just because it’s his daughter’s email address doesn’t guarantee that it’s his daughter’s email message—scammers have ways of sending emails that appear to come from other people’s addresses. In fact, by “spoofing” the email address, scammers can do this without even hacking victims’ accounts. Spoofing is essentially forging an email address so that the email appears to come from it. Spoofed emails are believed to have been at the heart of a recent scam that cost a Luxembourg-based chemical company $60 million—one of the company’s employees was tricked into thinking he had been instructed to send out massive payments.
especially suspicious if the email says not to bother reaching out in these ways.
Fake invoice PayPal email scam
A man receives what appears to be an invoice from PayPal—it came from a PayPal email address—only it’s for a purchase that he didn’t make. The invoice contains a phone number to call if the recipient has questions about the bill, so the man calls and a PayPal rep leads him through a series of steps on his computer to figure out what’s
The phone number on the invoice connected this man with a scammer, not with PayPal customer service. Following that scammer’s instructions allowed the scammer access to the man’s computer and digital accounts. Fake PayPal invoices are a common scam, but this version is especially tricky because the invoice comes from an actual PayPal email address—scammers can accomplish this by opening PayPal Business accounts.
Similar: In a comparable Geek Squad scam, victims receive emailed invoices that appear to come from Best Buy’s subsidiary, Geek Squad. The victims reach a scammer when they call the provided phone number to protest that they never requested Geek Squad services.
Self-defense: Don’t ever assume an email is from the person associated with the listed email address. Reach out to the sender via a separate text or phone call to confirm that it’s real—particularly if the email includes a request for money or gift cards…or a request to click a link or visit a website. Be
Self-defense: Be wary of any email or invoice that seems to come from PayPal—it’s one of scammers’ favorite companies to impersonate along with Geek Squad and Netflix. Don’t click links or call phone numbers provided in these emails—or those in any email that seems to come from a major company. Instead, visit that company’s legitimate website, locate a customer service phone number or chat link on that site, then use this to ask whether the email or
30+
Excellent
Coverage
Package
Special
Replacement Cost
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
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
• Cyber Liability
invoice is legitimate. One clue that the victims have dialed a scammer—they almost immediately get through to a real person, without navigating a phone tree or sitting on hold.
Thanks to artificial intelligence, even scammers who lack strong command of the English language or graphic design skills now can create emails and websites that look 100% legitimate, with none of the telltale typos, mangled syntax or clunky graphics that previously tipped off potential victims that something was amiss.
Airline customer service scam
An airline passenger posts a message on social media complaining about a problem he is having with an airline— perhaps he has been unable to secure a refund he’s due, for example. Posting complaints like these to social media can be an effective way to spur action—corporations, including airlines, often have customer service reps monitoring social media for such posts. And this passenger does indeed receive a reply—an airline customer service rep emails to say she saw the posting and wants to help.
Scam: This reply isn’t really from an airline employee—it’s from a scammer who monitors social media, then poses as a customer service employee. The scammer tries to trick passengers into providing their credit card numbers or get them to click links that download malware onto their computers. The scam is effective because the actual airlines provide such poor customer service that passengers leap at offers of assistance.
Variation: The scammer just sends out thousands of emails or texts that appear to come from one of the major airlines warning recipients that there’s a problem with their upcoming flight. The message might claim a flight was canceled, and the passenger must click a link to rebook on a different flight. These scammers know that if they send out enough emails, some recipients will have upcoming flights on this airline.
Self-defense: Never click links or call phone numbers in emails or texts that appear to come from airlines. Instead, use a search engine to find that airline’s actual website, then contact the legitimate customer service department via phone or chat to confirm whether the message you received is real.
Also: Don’t toss airline boarding passes into airport trash
(continued on next page)
cans after landing. The barcode on your boarding pass contains information about you—even your email address and phone number. Scammers have been known to purchase code readers, pluck boarding passes from airport trash, then contact the passengers posing as airline employees.
Social Security update scam
A Social Security recipient receives an email warning that the Social Security system is implementing increased online security measures…and because she set up her “My Social Security Account” prior to September 18, 2021, she must transition to a new “Login.gov” account.
Scam: This latest Social Security ploy is especially tricky because these emails really might be legitimate—the real
Social Security Administration actually is requiring people who set up My Social Security Accounts before that date to transition to new accounts. But the fact that the Social Security Administration is sending out these emails inevitably means that scammers will send out fakes that encourage recipients to click links that lead to ID theft and/ or malware.
Similar: In another Social Security scam, victims receive an email warning that they have not yet registered for Social Security’s recent cost-of-living increases and that they’ll miss out if they don’t do so soon. Reality: Cost-of-living increases are applied automatically—there’s never any need to register for them.
The scam is effective because so many drivers use E-Z Pass, but few of them keep careful tabs on their account balance and it seems easier to pay a very small bill than confirm it is legitimate.
Self-defense: If you receive an email about updating your Social Security account, don’t click any links in the message. Instead type “Login.gov” into a web browser’s address bar, then click the “Create an account” tab. If you receive an email prodding you to register for Social Security cost-ofliving increases, simply ignore it.
E-Z Pass unpaid toll scam
A car owner receives an email or text warning that he has a small unpaid balance on his E-Z Pass account—E-Z Pass is the transponder-based system that allows drivers in the eastern US to pay highway and bridge tolls without stopping at toll booths. The message includes a link to a website where the car owner can pay the balance due—and a warning that he’ll face significant fines if he fails to do so promptly.
Scam: The message isn’t from the real E-Z Pass system. If this man pays as directed, he’ll be handing his credit card information to a scammer. The scam is effective because so many drivers use E-Z Pass, but few of them keep careful tabs on their account balance and it seems easier to pay a very small bill than confirm it is legitimate.
Self-defense: Rather than click a provided link to pay an E-Z Pass balance, enter “E-Z Pass” and the name of your state into a search engine to locate the program’s actual website, then check whether you have an outstanding balance.
- Steven J.J. Weisman, JD, Scamicide.com
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.
such as a friend or family member, to be
such as a friend or family member, to be
policy is behind in payments.
policy is behind in payments.
SCWA APPRECIATES THE SUPPORT OF OUR CORPORATE AND PLATINUM MEMBERS
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.
SCWA CORPORATE MEMBERS
Breeze Thru Carwash
Champion Xpress Carwash
Mammoth Holdings
Mister Car Wash
Sonny’s The CarWash Factory
The Wash Shop
WhiteWater Express Car Wash
PLATINUM OPERATOR MEMBERS
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.
Benny’s Car Wash
Carisma Wash
CarWash808 Express CLEAN
Living H2O
Metro Express Car Washes
Snap Clean Car Wash
Soft Suds
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.
PLATINUM VENDOR MEMBERS
Brink Results
Coleman Hanna Carwash Systems
DRB
Erling Sales & Service
G&G Industrial Lighting
Innovative Control Systems
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.
Micrologic Associates
Motor City Wash Works
National Carwash Solutions
Pro-Tech Service Company
Qual Chem
Quest Car Care Products
Rinsed - Carwash CRM
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.
Sergeant Sudz
PROVIDE FURTHER GUIDANCE
PROVIDE FURTHER GUIDANCE
Simple Wash Solutions
Texas Wash Works
Tommy Car Wash Systems
Ver-Tech Labs
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
CV-A
Features
■ 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
DID YOU KNOW...
repare your car for winter weather.
Tires: The wet-and-dry traction of all-season tires is better suited to warmer weather, and their rubber hardens in colder weather...winter tires (commonly called “snow tires”), made with rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold weather, are better if you live in a cold, snowy climate... and all-weather tires, which combine wet-and-dry traction with flexible rubber, don’t need to be changed seasonally. Washer reservoir: Don’t forget to fill it with a cold-weather fluid to avoid freezing.
Defrosters: Make sure they’re working properly. For best results, turn the defroster off once the windows are clear, and take the climate system off of air-recirculation mode and set it to automatic. Run the rear defroster for five minutes before scraping the back window.
Battery: if you live where it gets cold, have your battery load-tested annually once it reaches four years old (after two years if you live in a warm climate, since heat is harder on battery life).
GM will stop selling driver behavior data. Following a lawsuit, General Motors has agreed to no longer sell data it collects on drivers’ braking, speeding, acceleration and mileage behavior. The company had been making millions of dollars by collecting such information via its OnStar Smart Driver systems and then selling it to data brokers LexisNexis Risk Solutions and Verisk...which in turn sold it to insurance companies. According to the lawsuit, the insurance companies then raised rates for some drivers based on the data.
Missing or underpaying quarterly estimated taxes has become more costly, say tax experts Edward Mendlowitz, CPA, ABV, PFS, and Maryann Reyes, CPA, PFS. IRS penalties are pegged to interest rates, which had been historically low but rose as high as 8%. Warning: Pay quarterly taxes in full and on time or face penalties. Suggestion: Consider rolling tax refunds into the next tax year to partially or completely offset upcoming quarterly payments.
In-flight alcohol-consumption warning. Drinking in a highaltitude environment exacerbates the effects of alcohol the lower air pressure decreases levels of oxygen in the blood and increases heart rate. This com- bined alcohol with hypobaric condi- tions diminishes sleep quality, strains the cardiovascular system and results in the body having an extended period of lower blood oxygen levels.
BRIEFS
he iPhone Shortcuts app is a keeper. The app lets you create an astonishing array of quick tools to boost your efficiency. Example: With just a few taps, you can create a shortcut to map where you’ve parked your car...or set an alarm for something you want to do while at home, such as feed your pet, and have the alarm disable automatically when you leave the house. You even can use the app to turn your phone into a translation device that reads foreignlanguage signs aloud in English.
Tax implications of gold investing, from retirement expert Bob Carlson. Gold is taxed as a collectible and subject to a higher capital-gains rate than other assets. If you own gold for more than a year before selling, your rate can be as high as 28%, depending on your tax bracket. Selling within 12 months? You’ll pay your normal income tax rate... which is normally higher than the long- term capital-gains rate. These rules also apply to ETFs invested in gold. For ETFs invested in gold futures, the IRS assumes 60% long-term and 40% short-term gains and losses.
Are you practicing good digital hygiene? The National Security Agency (NSA) recommends rebooting mobile devices - phones and tablets - once a week. Regularly turning these devices off then on again can wipe any malicious code that may have gotten into their systems. Other ways to protect your devices: Keep apps and software up to date to protect against known exploits...avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks that could intercept data...keep devices locked with biometrics, PINs and passwords to prevent any lost device from being used to gain access to your accounts.
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