Southwest Car Wash Association - ADVANTAGE - 2nd Quarter 2021

ADVANTAGE Publication of the Southwest Car Wash Association

Second Quarter 2021

“There’s nothing quite like an SCWA show!”

2021 S C W A C O N V E N T I O N & E X P O H I G H L I G H T S

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE JEFF BLANSIT, SCWA PRESIDE­­NT EXPERIENCE SCWA 2021 is now official and was an event that did not disappoint anyone who joined us.

Our theme this year was very appropriate for the times, FORWARD TOGETHER. The car wash community came back together with unprecedented excitement and enthusiasm to see old friends; meet new friends; learn; share ideas and grow their operations. It was truly a joy to experience. This year our event once again brought together the largest ever regional gathering of successful car wash operators and suppliers. Experience SCWA 2021 offered three strong days of premier education from nationally recognized speakers; the very popular SCWA EXPO with more than 350 booths; great networking opportunities and strong energy.

The car wash community came back together with unprecedented excitement and enthusiasm to see old friends; meet new friends; learn; share ideas and grow their operations. It was truly a joy to experience.

The SCWA Convention & EXPO also seems to be expanding in recognition. We had the largest attendance ever of car wash operators with more than 2400 joining in all the activities. This included car wash operators from 45 different states – coast to coast and border to border.

Another important and extremely positive stat is the attendee to exhibitor ratio – 33%

Registered Exhibiting Company Reps

67%

Pre-Registered & On Site Non-Exhibitor Attendees

Lifetime Achievement Award during the Thursday General Session ceremonies.

The 2021 Car Wash EXPO expanded to include more than 350 booths in more than 80,000 square feet displaying car wash “state of the art” all under one roof and all at one time. The EXPO continued the popular feature added last year – Car Wash QUICK TALKS. QUICK TALKS highlighted professional car wash providing practical ideas that can be implemented immediately in your business. In fact the challenge of each session was to provide at least 3 “takeaways” for instant business improvement. I know the ones I attended gave me so many good ideas for my business.

I hope you were able to join us to EXPERIENCE SCWA 2021 - and take advantage of the new ideas, solutions and strategies plus see the innovations in the car wash industry. If you missed the event - you really missed a great opportunity to become a better operator!

Many people work hard to make the SCWA Convention & Car Wash EXPO a special experience for everyone from the exhibitors to the SCWA leadership. To all the 2020-2021 Board of Directors – thank you for your time, energy and your commitment to SCWA and the car wash industry.

Board members go above and beyond by giving their time and assuming financial expenses for their participation as a Board member. It is an honor to serve with Board members who are willing to make these sacrifices for the benefit of SCWA and our members.

I want to thank all the companies who made the effort to participate in the 2021 EXPO. We truly appreciate your partnership with SCWA and know it will pay good dividends.

The Convention this year was highlighted by the keynote address from Steve Forbes, Chairman of the Forbes Media empire. Forbes presented many interesting business and economic insights for small business owners looking to plan for the future. As one attendee told me, “your keynote speaker was just what I needed to hear.”

A special thank you to the 2021 SCWA Sponsors who helped make the SCWA events more fun and affordable.

Check out the Exhibitors and Sponsors on pages 27 & 28.

You will also be able to find these companies on the SCWA website. I encourage you to support the companies who support SCWA.

The popular CEO Forum featured Michael Dominguez, CEO of the ALHI Group discussing the changing attitudes of customers and employees coming from the impact of the pandemic. Michael offered interesting perspectives on how to understand these attitudes and in turn provide amazing customer service. I think this session alone was more than worth attending the convention.

And now as we move FORWARD TOGETHER – thank you for your support and I challenge each of you to take the high energy, spirit and enthusiasm of EXPERIENCE SCWA 2021 into this next year. I look forward to working closely with Chuck & Jane as we move forward to continue to raise the bar and expectations to the next level in SCWA and our planning for SCWA 2022.

My congratulations to the Sonny Fazio family on the recognition of the late Sonny Fazio with the 2021 SCWA

See you in Fort Worth, February 27 – March 1, 2022 for the 2022 SCWA Convention & Car Wash EXPO. ADVANTAGE 3

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WHAT CUSTOMERS WANT MARKETING Y

our carwash customers have plenty of options when it comes to having their cars cleaned. Car owners can choose anything from fully automatic carwashes to attendantoperated carwashes and car detailing services. If you want people to choose your carwash and keep coming back for years to come, you have to understand exactly what they’re looking for and implement the most effective techniques to help them get what they want.

There’s no doubt that customer service reigns supreme when it comes to providing the best carwash service, and it is often the difference between success and struggling to beat the competition. If you want to see higher levels of customer satisfaction and improved profit margins over time, you must understand what your customers really want from you. Implement these practical tips to serve your customers better.

Customers want more value Many carwash services have attempted low pricing structures and even offered great deals frequently to attract and retain customers. But, such a strategy is not sustainable and won’t give your customers what they really want — and it devalues your services. What customers ultimately want is value for their money. Always compete on “value” above all other factors.

While pricing matters, remember that when you offer great value, happy customers will be glad to pay more for your service for what it’s worth. But the question is: How do you increase value for your carwash and car detailing services?

Here are techniques to increase value:

• Offer discounts and special promotions. This is a great

way to cultivate customer loyalty. You can provide loyalty cards that allow loyal customers to receive discounts. Make your offers for regulars as attractive as possible. Offer different seasonal promotions and volume discounts for companies with fleets, car dealers and car hire companies.

• Offer a little bit of extra service and giveaways. Apart

from just offering quality services, you should also extend your service by offering customers added value. For instance, you can give every premium carwash customer free goodies, such as microfiber towels or air fresheners.

Offering extra options for a service is also an idea. For instance, on top of car detailing services, you can sell some auto parts — such as replacement lift supports — and offer installation service for various car models.

• Implement a frequent buyer program. Your regular customers want you to reward them for loyalty, and there’s no better way than offering a frequent buyer

program or membership program. It makes them feel like a valued part of your brand.

• Offer a referral program to your existing customers.

Give customers rewards for referring others. That will increase traffic and loyalty as well as ensure repeat business from your regulars. A referral program is an excellent value-addition technique that keeps your customers happier

Customers want a great carwash experience If you ask any of your carwash customers what matters most to them and what they love about your business, they’ll likely mention something to do with your customerfocused carwash experience. That could be anything from staff interactions, perks, amenities, curb appeal, facility atmosphere, and the quality of your carwash and car detailing services. Customers are looking for a great, customer-focused experience.

How can you improve this experience? Implement these practical techniques to help you provide more satisfactory services:

• Increase your carwash processing speeds. How long

are you taking to service an end-to-end car cleaning or detailing? On average, customers expect the whole process to take around 20 to 25 minutes for full-serve, thorough interior and exterior cleaning. For in-bay automatic and exterior conveyor carwashes, customers expect an average of five to seven minutes for washing and drying. Improve your speed, but never sacrifice quality. Implement more efficient processes that minimize customer wait times, expedite payments and upgrade equipment.

• Offer customers servicing options and customizations.

Just like the best auto shops and other local businesses do in your area, your carwash customers also want you to offer tailored services that cater to their unique needs. For instance, you can allow customers to choose their own car treatments to make them feel valued. Improve your service offerings with various customer-focused options: - Undercarriage carwashes - Specialty carwash polishes and waxes - Paint restorations - De-salting treatments during winter - Leather seat protectants - “Ozone” treatment for odor control and removal - Headlight and taillight reconditioning.

• Ask your customers what they want. Customer-focused service providers care about how their customers’ cars look and prioritize the treatments they need most. The

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best way to ensure you’re meeting your customers’ needs is to ask. First, let them know the options available operators can appreciate simplicity and convenience of through in-store signage,the your online platforms and credit card payments.

While some operators may object adverts. Then, get their feedback on what they want, andto transaction fees or monthly maintenance charges by banks track and analyze which services and treatments they like or processors, these fees key are outweighed by the increased most.

Take note of these elements to improve your revenue. services: Adding a credit card system to a bay will more than in environmentally the short term. friendly - Do pay theyfor optthe forinvestment reclaimed or carwash products?

Customers will spend more time washing their vehicles - What areupgrade, the popular timescard and systems days of the after this as carwash most credit utilize aweek? “count up” versus a “count down” charging method.

- Do your customers self service or full service Walter states that withprefer standard cash payment equipment, carwash experiences? the self-serve bay timer will start counting down once - What are the payment most preferred treatments? the minimum is met.carwash Typically, there is a “last • minute” Maximize your curb appeal.

Areasyou proud of the down. alert horn that goes off time is running appearance of your customers mention With a credit cardbusiness? payment,Do theyour system starts counting how theythe lovetransaction your carwash or curb appeal? up once haslocation been authorized.

Once the Ensure businessthe stands out both and outside. wash is your completed, customer is inside instructed to push After all, your business is all about offering high-quality, a stop button to end the transaction and determine the polished and spotless carwashes for loyal satisfied final charge.

“This method keeps the and customer from customers.

Having a disorganized and dirty facility rushing to finish,” Walter says. “There is no ‘alert’ horn is not good for business and will only give the wrong to instinctively hurry them up. Some operators have seen impression of your carwash’s quality. Give your business average wash tickets increase by 50% versus using cash.” a fresh and appealing look. For instance, you can get a McCarty notes that years ago self-serve carwashes custom-branded cashier booth for your carwash that were called “quarter carwashes” simply because that was provides a functional and comfortable space for your the only payment option available.

At first, self-serve sites cashiers to perform their duties while staying protected would have a bill changer, and eventually many operators and secure. began adding tokens. These token dispensers could process • credit Pay attention to the small details. It’s the smallest cards, so it provided an economical way to accept credit card payments at a self-serve carwash.

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details that always have the most significant impact when offering excellent customer service. No detail is Eventually, bill acceptors wereowner, addedhave to the meter bay too insignificant.

As a business a system to door and then credit card readers.

Since some of the first help you detail small things, such as how often customers credit pricey,” operators stop card in — readers even thewere hour“a — little and train staffsome to remember would forand only one or requests. two baysKeep to accept faces, opt names individual a recordcredit cards, McCarty and explains.

Operators wouldweekly monitor of everything, evaluate updates daily, or the performance monthly. and hold down associated costs. With new, affordable card acceptance systems, operators can • Offer the credit best carwash service. This may seem obvious, economically add credit card acceptance to their self-serve but the most successful carwash businesses have bays, vending machines, vacuums, etc.They use highmastered all aspects of their services. qualityMORE cleaning ADD-ONS products and chemicals, and they offer EVEN

top-of-the-line customer service. Customers have dozens The most popular add-on service equipment for selfof options but will only choose the best service. Improve serve locations is tire shiners and air dryers, according to your service delivery, embrace new carwash formulas to McCarty.

Tire shiner can be in a boost bay or offer a cleaner washequipment that customers willadded love, and onyour a vacuum station.

One reason tire shine is a popular marketing efforts to attract more customers. add-on service is because the results are immediately Customers want excellent customer service visible. There is nothing like rubbing the pad on the Your at the that core of your carwash business. tires staff and isseeing rich, dark finish; it trulyWhile accents your work is to clean you’re firstbay andare foremost a a clean vehicle.

Air cars, dryers in the increasing in business service, which means interactions between popularity because they finally give self-serve customers your staff and customers.

These interactions at the the opportunity to air dry a vehicle.

Dryersare have proven core of your customer service. Customers are looking for hugely popular in areas with a lot of motorcycles. an excellent experience. Here, we look at the different With the advancement in credit card technology, gift techniques you can implement to build a positive customer cards and loyalty programs are new options available experience culture: for bay washes, Walter says. The credit card systems that • Employ positive customer-centric staff. Your utilize loyalty or giftand card options offer customers payment employees are the face of your carwash business. flexibility. They can use these loyalty or gift cards in many different ways and on multiple pieces of equipment at the

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Apart from offering quality services, how they interact with customers is the most memorable aspect for any customer’s visit to your carwash. Customers may not even remember what car detailing service or treatment they chose, but they’ll remember how your employees treated them and made them feel. The best staff treat your customers with: - Politeness as well as warmth when engaging with each customer - Care and attentiveness when asking questions and receiving feedback - Friendly interactions that will make your customers feel appreciated.

• Embrace a problem-solving approach. Customers stop at

your carwash because they want solutions for problems they have. Their vehicles are dirty and may even need car detailing services to make them look new. Maybe their cars have a funny smell due to pets or spilled fluids.

The floor mats and seats could also be stained and the interiors worn. The problems may vary, but they all want an excellent cleaning solution.

- Train your staff to consult with each customer on service specifications and details to ensure a tailored carwash service.

- Give first-time customers a carwash and detailing form, which you can upload online; then, have it on-hand with your staff for their next service.

• Offer patron amenities and perks. Consider offering

carwash business perks and add-on services to keep your

new customers happy and retain existing ones. Go above and beyond your professional carwash and car detailing services by offering: - Carwash loyalty services that customers sign up for, free of charge - Tiered carwash membership levels that offer perks and extra goodies for regulars - On-brand freebies, such as towels, air fresheners and more - Carwash discounts for local stores, restaurants and other businesses for additional savings - VIP lanes for loyalty card customers and club members.

• Create a thoughtful carwash environment. Go the extra

mile to create a thoughtful, positive carwash environment that puts customers first. Customers are always happy to return to carwash facilities that offer extra comfort and make their trips more enjoyable. Think of such additions as: - Toys for kids while they wait for parents during a full service carwash - Vending machines to provide snacks for customers who are hungry - A clean, bright and well-decorated facility, especially waiting rooms and washrooms - Free coffee and water for customers in the waiting area and at the register.

Customers Appreciate Having a Sense of Belonging Your loyal customers want more than just the service they come looking for at your carwash. They want to have a

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ADVANTAGE If of you have multiple checking savings accounts, sense belonging — to be part of theor brand and what consider consolidating to one ofYou each, you do beyond carwash services. can preferably build your at the relationship further by engaging local odds community same bank-more accounts mean in higher of overdrafts. projects.

It makes sense to be andwith engaged Especially troublesome areinvolved accounts automated with local nonprofits, schools, organizations andif other withdrawals or payments-easily overdrawn no one is community events. paying close attention. If there are lots of CDs, savings Your customers your community accounts and/ will or appreciate moneymarket accounts atsupport different efforts and besome happy to support your business. That will institutions, could be easily overlooked. spread your brand awareness.

You can your Stick with paper statements.

It'shighlight perfectly fine for business in various ways, including: you to access your accounts online, but it's easy for • Supporting fundraisers local someone elselocal to overlook or to beraise shutmoney out offor your online charities and schools only accounts, which may be difficult to access. Bills and statements arrive in the advertisement mail provide for a wonderful • Creating athat community board such local fail-safe.

That's true even if the financial agent live events as concerts, sports matches and farmersdoesn't markets at your carwashmail can be forwarded to that person by the near you-your post office or trusted neighbor.

• Engaging in alocal sports as well as environmentallyfocused activities.

DRAFT A ROAD MAP

Improve Bottom Line to With These Techniques CreateYour a concise guide your finances.

Having all of your financial information in one place will save your By implementing these practical techniques, you can easily provide services meet your customers’ designated agent a lot that of time and greatly reduceneeds, the odds answer their questions solveHandwrite their problems.

To ensure that something will be and missed. this list, or type streamlined delivery top-level experience, and print it.service But don't save itwith on your computer or send it consider improving your wash quality and consistency, via e-mail-that would increase the risk that this sensitive offering more value, improving your customer service and info could be stolen. Among the details to include... embracing community involvement. These efforts go a long Income sources. Note how each of your income streams way to improving your bottom line. arrives-pensions and Social Security payments often are -direct-deposited Katie Tejada, Lift Supports Depot into bank accounts, for example. If you

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TEXT MESSAGE MARKETING TECHNOLOGY A

s text message marketing (SMS marketing) gains wider adoption in the carwash industry, there are still many operators who have yet to try out and use this medium.

We know carwash owners and marketers are overwhelmed with the various marketing channels they need to stay on top of, yet text messaging is one of the simplest and most effective tools a business can use to help drive sales, boost engagement and increase loyalty. The one thing we repeatedly hear is that, for the operators who have adopted text message marketing, it has become one of their top tools to drive traffic to their businesses.

You may be thinking that you already do email marketing, so why bother with SMS? The problem with email marketing is that for some carwashes, it’s just not as effective as it used to be. Email boxes today look like news feeds, and it’s hard to stand out with all the clutter and competition. Emails are ignored, get diverted to unseen promotions folders in such services as Gmail or in some cases end up in the spam folder.

Your customers probably don’t pay attention to every email they receive on their phone, but they are looking at their text messages — usually as soon as they receive them.

Overall, SMS marketing has been shown to have higher open, read and engagement rates than email.

That is not to say you should stop email marketing campaigns. SMS marketing is meant to complement and integrate with your existing marketing, including email and social.

And don’t worry — you won’t be spamming or annoying your customers, as long as you opt them in properly to your campaigns and send them messages that provide value and are relevant; then, they’ll be happy to receive them.

Here are some of the different ways you can use text message marketing in your overall marketing plan.

Text Message Promotions Text message marketing enables you to connect directly with your customers and send them the various promotions and sales specials you currently offer. These promotions can be sent as a textbased message, picture message (MMS) or with links connecting to your web and social media pages. You can also send special promotions that are exclusive to your mobile list.

Promotional messages can also serve as a branding tool and keep you top-of-mind. Some customers may not want or need a carwash when you send a message out, but they will now have easy access to your promotions on their phones.

You can test out different types of promotions to see which ones resonate with customers and produce the best results; testing also shows how they compare to your current marketing campaigns.

Take these examples, for instance: Join our monthly VIP Club!

Choose from different options. Click here for more info and to sign up now! https://txtm.cc/L8J0 CARWASH: Crazy Wednesdays! 20% OFF any Regular Priced Wash Check out our website for other great promotions. https://txtm.cc/L8J01 Text Message Coupons Your customers love using your newspaper, direct mail and website printable coupons to save money on your services.

They just don’t love the hassle of trying to find them and remembering to bring them when they want to get their cars washed.

The good news is you can leverage these different mediums with a text message call-to-action.

By adding your keyword and texting number to your coupon marketing, you now give your customer the option of texting in for it. With COVID still being a concern for operators and customers, text message coupons can minimize the amount of paper your staff has to handle from customers.

These SMS coupons can contain expiration dates, tracking codes and links to mobile-optimized pages with additional rules and information. You can also use different keywords for each medium of marketing (print, web, direct mailers, etc.) to further help you track their effectiveness and return ADVANTAGE 13

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on investment (ROI). Add a reply option for your customers to join your mobile database, and then you will be really leveraging SMS to its fullest advantage. As examples:

• Text WASH to 833-435-0830 to receive this coupon on your mobile phone.

CARWASH: Save $5 off Gold or $3 off reg Full Service wash. Exp. 4-30 Code #CW3AZ https://txtm.cc/L8J0I Alerts, Reminders and Notifications Like most businesses following the effects of COVID, carwashes and detailers have had to adapt.

One of the most important things a business can do during times like these is to communicate and stay connected with its customers.

SMS enables you to provide more personalized updates due to COVID or weather-related events. Your customers will appreciate being notified about any changes to your business, such as service hours, openings/closings, services, safety protocols and any special instructions they may need to be aware of before heading over to your carwash.

For carwashes, mobile carwashes and detailers, you can use SMS to send appointment confirmations, reminders and schedule changes. SMS reminders have been shown to reduce no-shows and are less intrusive than calling.

Here is an example: We are now open from 7AM to 10PM M-Sat. 7-4PM on Sundays. We look forward to seeing you! Click to see our full services. https://txtm.cc/L8J0 Text-to-Win A common practice in marketing to boost engagement and create some buzz is to run a sweepstakes or contest.

You can easily set up a text-to-win promotion, giving your customers the chance to win a prize. It’s also a great way to quickly increase the size of your database by getting your customers to opt-in to your campaigns, especially if you are just starting out.

Here are some examples:

• Text WIN to 833-435-0830 to enter for a chance to win a free detail for your car.

CARWASH: You are entered for a chance to win a free auto detail! We will announce the winner June 1. You will be notified if you are a winner. Good luck!

SMS Surveys Acquiring online or on-premises customer feedback can be challenging. Carwashes and detailers looking for feedback on their customers’ experiences can use SMS to send text and web-based surveys. An SMS survey can give your customers a feeling of anonymity that they may not get by filling out a form at your carwash. It’s also easier for them to participate with SMS, where they can access the survey at their convenience.

A text-based survey can be as simple as asking a customer how that person’s latest experience was and have him or her rate it from 1 to 10. Interactive replies enable you to gather valuable feedback to better serve your clients and find out if there are service or operational issues you may not be aware of. It also gives you the chance to show your customers that you value them and are trying to improve their experience at your business.

Try this, for instance: CARWASH: Click the link to take our quick survey. We appreciate your feedback. https://txtm.cc/L8J0 SMS Mobile App Downloads Mobile apps are one of the latest tools carwashes are using to drive sales and improve the customer experience. You can use SMS to help you drive app downloads, provide new tracking information for your marketing as well as boost your mobile database for future promotions.

One of the problems with tracking app downloads is that it’s sometimes hard to know where that customer found out about the app and which advertising campaign or marketing medium is the one responsible for the customer downloading it. You may receive stats on the number of downloads, but that’s usually it. Was it from a newspaper/ magazine ad, direct mailer, out-of-home advertising or signage? SMS solves this problem and alerts you to which advertising campaign or marketing medium is helping you best push those downloads.

SMS gives your customers a simple way to download the app. On your website, you can use a “send to phone” widget that will send a link to users’ phones after they enter and submit their mobile numbers. For print and signage, you can include a keyword and your texting number, informing the users that by completing the call-to-action, they will receive a link on their phones to your app. You can direct them to your website page with the app store links, include specific URLs for each app store or include a link that will recognize the operating system of the user’s phone and automatically direct it to your app.

Here is a possible message: CARWASH: Click the link to be directed to your app store to download the app.

Apple: https://txtm.cc/L8J0 Google: https://txtm.cc/L8J0 Text message marketing is personal. When used strategically, SMS can help you achieve your sales and marketing goals by building and deepening the relationship with your customers.

It can be used at every stage of interaction with your customers and is meant to work together with your existing marketing program.

If you are already using SMS or thinking about getting started, it’s worth taking a closer look at your current marketing and considering how you can fully integrate SMS marketing to get the most out of it.

- Steven Levine, Mission Mobile ADVANTAGE 15

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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 Here are just the a few themany actions SCWA undertook: pastof year, carwash operators — either During

SCWA MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

EQUIPPED TO OVERCOME CONGESTION

by choice or thrown into survival mode via COVID-related • Worked with Texas Governor Abbott to have car shutdowns — seized the opportunity to redesign or make

washing confirmed “essential businesses” in days Texas. improvements to theas business.

For some, the slower

of the pandemic offered an opportunity to erect a newstates, road • Worked with SCWA members in many other sign, complete some overdue maintenance and train staff.

such as:is no Colorado, Mexico, Kansas, There doubt that New carwash operatorsHawaii, had to quickly improvise, and manyby didproviding to great success.

Some operators, Maryland and Ohio; information as to the primarily at full-serve locations, changed formats, essential business nature of car washing. switching to exterior-only washes. Other operators decided

• Worked many and county or officials to give to movewith forward withcity major renovations build new.

carThese washes the option to open essential renovations and new buildsas surely featurebusinesses the best carwash equipment market. However, in advanced local communities suchonastheDallas; Fort Worth; even the best equipment cannot overcome some of the Greenville; Houston; Albuquerque. issues that cause on-site congestion. As more people According President Jeff wash Blansit, “Itohave get back totothe office, is your ready keep been their very the site? comes the real proudautomobiles of the roleflowing SCWAthrough has played inNow trying to keep the test.

The façade and all the new equipment and chemicals car wash community working as an “essential business”. look and smell great, but if you are not meeting your We stand readyleading to continue efforts on behalf — ofyour our customers’ needs —our speed and convenience members and the car wash community”.

AMERICA’S MOST DURABLE CAR WASH MATERIAL

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Periodically SCWA members are featured in national publication Recently SCWA member The Wash Tub’s employee was highlight in Professional Carwashing & Detailing.

30 and Under Rising Stars: Austin MitchanPERSPECTIVE

We are proud to recognize today's rising young star player, Austin Mitchan.

Has your carwash become a glorified parking lot? If you’re Austin Mitchan worksthere as a might manager experiencing this dilemma, be a for few The key Wash Tub i San Antonio.

According to his nominator, Area Director reasons why. It starts at stacking.

Mike Mireles, Mitchan is making an impact at a young ag “Without question, the number one congestion-causing factor at a wash site is a poorly designed layout, Thank you, Austin, for making our industry better. particularly one that does not have adequate room to Name: Austin Mitchan accommodate enough cars on the lot,” confirms Allen Age:western 24 Luce, regional and key account manager for OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions.

“Namely, too many washes, Title: Manager whether in-bay automatic (IBA) or conveyorized tunnel, are Workplace: The Wash S.E. Military crammed into spaces that Tub, are just too small.” location, San Anton Impact: Austin Mitchan has been with The Wash Tub f If stacking congestion is occurring, but the tunnel or bay two years and chances has greatly isalmost light or relatively empty, are theimpacted lot is eitherthe too busine small or has a poor layout for the type of carwash you are in that short amount of time. Mitchan is from the Sa operating. It is critical in site selection that you choose a lot Antonio community and graduated from Highlands Hig that fits the area’s traffic population and wash format.

School. Following high school, he was accepted to th Point of Speed Mays School of Business at Texas A&M University, whe Carwashes today are expected to accept multiple forms of he graduated with his bachelor’s degree in business. business might not be going anywhere fast.

K

irikian 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.

ESTABLISHED 1997

For more information, visit neoglide.com or call us at 609.586.8818

Made with Pride in the USA

SINCE 1997

ADVANTAGE 17

payment, including cash, credit, mobile and gift cards. For membership and loyalty programs, RFID or license plate readers are highly recommended. This equipment must not only be positioned correctly at the entrance area, but there should also be plenty of systems available for the customer to access.

“Two other congestion factors are not enough point-of-sale (POS) stations, which can lead to backups, and the absence of an escape lane, which allows vehicles to exit the wash in the case of an emergency,” informs Luce.

Today’s advanced point-of-sale (POS) systems have more features, flashing graphics and information than previous pay terminals. However, if the screen is too small, hard to read, not working properly or causes confusion or frustration, this will present another point of congestion.

Tunnel By The Numbers Of course, the time to get it right is before the equipment is purchased and installed. If not, it becomes an expensive lesson to learn and one that might be unfixable. New operators, particularly on the tunnel side, must be educated on the trends and benchmarks in order to design the perfect tunnel carwash site for the area and expected customer base.

This includes an education in conveyor speed. According to Luce, the first way to determine an ideal conveyor speed comes down to simple mathematics. “If you are deploying a 100-foot-long tunnel, you should be washing between 80 and 120 vehicles an hour,” he says.

A skilled operator can adjust conveyor speed but does not

ADVANTAGE 19

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20 ADVANTAGE

ADVANTAGE Connected cameras do so at the detrimental cost of wash results.

As Luce notes, washes that are run too fast may not be cleaning vehicles track a vehicle from effectively, leading to dissatisfied customers.

“Alternatively, the pay station to the a wash that runs too slow can cause backups, especially on tunnel, ensuring that busy wash days, and that creates a bad visual for passing the equipment will drivers.” provide the purchased Do you have a highly-skilled operator? An experienced services to the correct operator will know how to resolve issues in a time-efficient vehicle, Davy explains. manner in order to keep flow moving on-site. This operator will also know the best time to switchControllers conveyor speeds, also provide as needed. That practice, insists Luce, safety shouldfornot thebeconsumer throughout the day. by controlling the “In general, it is not recommended that you change conveyor and other conveyor speeds during the day, especially if you are equipment, automatically running at your normal cars-per-hour pace. In this case, pausing the tunnel when changing the speed of the conveyor can compromise the there is along a problem. quality of the washing and drying processes, with This tight control affecting the rate of water and chemical consumption,” asserts Luce. can allow for customers to receive On busy days, he adds, a case can be made to increase conveyor speed in order to meet the higher demand, a custom “light show” but, conversely, notstates. meanThis that feature the speed the a in the tunnel asthat well,does Davy canofcreate conveyor should be decreased on even the slowest of days. unique experience for each customer based on what was The Long and Gamepurchased. Modern controllers can even selected Successful operators that have high lighting enough traffic tovisiting activate unique signage or special for any support it install dual conveyors, and a select group of unlimited wash club members. carwashes also feature 200-foot-plus tunnels to service more vehicles at the same time.

EFFICIENT PROFITABILITY Another advantage is to-the-inch How many employees arecontrollers prepping orenable finishing?

This can application of chemicals.

ThisSpeak precise application be another point of congestion. with equipmentmeans manufacturers see if somecontrol of that their prep and finishchemical work operators can toeffectively washes’ can be automated or done with better drying equipment, costs. When set up correctly, equipment only sprays for instance. Today’s advanced equipment, especially the vehicle, not the gap between vehicles, Davy notes. when combined with vehicle-scanning technologies and This to-the-inch application the entire advanced controllers, can nowcontinues clean thosethrough hardto-reach tunnel applies to such services as ceramic coatings, areas of and a vehicle. waxIBA applications andcan other necessaryinto chemistry.

For locations, some be converted a compactThis universal control not only saves on tunnel, if space allows.

As featured in chemistry the March costs, 2021 but it issue Professional Carwashing Detailing, one IBA also of provides customers a better&wash experience. operator, Gary Baright, can who be coowns Foamadvantage. & Wash Car“Your Energy efficiency another Wash in Hudson Valley, New York, offered a case study in tunnel controller also helps you save electricity by driving improving traffic flow with strategic equipment placement. each piece of machinery in the tunnel, activating your At Baright’s larger IBA sites,devices which feature bays twice as vehicle frequency-driven and controlling signage long as those that traditionally hold IBAs, customers wash and around facility,” Davy continues. in one lighting bay, a door opens, your and they enter the next bay for “Additionally, your tunnel controller can help drying while the next car in line enters the first bay.conserve energyadequate by leaving dryers on when cars Again, spaceyour is crucial to making thismultiple adjustment. are in theastunnel, avoiding costly start-ups the dryer Therefore, mentioned, it is important for newofoperators system.

Without wasting chemical or wash electricity, you are to pick the ideal sites for their areas and formats and to allow some spaceyour for growth. industry and each better able to control per-carThe costs and make consumer buying habits continue to evolve, so you will service more profitable.” want to plan for the future.

Bath points to efficient look-ahead features in a carwash Equipment especially for tunnelkeeping formats,the is also tunnel thatlayout, can include the controller blowers important to help move traffic along and reduce prep and running for the following vehicle. Again, this step saves finish labor needs. Work with a trusted manufacturer and energy and creates cost “There are many features supplier to ensure that thesavings. equipment featured in your that can help operators save power, water, etc.

When tunnel promotes flow and not congestion. Adequate dripyou space prior toall thethese blowers, for example, leads toyour better understand modern-day features, process drying.

The placement and positioning of the wheel cleaner, will benefit as well as your cost savings,” Bath says. top and side brushes, rinse arches, chemical applicators

and blowers can all help improve targeted wash results and MONITORING SYSTEMS keep traffic moving.

With the ramped-up speeds and maximum loading It is also a best practice results and adjustof efficiency needed, it to is monitor easy to wash see the importance the time control on certain or applications.

Reducing the proper in services the world of express tunnel washing. time needed to effectively wash a vehicle not only keeps Integrated and cooperative monitoring systems have flow moving, but it also results in cost savings. proven to be a profit protector for many bustling car Another factor to keep in mind is the emergence of various care operations. How do modern controllers enable these new automotive technologies and sensors. New advanced monitoring systems to prevent loading issuesand and driver assistance systems (ADAS) both help keep roadways damagesafe, complaints carwash tunnels? at carwashes. drivers but they in have been problematic New auto tech issues at carwashes, improper use oftracking the Here, camera systems can provide on-site tunnel or bay, loud noises, litter and poor signage that and help avoid delays caused by a loader, which prevents confuses and frustrates customers can all be points or slowed productivity and missed rollers. Inside the tunnel, causes of congestion. cameras can even stop the conveyor when the vehicle is In all cases, be diligent in educating yourself, your staff and not where it is supposed to be, Davy states. Stopping the your customers in order to minimize the issues these factors tunnel canMake prevent costlytoaccidents and and the follow downtime may cause. it routine pick up trash, a they create.

These anti-collision systems allow a carwash clear communication plan with employees and customers.

This can be accomplished through handincreasing signals, colorto run vehicles closer together, further valuable coding packages large,on easy-to-read throughput and and revenue busy days. signage.

Your equipment will pay you back day when Vehicle proximity devices, suchevery as sonar, help identify installed properly in the right places.

However, if you are features on vehicles so a wash can provide a better expecting your leading equipment to overcome some of clean, Davy notes. For example, these devices can detect the congestion factors mentioned in this article, you will be the windshield location, allowing for special waiting much longer than your customers in line.windshield Take your washinservices or side also possible time site selection andmirror designrinses. as wellItasisinstallation, andto then reaptruck equipment rewards for the life of the business.turn identify beds, allowing a wash to automatically devices. can prevent much soap from being -off Rich DiPaolo,This Associate Publishertoo – Editorial, Professional Carwashing & Detailing dumped into the truck bed or turn off blowers so they will not blow debris out of the bed onto other vehicles.

21 ADVANTAGE 21

YOUR SUCCESS OUR SOLUTIONS

Sonny’s local car wash experts are here to help you with every aspect of the car wash business.

Fast Local Support Nationwide, 7 Days a Week Fast Local Support Nationwide, 7 Days a Week Parts In-Stock For Immediate Delivery Parts In-Stock

Business Solutions Consulting, Installations, Renovations Business Solutions Consulting, Installations, Renovations Innovative Chemistry For Higher Profits Innovative Chemistry

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www.sonnysdirect.com/services www.sonnysdirect.com/services

Florida Mid-Atlantic 407-770-1000 434-975-9979 22 ADVANTAGE

Texas 800-687-2024

Mid-West 800-274-2777

West 480-483-0401

Northeast 866-343-6680

Southeast 888-995-5989

Texas 800-687-2024

West 833-725-6353

SCWA 2021 FIRST BIG CAR WASH SHOW IN OVER 16 MONTHS - RECORD BREAKING CONVENTION & EXPO The 2021 edition of the Southwest Car Wash Association

Convention & EXPO recently concluded another record breaking event hosting more than 2400 attendees from 45 different states converging on the Fort Worth Convention Center.

According to SCWA President Jeff Blansit, “The Car Wash Family came back together with unprecedented excitement and enthusiasm to learn and grow their operations. It was truly a joy to experience being able to gather again “in person” after 16 months. However we do not want to rest at this point but instead we want to continue to raise the bar and make sure all of our efforts are relevant to our growing attendance”.

The Convention was highlighted by two nationally recognized speakers, Michael Dominguez, CEO of ALHI Group kicking off the popular CEO Forum on Wednesday.

On Thursday, attendees learned economic and business insights from Steve Forbes, Chairman of Forbes Media.

As one attendee said, “your speakers were fantastic; this was the best lineup of programming I have seen in the

industry.”

The late Sonny Fazio received the 2021 SCWA Lifetime Achievement Award. The audience was treated to a moving video presentation highlighting Sonny’s legacy in the car wash industry. According to Awards Chair, Mel Ulrich, “the Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest recognition given by the SCWA and we are so proud to add Sonny’s name to our honor roll”.

The 2021 SCWA event included an expanding EXPO area with more than 350 booths and over 80,000 square feet of eye-popping installations exhibits plus premier education sessions and the popular Quick Talk Stage. As SCWA President - Elect Ryan Darby noted, “ After 16 months, it was rewarding to hear so many great comments about our event like: “AWESOME Show; Great leadership for the industry; Again - First Class as always; Just what my team needed; Always the very BEST”.

Mark your calendars now and join us for EXPERIENCE SCWA 2022 – February 27 - March 1, 2022 at the Fort Worth Convention Center.

ADVANTAGE 23

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS DIAMOND

DRB Systems Sonny’s CarWash Services Texas KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Pro-Tech Service Company CEO FORUM

Innovative Control Systems Kleen-Rite EXPO RECEPTIONS

CELEBRATE SCWA EVENT

Coleman Hanna EverWash Qual Chem

Gallop Brush Company Sonny’s The Car Wash Factory

BADGE HOLDER

Auto Vac Blendco

REGISTRATION BAGS

Sonny’s CarWash Services Texas LUNCH WITH EXHIBITORS

Hamilton Manufacturing Micrologic Associates

Scotch Plaid Chemical Velocity Water Works

HOTEL KEY CARDS

DIGITAL ADVERTISING

Elektrim Motor City Wash Works National Carwash Solutions

Clean World Distribution National Carwash Solutions WashScape

HAMPTON HAPPY HOURS

REFRESHMENT BREAKS

ChemQuest

Auto Wash Services – Wash Sales Midlothian Insurance Agency ATTENDEE BAG STUFFER ITEM

Huron Valley Sales EVENT SPONSORS

American Lube Supply Con-Serv Elektrim 24 ADVANTAGE

Stinger Chemical Swypit

FORWARD TOGETHER

ADVANTAGE 25

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS DIAMOND

DRB Systems Sonny’s CarWash Services Texas KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Pro-Tech Service Company CEO FORUM

Innovative Control Systems Kleen-Rite EXPO RECEPTIONS

CELEBRATE SCWA EVENT

Coleman Hanna EverWash Qual Chem

Gallop Brush Company Sonny’s The Car Wash Factory

BADGE HOLDER

Auto Vac Blendco

REGISTRATION BAGS

Sonny’s CarWash Services Texas LUNCH WITH EXHIBITORS

Hamilton Manufacturing Micrologic Associates

Scotch Plaid Chemical Velocity Water Works

HOTEL KEY CARDS

DIGITAL ADVERTISING

Elektrim Motor City Wash Works National Carwash Solutions

Clean World Distribution National Carwash Solutions WashScape

HAMPTON HAPPY HOURS

REFRESHMENT BREAKS

ChemQuest

Auto Wash Services – Wash Sales Midlothian Insurance Agency ATTENDEE BAG STUFFER ITEM

Huron Valley Sales EVENT SPONSORS

American Lube Supply Con-Serv Elektrim 26 ADVANTAGE

Stinger Chemical Swypit

SPECIAL THANKS SPECIAL THANKS TO TO OUR SPONSORS OUR SPONSORS DIAMOND

DRB Systems Sonny’s CarWash Services Texas KEYNOTE ADDRESS

Pro-Tech Service Company CEO FORUM

Innovative Control Systems Kleen-Rite EXPO RECEPTIONS

CELEBRATE SCWA EVENT

Coleman Hanna Carwash Systems EverWash Micrologic Associates Qual Chem

Baker Equipment & Supply Big Man Washes Gallop Brush Company Sonny’s The Car Wash Factory

BADGE HOLDER

REGISTRATION BAGS

Sonny’s CarWash Services Texas

Auto Vac Blendco Systems

LUNCH WITH EXHIBITORS

Hamilton Manufacturing Micrologic Associates

Sonny’s CarWash Chemistry Velocity Water Works

HOTEL KEY CARDS

DIGITAL ADVERTISING

Elektrim Motor City Wash Works National Carwash Solutions

Clean World Distribution National Carwash Solutions WashScape - Freechise Car Wash Investing

HAMPTON HAPPY HOURS

REFRESHMENT BREAKS

ChemQuest

Assured Partners/Midlothian Insurance Agency Auto Wash Services – Wash Sales ATTENDEE BAG INSERT

Huron Valley Sales EVENT SPONSORS

American Lube Supply Con-Serv Elektrim

Stinger Chemical SWYPIT Ver-tech Labs

ADVANTAGE 27

EXPO COMPANY LISTING EXHIBITORS * Bold listing denotes 2021 Convention Sponsor

COMPANY

BOOTH

COMPANY

BOOTH

BOOTH

A Plus Design Group

505

Dixmor

A V Carwash Solutions AUTEC

727

DRB

805

OptSpot

Acquire Video

204

Econocraft Car Wash Equipment

926

Parker Engineering & Mfg.

126

Elektrim Motors

436

PDQ

625

Aerodry Systems

101

124

COMPANY Oil Changers

220 931

Ahearn Sign

933

Erie Brush

334

PECO Car Wash Systems

717

Airlift Doors

925

Eurovac

851

Petit Auto Wash

935

EverWash

621

Premier Companies

105

Allied Powers

338

Extreme Signs and Lighting

540

Professional Car Washing & Detailing Magazine

950

American Changer

736

Extrutech Plastics

Promo Car Care

546

American Lube Supply

651

EZ PVC

836

PROTO-VEST

205

All Paws Pet Wash

112

911

AP Formulators

141

Filpac

725

Qual Chem

817

Arcadian Services

541

First Insurance Services

650

RDM Industrial Electronics

945

Ardent Advisory Group

449

FluidLytix

440

Retention Express

929

Arimitsu Pumps

140

G&G Industrial Lighting

345

Rinsed

939

Ascentium Capital

437

Gallop Brush Company

401

Rug Beater by Dralco

Assured Partners dba Baldwin Cox Agency

537

General Pump

923

Scotch Plaid Chemical

217

Assured Partners/Midlothian Insurance Agency

335

Genesis Modular Carwash Building Systems

117

Self-Serve Carwash News

949

Attlee Realty

324

Ginsan Industries

231

Shadazon

352

AUTEC Car Wash Systems

747

Grow Car Wash

552

Simoniz USA

209

Auto Laundry News

750

GS Light Systems

241

SoBrite Technologies

229

Auto Vac

525

Hamilton Manufacturing

109

Sonny’s CarWash Chemistry

217

Autowash

937

Hilton Displays

441

Sonny’s CarWash Services Texas

Auto Wash Services - Wash Sales

427

Huron Valley Sales

130

Sonny’s The Car Wash Factory

AutoBrite Company

247

Hydra-Flex

729

Southwest Car Wash Association

104

Baker Equipment and Supply

517

IDX

701

STI Conveyor Systems & Car Wash Buildings

227

Beacon Mobile

746

Industrial Gold

752

Stinger Chemical

435

Belanger

605

InnovateIT Car Wash Equipment

837

Suds Creative

900

Big Dot Lighting

948

Innovative Control Systems

123

Superior Auto Extras

Big Man Washes

305

International Carwash Association

751

Sutra Innovations

116

511 405

119 447

Blair Ceramics

813

International Drying Corporation

745

SWYPIT

551

Blendco Systems

535

International Detailing Association

850

Synergy Solutions

100

Brink Results

308

Istobal

820

Tavacon

322

C B Chemical

810

Jasco Construction

849

Texas Microfiber Incorporated

509

C K Enterprises

608

JBS Industries

337

The Insurancenter

721

Car Wash Advisors

223

JE Adams Industries

245

Tri-State Car Wash Supplies

136

Car Wash Buildings

225

Jolt Software

636

Turtle Wax Pro

536

Car Wash Kingdom.com/ Car Wash King

739

Kirikian Industries - Neoglide

351

Twin Distributing

Carolina Pride Carwash Systems and Solutions

445

Kleen-Rite

118

Vacutech

Carwash Boilers

KLOPP: Money Handling Equipment

439

Valvoline

235

KO Manufacturing

735

Velocity Water Works

829

Charger Water Treatment Products

852

Kwik Industries

637

Ver-tech Labs

237

ChemQuest

824

L&D Distributing

711

Clean World Distribution

917

Laguna Industries

Coast Commercial Credit

601

Loan Star Car Wash Systems

Coinless

841

Micrologic Associates

Coleman Hanna Car Wash Systems

325

Mile High LED Systems

Commercial Plus/Amplify Car Wash Advisors

905

Motor City Wash Works

Complete Signs

548

N1 Buying Group

Carwashworld.com

110

511 635 128

Video Tech Security

328

226

Wash Mechanics

347

511

Wash Solutions

845

213

Washify

453

134

Washlink Systems

835

419

Washmore Media

737

827

WashScape - Freechise Car Wash Investing

723

Cooper General Contractors

216

National Carwash Solutions

319

Washworld

CryptoPay

108

National Pride/Car Wash Superstore

823

Welcomemat Wash Solutions

825

D & S Carwash Equipment

705

New Horizons Custom Glass Car Wash Structures

WET-Washing Equipment of Texas

645

114

Dealer Industries

713

Nuform Building Technologies

Dencar

137

Oasis Car Wash Systems

135

Octaform

947

Diamond H2O

22 ADVANTAGE 28

647

740

113

Windtrax

236

Zep Vehicle Care

649

SOUTHWEST CAR WASH ASSOCIATION CONVENTION & EXPO | SWCARWASH.ORG

SCWA 2021 SCWA 2021 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Sonny Fazio, founder of Sonny’s The CarWash Factory - 1926-2013

S

alvatore “Sonny” Fazio was born in Boston in 1926.

Sonny joined the Navy in 1944 and served our country during World War II. Sonny married the love of his life, Gloria and together they had four children, Paul, Michael, Barbara and Marie.

It didn’t take Sonny long to find the car wash industry by becoming the owner of a full serve car wash in the Boston area in 1949. His car wash life shifted to the “supplier” side of things when he founded Sonny’s Enterprises, Inc. in 1978. Sonny said he never thought he would manufacture equipment, but he needed to keep busy after his sons, Paul and Michael, took over operation of his carwashes. He would test out the equipment at his sons’ locations and made sure every piece and part was functioning perfectly.

“Anyone who knew Sonny knows his life revolved around three things: His family, his friends and his work. There was no room left for anything else.”

In 1981, Sonny’s business started to grow and he began to manufacture equipment for friends along with his family and Sonny’s The CarWash Factory was born. The new business quickly grew to a 23,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in Fort Lauderdale to meet growing demand. And today, Sonny’s The CarWash Factory, is the world’s largest conveyorized car wash equipment manufacturer.

Paul Fazio offered his memories of his dad, “Anyone who knew Sonny knows his life revolved around three things: His family, his friends and his work. There was no room left for anything else. He lived for those three things - not necessarily in that order! Car washing was his life. If you knew him, you know just how true that is. To say he had a passion for it would not even come close. He loved it and he loved the people that loved it. They were indeed his family.

Helping people made him happy and of course he loved going to the car wash shows”.

“Following his “retirement” and the passing of our mother, Gloria, there were two things that kept him going. First there was his extended car wash family. Many car wash friends called and wrote him regularly to make sure he was doing okay. Ben Alford, an operator in Louisiana and longtime friend, called Dad every Saturday right till the end. It amazed me that two men with such different backgrounds could become so close. Both men described the relationship to me on separate occasions as simply being brothers.”

“The second thing was his love for telling stories- especially to those going through the Sonny’s CarWash College. For those of you that went on a factory tour with Sonny, I am willing to bet it was an experience you will never forget.

On the tour he would tell what I considered to be the most inappropriate stories, to the students about car washing’s past history. He knew I hated it when he would tell those stories. He would laugh when I would say to him “you can’t say that stuff” and he would respond with “I’m 86 years old — I can say anything I want.”

“Dad was old school and very black and white in his opinions. He had no trouble letting you know exactly what he thought. He had no patience for bologna. He loved seeing the industry grow. He told me when I took over as CEO of Sonny’s in 1991 that if I didn’t continue to help people - he would take his name off the building - and he meant it. He loved telling me I was becoming more like him every day. He knew that made me crazy.”

Sonny passed away on April 17, 2013 at the age of 86. The SCWA Board of Directors and membership are pleased to honor Sonny Fazio with the 2021 SCWA Lifetime Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the car wash industry and to thank Sonny and his entire family for their support of SCWA and the car wash industry. ■

CO N G R AT U L AT I O N S F R O M S C WA

33

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We have taken specific measures in designing our equipment to perform exceptional at line speeds in excess of 160 cars per hour.

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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 WOW factor!

WASH STREET. 125FT. RWP SYSTEM

100

Manufacturer of Exceptional Conveyorized Carwash Equipment 866.362.6377

30 ADVANTAGE

sales@motorcitywashworks.com

www.motorcitywashworks.com

Motor City Wash Works, Inc. 48285 Frank Street Wixom, Michigan 48393

HOW WORKING ‘OUTSIDE’ OF YOUR BUSINESS IS KEY TO RUNNING IT MANAGEMENT It may still be a difficult idea to execute when you’re a

small business, but the idea of not getting caught up in the minutia of running your business is a good one. But here’s an even better idea: Work outside of your business more than on it.

What does it mean to work outside of your business? It means to be objective. Imagine you are an outsider to get a fresh look from the perspective of the audience you want to reach. The closer you are to your business and the more integrated your business is in your life, the more challenging this is. This is why self-employed and small business owners often don’t see how their business is perceived differently than they intend.

Somehow, business owners often forget they are also consumers. When you receive the auto-reply message on LinkedIn from someone selling their services, has that ever worked for you? Have you ever received an immediate auto-reply and thought, “Oh great! I’m so glad they messaged me immediately because I am so eager to buy their services even though I have no relationship with them at all!” If such a practice has never convinced you to buy, then what makes you think it’s going to work on anyone else?

Taking a moment to think and feel like the audience you are trying to reach will help you see and feel the way they might. If pointing out your demise doesn’t inspire you, there’s a good chance it’s not going to inspire anyone else.

It’s been said — we are far more alike than different. Sure, our emotions, responses and circumstances are different.

But you can pretty much be guaranteed that if you don’t like the way someone is marketing to you, there’s a good chance a large number of people aren’t going to like it when you market to them the same way.

Work outside of your business more than on it. Imagine you are the audience that you are trying to reach. Would you, as a consumer, like the way you are marketing your business? If not, change it. Take a look at your marketing strategies, your brand and marketing messaging and ask, “If I were my prospective customer, would this inspire me to choose my business? Or would it be a turnoff?”

- Jeffrey Shaw, Small Business Consultant

There seems to be this trend in offering uninvited criticism as a means to point out someone’s value proposition.

I received an email recently that stated, “While you’re creating some wonderful content, you don’t seem to have much of an audience,” followed up with all the ways the sender could help quadruple my audience. With a little investigating, I couldn’t find a single instance where they had an audience on any social media platform that was larger than mine. But they’re going to help me increase my audience? What they had was a canned process to point out a weakness for which they believed their services provided a solution. I couldn’t help but wonder when the last time insulting someone to get them to hire you worked.

Consider your brand message and the messaging you put out. It’s amazing how often businesses will market death and mortality and think it’s going to inspire people to take action. Financial planning is big on this. Typical messaging speaks of being ready for the ultimate end. The end of work, health and of course, the end of life. Even industries like the photography industry will stress capturing moments for posterity and for loved ones to have when you’re gone. Does planning your financial future because you’re going to die inspire you? Or would planning for all the living you want to do be more enticing?

ADVANTAGE 31

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For Team Sponsorship & Registration - Visit www.swcarwash.org or call (800) 440-0644.

• Only Team Sponsors are guaranteed Team Member requests.

• Limited to the first 72 paid registrants.

• $175.00 per person includes breakfast, green fee, cart, prizes, driving range balls and lunch.

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ___________________________________________________ State ______ Zip ____________ Email: ___________________________ Phone: ____________________________ Fax:___________________________ Handicap: ____________Or Average Score: ______________

Total Golf Fee Enclosed: $ __________________ Player & Team Space is limited and will be confirmed only upon receipt of the reservation form and payment.

Mail completed form with payment by Monday, September 20, 2021 to SCWA, 4600 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 103, Austin, Texas 78759

Register & pay by credit card online at www.swcarwash.org.

Phone (800) 440-0644 (512) 343-9023 Fax (512) 343-1530.

ADVANTAGE 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.

This continued development has created across-theomechange insurers telehealth benefits. board inare thecutting car care industry.

SpeedVirtual is king, and medical visits were made free to patients during the earlier wash cycle speeds have surged as daily vehicle counts part of the pandemic, but as the pandemic grinds on, some have climbed. But, this process of acceleration also ushered insurers now require co-payments for telehealth or have inestablished the expectation of new and improved deductibles to beservices met before they will pay. wash Rules results.

Now, both tight timing and effective operation vary and can be complex, using factors such as the type have become important everyofwash cycle performed. of plan you have and thefor purpose the virtual medical visit. if yourpace telehealth benefits have been free, market, do To Even maintain in this hyper-competitive not assume still are withon your preferablyof every ownerthey must stay- check current theplan, capabilities online, carwash since phone representatives can becalled hard to reach and today’s control systems. Often the “brain” delays when calling can be substantial. of the modern carwash, these carwash controllers connect the different phases of automated operation. Wash equipment, business systems, HR functions and more ppliance shortages will persist throughout 2021 due to communicate and share information. Only by learning pandemic-related supply problems, strong demand and about thisretailers, technology and implementing best cautious says appliance expert Stevenindustry Sheinkopf. practices can a carwash owner hope to ensure dependable Delivery can take four to six months. Best: Order appliances and profitable operation. as soon as possible when remodeling. Consider Beko/

DID YOU KNOW...

S

A

Blomberg, a well-respected brand that is popular in Europe

KEEP IT MOVING but often in stock because it lacks name recognition. Shop

Brian Bath with Innovative Control scratch-and-dent appliances - especially withSystems washers/ notes that the which newest carwash controllers allow vehicles to be dryers, will be hidden from public view.

Ask retailers processed than everwhile before. if they canfaster provide loaners youHigh-volume await delivery.express

washes depend on functional speed and accuracy, and these important factors are generated by the best integrated controller and management systems.

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 mart-TVs can pose securityprecise dangers.

Hackers canpoints use out washing while providing results.

Bath unsecured sets as a backdoor into your home network. that new controllers do this by allowing different types of Example: One of theraising most popular smart-TV brands, aTCL, automation, like the roller, to maintain regular had open networking ports that hackers could use to gain flow of vehicles. access.

A hacker could learn the TV’sspeeds IP addresses andvary see in Today, car-per-hour conveyor currently its hidden files with an ordinary web browser.

In theory, the industry — speeds of 150 cars per hour up to even 220 acars hacker rewrite code, inject files Bath per could hour then are common across themalicious express world, or disable the TV completely.

Even after TCL claimed to have reveals. The large tunnel properties where operators have fixed the vulnerability, researchers found significant 20-plus vacuum spaces have really pushed up speeds and risks remaining. Self defense: Search online for your TV’s profits across the board. model number and the words “microphone,” “camera” and Overall, carwash tunnel controllers help operators dial “privacy,” Check all available settings and options. Do not in their profits and provide a clean, dry and shiny vehicle, use default security settings. If your TV has a camera lens, according to Todd Davy, senior vice president of sales for cover it with black tape.

DRB Systems. Other advances that modern technology allows are integration of a controller and a point-of-sale (POS) To isthis the controller omesystem. ownership lessend, affordable in most ofcommunicates the country. with the POS system to make sure every A new report that compares average wagescustomer to averagereceives the wash services for which or she home prices throughout the UShefinds thatpaid. houses are less Time-wasting and costly rewashes can become a affordable than their historical averages in 55% of counties. problem a vehicle receives the last wrong That is upiffrom 42% the same time year,services. thanks toModern home controllers workwage withincreases. other systems to address this issue. prices outpacing

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Continued from pg. 31

have income that arrives by check, explain where it comes 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.

Recurring payments — including mortgage/rent, utilities, taxes (estimated and property - not typing income - yields thetaxes best learning and H andwriting taxes), insurance premiums… made to personal memory.

Scanning the brains payments of adults and children while they took aassistance writing-intensive examination the that or household providers… andshows otherthat bills much more active when people are writing by hand recurbrain on a isregular basis.

Search your checking account and compared to when they’re using a keyboard.

Researchers credit card transactions histories to make sure you haven't say pressing pen to paper activated the sense, creates contact missed any of these. For each listing, provide your account between different parts of the brain and opens up the brain for number, password/PIN and the company's contact phone learning and remembering. number or website as well as a brief description of when and how it is paid. Indicate where you wire a check or keep a late payment from damaging your credit have H setow uptoautomatic payments from an account. score. If you’re accidentally late on a credit card payment, Any payments made annually or semiannually deserve there’s a chance you can keep it off your credit report. To do special attention —the less often a recurring bill is paid, the so, make the payment and then either call the card issuer or greater thea odds thatletter” yourapologizing financial agent will overlook it write “goodwill for missing the due date, whenexplaining reviewing your Thelate, is common why yourfinances. payment was promisingwith not tolongbe late in insurance, the future and requesting that the issuerand not pass along term-care home/auto insurance property informationthe to the credit-reporting The issuer taxes.theHighlight dates these areagencies. due, and add a is not required to honor your request, but many will. If you warning that this date is important. Example: A woman decide to do it by phone, understand that you may have to was in a rehab facility when her long-term-care policy's work your way up to a manager. Unfortunately, if your card is bill arrived.

The deadline passedthey before or her loved with Bank of America or Chase, have she policies prohibiting ones them realized was amiss.

The insurer from anything honoring goodwill adjustment requests.fused to reinstate the policy.

DID YOU KNOW...

Helpful: Man insurers allow you to name a third party, such as a friend or family member, to be notified if the policy is behind in payments.

Bank, investment and credit card accounts. Include each institutions's name and contact BRIEFS phone number, NEWS account number and passwords/PINs. work with.

This ays to raise professionals your credit score.you Credit-builder loans are could WFinancial include a tax preparer, estate attorney, financial put into a CD by the lender, usually for one year - you planner, pay part of theadviser loan amount, plustrust interest, monthly, then phone investment and/or officer.

Provide take out the cash and interest at year’s end.

(These loans numbers and e-mail addresses. These pros might be able typically are agent for up to $1,000.)questions The high interest rates of to help the answer about your finances— 10% to 15% may be worthwhile if you need to build your though likely only questions related to their specialties. In payment history. Have rent payments reported to credit addition to keeping this list with your plan, give it to loves bureaus - ask your landlord to do this if it is not happening ones soBecome if all else fails, these people canon piece together already. an authorized credit card user someone your account financial activity. will track for both of you. Get else’s - payments Your credit personal Provide full name, a secured card information.

- you make a deposit that your becomes mailing and phoneSetnumber(s), your creditaddress, limit, thenemail pay offaddress all charges monthly. up automatic payments that younumber never to forget to pay bills date of birth, SocialsoSecurity and mother's maiden on time.If you were widowed within the past five years, name. include your late spouse's personal info, too. Photocopy your driver's license and health insurance/Medicare card and tach these to dementia your financial guide.

E ye at tests can predict in people who have Parkinson’s disease. Many Parkinson’s patients have vision PROVIDE FURTHER GUIDANCE changes. Those who do can be given simple eye tests that Confirm that your financial guide is understood and help point to changes in the brain’s wiring, which indicate properly When you hand your guide to your damage thatstored. may later emerge as cognitive decline.

financial agent, ask him to read it in your presence so

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wash site.

If designed properly, operators can put the gift PAY STATION

• Does the wash have doors on the bay, and are they closed on cold days? card swipes in the bays, on vacuums, vending machines, air Commander brings the in technology and customer Once a customer is relatively comfortable in the bay, machines, mat cleaners andlatest other compatible equipment. convenience to a compact and affordable pay of station. other additional profit opportunities can be evaluated, This gives customers the flexibility to use any piece Walter notes. Outside of the basic meter box functions, equipment on the property with a single card. offering carnauba-based waxes, air dryers or ceramic“If a customer has to choose between a site with swipes Standard 10.4” Customizable Touch Screen Display infused products can help keep customers in the bay Tap & Pay only in the bay versus a site with them on all pieces of longer. As previously mentioned, offering multiple forms of equipment, I think we all know where they are going,” payment can increase revenue and maximize profitability.

Walter says. “Keep mind, customers choose a wash for Custom Door,inCabinet, and Base Wraps McCarty explains that there are several ways for many reasons, but two of the top reasons are speed and operators to push a site’s profitability. Wash appearance is convenience. Both of these are achieved with the aboveOffer Buy-Ups, sell Wash Bundles, & issue the first consideration, and operators should: mentioned flexible payment options.”

Receipt Codes • Make sure carwash bays are clean CREATING PROFITABILITY • Make sure trash cans are emptied To push profitability on a self-serve site, Walter suggests • Make sure no weeds are growing around or in the wash.

Accepts Chip Cards & Contactless Payment that operators find ways to keep customers happy and in “You never get a second chance to make a first the bay longer. Self-serve owners should remember that impression, so make sure the carwash facility is nice, clean theyCustom are in theMobile businessApp of selling time. integration and RFID and inviting,” McCarty says.

Walter shares some questions operators should consider: Inside the bay, operators should make certain that • Are the bays clean and well-lit? the functions are working as they should and that the Visit hamiltonmfg.com or call 888-723-4858 for more information • Does the gun or wand leak all over the customer? equipment is delivering plenty of chemical for each, • Do you have good pressure, soap, wax and presoak McCarty recommends. This ensures a wash is giving in the bay? customers their money’s worth. Next, ask the chemical • How do the chemicals smell and look on the vehicle? provider for products with vibrant colors and great smells.

• As an operator, how would you rate the experience Customers will spend more time in the bay spraying on in the bay? chemical products that look like they are “painting the

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Michael Ford 1-800-400-0365 MikeF@CoastCC.com

commercial credit

Car Wash Finance Specialists •

Equipment Loans & Leasing

•

New Construction Loans

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Acquisition Finance

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SBA Loans

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Land, Building & Equipment Finance

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Remodel Loans

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Refinance Debt

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Working Capital Loans ADVANTAGE 1541

42 ADVANTAGE

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS The SCWA members listed below have joined SCWA since our last issue. We Appreciate Your Support!

Kim Allen ProClean Auto Wash Denver CO

Ashley Baird Neutze Enterprises Uvalde TX

Brenda Bang The Dauntless Carwash Co. San Antonio TX

Stephanie Barry TBD Webster TX

Chuck Bartolomeo INEX Technologies Melville NY

Blake Belanger Swash Car Wash Oklahoma City OK

Sergey Blansit Water Works Express Austin TX

Robert Brister Grand Prix, Inc. - Mr. Tom’s Kentwood LA

Rowdy Buck BBI Brandon MS

Matt Callahan Filpac Dallas TX

Alex Cantu Arizona Uniform & Apparel Tucson AZ

Christian Carbone APL Boca Raton FL

Bill Carbonel Wheel-eez by Cork Ind. Jacksonville FL

Steve Carrel TRP Capital Birmingham MI

Jesse Castillo Hey Zeus Investments San Antonio TX

Brian Coggin Reidsville Pro Wash Alma GA

Robert Crow Clearwater Express Wash Celina TX

Blake DeWitt Raineydays Branding Fayetteville GA

Upendra Dhakal Charlies Laser Wash Euless TX

Jessica Dilullo ProClean Auto Wash Denver CO

Dennis Dreeszen Autowash Management, LLC Denver CO

Chad Dreher Dreher Collision Concepts Fond Du Lac WI

Kevin Duberstein Wash Me Car Wash Cedar Park TX

Phil Eckinger Eckinger Construction Canton OH

Brian Edwards Suds Ventures San Antonio TX

Todd Elbrink Houston TX

Eric Emerson Super Suds Carwash Abilene TX

Austin Esecson Rinsed New York NY

Jeff Fields Grow Car Wash Bowling Green KY

Hans Forslund Full Throttle Auto Spa Parker CO

Michael Frantz TRT Holdings Dallas TX

David Garb The Wash Group Burleson TX

Omar Garcia Fast Lane Car Wash Little Elm TX

Maria Gonzalez Go Carwash Gilbert AZ

Ryan Goodin Egan Sign Wyomissing PA

Jake Harrison ICWG-Driven Brands Centennial CO

Ben Haymond 95 Express Sandpoint ID

Danny Haymond 95 Express Sandpoint ID

Mark Haymond 95 Express Sandpoint ID

Scott Haymond 95 Express Sandpoint ID

Michael Hert M&M Adventures, Inc. Durango CO

Terral Hill ClearWater Express Wash Montgomery TX

Tom Hosepian Soapy Joe’s Santee CA

Jim Houck FireHouse Xpress Car Wash Ft Collins CO

Dustin Hubbard Texana Builders Houston TX

Charles Huitt Washhouse Weatherford TX

Richard Hutton FastLap Car Wash 1, LLC Santa Ana CA

Panagiotis Iakovidis Tremarale Winter Haven FL

Michael Joy Soapys Car Wash Londonderry NH

Tim Justice The Car Wash Roller Company Oakville Ontario, CA

Kevin Kamrath Aqua Express Car Wash Houston TX

Sam Kapur Sema Capital Phoenix AZ

Paras Khara Khara Enterprises Frisco TX

Thomas Kim Murphy Pinnacle, LLC Murphy TX

James Kinney Mister Car Wash-Director Tucson AZ

Perry Klauber Passive Income Investments Dallas TX

Doug Klyce Bebo’s Car Wash Mobile AL

Cody Knight Buff It Mcalester OK

Rajeev Kumar DMN Market Place, LLC Jonesboro AR

Terence Kwan P Capital San Francisco CA

Cuong Lam Topwash Express Car Wash Garland TX

Patrick Lane Alnet Americas, Inc Lake Mary FL

Jason Lederman Mister Car Wash-Director Tucson AZ

Stephen Littlefield Speedy Sparkle Car Wash Loveland CO

Eric Lockwood Auto Auto Wash Englewood CO

Nick Lopez Bubble Bath Carwash Boerne TX

Ryan Lowe Car Wash King Plano TX

Fong Ly Think Polished Riverside CA

Stephen Lynch Matrix Capital Markets Group Richmond VA

Frank Maestri Fence Creek Ranch Sheridan WY

Anne Mauler Soapy Joe’s Santee CA

Trevor McDowell Watershed Car Wash Scottsdale AZ

Scott McElroy Bubble Up Car Wash Tulsa OK

David Melhorn Kleen Mist Car Wash Shamokin Dam PA

Trey Merchant Champion Xpress Car Wash Lubbock TX

Tony Milen Jax Kar Wash FL Bradenton FL

Brookelynn Miller Oil Changers Pleasanton CA

Joshua Mohler Big Red Express Car Wash Austin TX

Kenneth Moore KLM LKM, LLC Duncanville TX

Matthew Muncrief 2M Star Wash Crandall TX

Christy Musser Freedom Express Car Wash Monument CO

Konat Nandakumar Indus Equities Cypress TX

Brian Neutze Neutze Enterprises Uvalde TX

Daniel Neutze Neutze Enterprises Uvalde TX

Shaun Nordgaarden Waterway Carwash Chesterfield MO

Bob O’Donnell Renew Car Care, Inc. Schererville IN

Shailesh Panchal RHG Piscataway NJ

Miles Parris Prairie Star Enterprises Round Rock TX

Stefano Pascente Hot City Auto Spa Conroe TX

Prashant Patel Baywash Sugar Land TX

Jamie Nester Flagstop Car Wash Chester VA Spenser Ouellette North Country Car Wash & Laundromat Sidney ME Viren Patel CB Chemical Conroe TX

Parker Paulin Denver CO

Bobby Payne MHC Datacomm, LLC Tomball TX

Geo Perez Premier Car Wash Services Ballground GA

Wayne Pierson 2717 Golbal Properties Nazareth TX

Heath Pipes TVD Enterprises Live Oak TX

Shellie Porras 8:28 Car Wash Monahans TX

Megan Ragsdale Soapy Joe’s Santee CA

Jaime Ramirez Wash Monkey El Paso TX

Paul Ratterree Industrial Gold Mansfield TX

Nolan Rencher Rencher Properties Houston TX

Michael Rice Celtic Bank San Anselmo CA

Christopher Roberson The Dauntless Carwash Co. San Antonio TX

Colton Rodgers True Blue Car Wash Tempe AZ

Greg Rothrock Quest Car Care Products Whiteland IN

Matthew Sawer GO Car Wash San Antonio TX

Andrew Schell Raceway Car Wash Phoenix AZ

Justin Schwagel Tropical Rain Car Wash Ada OK

Aqeel Siddiqui Splash N Dash/Ocean’s Car Wash N. Richland Hills TX

Ryan Sitton Sud Daddee’z, LLC Nacogdoches TX

Jonathon Skorka Car Wash Solutions of Florida Ocala FL

Joseph Skorka Car Wash Solutions of Florida Ocala FL

Matt Snow Finish Line Car Wash McKinney TX

Angela Souder Novo Energy Services, LLC Buzzards Bay MA

Eli Sved Enzo Washes New York NY

Phillipe Tatem Freedom Wash Holdings Frisco TX

Theo Thompson Hat Creek Vaqueros, LLC Fort Worth TX

Paul Titus Quest Car Care Products Waupaca WI

Jeff Tremper Throttle Service Reminders Frederick MD

John Tucker Speedway Car Wash, Inc. St. Francisville LA

Steve Turney Modernwash Bowling Green KY

Norm Tyler Video Tech Security Burnet TX

Jaco van Zyl Gulf Shades Pasadena TX

Scott Wainwright WOW Carwash Merced CA

Larry Wang Wang Family Invest Saint Augustine FL

Wolfram G. Willburger Irontower Plano TX

David Woodard Finish LIne Car Wash McKinney TX

Hilary Woodring WOW Carwash Merced CA

ADVANTAGE 43

car with product.” Owners should also ask the chemical MARKETING

THE REAL PROBLEM Staying on top of new developments in the carwash

The true problem that too many marketers have provider to fine-tune products and equipment so that industry is the key to issuccess, and self-serve operators that one thingthey has can changed in failed several to recognize maximum clean is delivered at the best operating cost. OF DIRECTORS have sources of only information use to BOARD marketing the past 100 years: technology.

Yes, Outside the bay, operators should make sure the stay on theincutting edge, McCarty states. HeThat’s agreesit.that you now have social media and tweets and followers President-Elect: Vice President: President : vacuums operate properly and do a great job. The vacuums publications, online groups and carwashing forums and are Jeff Blansit Ryan Darby Mel Ulrich apps and branding and re-marketing and analytics and In 1975, the Federal Communications Commission are often the first orAustin, last impression a customer has aboutTucson, AZgreat places for operators to learn more, TX Weatherford, TXask questions and focus groups and ROI and CRM and customer personas (FCC) largely overlooked ruling that allowed a wash,issued so winathem at the vacuums, McCarty states.

(214)over 912-1729 (806) 535-7275 (940) 456-1082 share information with others. and“Finally, digital and so on. all certainly true. But, what has Additionally, make sure — vending machines are used full and earth-orbiting antennas satellites — to be for there are It’s your local carwash equipment Treasurer: Past President: Vendor Vice President: operating properly, and make sure all signs are clean, fresh enabled nearly every bit of it is technology. broadcasting television over large areas. Around that distributors,” McCarty concludes.

“These individuals Don Witt Andrew Zamora Tyler Greffin and not faded or peeling.

Dallas, TXregional broadcasting network Lubbock, TX Wixom, MI and prolificyou is the rolegreat of technology in marketing same time, a little-known canSo provide with insights, many of that theseit (214) 358-2575 (806) 543-2775 (866) 362-6377 has become for somewashes an alluring distraction.

Panic andfirstpeer distributors operate themselves, so they have called Home Box Office (HBO) took notice, and decided UPGRADE KNOWLEDGE pressure set in, and hand knowledge of organizations what works.” pursue the latest and the to use the FCC’s decision to beginavenues distributing DIRECTORS Walter notes landmark that there are several for greatest technology-based marketing tactics without taking its own programming via satellite.

Ed Emerson Frank Nuchereno operators to learn Robert more Andre about equipment options, and he By freelance contributor, Phil Ashland, Professional FL would Dallas,aTexas strategic approach. As HBO’s innovative move have a ripple recommends a lot Tamarac, of research prior to making any effect washAbilene, TXthe time to thoughtfully consider (800) 327-8723 (325) 201-8011 214-683-9450 Carwashing & Detailing. legendary philosopher and strategist, Sun Tzu once put it, that would spillany over onto the landscape of on marketing. upgrade.

With upgrade, doubling down research Lanese Barnett Steve Holcomb JTnoise Thomson “Tactics without strategy is the before defeat.”

Soon, satellite networks proliferated, and with them, will surely end up paying off for an owner.

Dallas, TX Oklahoma City, OK Gilbert, Arizona get the product or service There are several media outlets review, to target in waystothat were online never chat premarketers’ ability (972) 390-0230 (405) 642-7874 Marketing must ultimately 801-898-7600 rooms, possible. websites and print media/trade magazines for into the hands of the customer — a real person. Marketers viously Clayton Clark Paul Kalscheur Shane Weiss continued learning, Walter continues.

Contacting a local need to realize that it is way too easy Since that time, Houston, there has TX been so much technological Appleton, WI Alice, TX to distract ourselves distributor or self-serve equipment manufacturers can be (281) 304-2517 (920) 636-8463 (361) 664-8101 (via technology) away from what is centrally important innovation that marketers are faced with choices beyond beneficial, since they can share hot market trends and give in marketing: generating a sale to a real person and, measure. It can be blinding and bewildering for anyone TUNNEL CONTROLLERS CONNECT ALL references for operators that have already upgraded.

When Executive Director: hopefully, repeating that process again and again to her charged with allocating marketing dollars on behalf Chuck Space • 4600 Spicewood Springs Rd., Ste. 103PHASES • Austin, Texas, 78759 (512) 343-9023 OF •OPERATION WITH A FULL reviewing options, the this morevery data points better. or his delight. Marketing strategy is not so much about a of a business.

And, issue considered, is what hasthecaused www.swcarwash.org LINEUP FUNCTIONS AND FEATURES “Make to sure talk This to operators any upgrade plan, but aOF system.

Build your marketing (including the marketers gotoawry. is an ageusing of unprecedented THE ADVANTAGE is the official publication of theto Southwest Car Wash Association.

It is published four times each calendar Rd., #103, Austin, Texas 78759.those The officers, directors and membersthe of the Southwest Car Wash you are considering prior buying,” Walter suggests.

“Ifyear by SCWA, 4600 Spicewood For Springs customers and outside industry, the Association, as well as The Advantage in accepting advertising for thisstruggle publication, make noto independent investigation concerning the services or around products advertiseda andstrategically neither endorse nor recommendbased, or make any claims as to the accuracy and therefore customer-centric syssale) communications, and editors, yet many still connect assumetake no liability thereof.

The opinions expressed articlesthe are not new necessarily features. the opinions of SCWAAs and its they publisher and therefore makes no warrantiesof and assumes no responsibility for accuracy or completeness of the information herein. (512) possible, a ride and testin theout amount equipment and automation utilized in343-9023. the typical tem, then technology becomes a true and valuable tool, with one another. say, try before you buy.” tunnel wash can come as a surprise. Established operators and not a distraction.

But this problem is not the real problem.

Marketing - What has Changed in the Last 100 Years?

OPERATIONS

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Site Evaluation Demographic Reports Carwash Market Evaluations

Training On-Site Training Training Seminars

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PDQ® ICON®, LASERWASH® & TANDEM® (Touchless & Soft-Touch In-Bay Automatics) MACNEIL® Tunnel Equipment LUSTRA® Vehicle Wash Solutions CAROLINA PRIDE® Self-Service Equipment ISTOBAL® Bus & Truck Automatic Washes

Visit Us at www.wet-texas.com or Call 800-966-WETT (9388) Beaumont (409) 223-1520

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43 17

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Take Your Ticket To The Next Level

800-843-7627 www.DiamondShine.com Make CarWashing Easy

www.SonnysDirect.com or Call 800-327-8723

SOUTHWEST CAR WASH ASSOCIATION 4600 Spicewood Springs Road Suite 103 Austin, Texas 78759

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AUSTIN, TX PERMIT NO. 1142