WEEK IN REVIEW

Author

Jim Utter
February 15, 2025

Shine brightest with all the dirt from the Car Wash industry

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👋Good morning! Welcome to the weekend. Each Saturday, we’ll send out a truncated version of the Car Wash Daily News email newsletter, which will include a roundup of the top stories that appeared over the course of the previous week.

👉As a reminder, to give you an idea of what the newsletter has to offer, you can access all of its contents - including the long-form version of stories teased on the newsletter - until later this month. After that, as a paid subscriber, you can maintain full access. Otherwise, only short teasers and summaries will be available in the newsletter and on the Website.

Jim Utter
Director of Journalism/Editor in Chief
CW Daily News

Today's issue is sponsored by The Vita Agency — Let’s Drive More Business Your Way!

👉 We’d like your input! Have a story idea or would like us to receive your company’s press releases on your latest news? Email us at [email protected].

WEEKEND ROUNDUP

A look back at the week’s top stories:

👉Super Star Car Wash's rapid expansion hits 110 sites with more on the way

Super Star Car Wash’s expansion surge shows no signs of slowing, nor are its efforts to differentiate itself from its competitors. Within the last two weeks, the express wash operator has opened new locations in Tucson, Arizona, Mesquite, Texas, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. The Colorado Springs location is the 110th location for the company founded in 1993 in Chandler, Arizona, and ninth in Colorado. Read more here.

👉20th anniversary Autism Speaks gala will include Rising Tide Car Wash donation

The 20th anniversary Autism Speaks gala is getting a boost from a car wash company that epitomizes the group’s goals and objectives. In 2011, John D’Eri came up with the novel idea of buying a car wash to employ his son, Andrew, and others like him who struggled to find their place in world while diagnosed with autism. Working with his other son, Thomas, Jon developed Rising Tide Car Wash, which employs an innovative model that intentionally designs the work environment in a way that empowers individuals with autism to thrive and produce extraordinary results. Read more here.

👉El Car Wash makes over $50 million worth of acquisitions in Florida

El Car Wash is continuing its rapid expansion – particularly in the state of Florida – with the acquisition of a total of nine car wash sites. ECW announced on Tuesday it has acquired six ZIPS Car Wash locations in Orlando, Florida, and three SPIN Car Wash locations all located in Broward County, Florida. The pickup of the six ZIPS sites is part of the fallout from ZIPS’ recent decision to voluntarily file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Read more here.

👉Michigan shoplifters to wash cars as alternative punishment to jail time

One district court judge in Michigan has come up with a unique way to punish those convicted of shoplifting - and helping the customers of the retailer they robbed. Earlier this week, Genesee County District Court Judge Jeffrey Clothier offered up an alternative punishment for 48 people convicted of shoplifting from a local Walmart – washing cars for free in the retailer’ parking lot. While car washing hasn’t been widely used as a formal punishment for crimes, there have been instances where community service involving washing cars has been imposed as part of a sentence. Read more here.

👉ElevateHER program seeks ‘tangible change’ for women in car wash industry

Summit Wash Holdings plans to make its expansion in the car wash industry twofold – increasing its sites around the country and providing more opportunities for women professionals. Launched in 2024, ElevateHER was established as the inaugural women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) at Summit Wash Holdings, with its aim to create a supportive and empowering environment for women in the car wash industry. Summit’s family of companies include Russell Speeder’s Car Wash, Speeders Car Wash, Fred’s Car Wash and Waters Car Wash. Read more here.

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*Please see the advertising disclosure at the bottom of this newsletter.

📅WHAT’S COMING UP📅

  • Southwest Car Wash Association: The organization will hold its annual convention and expo Feb. 26-28, 2025, at the Fort Worth (Texas) Convention Center. More info here.

  • Convenience U CARWACS Show 2025: The Convenience U CARWACS Show – Canada’s largest convenience, gas and car wash industry event – is set for March 4-5, 2025, at the International Centre Hall 5 in Mississauga, Ontario. More info here.  

  • APEC 2025: The leading conference in North America for power electronic professionals will take place March 16-20, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. More info here.

  • Heartland Carwash Association 2025: The organization’s annual product and equipment show will take place March 24-26, 2025, at the Mid America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. More info here.

  • ICA Car Wash Show 2025: The ultimate gathering for car wash pros returns to the Las Vegas (Nevada) Convention Center April 26-28, 2025. More info here.

  • Car Wash Show Europe 2025: The leading car wash trade fair in Europe takes place Sept. 24-25, 2025, at EXPO Greater Amsterdam in the Netherlands. More info here.

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Disclaimer: The authors of cwdailynews.com, LLC are not financial or tax professionals. This email is for educational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. We strongly recommend conducting your own research and consulting with qualified professionals before making any decisions. Our content, which may include affiliate links, reflects personal opinions and should not be used as the sole basis for decision-making. We are not responsible for any losses resulting from the use of this information.