Ground Breaking - January 2015 - Professional Carwashing & Detailing

Ground Breaking – January 2015

Collecting new construction and grand openings of carwashes around the world.

MARICOPA, Ariz.

On its first day of business, Fast & Friendly Car Wash washed more than 1,100 cars, according to InMaricopa.com.

Brothers Jeff and Matt Dadam own the wash. Jeff Dadam thought 700 was a realistic number for the first day.

One of the business’ suppliers was impressed with the numbers. “He said for us to do 1,115 on a Monday and not even open until 8:30, he said it’s just unheard of…the numbers are very positive,” states Jeff Dadam, in the article.

The wash hired 12 local residents as employees.

Matt Dadam was impressed by the experience. “I’ve never seen such positivity out of so many people,” he shares in the article. “It’s so cool.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. 

Camel Express Car Wash has opened its first location, and it has plans to look for a second site soon, according to a press release.

The wash plans to build the longest tunnel carwash in Nashville. The 130-foot express tunnel offers customers clean cars with new technology in a short amount of time.

Customers can also use one of the 20 free, unlimited vacuum/inspection sites.

Payment stations using the new Apple Pay system and PayPal’s iBeacon technology sense when a customer pulls onto the premises and initiates payment via a smartphone.

A tunnel light show using lasers and LED strobe lights are another part of the wash experience.

Prices start at $5 and increase from there. Monthly unlimited wash club memberships are also available.

HOLLAND, Mich.

Quality Car Wash’s sixth location will include an automated carwash, fuel pumps, convenience store and showroom for the company’s manufacturing side, according to mlive.com.

Ryan Essenburg is responsible for sales, promotions and marketing for the company. His grandfather began the business in 1969.

Essenburg says in the article, “That will be our showplace of the latest and the greatest.” The Totally Tommy Express 2015 model will be featured in the showroom.

The location will hire 30 employees at several of its locations as part of its growth.

The carwash can clean a car in two minutes on a moving floor instead of on a wheel track. It uses stainless steel washing equipment and has two automated pay lanes where unlimited wash club members’ cars are scanned when they enter.

GRIMSBY, Ontario

Kerman Car Wash has a self-serve dog wash, Paws Pet Wash, next door to its touchless equipment, according to niagarathisweek.com.

The indoor pet wash is mildly heated, and owners have access to a variety of products to use on their pets.

The business is open 24/7, and the carwash offers a variety of wash packages.

The wash uses a treatment center for water before it is put back into the sewer system.

The location also uses dryers that dry cars for one minute after the wash cycle.

NORTH CHESTERFIELD, Va.

Flagstop Car Wash raised nearly $600 for Christmas Mother, a local charity that raises money for families in need during the holiday season, according to a press release.

Flagstop supports the organization every year, and it took advantage of high customer traffic during the grand opening celebration to increase donations.

Customers were asked to donate to the organization when they received free hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. Free washes were also given away.

The carwash accepted donations through Dec. 1 for the charity. Money was used to purchase gifts and food for a local family.

Flagstop began in Chester in 1981, and it now offers full-serve, express, self-serve and in-bay automatic washes in addition to pet washes and lube service.

LIVONIA, Mich.

Family-owned and -operated King Brothers Collision recently opened a second location, expanding its collision, restoration and detailing services, according to hometownlife.com.

The shop has more than 100 years of combined experience, shares owner Jeffrey A. Fairbanks, in the article. Fairbanks’ two sons and brother are also a part of the business.

King Brothers uses computerized color matching and a PPG Water Base Refinishing system to bring cars back to their new appearance.

"We understand how important our customers’ vehicles are to them and what a large investment they are,” says Fairbanks, in the article. “We do what’s necessary to restore their vehicle to pre-accident condition as quick as possible, not letting quality suffer in that process.”

The business’ expansion allows it to reach other communities in the area.

MADISONVILLE, Ohio

AAA Auto Wash recently opened in the former Rainbow Car Wash facility, according to local12.com.

“It is the first ever AAA branded carwash,” notes the article.

The wash is a full-serve location. Customers’ cars are vacuumed, then they go through the wash on a conveyor. Staff members then hand dry each vehicle.

The company renovated the wash with new equipment before opening.

Customers enjoyed refreshments and give-a-ways to celebrate the grand opening.

AAA members will receive discounts at the wash, but the facility is open to anyone.

CARMEL, Ind.

Ricker’s convenience stores has unveiled a new flagship location design that will serve as a model for future locations, according to CSPnet.com.

Customers will also find products at the location not common at many c-stores.

Gourmet coffee, cappuccinos, iced coffee, frappes, flavoring syrups and creamers for coffee drinks are available. Reverse osmosis water filtration is used in all the machines.

Beer and wine is lower priced than at most stores. The location houses the company’s Mexican fair, ¡AhhBurritos! as well.

Ricker’s also has its own brand of frozen yogurt.

The company has more than 50 convenience stores in Indiana.

ONEIDA, N.Y. 

Community Car Wash has opened its third location while the state has bought out other properties in the area, according to the Oneida Dispatch.

Owner Ken Brewer is glad to keep business in the area. “The carwash business is going well, and I wanted to have another location here in Oneida to provide customers with more options,” he says in the article.

Brewer adds in the article that his business can help the city move forward after major flooding in June 2013.

The building was purchased in June 2014. Brewer added fresh paint and did other maintenance, including replacing pumps.

The location will support charities, which can advertise on his sign.

Community Car Wash offers unlimited wash packages for $29.99 at all locations. It features a touch-free, automatic wash or self-serve option.

DANDRIDGE, Tenn. 

Mountain Mist Car Wash has opened the county’s first soft touch wash, according to the Standard Banner.

The system cleans cars in two minutes using a series of foam rotors, water and soap sprays. It also includes a dryer that produces a 190-mile-per-hour-wind.

Owner David Alvey believes people will enjoy the new equipment. “It’s state-of-the-art and very easy on the finish of your car,” he says in the article.

The machine “offers a choice of four washes, ranging from eight to twelve dollars.” Credit cards, cash and tokens are accepted.

Automatic doors will protect the bay from winter winds. All of the wash’s bays have heated floors in the winter.

BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine

Coastal Car Wash & Detail Center and Harbor’s Choice Laundry is under new ownership, according to the Boothbay Register.

Darick and Terri Herald took over the business in September. The couple is keeping most of the business the same, but they will offer two new services.

Since winter is here, the business will focus on undercoating for cars and trucks.

The new owners will also offer headlight restoration.

The carwash has two self-service bays and one automatic bay, as well as vacuums.

The couple is also looking for a new dry cleaning vendor for faster turnaround for customers.

CHICAGO 

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is getting an alternative fuel station in early 2016, according to myfoxchicago.com.

The station will offer taxis and shuttle buses, electric charging and gas stations. Natural gas and diesel will be available.  Vehicles are increasingly using the airport, and the complex will be open to the public as well.

A travel center will include a convenience store, drive-thru and walk-in restaurant, flight information displays and a carwash. The 4,000-square-foot center will also offer an ATM and Wi-Fi.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel shares in the article that access to alternative fuels “provides multiple benefits for the city and the public.”

“We are able to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, while at the same time generating revenue,” adds Emanuel in the article.

TEMPE, Ariz.

BumperDoc of Tempe held its grand opening celebration in December 2014, according to a press release.

BumperDoc offers full-service collision repair including bumper repair, dent and door ding removal, window tinting, headlight restoration, auto detailing and more.

Owners Brian and Crystal share in the release that integrity and caring for customers describes their philosophy about customer service and running a business.

The company has partnered with Akzo Nobel to provide quality, environmentally friendly paint and coatings. Other partners include LKQ/Keystone, Solard Gard, 3M, Meguiar’s and more.

BumperDoc provides free estimates online and on-site. Same-day bumper repair is also available.

MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif.

KLOTZ Mobile Detail has opened its second location, according to a press release.

Owner Rob Klotz opened his first location 20 years ago in Yuba City. The new mobile shop services all of Northern California, from Sacramento to the Oregon border, and from San Francisco to Reno.

“I had always wanted to own my own business — not many people have the opportunity to live their dream,” shares Klotz, in the release. “I can now say I've doubled my dream with this second location and I know Humboldt County will love our flexible scheduling and trustworthy customer service.”

The business was voted one of the “Top 10 Best Auto Detailers” in Northern California by KCRA TV, and the “Best of Yuba Sutter” by the Appeal-Democrat newspaper.
 

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