Company News
SONNY’S announces new partnership
TAMARAC, FL — SONNY’S The CarWash Factory announced the addition of WASHTECH, Mid Atlantic Carwash Technology Inc. to their Select Service Organization (SSO), according to a press release.
The April 15 release stated that WASHTECH will distribute, install and service SONNY’S Tunnel Equipment and AutoPilot CarWash Control Systems in Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Eastern Pennsylvania.
“From conception to completion, and beyond, WASHTECH’S staff can provide SONNY’S clients with the expertise they need for success in today’s marketplace,” Robert Picard, VP of sales for SONNY’S, said in a press release. “They have installed over 700 units and their commitment to service and quick response time is second to none.”
WASHTECH is located in Charlottesville, VA, and they are the mid-Atlantic’s largest carwash supplier and installer with the staff experience and resources to support carwash operations, the release stated.
WASHTECH can be contacted directly with questions regarding sales, service, installation and support of SONNY’S equipment and control systems.
Lustra™ adds on new distributor
DE PERE, WI — Lustra™ Professional Car Care Products has added on Car Washes of America, of Biloxi, MS, as a new distributor, a press release reported.
The April 12 press release quoted Steve Welch, a regional sales manager for Lustra, who stated, “I am excited to have Car Washes of America join the Lustra™ team. They bring a strong base of existing business as well as a strong desire to grow their presence in the southern half of Mississippi. The quality of their work makes them a valuable asset and we are looking forward to building a strong relationship with them.”
Account Manager Scott Jackson stated in the press release that when it comes to the cleaning and the protection of vehicles "no one does it like Lustra™. They provide the most cost effective and innovative cleaning solutions available today."
Micrologic partners with ARCA
MEBANE, NC — Micrologic Associates, the maker of business solutions for carwashes and quick lubes, has partnered with ARCA, which makes money transaction automation solutions, to put automated cash kiosks, capable of breaking large denomination bills, in carwashes, a BusinessWire press release reported.
The April 2 press release stated that Micrologic looked to ARCA for their expertise and to implement the Fujitsu F53 bill dispensing unit into a kiosk design.
The press release quoted Micrologic Owner Miguel Gonzales who stated, “It’s been a very reliable unit with all of the features we need. Our experience from both the technical end, to the sales end has been nothing but great.”
“Micrologic has done a magnificent job designing and producing a unique carwash payment platform,” Pete Sentowski, Director for OEM Sales at ARCA, stated in the press release. “We are pleased that Micrologic decided to go with the world class Fujitsu note dispenser distributed and supported by ARCA's OEM group.”
Nexstep announces recent promotion
PAXTON, IL — Nexstep Commercial Products announced the promotion of Joel Hastings to general manager of operations, according to a press release.
The March 21 release stated that Hastings will be responsible for overseeing all the manufacturing and distribution of products both here and in Springfield, OH.
Hastings has 26 years of experience in transportation, distribution and warehousing. He previously held positions with Supervalu, Prairie Farms Diary and Ace Hardware.
“We are very fortunate to have such a qualified and experienced manager on our team. Joel is a great asset to our company," Todd Leventhal, president, said in the release.
Association News
The Car Wash Show™ 2013 deemed a success
LAS VEGAS — The Car Wash Show™ 2013, the world's largest carwash convention and trade show, has been considered a success by show attendees and the International Carwash Association® (ICA).
An April 22 press release from the ICA stated that the show, which took place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, offered educational sessions, peer-to-peer networking and the latest products, technologies and services available in the industry.
The show included:
- More than 300 vendors showcasing industry products and services on the trade show floor;
- A keynote address from NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson;
- Expert-led education sessions and seminars; and
- A new Investor Seminar.
According to a press release sent out by the ICA®, on Monday, April 22, the number of attendants was up to 5,646, which is about a 3 percent increase over last year's show. The number of carwash sites represented was 9,052, which is almost 2,000 more than in 2012.
CWONJ hosts "Asks The Experts" meeting
CLARK, NJ — The Car Wash Operators of New Jersey (CWONJ) gathered on April 16 at the Holiday Inn here for its Spring Membership dinner meeting which featured an "Ask the Experts" panel, a press release reported.
The April 18 press release stated that the panel discussion was led by CWONJ President Al Villani of Supreme Car Wash in Newark, NJ.
Topics discussed included the minimum wage hike, successful profit centers, how to motivate service advisors and how to best remove bugs.
The panel included Rain Tunnel's Mike Conte, Magic Wash's Doug Rieck, Posh Wash's Stu Markowitz and Robinhood's Richie Boudakian.
Vendors on hand included: Beckerman, ICS, Jobe Industries, Kirikian Industries, McNeil & Co., Inc., Micrologic, Frank Millman Distributors, Shore Corporation, Tameric, and ZEP/Ecolab.
The Association's next event is its annual golf outing, which will be held June 10, at the Suburban Golf Club in Union, NJ.
Midwest Car Wash Association to host golf outing
The Midwest Car Wash Association will be holding a golf outing on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, in South Lyon, MI, at the Cattails Golf Club, according to an Association announcement.
The golf outing, called the 2013 Bill Boal Golf Outing, has become an annual event for the Association, which hosted a similar even last year at the Jackal Golf Club in Mt. Brighton, MI.
People News
Mark Thorsby inducted into the Car Wash Hall of Fame
CHICAGO — Mark Thorsby was inducted into the Car Wash Hall of Fame on Tuesday by the ICA®, according to a press release.
The April 23 release stated that Thorsby was named the ICA's executive director in 1994, and he served as the chief executive for 15 years. During this period, there was unprecedented growth for the industry, association and trade show.
The induction is the professional carwash industry's highest honor, and Thorsby received it in recognition of his immense impact on the profession.
During his tenure, Thorsby helped transform the association and trade show, and his leadership helped the show become one of North America's largest trade shows. He also brought skills in supporting, developing and leading the ICA's Board of Directors and staff and reinvented the association's governance and management practices.
ICA President Mark Curtis said in the release, “Many of us have our favorite Thorsby stories, and there simply isn’t enough time to share them all. But, my favorite story about Mark is the one that is still being written. That’s because his legacy is at this show and in our association. The people he has mentored, befriended, led and served — in other words, all of us — continue to benefit from his work.”
