Company News
Mister Car Wash partners with community service organizations
TUCSON, Ariz. — With school back in session, parents’ pocketbooks can quickly spread thin from backpacks and school supplies to sports equipment, uniforms, medical care and more, according to a press release. To help keep parents’ finances secure, community service organizations across 18 states in the U.S. have partnered with Mister Car Wash.
“We are honored to partner with organizations that share our passion for being good community partners and inspiring people to shine,” said Lauren Hobbs, fundraising specialist for Mister Car Wash.
Hobbs reported that more than 300 nonprofits have partnered with Mister Car Wash so far in 2015.
In Iowa, Clive Lions International partnered with Mister Car Wash to raise funds to help provide eye exams and glasses to children whose families could not afford these services on their own.
For 15 years, Spokane Valley Kiwanis Club has partnered with the carwash to help with international efforts as well as children in need throughout the Spokane community.
Moreover, school booster clubs frequently partner with the wash to support arts and sports programs.
“With Mister Car Wash’s streamlined fundraising approach, nonprofit organizations can spend less time fundraising and more time giving back,” stated Hobbs.
Mister Car Wash operates 157 carwashes and 32 express lubes throughout 18 states in the U.S.
Car care supplier launches new VOC compliant products
CINCINNATI — Auto Magic® announced the launch of four new products formulated specially to be VOC (volatile organic compound) compliant in all 50 states of the U.S., according to a press release.
The new products include: the BOC Citrus Cleaner — an all-purpose cleaner for interior and exterior use that leaves a clean, citrus fragrance; the VOC Magic Dressing® — a solvent-based premium dressing that provides a long-lasting, rich and glossy finish; the Tar Magic™ — a cleaner with the capability of removing tar, grease and insects; and the Wheel Magic™ — a super-premium wheel cleaner that removes road film and break dust from wheels with “factory-sealed metal tire rims in seconds.”
“Our customers demand products that perform, while at the same time [meet] regulatory requirements,” said Beth Skove, director of global marketing. “As some states and municipalities adopt VOC guidelines for products used in automotive detail shops it can be confusing what is required. With the tag line ‘Breathe Easy in 50 States™,’ our customers can be confident that these new products meet the VOC requirements in all 50 states while at the same time having the performance that they expect from Auto Magic.”
Stoner Inc. announces acquisition, adds eco-friendly products
Stoner Inc. announced the acquisition of Mötsenböcker’s Lift Off®, according to a press release. Located in San Diego, California, Mötsenböcker’s Lift Off® will add more than 10 new environmentally friendly product offerings for professional and consumer use.
These new offerings include patented, green removers for stains, paints, adhesives, varnishes and caulks.
The acquisition was finalized this past summer, and the Mötsenböcker’s Lift Off® products will be distributed through the Stoner Inc. facilities located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Motsenbocker will continue to have an active role in future product development.
Autobell Car Wash announces 2015 scholarship recipients
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Autobell Car Wash Inc. recently awarded 143 employees from four states with its 2015 academic scholarships, according to a press release.
The awarded scholarships can be applied toward a college or university of an employee’s choice, and this year’s funds total $166,000.
The Autobell Scholarship Program has awarded more than $925,000 in academic funds to employees since its inception.
The annual program is open to current Autobell employees who are graduating high school seniors or who have received high school diplomas.
Candidates must submit a completed application, references, an acceptance letter from an accredited college/university and an essay that “discusses an educational or creative aspect of their employment experience.”
The Autobell Selection Committee then reviews all applications and chooses the recipients of the scholarships.
Association News
ACWA EXPO 2015 breaks records
MELBOURNE, Australia — The Australian Car Wash Association (ACWA) Car Wash EXPO 2015 broke all existing records as well as set new standards for future events, according to a press release.
The Carwash Site Tour sold out this year with 80 people on board for the tour, and the exhibit hall space and the gala dinner also sold out.
In the exhibit hall, 54 booths featuring 130 exhibitors set up displays. And, this year, 280 people attended the event with 30 international visitors from Taiwan, New Zealand, Europe and the U.S.
According to ACWA, one exhibitor at the event said, “This [was] my [fifth] EXPO, and this was probably the best ever [ACWA event] in terms of good sales leads and booth traffic, especially [on] day one.”
An international attendee stated, “I came away incredibly impressed with [ACWA’s] membership and the show itself. Kudos for putting together what was universally recognized as a smashing success.”
2015 NECA Golf Outing raises awareness for good cause
HARVARD, Mass. — The 2015 New England Car Wash Association (NECA) Golf Outing recently helped Tony DeBarros of Balise Hyannis Car Wash work to restore his homeland of Cape Verde, according to a press release.
Located off the west coast of Africa, Cape Verde is situated on a volcanic archipelago comprised of 10 islands with a population of approximately 530,000.
On Nov. 23, 2014, a volcanic eruption occurred on one of the tiny islands named Fogo, which advanced into three villages. In the course of 22 days, more than 2,500 people were displaced and their homes destroyed.
For this year’s annual event, which took place at Shaker Hills in Harvard, NECA helped to support Cape Verde and DeBarros, who shared his experience during the golf outing.
Contests, prizes and raffles were also included during the event, followed by dinner at 5:30 p.m., which NECA reported was “a great opportunity to connect with fellow carwashers and operators.”
People News
Cleaning Systems Inc. expands sales team
DE PERE, Wis. — Cleaning Systems Inc. (CSI) announced the addition of Pat Hoggan as a new Lustra® regional sales manager and Mike Wiggins as a new sales consultant, according to a press release.
Hoggan will cover Central and Northern California as well as the state of Nevada, and Wiggins will help CSI increase its reach in Texas.
After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Hoggan started his career in the carwash industry in 1983.
“We are proud to welcome Pat to CSI,” said Dave Krause, president and CEO of CSI. “We are confident in his ability to deliver outstanding service to our customers across California and Nevada, and we feel his knowledge and experience will be a tremendous asset to our organization.”
Wiggins has more than 10 years of experience in the carwash industry, and has owned a tunnel and self-serve carwash.
“We are proud to welcome Mike to CSI,” stated Krause. “His deep commitment to service and energy for the industry and CSI products make him an exciting addition to our team.”
Chemical manufacturer hires new territory accounts manager
LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — C K Enterprises Inc. announced the addition of Steve Welch as territory accounts manager for the company’s car care division, according to a press release.
Working with distributors, Welch will focus on new and existing account development in chemical sales.
“We are excited Steve has joined our car care team and believe Steve brings enormous value with his many years of experience,” said Charles Kunkel, president of C K Enterprises.
C K Enterprises is a manufacturer and national distributor of carwash detergents.
Diamond Chemical welcomes new technical representative
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Diamond Chemical Company Inc. announced the addition of Matthew Light as technical representative, according to a press release. Light has 10 years of experience in the textile care industry.
Prior to joining Diamond Chemical, he worked his way up from an entry-level position to lead coordinator, to production manager and then to maintenance supervisor for a large, full-service fabric care provider. Light is also a licensed power engineer.
Diamond Chemical is a national manufacturer of warewash, floor care, laundry, housekeeping, organic intermediates, industrial and consumer products.
Grease Monkey International appoints retail division president
GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. — Grease Monkey International announced the appointment of Wil Esh as president of its corporate-owned retail division, according to a press release.
The division currently operates 62 quick lube centers around the U.S. and continues to search for strategic acquisitions.
Prior to his new position, Esh worked for Grease Monkey International from 1991 to 2006, followed by several leadership positions with Big O Tires®.
In 2014, Esh rejoined Grease Monkey International as the senior vice president of retail operations.
“Wil’s leadership of the retail division has brought a consistent, superior service experience to our customers, and delivered strong, steady sales performances from our centers including those located in some of the more economically challenged areas of the country,” said John B. Adams, Grease Monkey International president and CEO. “His outstanding contributions to our organization have proven to be vital to the service and growth strategies for the corporate-owned operations of Grease Monkey International.”
