This week, we cover an acquisition by Zips Car Wash, awards, company offerings, detailing training, a grand opening, an anniversary and a partnership.
With new acquisition, Zips celebrates record growth
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Zips Car Wash celebrated its growth to 122 stores with the acquisition of Georgia-based Four Seasons Car Wash, according to a press release.
The acquisition of Four Seasons’ seven stores on May 30, 2018 has helped Zips double in size from 61 to 122 stores over the last 16 months, the release continued.
Zips Car Wash was founded in 2004 with only two stores in northeast Arkansas, the release noted.
“Our hope is that acquiring Four Seasons shows our commitment to our customers in Georgia, South Carolina and around the country to acquire successful properties that have great reputations and continue to offer excellent, convenient ‘Zips Way’ service in more cities,” said Sam Neely, chief financial officer of Zips Car Wash. “We’re excited about the chance to offer our Unlimited Wash Club at these additional sites, bringing more convenience and added value for our most loyal customers,” he added.
Zips’ newest locations include:
- 802 S. Park St., Carrolton, Georgia
- 733 Joe Frank Harris Pkwy. SE, Cartersville, Georgia
- 804 N. Main St., Cedartown, Georgia
- 3107 N. Pleasantburg Dr., Greenville, South Carolina
- 6050 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greer, South Carolina
- 2178 N. Cherry Rd., Rock Hill, South Carolina
- 290 Wade Hampton Blvd., Taylors, South Carolina
“Our rapid growth over the last 12 to 16 months has shown us both our strengths and weaknesses as we’ve transitioned dozens of stores to the ‘Zips Way’ culture,” Neely said. “With each acquisition, we’ve learned valuable lessons and continued to improve the process for both the team members and our new customers by creating a Transition Team to visit each new market for extensive training to equip team members, update equipment and introduce our Unlimited Clubs,” he added.
Zips Car Wash plans additional growth in 2018, with the ultimate goal of truly changing the culture of carwashing. “Our goal each day is to do more than just wash cars. Our business model focuses on building leaders, investing in the communities we serve and creating career opportunities in our field,” said Neely.
MacNeil awards its top 2017 distributors
BARRIE, Ontario — MacNeil Wash Systems announced its 2017 Top Distributor Awards at its annual Distributor Meeting on April 25, 2018 in Las Vegas, according to a press release.
Jim Belanger, general manager of MacNeil Wash Systems, presented awards to MacNeil’s top-performing distributor customers to recognize their sales achievements and commitment to superior service, the release continued.
The top 2017 Sales Champion Award, which was a custom-made championship belt, was presented to Mike Dickert, owner of Complete Car Wash, Alabama, the release noted.
This is Complete Car Wash’s third consecutive year as top MacNeil distributor, the release stated.
Following were MacNeil’s 2017 Top Distributors, who were presented with a “Knock Out” award, which included a pair of custom MacNeil boxing gloves: Arizona Car Wash Systems, Arizona — an NCS Company; Aqua Tech Wash Systems, California; Badger Land Carwash Equipment & Supplies, Wisconsin; IMO US South, Mississippi; Kleenco Car Wash Service, Ohio; Laguna Industries, Washington; and Specialty Car Wash Systems, California.
“I’m very proud to be associated with these distributor customers,” said Belanger. “Thanks to their dedication to MacNeil and their tireless work, we are headed towards another year of record sales.”
Sonny’s launches complimentary “Factory Tune-Up” program
TAMARAC, Fla. — Sonny’s Enterprises has announced a new, complimentary, on-site “Factory Tune-Up” program to ensure its clients are maximizing the efficiency and effectiveness of their equipment packages, according to a press release.
The program launches in Colorado and Wyoming the week of June 4th, the release continued.
Sonny’s factory-direct carwash experts will conduct a complete inspection of all equipment, application and controller settings to identify opportunities to tweak wash performance and reduce operating costs, the release noted.
Any wash in Colorado or Wyoming wishing to schedule a “Factory Tune-Up” visit the week of June 4th should call Sonny’s at (800) 327-8723 x178.
Mike’s Carwash celebrates 70 years with $7 Ultimate Washes
LOVELAND, Ohio — In honor of its 70th anniversary, Mike’s Carwash is hosting “Mike’s Weekend” at all 23 locations from June 1-3, according to a press release.
During “Mike’s Weekend” the company will offer its best wash, the Ultimate, for just $7, the release continued.
“What better way to celebrate our big anniversary than to say ‘thank you’ to the people who have made it possible: our loyal customers,” said Mike Dahm, president of Mike’s Carwash. “We’re discounting our best wash, the Ultimate Wash, more than 50 percent because we want our customers to know how much we appreciate them and their continued business. It may be our birthday, but we’re celebrating our customers this weekend.”
Mike’s Ultimate Wash is a $20 value and includes fastwax, wheel bright, underbody wash and tire shine, the release noted.
“Millions of cars have passed through our wash tunnels in the past 70 years,” said
Joe Dahm, founder of Mike’s Carwash. “And we have come a long way since starting out in 1948, but we’ve held fast to one goal: delivering a clean, quick carwash every time, with a smile to each customer — and we look forward to continuing to do so for many years to come.”
President of IDA opens official Detailing Success Training Center
MELBOURNE, Fla. — Having been elected president of the International Detailing Association (IDA) in January, Justin “JL” Labato (CD, SV, RT) has officially launched one of only four Detailing Success “Extreme Detailing” Training Centers in the country at his Melbourne location at 515 S. Wickham Rd., according to a press release.
Held quarterly, with upcoming dates set for Saturday, July 7th and another date planned likely in November, these one-day “Extreme Detailing” courses focus on certifications in the use of a car care line, ceramic coating, the proper operation of power buffers and the application of glass protection, the release continued.
Detailers from the Eastern Seaboard are welcome to attend and receive their certifications, the release stated.
Labato’s Recognized Trainer (RT) designation qualifies him to train and certify new detailers according to IDA standards, the release continued.
In the past year, he has held two unofficial detail training events, but is now officially designated a Detailing Success Training Center backed by the IDA, the release noted.
Labato was also just selected for his fourth term on the 2018 Air Force One Detailing Team by master automotive and aircraft detailer and trainer Renny Doyle of Detailing Success, making Labato the first president of the IDA to serve on the prestigious team, the release noted.
Senior members like Labato are part of a mentoring and leadership division known as the Detail Mafia, the release stated.
Labato has served the past two years on the Mothers Polish Team for Barrett Jackson and has made guest appearances with AutoGeek’s Mike Phillips on Velocity TV’s “Competition Ready,” the release concluded.
Gosda’s Car Wash celebrates 50th anniversary
GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — According to www.theindependent.com, Gosda’s Car Wash has served the Grand Island, Nebraska-area for 50 years now.
“We are on our third generation of the Gosda family owning the carwashes; it feels great keeping the family business up and running after so many years,” Rick Gosda, co-owner of Gosda’s, said.
Gosda and his wife, Heather, are the current owners of Gosda’s Car Wash, which has two locations at 2205 W. Second and 905 S. Locust, the article noted.
Gosda Car Wash first opened in 1968 when Victor and Leola Gosda bought the Second St. location from a previous owner, the article added; in 1971, they built the S. Locust location, which opened the following year.
Gosda said that technology has changed how they do business over the last 50 years, the article continued.
“That’s anywhere from using RFID with our monthly automatic memberships, touch screens on our kiosks, up-to-date coin boxes or our new website and social media pages,” Gosda said. “We try and stay up-to-date on newer ways to get your car clean.”
Gosda added, “From growing up and working at the carwashes to now being an owner, the one thing that stays the same is our great loyal customers. They have kept us in business for 50 years and have voted us best carwash in Grand Island for many years. We work to keep customers satisfied to maintain impeccable customer service.”
Splash Car Wash celebrates grand opening
ROGERS, Ark. — According to www.5newsonline.com, Splash Car Wash celebrated its opening on May 26th with a special charity event that resulted in a donation of $5,000 to the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter.
Furthermore, every customer who attended the carwash that Saturday received a free car wash, the article continued.
The carwash boasts three lanes: one for carwashing and two for basic vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes and tire services, the article noted.
Splash Car Wash is the first carwash in the state to use conveyor belt technology, which results in smoother in-and-out transitions from the tunnel as well as doubling the number of cars that can be cleaned, the article added.
Splash Car Wash is located at 4203 W. Huntington Dr., the article concluded.
AMSOIL and Menzies Motorsports reunite in time for 50th Baja 500 Race
SUPERIOR, Wis. — AMSOIL INC. is joining Menzies Motorsports to reinforce its focus on off-road racing, according to a press release.
“This renewed relationship with Menzies Motorsports is part of our strategy to focus on teams, events and racers who demonstrate the quality of our synthetic lubricants while generating the most excitement for our fans, customers and dealers,” said AMSOIL Racing and Events Manager Kevin Kastner. “AMSOIL is excited to partner with Bryce and his team as he makes his way back to the driver’s seat. The level of excitement created by his success and strong sponsor relationships will be a key addition to the AMSOIL off-road racing program.”
Plans for 2018 include the introduction of the partnership coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Baja 500, the release stated.
Menzies and his new co-driver, five-time Dakar Rally winner Cyril Despres, will race in a Bryce Menzies-prepared Trophy Truck on the perilous tracks around Baja, the release noted.
In addition to the AMSOIL announcement at the Baja 500, plans this season include Menzies’ remaining scheduled North American races, events and appearances, the release continued.
Menzies will put AMSOIL products to the test in the desert, on short-course tracks — including the world-famous Crandon International Raceway — and in the chase and support vehicles that work behind the scenes to keep Menzies out front, the release added.
“I’m so excited to reunite with AMSOIL,” said Menzies. “They were one of my first partners when we were racing the TORC Series, and I’ve always wanted to work with them again. We’re looking forward to working together with them and showing everyone else why we trust AMSOIL products.”
AMSOIL INC. supported Menzies Motorsports in 2011 when the team won the TORC PRO 2WD class championship as well as its first SCORE Baja 500 Championship, the release concluded, and the team has continued to rely on AMSOIL synthetic lubricants since then.
