This year’s Most Valuable Carwasher (MVC) was chosen for his dedication to making things right, always looking to improve the wash experience for customers and employees, and continuing to think “what’s next?” when it comes to running his business. Mark Fox, CEO and co-owner of Cornhusker Auto Wash, has been a part of the business since his took an almost 30-year-old carwash and has helped to make it a one-stop auto spa complete with a full-service soft cloth carwash, full-service oil lube, auto detailing business, gas station and convenience store. How did he make it all happen? According to Joe Russo, who nominated Mark, he is always at work, and always putting money back into the business to make it better. If you go to the carwash, you will see Mark there hard at work, said Russo. And, on top of all that, he is also committed to customer service and to giving back to the community.
Part of a family
Cornhusker is a family-run business located within a suburb of Omaha, Neb. Mark works alongside his son Brian, and the wash was started by his grandfather Ray. Other family members are also on hand, working at the wash. The family dynamic offers customers a comforting atmosphere. And, according to Russo, Mark and Brian are always around to meet people and make sure things are running smoothly,
More articles on: Business operations
“I have been working with them for 10 years now and want you to know they are number one in customer service,” said Russo. “When you walk in to have your oil changed or to have your car washed, you feel like you are part of a family.”
Russo also said that Mark is thorough when it comes to the business’s appearance. “He puts a lot of time into keeping the carwash and quick lube very clean which to me is very important. … I have been through a lot of carwashes and quick lubes and this wash is the best I have seen.”
Giving back
Cornhusker Auto Wash has been committed to helping the local community with donations to schools and local charities. Cornhusker is located near the Offutt Air Force Base which is one of America’s largest military communities, and in honor of the active and retired personnel, Cornhusker Auto Wash takes part in the Grace for Vets program, which gives free washes to active military personnel and veterans on Veterans Day. In 2013 they gave away more than $2,000 in free carwashes on November 11.
More articles on: Multi-profit centers
Mark also is committed to environmental conservation and at Cornhusker they have remained steadfast in recycling, filtering and softening their water to enhance the quality of the carwash. In their express oil lube they also offer Eco-Oil, which is a recertified synthetic blend that uses only a small percentage of crude oil.
Always looking to improve
Cornhusker has evolved over the years and Russo thinks that is in large part due to Mark’s round-the-clock dedication to the business. “If he is not walking around the property, he is in his office at his desk, researching new things to try.”
Some of the things offered at Cornhuskers are a customer rewards loyalty program (which provides over $4,000 in free carwashes each month to loyal customers), a daily special, and the wash has started a YouTube channel and Instragram page, which shows off customers’ finished vehicles.
“I think Mark deserves the award because it’s just a great business and he is so dedicated to it,” said Russo. “And, he is just great to work for.”
Past winners of the award:
1991: Norris Brown, Weiss Guys Car Wash, Phoenix
1992: Gary L. Daily, Happy Wheels, Inc., Wilmington, DE
1993: Mark Ellis, Soft Touch Express Wash, Valparaiso, IN
1994: G. Walker “Paul” Calisme, Exit 13 Car Wash, Darien, CT
1995: Jose Ruiz, Auto Valet Car Wash, Trenton, NJ
1996: Michael Garrison, Beaverton Car Wash, Beaverton, OR,
& Marjorie E. McNeil, Clarkston Auto Wash Co., Clarkson, MI
1997: Chalmers “Lefty” Jackson, Jax Kar Wash, Inc., Southfield, MI
1998: Clifford Mitchell, Bebo’s Car Wash, Mobile, AL
1999: Marcel Vargas, Splash Car Wash, Norwalk, CT
2000: Darold Evans, Sandwich Car Wash, Sandwich, MA
2001: Roman Zelek, Koziol Car Wash, Chicago
2002: Casey Bowmaster, Champion Car Wash, Trevose, PA
2003: Gary Pendleton, Wilshire West Car Wash, Santa Monica, CA
2004: Bob Handt, Mister Car Wash, Roseville, MN
2005: Brian Daigle, Willimantic Car Wash, Willimantic, CT
2006: Juan Avila, Splash Car Wash, Wilton, CT
2007: Aaron Rusbuldt, Shur-Kleen Car Wash, Lacey, WA
2008: Shawn Stevens, Adirondack Car Wash, Queensbury, NY
2009: Trudy Carlton, Car Pool, LLC, Mechanicsville, VA
2010: Sandra Silvestre, Valencia AutoSpa, Valencia, CA
2011: Chad Cornell, Crystal Clean Automotive Detailin, Grand Rapids, MI
2012: José “Joe” Fernandez, Superior Shine in Covina, CA
2013:Elias “Lou” Spellos, Squeeky Clean Mobile Car Wash and Detailing,Virginia Beach, VA
