One topic featured in this issue of Professional Carwashing & Detailing is the critical subject of employee training. Unlike other industries, such as facility management, professional carwashing front-line crew members often rely on in-house training as their primary source of industry learning.

While a few comprehensive training programs are available in this industry geared toward owners, operators and managers, it is not quite practical to outsource training for front-line employees in many cases at most carwashes.

Proper and effective training at all levels requires investments in time, money and resources. As a result, it is important to know your employees and which ones are most suitable for the investment. After all, the employees selected for training are oftentimes ultimately responsible for bringing that knowledge and learning back to your business and its staff, creating a positive, or negative, ripple effect through the carwash.

Just like so many other aspects of labor management and staffing, the key to a strong — and profitable — return on your training investment is contingent on your interviewing and hiring strategies for new employees. Be sure to set the expectations and goals you have for each employee upfront, and implement the best practices of training discussed in this issue.

For carwash owners and operators who minimize training, most industry professionals would strongly urge against this practice. “Failing to plan is planning to fail” is a famous quote that can relate to this subject. If you pass on training, you’re missing opportunities to elevate your business, its results and its profitability, and you’re not fully unlocking your staff’s potential.

On another note, I want to thank everyone who reached out to us regarding our recent redesign of PC&D magazine. We are grateful for your feedback, and your suggestions will help us create the magazine you desire to effectively operate your business.

“Congratulations on your new look for PC&D 2016! Love the bold new cover,” one reader recently wrote.

Thanks again, and please be sure to reach out to any of our staff members with feedback or suggestions. We can be reached via email or through any of our social media channels.