Company News
SONNY’S forms international partnership
TAMARAC, Fla. — SONNY’S The CarWash Factory has announced a new partnership with Chinese A&T Car Wash Systems, according to a press release. The company is the newest SONNY’S Select Service Organization member.
The growth in car ownership in China has created a need for additional state-of-the-art carwash facilities in the country.
“The [carwash] operators we sell to demand equipment that delivers clean, dry, shiny cars every time, so that they can keep their focus on attracting and retaining customers, not repairing equipment,” shares Mr. Shihou Li, A&T Car Wash Systems owner and chairman of the board, in the release.
Li met with corporate staff and toured the SONNY’S executive offices and factory to commemorate the business relationship.
“I’m proud of the investments we’ve made over the years in SONNY’S software and in our automation process,” states Paul Fazio, CEO of SONNY’S The CarWash Factory, in the release. “In doing so, we have improved initial product quality which has enabled us to manufacture a product with a distinct value proposition and high quality standard that lets us sell directly to China, using a product designed and built in the USA.”
Convenience Network partnership to provide digital ads solution for c-stores
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Convenience Network (TCN), iSIGN Media Solutions Inc. and Graphic Media Inc. along with its advertising sales arm, Engage Mobile Media Solutions LLC have signed a partnership to offer a complete digital signage and mobile advertising solution, according to a press release.
The solution will utilize iSIGN’s patented technology and hardware.
TCN’s network of 300 c-stores throughout the eastern U.S. will integrate iSIGN’s Smart Antenna and become part of the National Mobile Network (NMN).
Golden Pantry Convenience stores in Atlanta will be the first to install the technology.
The partnership expects to announce an expansion into 2,000 locations in the top 15 markets in the U.S. in the coming weeks. The expansion is expected to reach more than 25 million smart phones per day.
NMN is projected to grow to at least 10,000 locations in the U.S. by the end of 2015.
Tint World opens second international location
BOCA RATON, Fla. — Tint World Automotive Styling Centers has opened its second international location in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to a press release.
The company’s first international location opened in Kingston, Ontario in June 2014.
Tint World awarded a 30-Store Tint World Master Franchise License for Saudi Arabia. After months of development, the Saudi Arabia team opened the first location.
The new store showcases a wide array of products and services available. Technicians can provide computer cut window tinting, paint protection film, auto security and remote starts, custom wheels, detailing and appearance reconditioning.
Tint World corporate staff visited the new location for three weeks for setup, training and support of the new store opening.
In the release, Tint World CEO Charles J. Bonfiglio shares that his company is “proud to gain franchise developers with strong business and customer service skills who are dedicated to our business principles.”
Association News
Automechanika Kuala Lumpur expects more than 6,000 visitors
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Automechanika Kuala Lumpur, to be held March 19-21, 2015, at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, expects a 73 percent increase in European exhibition space, according to a press release.
Entering its second year, the trade show targets visitors from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
More European countries—including Italy, Bulgaria and Poland—are participating than even before. More of the continent’s countries are expected to sign up in the coming months.
The Malaysian market’s stability continues to attract companies from around the world. In Malaysia there are 341 cars per 1,000 people, so strong aftermarket potential exists for auto components and accessories firms.
Trade agreements including the Malaysia-Turkey Free Trade Agreement provide a platform for greater trade between the regions. The show’s European pavilion offers exhibitors special upgrades on booth design and other bespoke services.
SONNY’S Anthony Analetto featured in CWONJ fall meeting
HAMILTON, N.J. — The Car Wash Operators of New Jersey’s (CWONJ) fall membership meeting featured SONNY’S President Anthony Analetto as its guest speaker, according to a press release.
Analetto spoke on the importance of making changes and trying new things to grow business. He also showcased struggling washes he worked to turn around.
During his 25 years in the industry, Analetto created the original Xtreme-Xpress Mini Tunnel.
Conte also presented a $1,000 check to Kayla Lucia, the 2014 CWONJ scholarship winner. Lucia is a student at Monmouth University in Long Branch and a part-time employee of Madison Carwash & Detail Center in Madison.
SEMA scholarship fund accepting applications
DIAMOND BAR, Calif. — Students preparing for careers in the auto or auto parts industries can apply for scholarships through the 2015 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, according to a press release.
The program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators.
Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, including: accounting, sales and marketing, and engineering.
Dozens of awards ranging from $2-3,000 will be given out, and one top student will receive a $5,000 award.
The deadline to apply is April 1, 2015. Interested students should go to sema.org/scholarships to apply.
People News
Mark VII names new CEO
ARVADA, Colo. — Mark VII Equipment Inc. has named Chris Andersen as its new CEO, according to a press release.
Andersen will replace retiring CEO Steve Jeffs after a transition period. Jeffs has held leadership positions in the WashTec group for the last 10 years.
Andersen's background includes 10 years in various senior level positions in sales, marketing and management with Hilti, a Liechtenstein-based provider of products, systems and services to the global construction industry.
“Chris will be a great asset to Mark VII,” says Jeffs in the release. “Under his leadership, and with the support of the Mark VII team, I'm confident North America will play an important role in WashTec's growth strategy.”
Ryan Beaty was also promoted to executive vice president, sales and service, and Pierre-Yves Leclercq was promoted to executive vice president, operations.
Mark VII is the North American subsidiary of WashTec AG of Germany, the world’s largest manufacturer of vehicle cleaning systems.
Carwash COO youngest ever named to 20 Under 40 Emerging Leaders list
PARKLAND, Fla. — Rising Tide Car Wash COO Tom D’Eri was selected as one of the Miami Herald’s 20 Under 40 Emerging Leaders in 2014, according to a press release.
D’Eri, 25, is the list’s youngest honoree to date. He was selected from among 300 nominations.
For its list, the Miami Herald chose leaders who are self-starters and contribute to their communities.
D’Eri and his father started Rising Tide in April 2013, which seeks to empower individuals with autism to build careers and full lives through employment with a premium carwash brand. D’Eri’s brother is one of these individuals.
The carwash is one of the largest employers of people with autism in the U.S.
Airlift Doors promotes sales manager from within
MINNEAPOLIS — Airlift Doors has promoted Sabrina Shrack to the position of sales account manager, according to a press release.
Shrack has been an employee since 2008, and previously served the company as new sales account manager.
In her new role, Shrack will manage new and existing accounts, establish customer relations and support the rest of the sales team.
Shrack is a graduate of Alexandria Technical College. She has six years of experience in overhead door sales and management.
Eastman Chemical appoints new industry manager
KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Eastman Chemical Company has appointed Daniel McManus as industrial and institutional industry manager, according to a press release.
McManus has 30 years of experience as a director of manufacturing and industrial sales manager.
McManus joined Eastman in 2010 as account manager. His role included business development, relationship management and distribution channel growth for coatings and other additives.
McManus will lead Eastman’s expanded focus to include an emphasis on offering differentiated solvents and other high performing additives that enhance the performance and safety of cleaning formulations.
