In this Market Focus, we cover a new hire, a company recognition, a partnership and a new opening.

D&S appoints new chief operating officer

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — D&S Car Wash Equipment Co. has promoted Tim Huntington to chief operating officer, according to a press release.

In this role, the release continued, Huntington will be responsible for the daily operation of the company by leading production, operation and improvement of the business systems that create and deliver D&S’ products.

Huntington will also be responsible for ensuring that business operations are efficient and that the proper management of resources, distribution of goods and services to customers are at the highest levels, the release noted.

Huntington has been consulting at D&S over the last year as project manager for the implementation of new MRP software and leading the shift in the company becoming more customer-focused, the release added.

According to the release, prior to joining D&S, Huntington was employed for 27 years by SunEdison Semi, MEMC Electronic and Texas Instruments in many leadership roles where he oversaw order entry and confirmation; operations management; planning; and sales and operations planning for nine production facilities in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Huntington is a graduate of Purdue University, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership emphasizing Industrial Engineering.

Hydra-Flex appears on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minn. — Hydra-Flex, Inc. has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies for the fourth consecutive year, according to a press release.

The list represents a comprehensive look at the most successful companies within an important segment of our economy: America’s independent entrepreneurs, the release continued.

Hydra-Flex lands at #2574 with three-year growth of 137 percent, and is one of only 146 manufacturers on the list, the release noted.

“Being included in this prestigious list of companies four years in a row is an honor and testament to the rapid growth we’ve sustained over the years,” stated Jaime Harris, president and CEO of Hydra-Flex. “Our achievements are a direct result from our team loving what we do and who we do it with. Our shared passion, values and commitment to innovation are evident in the products we make and how we do business.”

“Every year, Inc. recognizes the fastest-growing companies in America,” stated Eric Shurenberg, president and editor in chief of Inc. “This year, the winners have, once again, placed the bar very high. Companies that made the list, on average, have grown sixfold since 2013. Over a stretch when the economy grew just 6.7 percent, that’s a result most businesses could only dream of.”

Mike’s Carwash becomes the official carwash of the University of Dayton Flyers

DAYTON, Ohio — Mike’s Carwash, the official carwash of the University of Dayton Flyers, announced they are kicking off their partnership by offering discounted carwashes to all UD basketball fans, according to a press release.

The back of every home game ticket will feature a coupon for $4 off the Ultimate Wash, valid at any of Mike’s 21 locations, the release continued.

“We are thrilled to partner with Mike’s Carwash,” said University of Dayton Vice President and Director of Athletics, Neil Sullivan. “They provide top-notch, quality services, in addition to having exceptional customer service. We look forward to a long-term relationship with Mike’s Carwash and are excited about their commitment to our students, athletes, fans and Dayton community.”

“We recently added two new locations to the Dayton area and are excited to get more involved with the community,” said Greg Ries, vice president of Mike’s Carwash. “We look forward to having a great time with UD Basketball this season and an exciting partnership overall. Go Flyers!”

Mike’s Carwash has three locations in the Dayton area: one in Beavercreek and two in Centerville, the release concluded.

Tidal Wave Auto Spa opening new location

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — According to www.dailyadvance.com, the construction of Tidal Wave Auto Spa at the junction of Tanglewood Pkwy. and Halstead Blvd. is nearing completion, and, while contingent upon good weather and securing a certificate of occupancy, the carwash is expected to open in early September.

Tidal Wave recently opened another location in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, the article continued.

“We’re just trying to get our footprint up in the North Carolina market,” Alyson Ford, a marketing representative with SHJ Construction Group, said.

According to Ford, North Carolina’s growing population is a key factor in the group’s decision to expand into the state; according to U.S. Census figures, the population has grown almost 6.5 percent in six years, the article noted.

The location will employ around 10 to 12 people and will include a prep area, where employees will scrub the vehicle’s grille, wheels and rear before it enters the tunnel for a three-minute wash, the article stated.

The location will also feature free vacuums and towels for drying windows, the article added.

Tidal Wave will be open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, the article concluded.