In this edition of Market Focus, we cover the 20th anniversary of Washtech, a recognition, a re-opening and grand openings.

Washtech announces milestone anniversary

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Mid Atlantic Car Wash Technologies Inc., aka Washtech Inc., recently celebrated its 20th anniversary as a full service provider of carwash systems, solutions and service throughout the mid-Atlantic region, according to a press release.

Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, with a secondary base in Whitehall, Pennsylvania, Washtech has been a long-standing distributor partner with PDQ, CSI – Lustra, SONNY’s, Carolina Pride and other industry leading companies, the release noted.

In a company-wide celebratory event of 45 team members, President Craig Hanson cited company culture and people as key components to Washtech’s tenure, the release added.

As the carwashing industry continues to evolve, Hanson expressed his optimism and excitement for the years ahead, the release concluded.

Hydra-Flex earns spot on Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal’s Fast 50

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, Minn. — It was announced that the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ) honored Hydra-Flex Inc. as No. 25 on its Fast 50, a list of the region’s fastest growing private companies, according to a press release.

Hydra-Flex has appeared on the Fast 50 for three consecutive years and was awarded a spot again due to a growth rate of 77.61 percent from 2014 to 2016, the release stated.

“Coming in at No. 25 for the second time, and being one of only three manufacturers on the list, is a tremendous achievement,” stated Jaime Harris, CEO of Hydra-Flex. “We have always attracted a very passionate group of people to work at Hydra-Flex, and it is because of their efforts and innovations that we continue to sustain such a high level of growth.”

Kim Johnson, the MSPBJ Fast 50 project editor, commented on what it takes to make the cut as one of the fastest-growing private companies. “Every year, we seek nominations from the Twin Cities that will share their financial secrets,” says Johnson. “Everyone is held to the same requirements to ensure the integrity of this list, which includes some of the state’s most dynamic companies.”

See the full Fast 50 list and photos from the event at MSPBJ 2017 Fast 50 List.

Mr.G’s opens first express wash in town

GRAND ISLAND, Neb — According to www.theindependent.com, Gary Jacobson and Lloyd Gunderson, owners of Mr. G’s, installed Grand Island’s first express carwash at 623 S. Locust St.

The location, previously a full service facility, was closed in July to install the wash system, but reopened in September, the article noted; the express wash is the only type this location now offers.

Every car received a spot-free rinse and an undercarriage wash, the article continued, and there are eight free vacuums as well.

The facility on S. Locust was originally incorporated as Mr. G’s in 1979, and in 1980 after tornadoes hit the city, the company expanded to become the community’s first full service carwash, the article explained.

Mr. G’s also opened a full service facility on Frontage Rd. about 10 years ago, the article noted.

“When we introduced full-service car wash it was brand new and we had the skill set to do it,” Gunderson said. “The Express Car Washing is a new concept in washing cars that is sweeping the nation.”

Gunderson said that the S. Locust location was ideal for an express carwash, the article reported.

“We have plenty of room and we don’t push our cars out onto the street,” he said. “We had room for the vacuums. It’s a very relaxed buying experience.”

Mr. G’s offers three wash packages: basic washes are $4, the $5 wash gets a cedar wax and the $6 wash gets a cedar wax and rust-inhibitor wash the article continued; there is no extra charge for oversized vehicles, the article added.

“We strive to provide the best car wash at an affordable price at both of our locations,” Gunderson said. “We pride ourselves on delivering a quality soft and gentle vehicle wash. We use the most up-to-date standards. We have top-of-the-line products, technology and training to produce the cleanest vehicle.”

Mr. G’s plans to put up a new façade at the S. Locust location next year and redo the electronic sign, the article noted.

Over the years, Grand Island Independent readers have named Mr. G’s the “Best Car Wash in Grand Island” several times, the article concluded; the wash is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Mister Car Wash holds grand opening in Nampa

NAMPA, Idaho — According to www.idahopress.com, the new Mister Car Wash at 4324 Garrity Blvd. in Nampa is hosting a grand opening celebration from Oct. 27-29.

“We are thrilled to open a sixth location in the Boise area and appreciate the community’s support,” said Derek Martin, division manager. “We are pleased to provide our Unlimited Wash Club members and Nampa customers an additional location.”

Brand Manager Megan Everett will begin the festivities with opening remarks, and then Nampa City Councilwoman Sandi Levi will assist with a ribbon-cutting, the article noted.

Following the opening ceremonies will be a social hour and tour of the location, the article noted.

Furthermore, the article continued, Mister Car Wash is offering free platinum express carwashes to the public during these three days at this location, and it will give free car care kits to the first 500 customers who visit each day of the weekend; it will also raffle off Unlimited Wash Club Memberships good for one year all weekend.

New Rising Tide location opens

MARGATE, Fla. — According to www.sun-sentinel.com, Rising Tide Car Wash, which primarily employs adults with autism, recently opened a second location in Margate, Florida, due to the success of the first location in Parkland, which opened in 2013.

Together, the carwashes now employ about 80 people, and about 45 of them work at the Margate location, the article continued.

The carwash received approximately 600 work applications, according to Thomas D’Eri, who started Rising Tide with his father, John D’Eri, to create a supportive environment for his younger brother, Andrew D’Eri the article noted.

“Our family started this journey simply because we didn’t see that Andrew would be able to lead a full and independent life without our intervention. And while it started with Andrew, it’s evolved into something much bigger. We’ve experienced day in and day out for the last four years that our employees with autism are simply the best employees,” said Thomas D’Eri.

“The community embraced us and we looked for an opportunity to employ more people, and Margate already knew of us and was eager to have us in the community,” Thomas D’Eri continued. “We felt there were plenty of people with autism we can employ and benefit.”

Plans for a third Rising Tide location are in the works, the article concluded.