The Road to AAPEX: Episode 1

The Road to AAPEX: Episode 1

Will a 33-year-old Cadillac make it to Las Vegas?

The 2,500-mile drive from Babcox Media’s headquarters in Akron, Ohio, to Las Vegas, across the iconic Route 66, is enough to test any vehicle. But the car Babcox Media’s Joe Keene picked to rehab and drive to the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) held in Las Vegas, Nov. 1-3, isn’t just any car. It’s a 33-year-old Cadillac Brougham with more than 180,000 miles on the odometer. 

As Keene says in the first episode of The Road to AAPEX, “It’s about the journey,” and the ASE-certified technician had a long road ahead of him as he brought the Cadillac up to a safe standard. With the help of aftermarket suppliers and experts, Keene conquered the leaking transmission, an air suspension that didn’t work, and a complete lack of air conditioning (which could have made a drive through the desert even longer), to name a few challenges.

“There were a lot of things about the car that weren’t specified in the ad,” Keene said with a laugh. “It floated, the steering was all over the place, the windows didn’t work–just all kinds of things going on with it. But I didn’t want something easy. I wanted something that was going to be an ‘are you going to make it’ moment every time I get in the car.”

Combing through junk yards, testing the counterman’s expertise in hunting down new parts for an old car, and a trip to Ohio Technical College were just a few stops Joe makes to whip the Caddy into shape. Watch the first episode above to see how Joe takes a clunker and, with expert help from the automotive aftermarket, gets it ready to tackle The Road to AAPEX.

You May Also Like

PC&D Executive Spotlight: Jeff Pavone

Jeff Pavone of Amplify Car Wash Advisors provides valuable perspectives on anticipated changes and shifts in the carwash industry and offers strategic advice on positioning companies for success.

Jeff Pavone of Amplify Car Wash Advisors provides valuable perspectives on anticipated changes and shifts in the carwash industry and offers strategic advice on positioning companies for success.

In this episode of PC&D’s Executive Spotlight, host Rich DiPaolo engages in a compelling conversation with Jeff Pavone, founding partner of Amplify Car Wash Advisors and owner of Commercial Plus. The discussion unfolds as DiPaolo delves into Pavone's background and his journey working with carwash operators.

Wash Talk Ep. 182: Phil Marquart from Dencar Technology

Phil discusses carwash technology, focusing on the efficiency and effectiveness of automated systems.

Phil Marquart from Dencar discusses the evolving landscape of carwash technology
Wash Talk Ep. 181: Kyle Martin of Oasis Car Wash Systems

Tune in to hear how Kyle Martin provides recommendations for those considering an in-bay tunnel system as well as offers insight on customized apps, lighting and membership models.

Wash Talk Ep. 180: Brian Mattingly of Welcomemat

Mattingly shares his vision of the future of carwashing including advancements in data collection and a focus on strong brand development.

Wash Talk Ep. 179: WhiteWater Express Car Wash reaches 100 locations

Rich DiPaolo and Clayton Clark discuss WhiteWater’s mission to be a top operator in the carwash market and how it has adapted to changing market conditions over the past two years.

Other Posts

Wash Talk Ep. 178: Stuart Hammerschmidt of Shore Corp.

In addition to discussing water reclamation systems, Stuart takes a deep dive into graphene, the super material of the future!

Shore Corporation
Wash Talk Ep. 177: Logan Lawson of Sensor Dynamix

Discover how Sensor Dynamix’s innovative sensors empower carwash owners and operators with real-time insights, enabling them to promptly address any issues that arise.

Wash Talk Ep. 176: Vets in carwashing with Brian Krusz

Host Rich DiPaolo and Brian Krusz of Sgt. Clean Car Wash discuss military veterans in the carwashing industry, as well as Krusz’s personal experience as a Marine, his commitment to hiring and mentoring veterans and much more.

ICYMI: A look back on the Road to AAPEX

Binge the full season. Watch how ASE-certified technician Joe Keene fixes up a rare Lincoln Blackwood and then hits the Lincoln Highway.