Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast

In this episode, Mel Ohlinger from OhmCo discusses how in-bay automatic carwashes can compete with larger chains by leveraging their unique advantages. These include lower costs, 24-hour availability, and the ability to cater to niche customers with specialized vehicles, such as motorcycles and trucks. Mel emphasizes the power of data and social media analytics in identifying potential customers,...

In this episode of PC&D Unscripted, we welcome Ian Hamilton, aftermarket technical sales with Vacutech by NCS. Hamilton joins us to discuss Vacutech’s latest innovation, T-Force, and what it means for the carwash industry. We begin with a look at Vacutech’s history and its impact on the industry, as well as Hamilton’s role in supporting operators with advanced vacuum solutions. Hamilton discus...

In this episode, host Rich DiPaolo talks with Steve Gaudreau, president, and Jason Van Kooten, director of maintenance and facility, for Brink Results, LLC. Brink Results is widely recognized in the professional carwashing industry for its expertise in organizational development, management coaching and sales training. However, as Gaudreau explains, the company has expanded its services to include...

Host Rich DiPaolo talks with Erin Noonan, director of marketing for G&G Industrial Lighting, to discuss how colored carwash light shows can transform the customer experience and bolster operators' bottom lines. Noonan shares her thoughts on the impact of LED lighting on customer experience, loyalty and business growth. She explores the functional benefits of colored LEDs beyond aesthetics, suc...

Host Rich DiPaolo talks with Jeff Blansit, president-elect of the Southwest Car Wash Association (SCWA). In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the 2025 SCWA Convention & EXPO, scheduled for Feb. 26-28 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Blansit shares insights on this year’s theme — Refresh, Renovate and Reinvest — and how it reflects the ev...

Host Rich DiPaolo talks with Max Pulcini and Scott Caplan from EverWash to discuss the evolving landscape of carwash memberships and the company’s acquisition of Coinless in 2024. Pulcini and Caplan share insights on how carwash memberships have evolved over the past decade, highlighting the growing role of technology and consumer preferences in shaping membership. They also dive into effective ma...

Host Rich DiPaolo welcomes back Mack Ewing, senior director of sales and marketing for Transchem Group, to discuss the company’s evolution after the OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions (VWS) acquisition, overall carwash chemistry trends and what’s next for the market. First, Ewing shares insights into Transchem’s integration into OPW VWS following its acquisition, highlighting how the transition has expand...

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo catches up with Jeff Pavone, founding partner, and Chris Jenks, partner and CEO, of Amplify Capital Group. The trio discuss the latest trends in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and investment activity in the carwash industry as we start 2025. During the conversation, Pavone and Jenks share insights into what’s driving sellers...

In this episode of Professional Carwashing & Detailing’s Wash Talk, host Brian Ankney welcomed Amayr Babar and Ali Sareini, co-founders of Nautilus, to discuss how selling carwashes online increase ticket sales as well as facilitate upselling, such as single washes converting to bundled wash books with just one click.

The carwash industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with new technologies and evolving consumer preferences reshaping the landscape. In a recent episode of Professional Carwash & Detailing's Wash Talk , host Brian Ankney sat down with Jason Hayes of Leadership Industries to explore trends, challenges and opportunities in the carwash sector.

In this episode of Wash Talk by Professional Carwash and Detailing , host Brian Ankney interviews Chirag Toor, co-founder of FlexWash, a cutting-edge software solution tailored for carwash operations. Toor shares his journey from growing up in a family carwash business to developing FlexWash with his brother to modernize industry tools.

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Reuven Birnkrant, CEO of PetroCal Associates, for a deep dive into refinancing strategies for carwash operators. Building on an article featured in the December 2024 issue of Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine, Birnkrant shares expert insights on navigating refinancing costs, timing loans in fluctuati...

In this episode of Wash Talk, Brian Ankney speaks with Josh Bachner of Moleaer about the innovative application of nano bubble technology in carwashes. Nano bubbles are microscopic gas-filled bubbles, about 100 nanometers in diameter, which are invisible to the naked eye and behave differently than typical bubbles due to their size. They remain suspended in water and possess a strong negative surf...

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast episode, host Brian Ankney speaks with Mark Clanton and Michael Lamminen of Apex Pro Formulators. They discuss how the company becomes an integral part of their clients' operations by managing the backroom aspects, ensuring a seamless supply of high-quality products and offering technical support. This partnership allows carwash operators to focus...

Host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Alexandra Feldman, vice president, and Kenny Kraft, managing director, at Houlihan Lokey. In this episode, we delve into the U.S. carwash industry's latest trends, challenges and opportunities. Our conversation begins by exploring the remarkable resilience of the carwash industry. Feldman and Kraft provide insight into the key factors that have enabled this sector...

In the latest episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Kurt Chambliss, executive vice president of business development for TMC Financing, to discuss the SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate Loan Program. This financing option is increasingly popular among carwash operators looking to expand or upgrade their facilities. Chambliss provides an in-depth explanation of the SBA 5...

Host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Danielle Petersen, chief marketing officer at Whistle Express Car Wash, to discuss the brand’s unique focus on being a "local neighborhood carwash." Petersen shares insights into how Whistle Express sets itself apart through its hyperlocal approach and meaningful community engagement. The conversation begins with why it's essential for Whistle Express to position i...

Host Rich DiPaolo is joined by Sud Bhatija, co-founder and COO of Spot AI. In the interview, Bhatija discusses how his company’s cutting-edge AI camera solutions are transforming the way operators do business in the carwash industry. Bhatija shares insights into what inspired Spot AI to focus on the carwashing and detailing industries and highlights the key features the company is offering to help...

Host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Trey Merchant, CEO of Champion Xpress Carwash, to talk about Champion Xpress Carwash’s impressive achievement of reaching 50 locations, with its latest opening in Des Moines, Iowa. Merchant shares the journey behind this milestone, the strategic advantages of expanding in the Midwest and the company’s plans for continued growth. We also dive into what makes Champion Xpre...

Host Rich DiPaolo discusses succession planning with Dave Haupt from Red Rock Tax and Consulting Group. In this episode, we begin by discussing the essential elements of a strong succession plan and how owners can prepare for a smooth transition. Haupt shares insights into the different types of trusts, such as dynasty trusts, charitable remainder trusts, and grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs...

In this episode of Unscripted, Doug Rieck, the NRCC 2024 chairman, discusses the latest plans and updates for the upcoming Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC), which will take place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, from October 7-9. Rieck provides insights into registration, exhibitor booths and what attendees can expect at the show. He highlights the educational sessions and networking even...

Host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Ben Branam from AutoBrite Company to delve into the evolving landscape of carwash staffing. Branam provides insights into the various carwash formats available to new investors, detailing the labor requirements for each type, and the impact of increasing automation and technology in the industry. The conversation explores the extent to which automation is affecting...

Host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Brian Epstein, a regular contributor to PC&D, current carwash consultant and former operator based in Phoenix, Arizona. In this episode, we’re discussing new pricing trends that we’ve been noticing in the carwash industry. We start by delving into Epstein's background and how he got started in carwashing. We then explore some of the traditional pricing strategies tha...

Justin Pope from Allied Molded Products joins host Brian Ankney for a new episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast. Pope discusses the importance of enclosures in the carwash industry and the factors to consider when choosing the right material for an enclosure. He emphasizes the benefits of non-metallic enclosures, such as their resistance to rust and their lightweight and easy-to-modify nature....

Host Rich DiPaolo is joined by Keong Chun Chieh, founder and CEO of IGL Coatings, and Dustin Jackson, the new CEO of IGL Coatings USA. In this episode, we dive into the latest updates from IGL Coatings, starting with the company's origins and how it began serving car care professionals. We explore the company's commitment to sustainability and what it means for their business and customers. We als...