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, explaining how targeted advertising can help carwashes reach specific vehicle owners within their communities. By utilizing Facebook ads and vehicle sales data, businesses can refine their marketing strategies and maximize engagement. Mel also provides practical website best practices to enhance user experience and search engine rankings. She touches on the psychological aspects of menu design, explaining how color choices, layout simplifications and brand consistency can influence customer decisions and boost sales.

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 discusses the most recent developments from Vacutech, highlighting the cutting-edge advancements that continue to push efficiency and performance. A major focus of the discussion is T-Force, including why it was developed, and the pain points it aims to solve. Learn how this advanced vacuum system technology can improve performance while reducing expenses. Hamilton also shares his insights on what the future holds for vacuum technology and how Vacutech is positioning itself to lead the way in innovation.

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 technical consulting, helping carwash operators improve tunnel efficiency, enhance quality and reduce operational costs. Leading this initiative is Van Kooten, a successful operator with firsthand experience in optimizing carwash performance. Throughout the conversation, Van Kooten discusses strategies for reducing water and chemical waste, emphasizing the importance of training staff to use chemicals efficiently while maximizing effectiveness. He also explores how the right nozzles and spray technologies can help minimize water usage without compromising wash quality. The discussion highlights key metrics that operators should track to measure efficiency, along with best practices for real-time monitoring and data analysis to improve decision-making. In addition to chemical and water management, this episode delves into the critical role of preventative maintenance. Van Kooten and Gaudreau share insights on how carwash operators can implement effective maintenance schedules to prevent costly downtime and extend the lifespan of equipment. For more information, please visit www.brinkresults.com.

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, such as improved visibility, safety, service confirmation and efficiency. Additionally, Noonan discusses the ROI of investing in modern LED systems, using case studies of existing customers. Throughout the conversation, Noonan highlights key industry trends and innovations in carwash lighting and offers expert guidance for operators looking to implement or upgrade their lighting systems to maximize impact and profitability. Tune in to learn how strategic lighting choices can enhance your customer experience and drive long-term success.

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 evolving landscape of the carwash industry. We also discuss the CEO Forum featuring Michael Dominguez, the Fast Tracks educational sessions and the Car Wash 101 session, designed to help new investors and operators gain valuable industry knowledge. Blansit previews the highly anticipated keynote address from Brian Kilmeade and highlights the Thursday night event at Second Rodeo Brewing in the historic Mule Alley district. Learn key tips on how attendees can maximize their ROI and make the most of their time at the convention. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable info to help you get ready for SCWA 2025.

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 marketing strategies, discussing the messages and platforms that resonate most with today’s carwash customers. The conversation shifts to EverWash’s acquisition of Coinless. Caplan details how the deal came together and why Coinless was a strategic fit for EverWash. Listen to how this acquisition strengthens the company’s market position, ensuring a seamless transition for Coinless customers while unlocking new growth opportunities. Is there real potential to add a substantial membership program at self-serve and IBA locations? Hear Caplan's reaction to this question and more thoughts on these formats. Looking ahead, Caplan and Pulcini touch on EverWash’s future plans, including new capabilities and service expansions to further enhance its offerings. Tune in to learn  more about the future of carwash memberships and EverWash’s vision for continued innovation and industry leadership.

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 expanded its global and North American reach. He also discusses emerging trends in the U.S. carwash chemical market and the significance of Transchem’s refreshed AutoLux product lineup. Additionally, Ewing provides insight into the future of carwash chemistry, including what's ahead for breakthrough technology graphene. He also offers a forward-looking perspective on how 2025 might differ from last year for carwash operators. To close out the conversation, Ewing previews what attendees can expect at Transchem’s booth at the upcoming SCWA Convention & EXPO in Fort Worth, Texas.

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 to the table today and discuss the types of chains currently seeking to acquire carwash businesses. They highlight how the competitive landscape has changed compared to five years ago. We also get an inside look at Amplify Capital Group’s recent projects and the services the firm offers to help businesses navigate the evolving carwash investment space. Pavone and Jenks provide their perspective on where M&A activity is headed over the next 12–18 months and share expert advice on how carwash owners can best position their businesses to achieve maximum value.

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.