Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast

In this Executive Spotlight, host Brian Ankney sits down with Kyle Doyle, vice president of Rinsed, to unpack what consistently separates high-performing carwash operations from the rest. Doyle introduces the concept of the “three pillars” — consistent scripted presentations, ongoing coaching and clear accountability — emphasizing that strong performance isn’t accidental or dependent on rare standout employees. Instead, the most successful operators build repeatable systems that allow average frontline team members to perform at a high level, even in high-volume, high-rejection environments. The conversation explores how simple, value-driven scripting improves conversion rates, why validation is a critical but often overlooked step in the customer journey, and how structured coaching protects teams from burnout and inconsistency. Doyle also reflects on the industry’s evolution from equipment-centric operations to people-development organizations, noting that scalable growth now depends on creating better employee experiences, clearer expectations and stronger leadership at every level — from the pay station to the regional office.

On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Dave Kelly, Chief Development Officer for Spotless Brands, to discuss the company’s recent acquisition and its broader Northeast growth strategy. Kelly explains why Pete’s Express Car Wash was a natural fit for Spotless and how the deal strengthens the Flagship Carwash brand in Greater Philadelphia. The conversation covers how Spotless balances operational consistency with local brand equity across its multi-brand portfolio, while evaluating dense, competitive markets for long-term carwash development. Kelly also breaks down what increased regional presence unlocks for member value and operational efficiency, how access to a $450 million credit facility shapes development pace and scale for the company, and what opportunities and constraints lie ahead for express car wash growth in mature Northeast regions.

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes back Jeff Pavone, founding partner at Amplify Capital Group, for a candid and timely look at the state of carwash mergers and acquisitions heading into 2026. Pavone breaks down the major forces shaping today’s deal environment, from shifting buyer motivation to evolving private equity strategies, offering operators and investors a clear view of where opportunities are emerging. He shares his reactions to Professional Carwashing & Detailing’s 2025 Top 50 List of U.S. Conveyor Carwashes and explains what early-year signals informed his market outlook for 2025. Pavone also discusses whether Q3 and Q4 activity matched expectations as the industry continues to navigate tighter capital, rising costs and regional variance in performance. The conversation digs into what’s driving heightened buyer urgency, how private equity’s appetite for carwash assets has evolved and what the industry can expect from sponsors in 2026. Pavone also weighs in on the long-debated question: will the industry ever see a 1,000-location operator? The episode wraps with Pavone’s takeaways from Mister Car Wash’s experience as a public company, the likelihood of future IPOs and the market developments in 2026 that would surprise him most, and least. Whether you’re planning a sale, evaluating growth markets or watching broader capital trends, this episode delivers essential insight into the year ahead for carwash M&A.

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Troy Huisman, founder of Superior Control, for a deep dive into one of the most critical, yet least understood, parts of a tunnel: the motor control center. Huisman discusses the early gaps he saw in the carwash equipment world and what pushed him to design smarter, more responsive control solutions. He explains why a control panel often understands tunnel performance better than the operator and highlights the hidden inefficiencies his team uncovers at sites across the industry. The conversation explores the growing value of custom-built control systems and how they enhance uptime, throughput, and long-term reliability for each unique site. Huisman also breaks down where automation is delivering the biggest returns. Real-world examples illustrate how redesigned panels have transformed struggling tunnels into high-performing locations. The episode concludes with a look ahead at connected controls, remote diagnostics and the role “smart” motor control centers will play in the next generation of tunnel design.

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Brenda Jane Johnstone, founder of Women in Carwash™, to discuss the upcoming 12th Women in Carwash conference, taking place January 18-20 at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa. Johnstone shares the story behind the event’s creation, including the inspiration that led her to build a space dedicated to empowering women across all segments of the carwash industry. She reflects on how the conference has grown from its early beginnings into a dynamic community focused on professional development, mentorship and leadership. Listeners will hear inspiring examples of how attendees have strengthened their confidence and advanced their careers after participating in past events. Johnstone also discusses the progress being made to foster inclusion within what has long been a male-dominated field, while highlighting where more work remains. For those considering attending for the first time, Johnstone offers tips on how to make the most of the experience through networking, workshops and authentic connections. Finally, she shares her vision for the future of Women in Carwash, as the event continues to unite, educate and inspire the next generation of leaders driving the industry forward.

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Rex Womble, vice president of Quivio, to discuss the growing importance of connecting the modern carwash. Womble shares insights on how Sonny’s Quivio platform helps operators unify their operations by integrating software, hardware and cloud-based analytics into a single digital ecosystem. The conversation explores what a “connected ecosystem” truly means for today’s operators and how integrated platforms can help overcome the challenges of managing multiple systems such as POS, CRM, and analytics dashboards. Womble explains how connected technology turns raw data into actionable insights that drive performance, uptime and efficiency across multi-site operations. The discussion also highlights how technology can improve customer engagement, streamline maintenance tracking and support staff training — all while helping operators optimize existing sites in an era focused more on refinement than expansion. Womble closes by sharing his outlook on how Quivio will continue evolving to meet the carwash industry’s changing needs.Tune in to learn:• How connected ecosystems simplify operations and unify data• Ways technology improves maintenance, training and customer engagement• Why integration is key to the next phase of carwash growth.For more information on Quivio, please visit www.quivio.com.

On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo is joined by Mark Curtis, chairman of the board, and Dan Petrelle, CEO, of Splash Express Car Wash. Together, they share insights on leadership transitions, private equity partnerships, growth strategies and creating a winning work environment in the competitive Northeast carwash market. Petrelle discusses his transition from COO to CEO after more than two decades in operations, while Curtis outlines his evolving role as chairman. The pair also reflect on their new partnership with AEA Investors, exploring how majority backing from AEA will fuel Splash’s strategy for growth and expansion. The conversation highlights Splash’s continued expansion across Long Island and the Northeast, including a mix of new builds and acquisitions. Curtis and Petrelle provide perspective on the current landscape for M&A opportunities in the region, and what sets their approach apart. Beyond growth, the two leaders emphasize culture and community. Splash has been recognized as a Top Workplace in Connecticut for 10 consecutive years, and they share how they maintain that award-winning culture with more than 70 locations and 1,000 employees. Petrelle and Curtis also highlight Splash’s strong community engagement — from raising $8,500 at a recent Fayetteville grand opening for Clear Path for Veterans to more than $3 million raised historically for local causes. Looking ahead, both leaders outline what success will mean for Splash Express Car Wash in 2026 and beyond, with a focus on sustainable growth, strong employee bonds and community connections.

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo connects with Ben Branam of AutoBrite Company to explore the differences between belt gear drives and conventional rail drives. Branam discusses how belt conveyor frames offer greater longevity due to their design, along with the ease of replacing wear parts that helps operators minimize downtime and streamline maintenance. He also highlights the customer experience advantages belts provide, from smoother loading to enhanced comfort, and explains how operators can balance higher upfront costs against long-term savings and operational benefits. Finally, Branam shares insights on market trends, weighing whether belt conveyors will continue gaining traction or if rail systems will maintain their role in the industry into the foreseeable future.

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Marc Tyndale, director of strategic partnerships at Kleen-Rite Corp., to explore the evolving role of self-serve and in-bay automatic washes in today’s competitive market. Tyndale discusses the current state of these segments, the steps operators can take to enhance customer experiences and how modern payment options are shaping their future. He also shares insights on why these formats can be attractive entry points for new investors, common capital considerations operators may overlook, and how owners can boost revenues through upgrades and improvements. Looking ahead, Tyndale outlines the role self-serve and in-bay washes may play over the next decade as the industry continues to grow and adapt.

On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Robert Andre, senior vice president of national sales and remodel for Sonny’s The CarWash Factory, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of site remodels in today’s fast-evolving carwash industry. Andre shares insights on what’s driving the surge in remodel projects, how bonus depreciation impacts financial planning, and which upgrades yield the best operational and financial returns. He also offers guidance on balancing visual enhancements with behind-the-scenes improvements, strategies for leveraging financing and tax benefits, and how remodels can strengthen customer growth, membership retention and long-term competitiveness.

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Heath Pomerantz, CEO of WOW Carwash, to discuss his journey in the carwash industry and the leadership vision he brings to the rapidly growing brand. Pomerantz shares how his operational background shapes his approach as CEO, the strategies that resonate most with today’s customers and scaling to 17 locations with more in development. He also talks about the cultural practices that help WOW deliver on its bold guest experience promise, future market expansion plans and community-focused initiatives, such as the “WOW Carwash Local Heroes” program, which have strengthened both the team and the brand’s reputation.

On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo speaks with Kevin Matthews, chief operating officer and president of Summit Wash Holdings, about the company’s rapid expansion and people-first culture. Matthews shares lessons from his early experiences in the car care industry, explaining how they shape Summit’s operator-led approach. He outlines the operational and technological innovations that have enabled Summit to grow from 20 to more than 100 locations in just a few years. Matthews also discusses the impact of the company’s growth partnership with New Mountain Capital, its 24-month strategic growth plans and the importance of fostering a strong, unified culture across new markets and acquired brands.

In this Executive Spotlight, Professional Carwashing & Detailing’s Brian Ankney sits down with Ryan Mogged of Triadex to explore how carwash operators can maximize marketing ROI through advanced targeting tactics. Mogged explains how mobile data, connected TV (CTV), programmatic ads and direct mail are transforming customer acquisition and retention. From geo-fencing competitors’ locations to leveraging online search intent, operators now have powerful tools to reduce wasted spend and track real customer behavior over time. The conversation also highlights the impact of new mover campaigns, custom propensity modeling, and innovative formats like plastic gift card mailers — all designed to help car washes attract loyal members and boost profitability.

On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo is joined by NRCC 2025 show co-chairmen Chris Kubarek and Walt Hartl to discuss the planning behind this year’s event, scheduled for Oct. 6-8 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Kubarek and Hartl share insights into the show’s goals, learning opportunities and the inspiration behind unique additions, such as a virtual tour of global operator Bob Autowash in the Netherlands. They also explain how the educational topics were selected to address critical issues for Northeast operators, including website optimization and membership trends, and highlight the diverse voices attendees will hear from, such as Colonel Pilar McDermott and Garry Ridge. Additionally, Kubarek and Hartl provide an update on the expo floor, exhibitor participation and anticipated attendance, while offering advice for first-time attendees and a glimpse into the future of NRCC. For more information and to register today, please visit www.nrccshow.com.

From microfiber to terry to huck, towel choice matters more than you think. In this Professional Carwashing & Detailing Executive Spotlight, ERC’s Valerie Sweeney explains how the right towels improve results, the best practices for care and organization, and how ERC’s expanded product line helps carwash operators run more efficiently.

Host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Sean Foley, chief revenue officer at Interface Systems, to discuss how the company is helping carwash operators tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges through integrated technology. Foley explains why carwashes, known for their high volume, automated environments and exposure to the elements, are a natural fit for Interface’s remote video monitoring, managed networking and business intelligence solutions. He shares how Interface helps reduce false damage claims, prevent theft and vandalism, and support rapid site expansion with scalable, centralized systems. Foley also offers insight into what a typical Interface deployment looks like and where he sees the most exciting innovations ahead for carwash security and operations.

In this Professional Carwashing & Detailing Executive Spotlight, Kyle Alexander interviews John Olert, former Wall Street executive turned carwash owner and now CEO of American Carwash Solutions. John shares his journey from buying a neglected local wash to transforming it into a thriving business with a focus on service, technology and data. He details how frustrations as an operator led him to acquire American Car Wash Solutions and revamp it into a more responsive and operator-friendly parts and equipment supplier.

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Pete Nani, the newly appointed CEO of ZIPS Car Wash, to discuss his journey in the professional carwashing industry and his vision for the brand’s future. Nani reflects on how customer expectations and industry dynamics have evolved over the years and shares how ZIPS is positioning itself for long-term success following its emergence from Chapter 11. He outlines immediate post-restructuring priorities, including site optimization, leadership recruitment and strategic growth planning. Nani also discusses his approach to building a strong company culture through employee development, robust training programs and a renewed focus on operational excellence. Looking ahead, he paints a picture of what a successful 2026 could look like for ZIPS if all current initiatives fall into place.

Host Rich DiPaolo welcomes back John Roush, CEO of Express Wash Concepts (EWC), to discuss the company’s latest strategic moves and its continued momentum in the express carwash space. Roush shares insights into EWC’s recent acquisitions, including new sites in Pittsburgh, three ZIPS locations in Ohio and the Cleanland Car Wash property, detailing how each fits into EWC’s broader growth blueprint. He also explores how EWC maintains brand consistency across five distinct banners while adapting to regional market nuances. As EWC gears up for 25-plus projected openings this year, Roush discusses how the company is scaling staffing, technology and internal operations to support expansion. He also highlights the company’s workplace culture, which recently earned Moo Moo Express the 2025 ColumBEST Best Employer award and talks about what drives EWC’s repeat recognition on INC. magazine’s list of fastest-growing companies in the Midwest. Looking at the broader industry, Roush offers his perspective on current trends, including M&A activity, tech integration and private equity, and what it takes to not only survive but also thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Roush concludes by outlining the biggest opportunities for express carwashing over the next 24 months.