In this episode, ICA CEO Eric Wulf sits down with a living legend of the car-wash world: Henry Dubinsky, founder of Waterway Carwash and the newest inductee to the Car Wash Hall of Fame. Named among the industry’s greatest, Dubinsky joins a long line of pioneers whose innovations shaped the way America washes cars. 

Henry reflects on a storied career — from law school and a stint at a major accounting firm, to the unlikely path that led him into the car-wash business. He shares how Waterway evolved from its humble beginnings in a St. Louis suburb in 1970 to become a respected, multi-state operation. 

(1:00 ) Henry begins with his story…where he grew-up and how he got into the carwash business. Hear his story about law school, working for Arthur Anderson and how this pointed him on the road to the car wash business.

(4:26 ) What were his businesses’ clear points of differentiation? And hear about his third-generation employees.

(6:09 ) How did Henry navigate working with family…and having his son Bob work with him? What advice would he offer to families in similar situations?

(7:55 ) How have Bob’s business ideas evolved? Learn about The Clean Car Club membership program.

(10:55 ) How had the industry evolved since Henry’s involvement? And how does Hanry maintain a sense of closeness with his employees?

(12:55 ) What are some of the charitable groups Henry spends his time supporting?

(14:10 ) He talks about his early days with the ICA and some of the key decision points he’s seen shape the industry.

(15:45 ) What advise does Henry have for private investors wanting to get into the industry? Would he do it again today and why?

(18:04 ) What were henry’s thoughts as he accepted the ICA Award?

Listen to the full episode at carwashmagazine.com and subscribe to ICA for timely data, trusted insights, and business intelligence built for the car wash community.