How Carwash Operators Succeed in Challenging Times

As those of us in the carwash industry venture further into 2008, we find ourselves facing several challenges to our business and bottom lines. Over the past year we’ve seen drought conditions lead to water-use restrictions in parts of the country. Economic conditions are leading to a constrained lending environment. Labor issues are threatening how businesses operate. Gas prices continue to rise, thereby decreasing so-called "disposable income" for our customers. No one in the industry has been immune to the environmental and economic challenges faced by carwash operators and suppliers.

In my experience, and in the experience of the International Carwash Association’s board of directors, the only winners in times like these are those who invest in themselves and their businesses. In the face of change, the worst decision a business owner can make is to not make any decision.

One of the most important investments that professionals in the carwash industry can make is in their own knowledge. Gaining information on the latest technological advancements and new strategies for updating business practices is essential. The greatest opportunity to gain this information and invest in yourself and your business is during Car Care World Expo 2008. The ICA is committed to being a carwash operator’s most important business partner. To meet this end, the association is making major investments in the educational and networking opportunities during the expo.

Beyond Car Care World Expo 2008, the ICA is sharing more education and information than ever and making it more accessible. We are continually searching for practical changes to update, innovate, evolve and renew carwash operations that will have a meaningful financial impact.

The International Carwash Association also is making major investments in capturing operational and managerial best practices from carwashes across the nation. These are distributed in the form of The Cleaning Edge, our monthly video program. We’ll also be conducting the industry’s most comprehensive consumer study, with preliminary data scheduled to be released in late summer.

We also will be hosting five New Investor Seminars and continuing with our peer-to-peer consulting groups (BIGs or business improvement groups). The International Carwash Association has never provided more opportunities for carwash operators to invest in their knowledge and skill sets.

Now is the opportunity for members of the carwash industry to become actively engaged and partner with the ICA. Now is when owners and operators need to know what’s available to them, what business models work, what struggles to expect, what the other guys are doing down the street, and how to plan for the future.

Great organizations get in front of trends; they don’t just follow them. In order to remain the leader of the professional carwash industry, our board of directors spends the bulk of its time identifying the future trends and needs of our industry.

Like so many of our members, I entered the carwash industry because I saw a terrific business opportunity and decided to take a chance. I’ve been a builder and developer for more than 30 years and spent several years investigating the carwash industry before entering. I’ve now been in the carwash industry for more than 15 years, primarily as an in-bay automatic and self-service operator, but I am opening my first conveyor wash this month.

The International Carwash Association has been integral to the success of my operation and I, along with the board of directors, look forward to partnering with all of our members to ensure their long-term success.

So I encourage all carwash professionals to become more involved with the association and to attend Car Care World Expo 2008. Past attendees have told us that when business conditions get rough that’s often when they get the most out of attending the expo.

The best investment a business can make is an investment in itself. Don’t just wait for the winds of change to move in your favor. Partner with the International Carwash Association, and discover new strategies for success.

Neil Hitchcock is president of the International Carwash Association. He also is owner of Oasis Development & Management Inc. based in Ocean City, Md.

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