Superior Car Wash Systems Hires VP

Superior Car Wash Systems has hired Brett Gerring as vice president of operations and sales. Gerring was brought in to help bolster the company’s express carwash tunnel expertise as it readies for the rollout of a new equipment line later this summer. The announcement is the first significant move since Superior was purchased March 24 by Arizonans Jim Graham and James Gillespie.

Gerring is a third-generation carwasher and brings 17 years of carwash experience to the company. He began his career in his family’s carwash business and most recently served as the Midwest regional sales manager for Sonny’s Enterprises Inc. In 2007, he was honored as CarWash College’s Associate Instructor of the Year while teaching equipment maintenance and repair.

Graham and Gillespie purchased the Phoenix-based Superior Car Wash Systems in March from Archie Johnson, who founded the company in 1971. Johnson had served as company president and was Superior’s sole shareholder. The move will enable Johnson to enjoy part-time retirement, continuing to develop new carwash products, Graham said in a press announcement. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Graham is Superior’s new CEO and has been in the carwash industry since 1988 when he developed, owned and operated a large full-service carwash in Phoenix. He sold that operation in 1998 but stayed in the industry to help other owners develop sites and operate their businesses more profitably and efficiently, the release said.

Gillespie has been involved in several start-ups, ranging from telecommunications to small manufacturing. He most recently was president of Twisted Cactus Enterprises, which purchased 12 Weiss Guys carwashes in December 2006 from Mace Security International. Gillespie was instrumental in converting those washes from full-service locations to flex-serve, according to Graham.

Superior has been known primarily for its carwash tunnel equipment and blowers.