In this episode of the Car Wash Advisory Podcast, host Harry Caruso sits down with Richard Harmon of CSG Partners to unpack the world of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), a powerful yet often misunderstood path for business owners. Richard explains how ESOPs let owners gain liquidity and diversification, reward employees with meaningful retirement benefits, and even create tax-free companies, all while preserving legacy and governance. From the history behind ESOPs to real-world comparisons with private equity sales, this conversation offers entrepreneurs and operators a clear, practical guide to when and why ESOPs make sense.

Richard Harmon of CSG Partners joins Harry to unpack ESOPs (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) for car wash operators—what they are, why Congress incentivized them, and when they can outperform a traditional sale. Richard walks through the ERISA origin story, the 1042 rollover, and modern S-Corp ESOP structures that function like a tax-enhanced, leveraged buyout: owners gain liquidity and diversification, companies reduce or eliminate corporate taxes, and employees build meaningful retirement value.

We cover valuation guardrails (trustee/fair market value), staged transactions (30–49% first bite, later step-ups), financing without personal guarantees, governance with a directed trustee, annual valuations and vesting, state wrinkles, estate-planning angles, scale (middle market to billion-dollar EVs), and why comparing an ESOP in parallel with a private-equity LOI can be eye-opening.

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In this episode of the Car Wash Advisory Podcast, host Harry sits down with Joe Teague and Anthony Warren of Madison Capital Group and Links Car Wash to explore their innovative investment model in the car wash industry. They discuss their pioneering use of the Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) structure that allows smaller investors to access real estate-backed returns via 1031 exchanges, while retaining operational control. Alongside their DST fund, they also run an Opportunity Fund focused on cash flow and accelerated depreciation, giving them flexibility to acquire or develop a wide range of sites. Joe and Anthony share how this dual-fund approach differentiates them from competitors, aligns with investor interests, and enables strategic, tax-efficient growth in a rapidly evolving market.

In this episode, Harry Caruso chats with Meddy Ali, founder of Hello Wash, about how a hectic shift at his family’s restaurant led to building an AI-powered customer service platform now used by top car wash operators. They discuss the real-world impact of AI in brick-and-mortar businesses, debunk common misconceptions, and explore how tools like Hello Wash are transforming operational efficiency and boosting exit value.

Check out Hello Wash here: https://www.hellowash.io/

In this episode of the Car Wash Advisory Podcast, newly appointed ZIPS Car Wash CEO Pete Nani shares his bold vision for the company’s transformation after emerging from Chapter 11. With decades of industry experience, Nani dives into how ZIPS plans to become a people-first, operations-driven powerhouse—focusing on culture, training, and long-term growth. Tune in for an exciting look at what’s next for one of the industry's biggest players.

In this episode of Car Wash Advisory Podcast, we’re sitting down with the innovative tech company Wash Metrix! Join us as we dive into their journey, the inspiration behind their cutting-edge solutions, and how they’re revolutionizing the car wash business. From their breakthrough technology to their vision for the future, Wash Metrix offers insights that are reshaping the industry. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or someone curious about the car wash business, this conversation is full of valuable takeaways. Tune in for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Wash Metrix!

What’s inside this episode?

Whether you’re planning an acquisition, preparing to sell, or staying informed, this episode is filled with valuable takeaways to enhance your business strategy.

In this season finale of Car Wash Advisory Podcast, we delve deep into the transformative power of exceptional customer service in the car wash industry. Join us for an enlightening conversation as we explore the profound impact of going above and beyond for your customers, featuring insights from Car Wash Advisory's very own Administrator, Toni Thompson and Founder & CEO, Harry Caruso.

Discover how prioritizing customer satisfaction can elevate your car wash business to new heights, foster customer loyalty, and drive long-term success. From real-world examples to actionable strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to revolutionize their approach to customer service.

As we bid farewell to our first season, join us in celebrating the importance of putting customers first and the remarkable outcomes it can yield for your car wash business. Don't miss the season finale of Car Wash Advisory Podcast, where we uncover "The Impact of Exceptional Customer Service."

Subscribe now and be part of the finale event that promises to inspire, educate, and empower you to take your customer service game to the next level.

This episode of Car Wash Advisory Podcast, John-Michael Tamburro is featured in an episode of WashTalk, hosted by Rich DiPaolo at Professional Carwashing & Detailing. They unravel the intricacies of purchase agreements, offering essential insights that every car wash professional needs to know. Whether you're a business owner, or simply curious about the legal landscape in the car wash industry, this episode equips you with the knowledge to navigate purchase agreements successfully.

Subscribe now to Car Wash Advisory Podcast and tune in to "What to Know About Purchase Agreements.” Don't miss out on this valuable discussion that can empower you to make informed decisions and ensure compliance in your podcasting endeavors within the car wash business.

For more information about Professional Carwashing & Detailing, visit www.carwash.com.

Join us for a deep dive into The Vital Importance of Salespeople in the Car Wash Industry with Kyle Doyle, Founder of Ignite Wash, the carwash salesperson platform.

In this episode, we shed light on the critical role sales professionals play in driving growth, attracting customers, and fostering lasting relationships within the car wash industry. Discover firsthand accounts, industry-specific strategies, and the indispensable contributions that salespeople make to ensure thriving car wash businesses.

Subscribe to Car Wash Advisory Podcast for insights into the unique dynamics of sales within the car wash industry and the crucial impact on overall success.

For more information on Ignite Wash, visit www.ignitewash.com.