Kleen-Rite Radio

Ep. 31 (Busting the Car Wash Passive Income Myth)Thanks for joining us for episode 31 of the Kleen-Rite Radio podcast! The topic at hand is the “passive income myth.” It’s a common misconception that buying a car wash is a hands-off way to earn money, particularly with folks who have no car wash or mechanical experience. Marc and Phil use this episode to explain why viewing a car wash as passive income is unrealistic, unless it’s a long-term goal after a lot of sweat equity, knowledge-building, and hiring of trusted employees. This episode is especially helpful for folks who are thinking about buying or building a new car wash business without prior experience. Being an active operator is the most valuable approach, and it’s incredibly important to understand the effort required to achieve success. The message is NOT that you should avoid starting a car wash. The message is: Go for it, if you’re ready to put in the work! Thanks to Laurel for sponsoring this episode! Kleen-Rite offers an extensive selection of Laurel vending machines so you can find the perfect units for your car wash. Explore Laurel Vending Machines: https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-566-laurel-metal-products.aspx Reach Kleen-Rite at 800-233-3873 or visit https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com! Follow us on social media! Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kleenritecorp Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kleenritecorp/ Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@kleenritecorp LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kleenritecorp/ Twitter/X - https://x.com/KleenRiteCorp

Ep. 30 (Key Water Quality Concepts for Car Washes) Marc and Phil are back for episode 30 of the Kleen-Rite Radio podcast! In this installment, the guys cover some of the important aspects of water quality and how it affects your overall car wash performance. Phil points out that doing a hardness test for incoming water is a crucial starting point. He explains why identifying water hardness and resolving it is crucial for your chemicals, both to get optimal results and avoid excessive use/waste. Continuing on that concept, they move into a conversation about water softeners, including some thoughts on choosing the size of your unit and deciding if you need to soften ALL your water versus softening only for select applications. Following that, Marc and Phil discuss the next steps of water treatment related to an RO system, like carbon filters, paper filters, and membranes. Included are some points about how often to check and change these items, as well as symptoms to look for to identify when immediate replacement is needed. They also share some tips on how to limit the stress on these items to maximize their lifespan. To finish the episode, Marc and Phil talk about what having quality water looks like in the bay, including wall cleanliness, rich foaming, effective cleaning, and application of RO water that allows vehicles to dry without spotting.

Thanks to Laurel for sponsoring this episode! Kleen-Rite offers an extensive selection of Laurel vending machines so you can find the perfect units for your car wash. Explore Laurel Vending Machines: https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-566-laurel-metal-products.aspx

Shop Kleen-Rite today and stock up on the supplies to optimize your water quality! RO Filters, Membranes, and Replacement Parts https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-899-ro-filters-membranes-and-replacement-parts.aspx Kleen-Rite Pro Water RO Systems https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1942-kleen-rite-pro-water-plus-spot-free-ro-systems.aspx

Water Softeners https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-900-water-softeners.aspx 

Reach Kleen-Rite at 800-233-3873 or visit https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com!

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Ep. 29 (Fluid Movement and Physics of Cleaning in Your Bay)Welcome back for another episode of the Kleen-Rite podcast! In episode 29, Marc and Phil focus on some of the details of fluid movement in car wash bays and why understanding it is key to providing a proper cleaning without wasting water.They begin with a discussion about the relationship between pressure and GPM. Phil points out that GPM is often overlooked, with operators focusing too much on pressure instead of volume. Running at an excessively high pressure level without adequate volume not only doesn’t properly knock off dirt and grime, it can also cause damage to vehicles or result in an uncomfortable user experience. In their conversation, they talk about the importance of spray tips in relation to your water movement, both in choosing the correct ones and replacing before they degrade and throw off the volume balance. They encourage operators to either change tips every quarter, or at least run a “bucket test” to make sure tips are performing properly. Auditing spray tips helps you maintain optimal cleaning ability while also protecting pumps and other equipment from wear and tear. They finish with some general advice about things you can examine in your equipment room that affect fluid movement. Hear what Marc and Phil have to say, then use it find the “sweet spot” between pressure and volume in your bays!

Thanks to Laurel for sponsoring this episode! Kleen-Rite offers an extensive selection of Laurel vending machines so you can find the perfect units for your car wash.

Explore Laurel Vending Machines:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-566-laurel-metal-products.aspx

Shop Kleen-Rite today and stock up on the supplies that create an optimal customer experience!

Spray Tips and Nozzles

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-882-spray-tips-nozzles.aspx

Pumps

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-34-pumps.aspx

Hoses and Fittings

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-44-hose-fittings.aspx

Pump Accessories (Motors, Unloaders, Pulsation Dampeners, and more!)

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-42-pump-accessories.aspx

Reach Kleen-Rite at 800-233-3873 or visit https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook -   / kleenritecorp 

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Twitter/X - https://x.com/KleenRiteCorp

Ep. 28 (Customer Touchpoint Audit) Marc and Phil are back for episode 28 of the Kleen-Rite Radio podcast! In this installment, they chat about the customer touchpoints that should be consistently reviewed to offer the best possible experience. They begin with some “low-hanging fruit,” including tasks like refreshing decals, replacing damaged signs (and keeping signage organized and minimal), and making sure guns, wands, and wand holders look new and fresh. After that, they launch into a more extensive discussion about chemicals, specifically focusing on the customer experience with them. The obvious top priority is nailing down dilution rates and delivery so your chemicals work as advertised. Don’t try to try to chisel out cost savings by buying cheap product or overdiluting – customers will notice! Additionally, invest in chemicals that have great scent, color, and foaming attributes that leave a lasting impression. Of course, none of this is just a “set it and forget it” process. Regularly test chemical performance in the bays, maintain dispensing equipment, and inspect holding tanks. Listen, create your own touchpoint checklist, and keep your customers happy!

Thanks to Laurel for sponsoring this episode! Kleen-Rite offers an extensive selection of Laurel vending machines so you can find the perfect units for your car wash. Explore Laurel Vending Machines: https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-566-laurel-metal-products.aspx

Shop Kleen-Rite today and stock up on the supplies that create an optimal customer experience!

Kleen-Rite Custom Sign Series https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/custom-car-wash-signs

Car Wash Chemicals https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1034-car-wash-chemicals.aspx

Dosatron Dispensing Systems https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-908-dosatron.aspx Coin Boxes and Accessories https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1000-coin-boxes-safes-accessories.aspx

Vending Machine Decals https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-47-vending-machine-decals.aspx

Spray Guns https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-581-car-wash-spray-guns-fittings.aspx

Wands and Holders https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-883-wands-pipes-holders.aspx

Reach Kleen-Rite at 800-233-3873 or visit https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kleenritecorp

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Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@kleenritecorp

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kleenritecorp/

Twitter/X - https://x.com/KleenRiteCorp

Ep. 27(The Art and Science of Car Wash Vending) Let’s talk vending! In episode 27 of the Kleen-Rite Radio podcast, Marc and Phil focus on the “3 Ps” of car wash vending: Placement, Products, and Pricing. Enjoy valuable insight from these industry experts to create optimal impulse buying opportunities for your customers that result in real revenue for you. Realistically, plenty of car wash operators look at vending as more of a convenience for customers than a true profit center. But that doesn’t have to be the case! Rather than accepting mediocre sales or even giving up on vending, it may just be a matter of rethinking your approach. Pull some ideas from this excellent conversation and apply them at your wash! Thanks to Laurel for sponsoring this episode! Kleen-Rite offers an extensive selection of Laurel vending machines so you can find the perfect units for your car wash.

Shop Laurel Vending Machines: https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-566-laurel-metal-products.aspx

Kleen-Rite is a one-stop shop for all your vending needs. Shop now, stock up, and boost your vending profit!

Ep. 26 (Unlocking and Tightening Up Revenue Centers) Welcome back for Episode 26 of the Kleen-Rite Radio podcast! In this installment, Marc and Phil break down some of the ways to focus on individual revenue centers to maximize their value. In the same way they encourage operators to do a S.W.O.T. analysis of their entire site, they urge operators to take that same analytical mindset and apply it to each revenue center with an honest, critical approach. Marc and Phil offer some practical ways this can be done, including real-life examples of successful changes they made to their car washes. From the positioning of equipment and aesthetic upgrades to offering the right chemicals and modern payment options, they hone in on the nuances that separate the best car washes from the average ones. It’s all about the customer experience! Listen to their conversation and start thinking about the ways YOU can optimize your revenue centers. Thanks to Laurel for sponsoring this episode! Kleen-Rite offers an extensive selection of Laurel vending machines so you can find the perfect units for your car wash.

Shop Laurel Vending Machines:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-566-laurel-metal-products.aspx

Double Vinyl hose assemblies:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/search.aspx?searchterm=double+vinyl+hose

Reach Kleen-Rite at 800-233-3873 or visit https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook -   / kleenritecorp 

Instagram -   / kleenritecorp 

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LinkedIn -   / kleenritecorp 

Twitter/X - https://x.com/KleenRiteCorp

Ep. 25 (Talking IBAs with Mark Tentis from OPW) For episode 25 of the Kleen-Rite Radio podcast, Marc and Phil welcome guest Mark Tentis, Vice President Global Sales and Service at OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions. If you aren’t familiar, OPW is the larger company behind some of the best names in the car wash industry, including: PDQ, Belanger, Transchem, and more. Tentis is a wealth of car wash knowledge, particularly when it comes to in-bay automatic wash systems (IBAs).

Their conversation is incredibly helpful to anybody considering adding an IBA to their facility - whether starting fresh or replacing an old, outdated system. Tentis expertly explains the main differences between friction and touchless IBAs, touching on the benefits and drawbacks of both styles. The ensuing discussion covers topics like water usage, ROI, regional differences, and other items you should be updating when you install a new IBA to maximize revenue.

Thanks to Little Trees for sponsoring this episode! Browse Kleen-Rite's huge Little Trees selection and stock up today on the most popular air fresheners on the market.

Buy Little Trees:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-46-little-trees-by-car-freshner.aspx

Shop PDQ Parts:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-270-pdq-replacement-parts.aspx

Shop Belanger Parts:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1737-belanger-replacement-parts.aspx

Shop Turtle Wax Pro Chemicals (Transchem):

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1953-turtle-wax-pro.aspx

0:00 Intro

0:36 Mark Tentis Industry Experience

1:44 Self-Serve and IBAs Working Hand-in Hand

4:02 Friction vs Touchless Basics

15:24 IBA Water Usage

19:38 ROI Discussion

20:56 Other Site Improvements

24:01 Regional Differences

32:08 Making the IBA Investment

35:04 Branded Chemistry

37:21 Final Thoughts on IBAs

41:00 Outro

Reach Kleen-Rite at 800-233-3873 or visit https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook -   / kleenritecorp 

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Twitter/X - https://x.com/KleenRiteCorp

Ep. 24 (2026 ICA Car Wash Show Recap)Marc and Phil are still feeling the excitement from the 2026 ICA Car Wash Show! So, for Kleen-Rite Episode 24, they do a quick recap of the event from their perspective. They talk a bit about how the show reflects the state of the car wash industry, with self-serve and IBAs getting more attention than in recent years. Since face-to-face time with operators is an invaluable part of attending a show, they share some of the common discussion topics they encountered with attendees. Lastly, they mention a couple things on the show floor that piqued their interest.

With the overwhelmingly positive feelings from the ICA show, the guys are going to carry that enthusiasm into the fall for Kleen-Rite’s 2026 Learn More, Earn More Expo!

Register for the expo at the link below (registration opens on June 15, 2026):

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/learn-more-earn-more-2026-kleen-rite-car-wash-expo-seminars-day-2-tickets-1986091688705

Visit the ICA Car Wash Show on the web and start planning for next year!

https://thecarwashshow.com/

Shop KR Equipment:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1-equipment.aspx

If you have any questions, comments, or stories, feel free to email us at [email protected] – we would love to hear from you.

Reach Kleen-Rite at 800-233-3873 or visit https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kleenritecorp

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kleenritecorp/

Tiktok- https://www.tiktok.com/@kleenritecorp

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kleenritecorp/

Twitter/X - https://x.com/KleenRiteCorp

We love hearing operator success stories! In episode 23, Kleen-Rite radio welcomes Cameron Alleman of Mermaid Car Wash. In a relatively small amount of time in the industry, Cameron has grown the Mermaid chain to 12 locations in Central Pennsylvania. Whether it’s running them or chatting about them, he loves everything car wash. So, he makes for an excellent candidate to sit down for a conversation with Marc and Phil. From early business experience running a chicken barbecue operation, through trade school, and now being the owner-operator of a mid-sized car wash chain, hear Cameron’s interesting story!

Thanks to Little Trees for sponsoring this episode! Browse Kleen-Rite's huge Little Trees selection and stock up today on the most popular air fresheners on the market.

Buy Little Trees:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-46-little-trees-by-car-freshner.aspx

Shop KR Equipment:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1-equipment.aspx

If you have any questions, comments, or stories, feel free to email us at [email protected] – we would love to hear from you.

Visit Mermaid on the Web:

https://www.mermaidcarwashpa.com/

Ep. 22 (Car Wash Lighting with G&G’s Erin Noonan) In episode 22 of the Kleen-Rite Radio podcast, hosts Marc and Phil are joined by Erin Noonan, Marketing Director at G&G Lighting. The quality of lighting and the impact it has had on the car wash world has exploded in the last 5-10 years, with LEDs quickly becoming a staple of the industry. And of course, G&G has been at the forefront of that. Listen to this great conversation with Erin and learn how G&G can take your facility to the next level!

Erin starts by giving some history on G&G and their close connection to the car wash community. The conversation then moves into how lighting has evolved from serving a basic function into becoming a full-blown marketing tool. From impressive curb appeal and better visibility to improved safety and enhanced customer experience, the opportunities are real! They finish with details about installation, customization, the expert technical service provided, and G&G’s new subscription-based management system.

Explore G&G Lighting

ColorWash:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1932-g-g-colorwash.aspx

Edge Powered by ColorWash:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1949-g-g-edge-powered-by-colorwash.aspx

Color Effect Lights:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1523-g-g-led-color-effect-lights.aspx

Thanks to Little Trees for sponsoring this episode! Browse Kleen-Rite's huge Little Trees selection and stock up today on the most popular air fresheners on the market.

Buy Little Trees:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-46-little-trees-by-car-freshner.aspx

Shop KR Equipment:

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/c-1-equipment.aspx

If you have any questions, comments, or stories, feel free to email us at [email protected] – we would love to hear from you.

If you have any questions, comments, or stories, feel free to email us at [email protected] – we would love to hear from you.

Reach Kleen-Rite at 800-233-3873 or visit https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com!

Follow us on social media!

Facebook -   / kleenritecorp 

Instagram -   / kleenritecorp 

Tiktok-   / kleenritecorp 

LinkedIn -   / kleenritecorp 

Twitter/X - https://x.com/KleenRiteCorp