The carwash industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with new technologies and evolving consumer preferences reshaping the landscape. In a recent episode of Professional Carwash & Detailing's Wash Talk, host Brian Ankney sat down with Jason Hayes of Leadership Industries to explore trends, challenges and opportunities in the carwash sector.

In this episode of Wash Talk by Professional Carwash and Detailing, host Brian Ankney interviews Chirag Toor, co-founder of FlexWash, a cutting-edge software solution tailored for carwash operations. Toor shares his journey from growing up in a family carwash business to developing FlexWash with his brother to modernize industry tools.

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Reuven Birnkrant, CEO of PetroCal Associates, for a deep dive into refinancing strategies for carwash operators. Building on an article featured in the December 2024 issue of Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine, Birnkrant shares expert insights on navigating refinancing costs, timing loans in fluctuating interest rate environments, and optimizing financial structures for long-term success. Birnkrant educates us on the impact of resetting amortization, strategies for demonstrating business stability to lenders and how refinancing can be a tool for growth beyond just lowering payments. He also explores the benefits and risks of cash-out refinancing and key indicators operators should monitor to make informed decisions. Whether you're considering refinancing to simplify debt, improve loan terms or leverage equity, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help carwash owners make smarter financial moves. Don't miss Birnkrant's expert take on common mistakes to avoid and when refinancing may not be the ideal choice.

In this episode of Wash Talk, Brian Ankney speaks with Josh Bachner of Moleaer about the innovative application of nano bubble technology in carwashes. Nano bubbles are microscopic gas-filled bubbles, about 100 nanometers in diameter, which are invisible to the naked eye and behave differently than typical bubbles due to their size. They remain suspended in water and possess a strong negative surface charge, making them highly stable and versatile. Moleaer specializes in creating and applying this technology across industries that use water, including carwashes.

In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast episode, host Brian Ankney speaks with Mark Clanton and Michael Lamminen of Apex Pro Formulators. They discuss how the company becomes an integral part of their clients' operations by managing the backroom aspects, ensuring a seamless supply of high-quality products and offering technical support. This partnership allows carwash operators to focus on growing their businesses while Apex handles the chemistry and operational efficiency, ultimately boosting profitability and service quality. A key point discussed was the impact of private equity consolidation in the car wash industry, which has often led to a decline in personalized customer service. Apex differentiates itself by prioritizing hands-on support, maintaining inventory levels and performing preventative maintenance rather than relying solely on remote technology.   Their approach ensures that minor issues, such as leaks or injector problems, are identified and addressed before they escalate, providing operators with peace of mind. 
In addition to a comprehensive range of carwash chemicals, Apex specializes in custom solutions, such as private labeling and seasonal fragrances like pumpkin spice or candy cane.

Host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Alexandra Feldman, vice president, and Kenny Kraft, managing director, at Houlihan Lokey. In this episode, we delve into the U.S. carwash industry's latest trends, challenges and opportunities. Our conversation begins by exploring the remarkable resilience of the carwash industry. Feldman and Kraft provide insight into the key factors that have enabled this sector to weather economic fluctuations and external pressures, demonstrating its staying power. We then shift to the consolidation trends sweeping the industry over the past seven years. Feldman and Kraft discuss the driving forces behind recent M&A activity and share their projections for how these trends will evolve, touching on the strategic interests behind many acquisitions. As regulatory pressures mount, carwash operators are navigating new compliance challenges but are there opportunities for operators when it comes to regulations? Our guests outline the regulatory landscape, explaining how specific policies may shape operational practices in the years to come. Addressing the headwinds that could impact growth, Feldman and Kraft highlight the risks and challenges facing the industry over the next decade, from economic uncertainties to market shifts. The conversation wraps up with a look at the investment and financing landscape, where Feldman and Kraft shed light on why this resilient sector continues to attract investors and how operators might secure opportunities in this climate. Our guests also share invaluable advice for carwash operators considering scaling or exiting their businesses in light of current market dynamics. To read Houlihan Lokey's U.S. Convenience Store and Car Wash Industry Update, please visit https://hl.com/insights/us-convenience-store-and-car-wash-industry-update.

In the latest episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Kurt Chambliss, executive vice president of business development for TMC Financing, to discuss the SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate Loan Program. This financing option is increasingly popular among carwash operators looking to expand or upgrade their facilities. Chambliss provides an in-depth explanation of the SBA 504 Loan Program, detailing how it helps businesses finance real estate, equipment, construction, improvements and renovations. He also discusses the potential for operators to take out multiple loans and how these can be structured to maximize financial benefits. The episode also delves into the SBA 504 Green Loan Program, a valuable opportunity for carwash businesses aiming to incorporate energy-efficient upgrades. Chambliss shares examples of qualifying projects and how they can lead to cost savings. Additionally, he covers the pros and cons of refinancing to improve cash flow, offering insights into situations where refinancing has been particularly advantageous. See how partnering with the right certified development company (CDC) to secure financing can make a huge difference. Chambliss shares tips on what carwash owners should look for in a CDC to ensure a successful financing experience. He concludes the episode with practical advice for operators on navigating the financing landscape to achieve their growth and improvement goals. For more information and to find a reputable CDC in your area, please visit SBA.GOV.

Host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Danielle Petersen, chief marketing officer at Whistle Express Car Wash, to discuss the brand’s unique focus on being a "local neighborhood carwash." Petersen shares insights into how Whistle Express sets itself apart through its hyperlocal approach and meaningful community engagement. The conversation begins with why it's essential for Whistle Express to position itself as a neighborhood carwash, and how this differentiates the brand from competitors. Petersen also highlights some of the company's successful efforts to connect with local communities, including charitable on-site events and strategic partnerships that are core to Whistle’s mission. She explains how Whistle chooses causes to support and the impact these initiatives have had on the communities the company serves. With operations spanning 10 states, Petersen shares whether the company takes a different approach to customer connections in each region or follows universal strategies that resonate across the board. Finally, the episode wraps up with a look into the future, as Petersen discusses Whistle Express’ plans for growth and how the brand intends to scale its hyperlocal focus as it expands. Tune in to learn more about how Whistle Express continues to foster strong community ties while growing its presence across the U.S.

Host Rich DiPaolo is joined by Sud Bhatija, co-founder and COO of Spot AI. In the interview, Bhatija discusses how his company’s cutting-edge AI camera solutions are transforming the way operators do business in the carwash industry. Bhatija shares insights into what inspired Spot AI to focus on the carwashing and detailing industries and highlights the key features the company is offering to help alleviate such operating pain points as damage claims and bottlenecks. We also explore how Spot AI's partnership with NCS helps operators increase revenue and customer loyalty as well as the actionable insights provided through tools like unattended pay station alerts and activity maps. Tune in to learn about the costs, installation and training required for Spot AI’s systems, and hear what Bhatija envisions as the future of AI camera technology in the carwash space.

Host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Trey Merchant, CEO of Champion Xpress Carwash, to talk about Champion Xpress Carwash’s impressive achievement of reaching 50 locations, with its latest opening in Des Moines, Iowa. Merchant shares the journey behind this milestone, the strategic advantages of expanding in the Midwest and the company’s plans for continued growth. We also dive into what makes Champion Xpress stand out in a competitive carwash industry and the role of 7B Building and Development in supporting Champion's rapid expansion, as well as other operators. Tune in to hear Merchant's insights on the current state of building in the carwash industry and the exciting plans ahead for the growing chain.