CAR WASH Podcasts

In this episode we bring together Remus Pop (Partner, Concept Reply), Luke Bame (Sr. Director, Ascentek and Reliable Plus), and David Meffe (SVP Sales, OnLogic) to discuss a powerful new solution redefining predictive maintenance in the car wash industry. Discover how next-generation technology is transforming the car wash experience. This isn’t just another OEM tool—this is a manufacturer-agnostic, collaborative innovation designed to give operators more control, reduce downtime, and harness real-time data like never before. Episode Highlights • The Why Behind the Innovation Luke lays the foundation for this partnership-driven solution, created to give all operators—not just those tied to one manufacturer—access to predictive insights. • Hardware that Drives It Remus explains how Concept Reply brought the solution to life and why OnLogic hardwarewas the right fit. Built for tough environments, their edge gateway enables remote access and avoids excessive cloud dependency. • Technology Built for the Real World David discusses the need for highly configurable tech that stands up to the heat, moisture, and vibration found in everyday car wash operations. • Industry 4.0 in Action Remus defines Industry 4.0 as “connecting assets within a factory and delivering them to the people who can act on them the fastest”—a critical function for car washes managing high traffic and tight margins. • Why This Matters to Operators The payoff: up to 95% more uptime, fewer surprises, lower liability, and reduced costs. Down the road, aggregated data may even personalize wash recommendations for each vehicle. Learn more at www.carwashofthefuture.com Listen to the full episode at carwashmagazine.com and subscribe to ICA for more industry insights!

Join International Carwash Association CEO Eric Wulf in a quick but powerful conversation with Alex Chausovsky, Director of Analytics and Consulting at Bundy Group, as they unpack key insights from the Q2 2025 Pulse Report. Alex shares how a broader “erosion of life satisfaction” is shaping consumer sentiment—and what that means for the car wash industry. From interest rate uncertainty to unchanged subscription cancellation intent, Alex explains how current economic trends are creating a lag between how people feel and how they act. What’s behind the Fed’s balancing act? How does consumer sentiment truly align with economic behavior? Get the expert breakdown in this insightful short. Listen to the full Pulse Report episode at carwashmagazine.com and subscribe to ICA for timely data, trusted insights, and business intelligence built for the car was community.

"It’s the whole totality of the experience and how we treat our customers to show that they’re valued.” Eric Wulf, CEO of the International Carwash Association (ICA), and ICA Research Director Bob Klein discuss the findings of ICA’s 2025 Q1 Pulse Report, covering the health of the industry, customer satisfaction, and the balance between price and wash value for car wash customers. Top 5 Episode Highlights: * The Health of the Consumer Drives the Health of the Industry – Eric and Bob discuss how customer sentiment and behavior shape industry growth, with pricing dissatisfaction often offset by strong perceptions of value—especially among subscription customers. * The Price vs. Value Perception – Car wash owners must recognize the emotional side of pricing and focus on the totality of the customer experience to show value. The conversation draws insights from Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs) like Chick-fil-A, where customer engagement plays a key role in perceived value. * Subscribers Who Become Transactors: A Retention Opportunity – 54% of former members continue washing their vehicles at the car wash where they previously had a membership, providing an opportunity for operators to re-engage and build long-term loyalty. * Loyalty Programs: A Disconnection Between Customers and Operators – The Pulse Report has asked about loyalty for nine years, and customers consistently cite loyalty programs as a key retention driver. However, operators do not prioritize them, signaling a missed opportunity to strengthen customer relationships. * Industry Growth & Supplier Outlook – Projections for year-end growth increased slightly from 5% to 6%, with 6 in 10 retailers increasing prices in 2024. Meanwhile, supplier optimism has softened, with forecasted growth of 5%, and their top concerns remain hiring, rising costs, and employee retention. To counteract these challenges, suppliers are investing in training and helping car wash owners enhance customer value. Eric and Bob begin the conversation by examining the overall health of the car wash industry, which is closely tied to consumer sentiment. They emphasize that while customers may resist price increases, strong value perception—especially among subscribers—helps mitigate dissatisfaction. The discussion then shifts to how car wash owners should interpret the Pulse Report’s price/value findings. Eric and Bob stress that customer experience is in the operator’s control. They highlight how Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), like Chick-fil-A, focus on hospitality and engagement to reinforce customer loyalty—a model the car wash industry can learn from. Bob also references an article he authored in the 2025 Q1 issue of Car Wash Magazine, which explores the five key principles used by the QSR industry to enhance the value proposition and customer experience. The episode also covers the behavior of subscribers who become transactors, noting that 54% of former members continue to use the car wash where they had a subscription. This presents a valuable opportunity for operators to create a dialogue with past members and encourage repeat business. For the past nine years, the Pulse Report has surveyed both customers and operators about loyalty strategies. The data shows that customers strongly value loyalty programs, yet operators do not prioritize them, highlighting a gap in retention efforts. On the growth and supplier side, there is a slight uptick in year-end growth projections from 5% to 6%, and 6 in 10 retailers increased prices in 2024. Looking ahead, the Q2 issue of Car Wash Magazine will explore 12 key factors businesses should consider before implementing price increases. Supplier sentiment, however, is less optimistic, with a softening outlook despite a projected 5% increase. The top three concerns for suppliers remain hiring, rising costs, and employee retention. To stay ahead, suppliers are focusing on training initiatives and working to help car wash operators deliver stronger customer value.

Sarah Mellinger AI Implementation Strategist with OnLogic joins host Kendra Johnson, , International Car Wash Association Senior VP of Growth, for an adventure into the amazing world of AI and how it will shape the carwash of the future. They cover everything from predictive maintenance to AI-powered chatbots—and why this technology isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. * Who is OnLogic & Why Do They Matter? OnLogic is a global industrial computer manufacturer that specializes in highly configurable PCs designed to survive extreme environments—think heat, cold, moisture, and constant vibration. Since car washes operate in tough conditions, these durable computers are ideal for keeping systems running smoothly. * AI & Automation Are Already Changing the Game AI is no longer just a futuristic concept; it’s already making car washes smarter and more efficient. From predictive maintenance to optimizing chemical usage, automation helps business owners cut costs, reduce downtime, and improve customer experiences. AI-driven systems can even detect when something is about to break down—before it happens. * Why Now is the Right Time to Invest in AI AI isn’t a passing trend—it’s the next step in the evolution of car wash technology. The industry is built for scale, and AI makes it easier to expand while maintaining efficiency. The key is starting small: running a proof of concept allows business owners to test AI solutions and refine them before going all in. * Debunking AI Fears Many people worry that AI will replace jobs or take away human control, but Sarah reassures us that this isn’t the case. AI is simply a tool that helps businesses run better, freeing up employees to focus on more valuable tasks. Think of it like any other technological advance—people were once skeptical of automatic car washes, too! * How to Get Started with AI in Your Car Wash * Identify your goals—are you looking to improve efficiency, reduce maintenance issues, or enhance customer experience? * Start with a prototype. Test AI solutions on a small scale before rolling them out across your entire operation. * Work with a partner to estimate costs and determine ROI. Most businesses see results in about three months. * Keep an open mind! AI isn’t about replacing people—it’s about making operations smarter and more efficient. Sarah also highlighted some of the most exciting ways AI is already transforming car washes: * Predictive Maintenance – AI-powered sensors can track vibrations, chemical usage, and water levels, helping to identify equipment failures before they happen. * AI-Driven Cameras – These systems can scan vehicles before and after washing, detecting obstructions and identifying damage. * Chatbots for Troubleshooting – If a machine goes down and no staff is on-site, AI-powered chatbots can diagnose and even fix certain issues remotely. Sarah emphasized that the most successful businesses start with a strategy—identifying a few key use cases before expanding AI adoption. Sarah’s final piece of advice: Keep an open mind and surround yourself with the right people to help make AI work for you. Check out www.carwashofthefuture.com [http://www.carwashofthefuture.com] for more information The car wash industry is evolving fast, and AI is playing a huge role in shaping its future. Want to hear more? Listen to the full episode at carwashmagazine.com [http://carwashmagazine.com/] and subscribe to ICA for the latest industry insights!

In this episode of (insert podcast name here) host Josh Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer at OptSpot, sits down with Donald Miller, CEO of StoryBrand, to discuss how car wash owners can transform their marketing strategies by clarifying their messaging. Miller explains how businesses can position themselves as guides rather than heroes in their customers' journeys. The conversation covers actionable strategies for increasing customer engagement, boosting retention, and driving revenue. Josh Taylor is a marketing strategist dedicated to helping car wash owners grow their businesses through automated customer retention and engagement tools. As a certified StoryBrand expert, he specializes in turning complex marketing messages into simple, high-converting campaigns. Donald Miller is a New York Times bestselling author and marketing expert who has helped brands like Ford, Chick-fil-A, and Intel clarify their messaging and increase revenue. His books include Building a StoryBrand, Marketing Made Simple, and How to Grow Your Small Business. Through StoryBrand, he has helped thousands of business owners cut through the noise and connect with customers. Key Takeaways The StoryBrand Framework: Shifting Your Messaging * Donald Miller explains how most businesses make the mistake of positioning themselves as the hero instead of the guide. * Customers want to be the hero of their own story—your brand should support and empower them. * When your messaging focuses on solving customer problems, it builds trust and increases sales. Affirmation Calls to Action: Go Beyond “Join Now” * Standard Calls to Actions like "Sign Up" or "Buy Now" aren’t enough. * Affirmation Calls to Action reinforce the transformation customers will experience, making them more likely to take action. * Example: Instead of “Join Today,” try “Start Driving a Cleaner Car Today.” * Affirm why washing their car with you was a good idea Value Stacking: Make Your Offer Irresistible * Clearly communicate why your car wash is worth choosing. * Layer multiple benefits in your messaging—price, convenience, time savings, and customer experience. * The more value you highlight, the more compelling your offer becomes. Tell your customer’s story, not yours. It’s not the car wash they want…it’s the clean car. Clarity is Key: Make Your Marketing Simple * If your messaging is confusing, you’re losing customers. * Keep your marketing clear, concise, and repeatable so customers instantly understand what you offer. Training Your Team: Messaging Consistency Matters * Your team needs to use the right language when talking to customers. * Miller suggests using a simple incentive, like giving team members a dollar each time they use the new messaging. * The goal: Create a unified, effective brand voice across all customer touchpoints.