International Carwash Association State of the Industry Address

Watch the State of the Industry Address Video

During the State of the Industry Address and Annual Membership Meeting held on Thursday morning, International Carwash Association™ President Lisa Lyons delivered a strong message: “Hope is not a strategy. Hard work and innovation will make the car wash industry stronger tomorrow than it is today.”

As a second generation car washer whose father began washing cars in San Diego in 1965, Lyons has survived inflation, recession and stock market crashes. As she said during her presentation, “I haven’t seen anything like the conditions that we are experiencing today.”

She reminded everyone that there is still much to be thankful for in these times, “I take pride in knowing that I provide value to my customers - a fair price and a good service.” While every business is struggling to make profits, car wash owners can take pride in the fact that “We create jobs, we pay taxes, we serve on volunteer boards and we support local charities and community organizations.”

Lyons continued saying that even though the industry is currently in unchartered waters, everyone must believe that they will emerge from this challenge. While the road will be challenging, the skills and resources of many talented people will help the car wash industry emerge stronger than ever.

Committed to the prosperity of every car wash, Lyons stated several key growth initiatives that the Association will be actively engaged in throughout the year, including:  

Survival Resources
As the car wash industry becomes more dynamic, it is of great importance to identify trends and opportunities. With that in mind, the Association will convene thought leaders from the supplier and operator segments in a one-day Leadership Summit, to review the professional car wash environment, identify trends affecting both car washes and customers, and determine avenues in which the industry can grow.

The Association is also pleased to announce Wash Week, a commitment to bring the latest knowledge and expertise to members across the country. In one week, the Association will visit three cities to conduct half-day seminars on tactical business solutions. Speakers will include leading operators and suppliers from the manufacturing, distribution, chemical and technology arenas. As Wash Week is an investment in the knowledge of members across the country, the cost of admittance is free.

“Hope is not a strategy. Hard work and innovation will make the car wash industry stronger tomorrow than it is today.” 

- Lisa Lyons, International Carwash Association President

Environmental Leaders
The Association is also proud to announce a new program debuting at Car Care World Expo, the WaterSavers™ program. This program is a new recognition program designed to help car washes promote their environmentally friendly business practices. Car wash operators now have an easy to implement, professional way to promote their environmental stewardship practices and differentiate their businesses from other car washes.

The WaterSavers program already has more than 150 participating locations who have attested that they reclaim or recycle their treated water for future wash cycles and discharge effluent to a sanitary sewer or leech field. This program is a significant step forward in rightfully recognizing the car wash industry as a green industry.

Leading Through Uncharted Waters
Wash Week, the Leadership Summit and WaterSavers are just a few of the many ways the Association strives to be its members’ greatest business partner every day. Even though these economic challenges are like nothing seen before, the tools for car wash owners to become more successful have never been more plentiful.

As Lyons closed her presentation, she stated, “We are producing cleaner cars, and more quickly. We are applying more technology and at lower costs. We are developing new wash models and retrofitting old processes. We are seeing third generation car wash owners, as well as Fortune 500 investors and overseas ownership. And we also know that there have never been more cars on the road, or more drivers who prefer to wash their car at a professional car wash.”

There is great hope for the future of the car wash industry. With a commitment to action, innovation and perseverance, car wash owners are setting themselves up for success.