January 19th launched the WCA’s Inaugural Car Wash tour with outstanding support from vendors and owners. Over 60 attendees showed up for coffee and donuts at Scottsdale Auto Salon before climbing aboard a charter bus to visit four local carwashes and the Proto-Vest manufacturing facility.

Leading up to the event weather reports were predicting a 90% chance of thunderstorms in normally sunny Phoenix. Fortunately the day turned out to be bright with just partial clouds. At the first stop, operators were greeted by Tuck Bettin, general manager of Cobblestone Auto Spa. The full-serve conveyor location also has a gas station, c-store, and ample indoor and outdoor seating for customers.

At the next stop Classic Car Spa’s low-profile conveyor track (perfect for high-performance sports cars) sparked a lot of interest. Owner Tim Stocker originally had the belt installed about 8 years ago and outlined the benefits and pitfalls for operators considering an investment in similar equipment.

During lunch Micrologic Executive Vice-President and Tour Sponsor Fred Grauer shared his vision of the car wash industry by comparing it to driving a racecar, “The two most important rules in racing also apply to operating a car wash. First, you have to check the rearview mirror – we’ve been through tough times before and looking back not only reminds you of the challenges you’ve already overcome, but it also lets you know who’s coming up behind you so you can be in the best position! Second, you have to look ahead and focus on where you want to be. Your brain will automatically lead you to the destination you focus your energy on… Don’t look at the wall, look at the curve ahead.”

Kim Balli and the team at Proto-Vest answered questions and gave owners a guided tour of their energy efficient production floor. From solar lighting, metal fabrication, and stitching to a “live” drive through test of their finished dryer system Proto-Vest demonstrated a successful, quality operation that makes you proud to say, “Made in the USA”.

After lunch Weiss Guys Self Serve Car Wash’s dog wash had attendees lining up to get a peek. The owners hedged their bet on the success of the new dog wash: Though the bay it occupies can be easily converted back to a traditional self-serve, manager Jay Weiss says the dog wash has been so successful and they have no plans to remove it.

Our final stop was the 6-acre Scottsdale Auto Salon. Sporting an auto racing theme throughout and a marvel of space and luxury, the highlight was the private “Detail Only” customer lounge. With smoked glass, a wet bar, leather couches and flat screen televisions it was obvious that customers were treated like kings.

Speaking of being treated well - thank you again to our Partners and Sponsors – without them events like this are not possible. George Spelius of Modern Car Care was instrumental in getting the word out and providing “on the ground” support in Phoenix. Asked for his impression, WCA President Bill Carbonel offered, “I’m extremely pleased with the enthusiastic participation from vendors and operators alike.  Obviously this was a very successful event and we’re looking forward to offering future car wash tours for our members. We’d also like to extend a special thank you to the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction. Finishing our day at this event was fantastic!”

Look for information about future WCA Car Wash Tours in the Express and on our Web site at www.wcwa.org. If you have any questions or are interested in sponsoring a future WCA Car Wash Tour or being a host site, contact Christina Shupe at (800) 344-9274 or christinas@wcwa.org.

Christina Shupe is the Membership Coordinator for the Western Carwash Association.