Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast
Business & Finance
About
Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, created by Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine, covers industry trends, ideas and strategies that will help make your carwash more profitable. Hear what carwash owners, operators, manufacturers and distributors have to say in our exclusive interviews and audio articles.
Episodes
- Episode 265: Inside Qual Chem’s new Evergreen carwash chemical line
Wash Talk features Ryan Molinelli and Joseph Moldovan of Qual Chem discussing their new 10-product Evergreen carwash chemical line. The line features biodegradable, non-corrosive formulas and compact packaging, including Luminaura Repel fo…
- Episode 264: Using carwash video analytics to drive growth with Aaron McGee
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Brian Ankney welcomes Aaron McGhee of Interface Systems for a conversation on how carwash video analytics are reshaping site security, customer experience and operational efficiency.…
- Episode 263: Unlocking carwash customer retention through AI with Michael Pelikan
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Kyle Alexander welcomes Michael Pelikan, director of operations Retention Express, for a data-driven conversation on how artificial intelligence is transforming carwash customer reten…
- BONUS EPISODE: Why Carwash Dryers Matter: Efficiency and Cost Savings | Cincinnati Fan
Dryers are one of the most important — and often overlooked — components of a car wash. In this Executive Spotlight, Ron Wittich of Cincinnati Fan joins host Kyle Alexander to discuss: Why proper drying is critical for customer satisfactio…
- BONUS EPISODE: Carwash Data, OEM Support and the Rise of In-Bay Washes | Oasis Car Wash Systems
In this Executive Spotlight episode, Brian Ankney talks with Kyle Martin about the factors shaping today’s carwash industry. Martin explains why strong relationships with equipment manufacturers and distributors are essential for long-term…
- BONUS EPISODE: Reducing Carwash Membership Churn Through Better Operations | Wash Systems
Membership programs have become the backbone of many carwash businesses — but the real key to success lies in retention. In this episode of Professional Carwashing & Detailing’s Executive Spotlight, host Brian Ankney talks with industry ex…
- BONUS EPISODE: Paint Protection & Restoration Opportunities for Detailers | Mothers
Paint protection and restoration are quickly becoming premium services for professional detailers and carwash operators. In this episode of Professional Carwashing & Detailing’s Executive Spotlight , host Kyle Alexander speaks with Jim Dvo…
- BONUS EPISODE: Carwash Calls, AI & Retention | Retention Express
In this episode of Professional Carwashing & Detailing’s Executive Spotlight, host Brian Ankney speaks with Bobby Thomson of Retention Express about carwash phone call management, membership retention and the growing role of AI in customer…
- Episode 262: Catching up with Heartland Carwash Association with Pat Shannon
On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Kyle Alexander sits down with Pat Shannon, president of the Heartland Carwash Association (HCA), for a wide-ranging conversation on the association’s mission, the evolving needs of op…
- BONUS EPISODE: Local Carwash vs. Corporate Chains: How Independents Can Win | Ver-tech Labs
When a large corporate carwash breaks ground nearby, many independent operators panic — but they shouldn’t. In this PC&D Executive Spotlight, host Brian Ankney sits down with Tara Baugher of Ver-tech Labs to explain why local carwash owner…
- Episode 261: Bundling car care to boost carwash retention with Way's Ro Krishna
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, Rich DiPaolo speaks with Ro Krishna, VP of Car Wash at Way, about how customer data and retention are reshaping the carwash business. The conversation focuses on the growing pressure on ma…
- BONUS EPISODE: Growth from Site Level Car Wash Membership | Dencar
- BONUS EPISODE: The 3 Pillars Driving Consistent Carwash Sales Performance | Rinsed
In this Executive Spotlight, host Brian Ankney sits down with Kyle Doyle, vice president of Rinsed, to unpack what consistently separates high-performing carwash operations from the rest. Doyle introduces the concept of the “three pillars”…
- Episode 260: Scaling density in the Northeast: Spotless Brands’ growth strategy with Dave Kelly
On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Dave Kelly, Chief Development Officer for Spotless Brands, to discuss the company’s recent acquisition and its broader Northeast growth strategy. Kelly exp…
- Episode 259: A tale of two halves: 2025 carwash M&A with Jeff Pavone
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes back Jeff Pavone, founding partner at Amplify Capital Group, for a candid and timely look at the state of carwash mergers and acquisitions heading into 2026. Pav…
- Episode 258: How a motor control center defines tunnel reliability with Troy Huisman
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Troy Huisman, founder of Superior Control, for a deep dive into one of the most critical, yet least understood, parts of a tunnel: the motor control center. Huis…
- Episode 257: Previewing Women in Carwash™ with Brenda Jane Johnstone
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Brenda Jane Johnstone, founder of Women in Carwash™, to discuss the upcoming 12th Women in Carwash conference, taking place January 18-20 at the Hilton Clearwate…
- Episode 256: Connecting the modern carwash with Rex Womble
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Rex Womble, vice president of Quivio, to discuss the growing importance of connecting the modern carwash. Womble shares insights on how Sonny’s Quivio platform h…
- Episode 255: Making a Splash in the Northeast with Mark Curtis & Dan Petrelle
On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo is joined by Mark Curtis, chairman of the board, and Dan Petrelle, CEO, of Splash Express Car Wash. Together, they share insights on leadership transitions, private equit…
- Episode 254: Comparing chain- and belt-drive systems with Ben Branam
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo connects with Ben Branam of AutoBrite Company to explore the differences between belt gear drives and conventional rail drives. Branam discusses how belt conveyor frames…
- Episode 253: The reemergence of self-serve and IBA with Marc Tyndale
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Marc Tyndale, director of strategic partnerships at Kleen-Rite Corp., to explore the evolving role of self-serve and in-bay automatic washes in today’s competiti…
- Episode 252: The business case for a site remodel with Robert Andre
On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Robert Andre, senior vice president of national sales and remodel for Sonny’s The CarWash Factory, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of site remo…
- Episode 251: Building the WOW factor with Heath Pomerantz
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Heath Pomerantz, CEO of WOW Carwash, to discuss his journey in the carwash industry and the leadership vision he brings to the rapidly growing brand. Pomer…
- Episode 250: Scaling with purpose: Kevin Matthews on Summit Wash Holdings’ growth and culture
On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo speaks with Kevin Matthews, chief operating officer and president of Summit Wash Holdings, about the company’s rapid expansion and people-first culture. Matthews shares l…
- BONUS EPISODE: Connected TV marketing for car washes with Ryan Mogged of Triadex
In this Executive Spotlight, Professional Carwashing & Detailing’s Brian Ankney sits down with Ryan Mogged of Triadex to explore how carwash operators can maximize marketing ROI through advanced targeting tactics. Mogged explains how mobil…
- Episode 249: Previewing NRCC 2025 with Chris Kubarek and Walt Hartl
On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo is joined by NRCC 2025 show co-chairmen Chris Kubarek and Walt Hartl to discuss the planning behind this year’s event, scheduled for Oct. 6-8 in Atlantic City, New Jersey…
- BONUS EPISODE: Carwash towel tips: ERC’s Valerie Sweeney on selection, care & loss prevention
From microfiber to terry to huck, towel choice matters more than you think. In this Professional Carwashing & Detailing Executive Spotlight, ERC’s Valerie Sweeney explains how the right towels improve results, the best practices for care a…
- Episode 248: Advancing carwash security with Sean Foley
Host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Sean Foley, chief revenue officer at Interface Systems, to discuss how the company is helping carwash operators tackle some of the industry’s biggest challenges through integrated technology. Foley explains…
- BONUS EPISODE: Executive Spotlight with John Olert of American Car Wash Solutions
In this Professional Carwashing & Detailing Executive Spotlight, Kyle Alexander interviews John Olert, former Wall Street executive turned carwash owner and now CEO of American Carwash Solutions. John shares his journey from buying a negle…
- Episode 247: Catching up with ZIPS Car Wash's new CEO Pete Nani
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo sits down with Pete Nani, the newly appointed CEO of ZIPS Car Wash, to discuss his journey in the professional carwashing industry and his vision for the brand’s future.…
- Episode 246: Growing the EWC farm with John Roush
Host Rich DiPaolo welcomes back John Roush, CEO of Express Wash Concepts (EWC), to discuss the company’s latest strategic moves and its continued momentum in the express carwash space. Roush shares insights into EWC’s recent acquisitions,…
- Episode 245: How AI Is Revolutionizing Carwash Operations with Hello Wash
In this in-depth conversation, PC&D’s Brian Ankney talks with Hello Wash founder Meddy Ali about the role of AI in modern carwash operations. Ali explains how Hello Wash is using machine learning to simplify customer service, reduce staff…
- Episode 244: Better Carwash Systems and Processes with Jason VanDerMark of WashStacks
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Brian Ankney sits down with Jason VanDerMark, co-founder of WashStacks , to explore how structured systems, processes and procedures drive consistency, scale and customer satisfaction…
- Episode 243: Is now the time to sell? Insights from Jeff Pavone and Chris Jenks
On this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes back Jeff Pavone, founding partner, and Chris Jenks, CFA, partner and CEO of Amplify Capital Group, to answer a pressing question for operators: Is now the right…
- Episode 241: Industry evolution, PE influence and what’s next for carwashing with Eric Wulf
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Eric Wulf, CEO of International Carwash Association, for a post-show breakdown of The Car Wash Show™ 2025. Wulf shares his top three takeaways from the event and…
- Episode 242: Visualizing carwash design in 3D with Tim Hogue
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo speaks with Tim Hogue, CEO of Modernwash Buildings and Solutions, about the latest innovations in carwash building design and planning. Hogue shares his impressions of 20…
- Episode 240: Data-driven carwash marketing with Sparkle Express and DRN
In this episode of Wash Talk, host Brian Ankney talks to Cameron Ray of Sparkle Express Car Wash and Noel Peña of Digital Recognition Network (DRN) about data-driven carwash marketing. The conversation explores how Sparkle Express uses DRN…
- Episode 239: Carwash damage claim solutions: how AI cameras are changing the game
In this episode of Professional Carwashing & Detailing’s Wash Talk, host Brian Ankney sat down with Tyler England from LiveReach AI to explore how advanced camera systems are transforming carwash operations far beyond simple surveillance.…
- Episode 238: Carwash M&A rebound with Jim Ceresnak
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo welcomes Jim Ceresnak, vice president of Northmarq. They discuss the evolving dynamics of the carwash market and the M&A landscape. Ceresnak begins by reacting to major n…
- Episode 237: The tech behind the shine with Dencar's Phil Marquardt & Chris Zuchegno
In this episode of Wash Talk, host Brian Ankney chats with Phil Marquardt and Chris Zuchegno from Dencar and United Auto Wash to dive into the operator's perspective on innovation in carwashing. Phil shares how his passion for 24/7, people…
- Episode 236: The Qual Chem difference with Ryan and Kevin Molinelli
Host Rich DiPaolo is joined by Ryan Molinelli and Kevin Molinelli of Qual Chem for a deep dive into the company’s journey, product philosophy and upcoming innovations. The conversation kicks off with a look at Qual Chem’s history and how i…
- Episode 235: Preventive maintenance strategies with Nick Haase
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, host Rich DiPaolo talks with Nick Haase, co-founder of MaintainX, about how preventive maintenance strategies can help carwash operators minimize costly downtime and deliver consistent, hi…
- Episode 234: Celebrating 75 years of innovation with ISTOBAL's Ian Burton
Host Rich DiPaolo talks with Ian Burton, ISTOBAL’s North American director of sales, to celebrate a major milestone — ISTOBAL’s 75th anniversary. Burton reflects on the company’s rich history, global growth and continued commitment to inno…
- Episode 233: Catching up with Danka Dubak at AVW Equipment Company
In this episode, host Rich DiPaolo talks with Danka Dubak, director of marketing for AVW Equipment Company and a third-generation member of the company’s founding family. Dubak shares how AVW has remained a leading force in the carwash equ…
- Episode 232: Elevating carwash marketing with Mel Ohlinger of OhmCo
In this episode, Mel Ohlinger from OhmCo discusses how in-bay automatic carwashes can compete with larger chains by leveraging their unique advantages. These include lower costs, 24-hour availability, and the ability to cater to niche cust…
- BONUS EPISODE: Unscripted: The power of T-Force with Ian Hamilton
In this episode of PC&D Unscripted, we welcome Ian Hamilton, aftermarket technical sales with Vacutech by NCS. Hamilton joins us to discuss Vacutech’s latest innovation, T-Force, and what it means for the carwash industry. We begin with a…
- Episode 231: Identify waste, improve quality with Steve Gaudreau and Jason Van Kooten
In this episode, host Rich DiPaolo talks with Steve Gaudreau, president, and Jason Van Kooten, director of maintenance and facility, for Brink Results, LLC. Brink Results is widely recognized in the professional carwashing industry for its…
- Episode 230: The business case for colored LEDs with Erin Noonan
Host Rich DiPaolo talks with Erin Noonan, director of marketing for G&G Industrial Lighting, to discuss how colored carwash light shows can transform the customer experience and bolster operators' bottom lines. Noonan shares her thoughts o…
- Episode 229: Previewing the 2025 SCWA Convention & EXPO with Jeff Blansit
Host Rich DiPaolo talks with Jeff Blansit, president-elect of the Southwest Car Wash Association (SCWA). In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about the 2025 SCWA Convention & EXPO, scheduled for Feb. 26-28 at the…
- Episode 228: EverWash’s growth and acquisition of Coinless with Scott Caplan and Max Pulcini
Host Rich DiPaolo talks with Max Pulcini and Scott Caplan from EverWash to discuss the evolving landscape of carwash memberships and the company’s acquisition of Coinless in 2024. Pulcini and Caplan share insights on how carwash membership…