SONNY’S recognized as top workplace
TAMARAC, Fla. — SONNY’S Enterprises has been named to the Sun Sentinel’s Top Workplace 2015 list, according to Topworkplaces.com.
The ranking includes 45 companies and organizations chosen based on surveys completed by employees of the organizations.
SONNY'S employs 146 workers. One employee says, “I have the flexibility to make decisions and do the work in a proper way. I also have the balance between life and work.”
SONNY’S hires employees through its website, Monster.com, LinkedIn, local colleges and technical schools in addition to recruiters. It also receives recommendations from current workers.
Capitol Petroleum Group agrees to sale of retail portfolio
WALTHAM, Mass. — Global Partners LP has agreed to purchase 97 Mobil- and Exxon-branded gas stations from Capitol Petroleum Group, according to a press release.
The deal also includes the sale of seven dealer supply contracts. The transaction is valued at $156 million before closing adjustments.
“This acquisition complements and expands our existing asset footprint in two of the nation’s most attractive markets,” says Eric Slifka, the Global Partner’s president and CEO. “The addition of the Capitol Petroleum locations enables us to leverage our existing operations and dealer relationships in the New York City and Maryland/D.C. markets while requiring limited incremental expense to grow the business.”
Global Partners has nearly 1,500 locations, primarily in the Northeast. The company is No. 146 on the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest corporations.
Chain celebrates 15th anniversary with free washes
AMARILLO, Texas — Quick Quack Car Wash celebrated 15 years in business with free carwashes during its Customer Appreciation Days April 1-5 at the original Coulter Street location, according to a press release.
Customers viewed building improvements designed to enhance the wash experience. Enhancements include a light show and free towel drying.
“We wanted to do something special to let our customers know that we appreciate them and show off a few improvements we have made to provide the fastest, cleanest — and now driest — carwash in Amarillo,” says President and CEO Jason Johnson.
Readers of Amarillo.com and the Amarillo Globe News have recognized Quick Quack as the “Best of Amarillo” five years in a row.
Chemical company acquires Internet retailer
SYLVAN LAKE, Mich. — Stone Soap Company Inc. has purchased www.carwashdetergents.com, according to a press release.
The acquired company retails carwash chemicals online. It was also the first company to successfully formulate carwash concentrates without water.
“We are thrilled to add this remarkable chemistry to our 83-year-old line of premium carwash shampoos, waxes, cleaners and specialty products,” says Stone Soap Company President Kenneth Stone.
Stone Soap will offer the online company’s products directly to customers and through its distributor network.
Kawasaki endorses Dr. Beasley’s paint for new bikes
CHICAGO — Kawasaki USA recommends Dr. Beasley’s Nano-Resin Coating Kits and Final Finish Detail Spray as preferred products for its new Ninja H2 and H2R motorcycles, according to a press release.
The bikes feature Silver Mirror Paint, a hand-applied silver-flake paint. The paint requires special care to maintain the metallic-like appearance.
The H2R will come with Dr. Beasley’s products.
“Originally Kawasaki wanted to test out our Matte products, which they currently use, but they became really excited about our glossy Nano-Resin and Final Finish products,” says Dr. Beasley’s Director of Operations Andrew Donovan. “Highly reflective paint surfaces tend to show scratches more easily and our products have all the features necessary to protect a finish as unique as their new highly reflective Silver Mirror Paint.”
Dr. Beasley’s was also recently endorsed by Chrysler for use on its 2014 SRT Viper and 2015 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat.
Association News
The Car Wash ShowTM 2015 shines brightest in 'City of Lights'
LAS VEGAS — The International Carwash Association’s® (ICA) The Car Wash Show™ 2015 wrapped up festivities on April 25 and was hailed as a great success by most, if not all, attendees.
According to the association’s website, nearly 6,900 industry professionals participated. The total attendance number represented a 22 percent increase over the 2014 convention and was the event’s largest total since 2008.
“[Of course,] this has nothing to do with [ICA] — it is all about those of you washing the cars so thank you and congratulations,” asserted Eric Wulf, CEO of the ICA, at the show's Industry Update and Keynote Address session.
During this session Wulf also recognized the association’s Emerging Leaders Scholars and provided an update on its WaterSavers program, which for the fifth year in a row saw a double-digit increase in the number of participating companies and carwashes.
Wulf also noted upcoming industry events, including The Car Wash Show 2016, scheduled for Nashville, and Car Wash Show Europe™ 2015.
ICA recognized industry leaders with several awards during its Industry Update session. For more information on this year’s honorees and their accomplishments, please visit www.carwash.org.
Following the state of the industry update from the association, famed NCAA basketball coach Rick Pitino provided the Keynote Address and challenged the audience to sign up for his “One-Day Contract.” According to Pitino, being positive in your personal life and business life pays off in the long term. He urged carwash professionals to maintain good attitudes regardless of the circumstances because “being critical takes no talent whatsoever and it breaks all of the rules of a one-day contract,” he said. “Problems don’t stay problems with upbeat people — they become solutions.”
And The Car Wash Show 2015 had a lot of both: upbeat people and solutions.
SECWA trade show finishes strong
NEW ORLEANS — The Southeastern Car Wash Association recently ended another successful road show, according to a press release.
More than 250 people attended the event. They visited six local carwashes. The show also had six highly attended roundtable discussions.
Edwin Foulke Jr., former head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), led a dialogue on OSHA compliance. Steve Nedvidek, innovation and design specialist for Chick-fil-A, spoke on innovation.
SECWA will hold its next trade show in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Aug. 23-25.
People News
New president leads DRB Systems
AKRON, Ohio — DRB Systems has announced Bill Morgenstern as its new president, according to a press release.
Morgenstern succeeded co-founder Dale Brott in the role, which he assumed on April 1. Brott will serve on the board of directors and as a strategic advisor.
Morgenstern joined the board of directors in November 2014. He also worked as a consultant for the company for several months.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve DRB in a leadership role,” says Morgenstern. “Under Dale Brott’s stewardship, DRB Systems has been the leader in the carwash industry for over 30 years. I look forward to working with the DRB team as we seek to find ways to help carwash operators wash more cars and generate higher revenues.”
Blendco promotes sales manager
BRISTOL, Penn. — Blendco Systems has appointed Bill Carbonel to the role of national tunnel sales manager, according to a press release.
Carbonel joined the company in 2013 as western regional tunnel sales manager. He has increased Blendco’s presence on the West Coast over the past two years.
In his new position, Carbonel is responsible for growing the company’s footprint throughout the U.S. He will also grow the tunnel sales team.
Carbonel is a former carwash owner and operator. He also served as president of the Western Carwash Association in 2010.
Mark VII adds to key accounts team
ARVADA, Colo. — Mark VII Equipment Inc. has hired Mark Glaser for its key accounts Category Captain team, according to a press release.
Glaser has more than 24 years of experience in operations at a carwash/lube center.
The new hire will be responsible for sales and support of carwash equipment, service and chemicals for a global convenience store chain.
“We're excited to have Mark join our key accounts team,” says Ryan Beaty, executive vice president of sales at Mark VII. “Our growing number of corporate accounts [requires] dedicated resources to assist their carwash category managers with expanding their business. Mark's experience on the operations side of the carwash business will prove especially valuable in this role."
Former PDQ president joins OPW unit
DE PERE, Wis. — Former PDQ Manufacturing president Michael Savignac has been appointed to the post of vice president and general manager for the OPW Electronic Systems business unit, according to a press release.
Savignac will lead and manage the division, which comprises PDQ and OPW Fuel Management Systems.
Savignac served as executive vice president, then president for PDQ from 2002-14. Under his leadership the company exceeded its financial goals while focusing on product innovation.
“We are excited to welcome Mike back to the OPW family,” says OPW President David Crouse. “With his prior experience and leadership in this marketplace, the division will continue to realize growth while emphasizing product innovation and customer value."
“I am honored to rejoin the PDQ Manufacturing team,” Savignac shares. “I look forward to working with the teams at [PDQ] and OPW, where we will continue to leverage the industry-leading technologies that are the cornerstone of both companies.”
