34th NRCC Breaks Records – Again!

ATLANTIC CITY, NJ — The 34th Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC), October 7-9, at the Atlantic City Convention Center showcased a record 420 booths, according to Show Chairman Doug Rieck with the Car Wash Operators of New Jersey (CWONJ), this year’s host. “We had a number of firsts this year,” said Rieck, “and one of them was topping our 2023 booth count by 34 booths, an all-time record,” he noted.

The annual show also expanded its show floor footprint by adding 30,000 square feet and using 20,000 of that at the 2024 show. “We expanded our footprint into Hall A,” noted Show Facilitator Heather Courtney. “We were currently using 84,000 square feet in Hall B. This year we topped out at 104,000 square feet of exhibits. I couldn’t be happier, and we still have room to grow.”

The square footage expansion is a reflection of the show’s continued growth and attraction to operators in the Northeast, said Rieck. “We are always striving to improve our product for our vendors and attendees,” he said. “This year’s show floor expansion is a testament to the quality of the show we put on and our board’s efforts to continually improve, adjust and listen to our vendors and attendees.”

More Opportunities to Learn

One of the additions to the 2024 NRCC was an “On Your Own” wash tour where attendees could stop at one of eight sites situated along the Garden State Parkway on their way to, or from, the event. A Manager-Only education session facilitated by JoAnna Brandi of JoAnna Brandi & Company was also added to the lineup. “Being able to stop at washes on your way to or from the show was a great added value,” said Rieck. “And, the Manager-Only program with JoAnna was a huge hit attracting more than 100 managers our first year out of the gate. We will continue to evolve that track for our wash managers,” added Rieck.

A highlight of the educational track, however, had to be this year’s Keynote Speaker, according to Education Chairperson, Suzanne Stansbury. “We start before the current show ends researching possible Keynote Speakers,” said Stansbury. “We try to bring in professionals who have a message that can relate to our attendees and how they operate their businesses. This year’s Keynote, Will Guidara, author of “Unreasonable Hospitality,” set a bar it’s going to be challenging to reach. He was nothing short of exceptional.”

Guidara, a renowned restaurateur who rose to fame by taking a middling brasserie in New York City to become the best restaurant in the world, brought his story to life by sharing how he learned to be unreasonable in his pursuit of giving his team and customers more than they expect. “Will was probably the best Keynote Speaker we have ever had,” according to Tom Hoffman, Jr., of Hoffman Car Wash and innovateIT who, in combination with Micrologic, sponsored the speaker. Hoffman introduced him to attendees. “I was just blown away.”

But not to be outdone, the education track also included the beloved Virtual Carwash Tour that featured Sudzy Salmon’s new 180-foot tunnel in Alaska, two Autobell sites in Chester, MD, and Newark, DE, the environmentally-conscious Canton Car Wash in Canton, MD, and the latest state-of-the-art Hoffman Car Wash in Halfmoon, NY. This seminar, viewed from the comfort of the Atlantic City Convention Center, was sponsored by AVW Equipment and water/snacks were compliments of Ardex.

The second day of the show included a traditional Early Bird panel discussion on all aspects of the industry with an emphasis this year on marketing spearheaded by Rojo Car Wash’s John Shalbey, Jr. and sponsored by RINSED. Panelists included Sean Larkin with Westminster Car Wash & Detailing in Westminster, MD, Steve Weekes of Spritz Car Wash in Clifton Park, NY, Tom Halford of Shammy Shine Car Washes in Milford, NJ, and Tatum O’Donnell with SplashSource in Naples, FL. A seminar by Chris Brown with Myrrh Consulting on how to maximize unlimited conversions in a tightening economy, sponsored by Welcomemat, followed that program. Brown, who spoke at the 2023 show is an attendee favorite.

Next up were concurrent seminars with one geared toward managers titled “8 Ways to Becoming a Magnetic Manager” with JoAnna Brandi. This seminar was sponsored by Neoglide/Kirikian Industries. While at the same time a program geared toward owner/operators was put on by Bank of America’s Ravi Mani and Rahul Bar, managing directors, auto aftermarket coverage, who head up the firm’s investment banking coverage at BOA Securities across the carwash industry. They shared their take on the industry’s future growth noting that more locations will be built, but at a slower pace. Platforms with a lot of leverage, however, will slow down their expansion. Consolidation will continue for the next 2-3 years, but that strong operators will get stronger and continue to take market share and consumers will continue to embrace the subscription model. And, in fact, over the past six quarters, despite economic challenges, subscription performance has rained incredibly stable.

After the exceptional Keynote by Will Guidara the group enjoyed an Awards Program facilitated by Show Chairman Doug Rieck. Two Emerging Leaders were selected this year; Justin Van Otten with Hoffman Car Wash and Brett Sullivan with Splash. This award is given to someone who displays selflessness, empathy, discipline and the overwhelming desire for success.

Mike Conte with Conte Consulting was selected as the 2024 Most Distinguished Person recipient for his dedication to the Car Wash Operators of New Jersey over the years as a board member and president. He began his career in carwashing doing back windows as a nine-year-old.

Dave Ellard with Triple Play Car Wash was the 2024 Hall of Fame inductee.

He has served on the NRCC board for the last 11 years and contributed greatly to the board’s evolution and professionalism. He operates two washes in the Boston market.

The luncheon and awards were sponsored by Sergeant Sudz.

The final educational seminar was on Wednesday morning, sponsored by DRB, and featured Disney’s Louie Gravance. Known as a customer service guru and former training designer for Walt Disney World in Orlando, he was able to demonstrate how you can take the principles used at Disney to your carwash business. His fundamental message is that delivery of excellent customer service is transformational, not just for the recipient but for the provider as well. You can get information on purchasing his book, “Service is a Superpower — Lessons Learned in a Magic Kingdom” at nrccshow.com

Networking Abounds

Attendees of the event, no matter their level of registration, were also able to mix and mingle at two outstanding networking events. The first was the Simoniz Celebration at the Hard Rock on Monday night. Nearly 600 gathered to network and grab some delicious food and drink after a long day at the show. “The Simoniz Celebration is outstanding,” said Rieck. “I look forward to it every year. We thank them so much for their support of the NRCC. It is just a great way to catch up with friends old and new.”

The second event, which has been sponsored by ICS since its inception, is the Annual Welcome Reception on the atrium level of the Atlantic City Convention Center at the close of show floor hours on Tuesday. The event, which includes light ‘Jersey fare and complimentary drinks is the perfect way to recharge before heading out to dinner. The event also includes a $500 cash raffle and this year a blue tooth speaker was also raffled off. “We can’t thank ICS enough for their commitment to us over the years,” said Rieck. “This event is fun and just perfect for the end of our first full day of exhibits and education. You don’t want to miss it.”

As mentioned earlier, the NRCC board has already begun work on its 2025 show, October 6-8, at the Atlantic City Convention Center. To reserve your booth space visit nrccshow.com or call 800/868-8590.

Children’s Specialized Hospital 22nd Annual
Golf Outing Tops $128,000 in Donations

UNION, NJ — The Car Wash Operators of New Jersey’s (CWONJ) Children’s Specialized Hospital 22nd Annual Golf Outing here raised $7,000 for the hospital on August 5, topping off total donations at $128,000, according to Scott Freund, CWONJ Golf Chairman. “We have been working with our golfers and sponsors over the last 18 years to raise money for this incredibly deserving hospital and with our outing and weekend event this year we are at approximately $128,000 and we couldn’t be more pleased.”

Despite scorching temperatures in the ‘90s dedicated golfers took to the famed A.W. Tillinghast course after a “To Go” Breakfast sponsored by Broad Street and Spark Car Washes for 18 holes on the challenging albeit breathtaking course. The day was topped off with a late BBQ lunch sponsored by Micrologic, who also sponsored the Golf Balls. Lunch Beverage Sponsors included Circle Petroleum/Reladyne, King Insurance, Andrew Knox & Co. and Olde Granddad. Golf Carts were sponsored by Simoniz USA. On the course beverages were provided by Prime Lube and DRB. The Hole in One sponsor was ICS and Vacutech sponsored the Pro on Hole #11.

CWONJ President Dino Nicoletta then presented Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Director of Institutional Giving, Keely Davenport, with a check for $7,000. Davenport shared the breadth of the hospital’s scope throughout its 15 New Jersey locations. She added that children from across the country make the journey to the Garden State to take advantage of the hospital’s inpatient and outpatient care from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues such as autism and mental health. You can learn more about the good work of the hospital at rwjbh.org

President Nicoletta then noted the winning and second place foursomes and some other winners before thanking each sponsor. Second Place went to the team from Proland Management: Scott Freund, Al Sa, Henry Caron and Ray Kenwell with a 59. First Place went to the returning champs from Broad Street Car Wash: Doug Karvelas, Jack Keller, Connor Moffat and Mike Giannacio with a 54. Carlo Gulotta had the Closest to the Pin honor on Hole #11, Al Sa took Closest to the Pin on Hole #16 while Tyler Oliveira hit the Longest Drive on Hole #4. Longest Drive Contest sponsorships were provided by Advantage Contractors/Simoniz and Echelon/WashHounds. Closest to the Pin sponsors included Birchwood Insurance, the Northeast Carwasher magazine and Shammy Shine Car Wash. Tee/Green sponsors included: Eastern Funding, Express Auto Spa, Kirikian Industries, Kleen-Rite Corp., Madison Car Wash, Paymedia, Service Champ, Swiped, Tameric Realty and Tri State Car Wash Sales of PA.

CWONJ Past President Mike Conte also ran an auction, won by Al Rogers with Shammy Shine, for a foursome and lunch at the private club.

President Nicoletta noted in his address to the group that the upcoming Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC), Oct. 7-9, is being hosted by the CWONJ. He also shared the date of the association’s Fall Membership Meeting, November 6, featuring International Carwash Association (ICA) President Marcus Kittrell. The event will be held at Suburban Golf Club in Union.

Standout Washes, Succulent Lunch
Highlight 23rd Annual Wash Tour

MATAWAN, NJ — The Car Wash Operators of New Jersey’s 23 Annual Carwash Tour, May 29, which started out here, visited three unique locations on a picture-perfect day. A full bus of attendees, sponsored by Motor City Wash Works, first traveled from the Judy Blume Service Area on the Garden State Parkway to Glow Express in Matawan. Owned by Leon Beyder, the 90-foot express featuring MacNeil equipment, 11 Vacutech drops, NCS chemistry and Micrologic controls packed a big punch in a small amount of acreage. With vacs in two locations on the property, the site’s creative layout and colorful design was inspiring and efficient.  read more….

The Car Wash Operators of New Jersey’s (CWONJ) Fall Membership Meeting

The Car Wash Operators of New Jersey’s (CWONJ) Fall Membership Meeting, November 8, at Suburban Golf Club here featured International Carwash Association (ICA) President and Benny’s Car Wash co-owner Justin Alford. Alford, a third generation carwasher who hails from Baton Rouge, LA, made the trip with his wife Juliet and daughter Helen, a fourth generation carwasher, to speak at the annual meeting attended by 60. “It was an honor to have Justin come to New Jersey and share his family’s incredible and successful carwashing story,” said CWONJ President Dino Nicoletta.

Prior to the annual membership meeting Alford got the opportunity visit some washes in the state. “What a great day,” said Alford. “We were able to visit so many really interesting washes and spend time with some of my carwash friends old and new,” he said. “What a great group of operators.”

Alford, whose grandfather started in the industry in 1951, owns nine Benny’s car washes in the Baton Rouge, LA, market with his father Ben and brother Jason. They run successful conveyor locations with full service, express, oil changes, gas, detail and c-stores. In fact, Benny’s and Innovative Control Systems (ICS), Bethlehem, PA, the event’s hors d’oeuvre sponsor, were instrumental in launching the first express carwash in the US in 2001.

Alford shared his company’s growth and evolution and educated the group on all things Baton Rouge complete with Mardi Gras beads that featured the wash’s mascot. “What a great meeting,” added Nicoletta. “Justin is a true professional and a really outstanding guy.”

Also during the meeting Princeton Public Affairs Group (PPAG) lobbyist Sam Weinstein updated attendees on the two-year efforts to push legislation through the state that would deem carwashes “essential” if COVID or another similar epidemic shuts down businesses. “Sam and the team at PPAG are pushing hard on our behalf and with a little more effort we hope to get to the finish line,” said Nicoletta.

CWONJ’s Donates More Than $100,000 in

CWONJ Board Member Tom Fuller of Team Car Wash (left) and CWONJ President Dino Nicoletta of Asbury Circle Car Wash (right) met with Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin at the Princeton Public Affairs office in Trenton to discuss the association’s bill to deem carwashes “essential.”