Archive for category: News

When bubble washes were introduced to the industry, they were a drastic turning point for vehicle wash systems. Bubbles cleaned vehicles more efficiently than foam or water because they spread more easily across a vehicle’s surface. With N/S Corporation’s innovative take on implementing unique ideas into effective new wash systems, the Mega Bubblizer & Vortex Arch were the next logical steps in our mission to create the best wash systems available.

The Mega Bubblizer is an incredibly enjoyable addition to an already efficient wash. The N/S Corporation system has many additional features for a better wash, including:

• More coverage.
• 50% less chemicals.
• As low as one gallon of water per vehicle.
• Adjustable discharge.
• Adjustable bubble density.

The Mega Bubblizer also improves the efficiency of soap and can be used to do more than wash a vehicle. With this system, applying any treatment, including glass, soap, and glass treatments, is very easy.

The Mega Bubblizer pairs exceedingly well with the new Vortex Spinner Arch. The innovative arch includes:

• Multicolor LED light bars.
• A single 20-horsepower pump with high volume and high impact.
• Zero degree high impact nozzles.
• 120 gallons per minute at 150 psi.

The Vortex Spinner Arch is ideal for businesses that want to created a themed wash with a light show.  In addition, as car wash owners, we at N/S also believe in using high pressure early in the wash process, to blast off surface adherents.  The Vortex arch not only accomplishes this, but it also creates a bit of a show as a car enters the wash..

Every kind of transit vehicle requires regular washing, including trains. Not only does regular cleaning improve a train’s look, but it is an important part of protecting a transit authority’s substantial investment. Train wash systems vary greatly in terms of price, size, and other factors. How they are cleaned also depends on how it is energized. In fact, no two systems are completely the same. Being familiar with different features is important when designing a wash system for your train, so that N/S Corporation can design the perfect system to meet your train washing needs. One great example is our Coney Island train wash, which can serve as an inspiration for your design.

What Makes the Coney Island Train Wash Stand Out?

One of the best ways to measure the size of a train wash is by its length. This is where the Coney Island train wash system really stands out above the competition. While there isn’t a standard to train wash systems, many designed by competitors have 10 or so touches—which are the large brushes that clean the train. As one of the longest systems in the country, the Coney Island system has a remarkable 50 touches. Basic systems have a minimum of three touches, but the Coney Island version includes advanced touches such as eaves brushes, vertical side brushes, slanted side brushes, and mitter curtain drag mops. All of these features combine to leave trains as clean as possible.

Some other ways the Coney Island system stands out is the use of aerospace grade structural aluminum while being completely modular, letting it handle a variety of train styles. It is also engineered to serve both light or heavy rail. For being able to handle so many different trains it is a surprisingly low cost of operation, making it ideal for the high volume of trains it washes annually.

Features for Your N/S Corporation Train Wash System

When it comes to keeping trains clean, N/S Corporation is a leading provider of parts and systems. Our experience allows for designs that include a number of optional parts such as cyclonic filters, reverse osmosis systems, water reclamation systems, and more for fully tested custom design systems. AirWipers, the most efficient blowers on the market, are another very popular offering. Because train washes like the Coney Island train wash system allow a train on the track to process through the wash at a controlled and steady speed, you can be assured the train will safely be taken care of without the need to put a locomotive out of extended service. Unlike the car wash industry, train washing is relatively new. However, since there isn’t a standard system, it gives N/S Corporation the freedom to design a custom operation to best suit your needs, whether you have small commercial trains or longer passenger vehicles that make up your fleet.

Consult with N/S for a Custom Solution

There are many benefits to washing train cars: cleaning them adds to the duration of the car’s lifespan. A clean car also enhances customer experience, making it easier for employees to effectively do their jobs. Because of this, it is vitally important to keep your vehicles in pristine order. Even among the same clients, we have developed vastly different systems depending on their needs and location. Does your system need a slanted or vertical side brush? Maybe a brush that wraps around the front? Different configurations are available depending on how the train is built, and at N/S Corporation we can mount any friction apparatuses on the frames of your system.

Finally, something often overlooked with train washes is their opportunity to be environmentally-friendly. Just like with other kinds of transit wash systems, train systems can utilize features including a water reclamation system and a low environmental footprint to be more eco-friendly in both the manufacturing and service. This allows for your wash to serve not only its customers, but conserve water, no matter if the wash is as sizable as the Coney Island train wash or smaller. At N/S Corporation we have a number of patented eco-friendly systems to serve your needs.

Visit N/S Corporation and let us custom design a system for you.

Training – Many Available Resources

By Sydney Sullivan Knott

 

So you want to get into the car wash business? Looks easy, right? Just send dirty cars through the tunnel and they come out clean. Customers drive away happy and you make money, lots of money. Right? Sometimes.

There are many factors that contribute to a successful car wash operation. According to Thomas Ennis, owner of Inglewood, CA-based NS Wash

Systems, it starts with understanding the ins and outs of the business, deciding what type of wash, finding the best location, conducting market research and studying traffic patterns, looking at the pros and cons of buying an existing wash versus new construction, and evaluating equipment options.

“Some owners make decisions the hard way, through trial and error, while others take advantage of the myriad resources that are available,” says Ennis, who was inducted into the International Carwash Association (ICA) Hall of Fame in 2015. Over the years, Ennis has seen the value in participating in trade shows, from connecting with customers to staying current on marketing trends, legal, and environmental concerns. Ennis has been a member of ICA for 52 years, attending his first show in 1963 — and he hasn’t missed one yet, including exhibiting every year since 1967.

I WANT TO BUY A CAR WASH

If you are new to the car wash industry, a good place to start is regional and national trade associations. The ICA website has an entire section devoted to new investors, www.carwash.org/for-operators/invest. In addition, the ICA conducts an annual new investor seminar in conjunction with The Car Wash Show, scheduled this year for Nashville in May.

According to Megan Clark, ICA director of membership, “Our goal with the seminar is to answer any question a new investor would have about getting into the industry, including type of wash to build/purchase, how to get financing, insurance, technology, human resources needs, and more.”

Brad Sorenson, director of training for Sonny’s CarWashCollege, reports that the last three years has seen an increase in new owners entering the car wash business. Banks are willing to lend money and more and more owners are building multiple sites, creating regional chains. At Sonny’s CarWash College in Fort Lauderdale, FL, quarterly new investor seminars are packed and training classes are sold out months in advance.

Paul Fazio teaches a class at Sonny’s CarWash College
Regional and state car wash associations are excellent resources, as well, especially for networking and learning about codes, permits, and environmental issues. For a complete listing, visit www.sonnysdirect.com or consult the annual Auto Laundry News Buyers Guide.

Do Your Homework

Sorenson says that buying a car wash is like buying any other business, and it starts with due diligence. “Conduct market research and study traffic patterns. Location will be the single most determining factor in your success. Even one block can make or break your business,” he explains.

INDUSTRY NEWCOMERS WELCOME

Ten years ago, industry newcomer, Patricia Knott, met Thomas Ennis at a business mixer and, while car wash ownership was not something she had thought about, ever, the idea of owning her own business, revitalizing undervalued commercial real estate properties, creating a fun, family-friendly experience, and supporting the environment had crossed her mind.

Today she is the owner of the Green Forest chain of express car washes in Southern California, with locations in Hawthorne, South Los Angeles, and Bell Gardens, and opening this year in Baldwin Hills and San Pedro. She is putting to good use her background in accounting, corporate finance, and real estate evaluations.

“This industry really rolls out the red carpet to newcomers,” Knott says. “Everyone has been very nice and helpful.”

Every Day is Training Day for Car Wash Owners

Some existing owners believe in on-the-job-training, while others take classes and find information via trade shows, and industry magazines. Whichever way you prefer, experts agree that savvy owners and operators are always learning. “This business teaches you something new, every day,” Ennis notes.

Exhibitors on the tradeshow floor.

For owners, operators, and employees, trade shows are a great way to meet industry leaders, network with others, and see first-hand innovations in equipment and chemicals. For example, Sorenson notes that operators in the Northeast have been slow to embrace current trends such as automatic pay stations and free vacuums. Those that have are “tearing it up,” he says.

On the ICA website, www.car wash.org, there is a section dedicated to operators and provides industry resources, information about the association, upcoming events, and The Car Wash Show in Nashville, May 9-11.

Ennis, who started washing cars at 12 and purchased his first car wash on a handshake when he was only 20, recommends that anyone interested in owning or investing in a car wash should meet local operators, observe their operations, and ask lots of questions. Seeing a car wash operation up close will teach you a great deal about this business.

BACK TO SCHOOL

As an industry newcomer, Knott attended trade shows looking for resources and found Sonny’s CarWash College. She and her senior technician have taken their repair and maintenance classes, and she sent her manager to the management class. Knott, who is based in Southern California, wishes the college were closer. “I would send people to Sonny’s non-stop,” she says.

“I highly recommend the CarWash College for all newcomers, existing operators, and employees. The hands-on labs really help operations run more smoothly when you get back home.”

While the classroom time and instruction were great, Knott felt the added value was spending a week exchanging information and sharing ideas with others in the industry.

Sonny’s CarWash College offers group training and labs in Sonny’s CarWash Factory. Sorenson said the repair classes are capped at 15 participants and other classes can accommodate 24 studen

Hands-on training provides the best results.
Four management classes are held per year, and eight repair and maintenance classes. Classes span an entire week. For more information about the college, visit www.sonnysdirect.com. One-day investor seminars are offered quarterly.

“We train on Sonny’s equipment, right here in our factory,” explains Sorenson. “It’s easy to transfer the information to another manufacturer’s equipment. We also have maintenance videos on each piece of equipment, which can be found on our website.”

Sorenson says there are no plans for webinars or virtual training sessions, preferring the hands-on approach. He says they are looking at taking the show on the road and may be offering three-day mini courses throughout the country at local car wash locations. He notes they are looking at adding new classes covering multi-site management and marketing, safety, and insurance issues.

Stay in Touch with Your Equipment Manufacturer

While Sonny’s CarWash College covers the basics of repairs and maintenance and is familiar with most manufacturers and their products, Knott recommends having good relationships with your equipment manufacturer and chemical supplier.

Ennis agrees. “We stay in touch with our customers and we want to hear from them. Many problems can be diagnosed and solved over the phone, often saving thousands of dollars in repairs or equipment replacement. Just as important, we want to hear about anything that is frustrating our customers or a reoccurring problem. If we don’t know there’s a problem, we can’t fix it.”

INVEST IN WORKFORCE TRAINING

It’s no secret that car washes tend to have a high labor turnover rate. Interestingly, Sorenson says there is more turnover in full service locations than in express washes. Many employees are part-time, high school students; some work during summer vacations. Hiring, training, and retaining employees are expensive parts of the car wash business and crucial to overall success.

“Employees are expected to operate the equipment, conduct routine maintenance, be personable and outgoing with customers, and understand day-to-day operations, “ says Knott. “It’s a challenge to make sure that all employees know how to operate the car wash.

“We invest in training our managers and introducing them to all aspects of the business. They, in turn, help train our part-time, seasonal workforce, and new employees,” Knott adds.

Knott takes employees to trade shows, whenever possible, so they can better understand the industry and meet the players.

When you invest in your employees, invest in their education, you will get a return on your investment,” adds Sorenson. “One of the biggest comments we hear from owners is that employees who attend our CarWash College return home excited and confident, fired up and ready to get back to work.”

Sorenson recommends investing in your employees, not only by sending them to classes and trade shows, but also by making them responsible and accountable for the successful operations of the car wash.

“We have a customer who has put the attendants in charge of a piece of equipment and it has been a win-win for the business. Anytime the student becomes the teacher, you build their confidence and loyalty and give them a sense of ownership. It’s an investment that will pay off, big time,” Sorenson notes.

Whether you attend the “school of hard knocks,” trade shows, or a car wash college, learning the business from the inside out and staying current is the best training for newcomers, owners, and employees.

Sydney Sullivan Knott is the president of The PR Group, a full-service communications firm based in Las Vegas.

We’ve all heard the song “Car Wash,” and have likely taken our cars for a spin through one, but what would happen if your car wash took you for a spin? That’s exactly what happened to Josh Hood, the manager of Pitstop Carwash in Slidell, Louisiana, and it was all caught on tape. Within a car wash, just like in any workplace, we don’t think accidents are likely to happen—until they do. Safety is an issue we often neglect, but this video brought it to our attention, and it’s sure to catch yours.

This car wash accident can teach us all a lesson or two about how to improve safety in our own car washes. Caught by surprise, Josh Hood got wrapped up in a hose and stuck on one of the wash’s rotating brushes. The hose repeatedly wrapped around Hood, tying him to one of the brushes as he spun around. Luckily, the hose never ran out, so he wasn’t squeezed too tight within its grasp, although the terrifying experience left a mark on his memory. Even after spending time in the military, Hood described his car wash ride as one of his scariest experiences. Luckily for Hood, he (and his equipment) came out unscathed. The car wash accident might have been the scare of his life, but coming out safely also taught him a lesson or two. While laughable and newsworthy, this accident could have followed a more dangerous route. For any car wash, safety is a crucial component. Here are some top tips for safety at the car wash-for you, your customers, and your equipment.

Car Wash Safety Tips:

• Remember that safety is an ongoing process: Don’t just establish safety procedures for the sake of having them—follow them accordingly, and update them as needed.
• Develop a safety plan: Highlight the most dangerous exposures. Equipment in motion is a risk. Floors are wet and often slippery. Electrical work in such a harsh and wet environment must be conducted carefully and to code.
• Don’t neglect the dangers: Well-trained employees might eliminate risk, but you don’t know the driving history of your customers. It’s helpful to develop safety rules specifically for the customer. Make sure those rules are visible.
• Proper training: Ensure that every employee is knowledgeable on the proper attire to wear to work, as well as how to operate all tools and machinery inside the car wash. Damaging a customer’s car is one worry, but injuring oneself, the customer, or the equipment is a much bigger danger. Every employee needs to be educated, even if he or she only works one day a week. Accidents can happen at any time, and that employee could be the one person there when it happens.
• Hold employees accountable: Even if it doesn’t result in an accident, you’re bound to see employees deviating from safety procedures. Don’t let this happen. When it comes to safety, rules are in place for a reason. Make them, teach them, and stick to them. Incentivise your employees to work safely.
• Avoid driving while distracted: This is a huge risk that is easily avoidable. There should be no cell phones, headphones, ipads, or driving under the influence. While these may seem obvious, they cause accidents more than we can count. There is a driving risk with in-bay automatics, as well as conveyor-based systems.
• Use an aid: Let customers know when the wash cycle is complete. A stop-and-go light coupled with audio lets customers know when and how to use the wash easily.

Accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean that they’re out of your control. The best defense against a car wash accident like Josh Hood’s is to be knowledgeable of potential dangers. Implement, follow, and change safety procedures accordingly, educate every employee, and hold them accountable for their mistakes. Following simple rules can save a life.