International Carwash Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2020 Emerging Leaders Scholarships. In its sixth year, this program honors up-and-coming car wash industry leaders under the age of 45.
Recipients are selected based on their leadership, dedication, and commitment to their companies and to the car wash industry. Each of our five winners will receive a Premium Pass to The Car Wash Show™ 2021 and accommodations for three nights. You can expect to read more about them in an upcoming edition of CAR WASH Magazine, but for now, here’s a sneak peek at our winners.
Green Clean Auto Spa, Jacksonville NC
“Eric is one of the most trusted members of my team,” says his nominator John Hunter, CEO of Green Clean Auto Spa. John is an active duty Marine finishing up his 23rd year with the Marine Corps. While John is deployed, Eric executes the plan, growing business for all of Green Clean’s six locations. In September 2018, Eric battened down the locations in the onslaught of Hurricane Florence, minimizing damages during devastating flooding, leading evacuation processes, and successfully re-opening washes just a week after the storm. “Eric is a key member of our team and car wash family,” says John. “He undoubtedly is a future leader of car washing!”
White Horse Autowash, Warrenton VA
According to his nominator, White Horse CEO Dominic Lewinsohn, “Garrett has the highest amount of energy in the whole company.” But it’s not just that chipper attitude that makes him special. In 2015, a year after Garrett joined White Horse as a General Manager, his location grew sales impressively in the first two years. It wasn’t a fluke—when they moved him to the busiest wash in Woodbridge, he did it again for the two following years. That earned him the District Manager role, and all of his locations continue to grow, even as he’s opened a new location in Culpeper. His great communication skills, clear plans and goals for his team, and can-do attitude make him a favorite among staff. And that’s not all—his charitable spirit drives him to give back to his community. In 2019, he was instrumental in raising more than $1,000 for the Fauquier Food bank.
Rocket Wash, Kenosha WI
“We’re the lucky ones,” says nominator Jackie Baugrud, VP of Willkomm’s Rocket Wash. “We found the perfect ‘car washing unicorn’ to lead our Rocket Wash Division.” According to Jackie, Jayme loves washing cars, thriving on the process and interacting with customers. Jayme’s commitment to the industry is evident in her pursuit of professional development and the latest tech, and Jackie says you can really see the results in the quality and cohesiveness of her crew. “They’re an example of her dedication to cleanliness and service,” Jackie says.
Autobell Car Wash, Charlotte NC
Already a car wash lifer, Nate started with Autobell at 17 as a high school junior. He advanced and excelled in all the opportunities presented to him, and managed five different Autobell stores in his first few years. At just 26 years old, Nate was promoted to District Manager. “Nate’s leadership skills rank at the highest level of this company,” says nominator Monty Rast, Autobell Director of Store Operations. Talent thrive under Nate—he’s recruited, trained, mentored, and promoted some of the best managers Autobell has seen, and his store revenues reflect his success. Nate also demonstrates vision and purpose, having recently undertaken the development of an Autobell district in a fresh, remote market. “He’s set a new local standard for the industry and put Autobell at the pinnacle of this new territory,” says Monty.
Metro Express Car Wash, Sheridan CO
Tyler’s leadership has truly redefined success for the Sheridan location of Metro Express. Under his management, the wash produced record results in 2019. But it’s not all about the bottom line for Tyler: “He cares for his staff and management team like family,” says his nominator, Abby Barry, the Metro Express Office Manager. “He pushes us all to be the best version of ourselves.” Tyler’s clear methods for training and managing talent give them distinct, achievable goals and challenge them daily. And their performance shows it. New technologies and modern equipment are introduced often, keeping the wash experience fresh and cutting edge for customers and staff alike. “It’s a pleasure to work for Tyler,” Abby says. “He’s my boss and my friend, and continues to inspire me daily.”
For more information about the Emerging Leader Scholarship program, please contact Megan Clark at mclark@carwash.org.