Despite unexpected turns and myriad challenges, Waterman finds that the car wash industry has a way of continually drawing you back in. 

Jim Waterman’s career story is one of humble beginnings, persistence and an enduring passion for the car wash industry. His journey, which began in 1996, reflects the unexpected turns a career in the car wash industry can take, its myriad challenges yet opportunities and, most importantly, the solidarity of the people involved in it. 

The Start of an Unplanned Career
Fresh out of high school in Western New York in 1996, Waterman was working as an electrician’s helper for the summer when a chance opportunity steered him toward an unexpected path. His best friend’s father was opening the only car wash in town and needed some extra help. Although he hadn’t planned on making a career in car washing, Waterman agreed to work part-time. “I had zero idea about any of this equipment or anything about a car wash in general,” Waterman said. “But I agreed, and so it began.”

Crystal Carwash was a flex serve operation, with a brand new 100-foot tunnel and self-service bays, a setup entirely unfamiliar to him at the time. Despite his inexperience, Waterman quickly proved his worth. “Within 9 months, I was promoted to manager and head mechanic somehow,” he said, all while going to college full-time.

And, after nine more months, he was helping break ground and construct a second location, then a third. “I was only 22, managing three locations and overseeing 40 employees,” he said.

After graduating, Waterman said he “attempted to leave the car wash industry” and started his own landscape business. But, found himself back drawn back to it each winter, when most landscapers took on plowing and shoveling snow. “I chose the car wash,” he said.

A Brief Departure and the Inevitable Return
Over the course of two winters, Waterman joined Ray Justice and the team at Buckman’s Car Wash, where he gained invaluable insights into car wash operations and further cemented his passion for the industry. “It was an awesome job, honestly,” Waterman said. “I learned more about operations here than I recall anywhere else.”

So, despite a short stint away from car washing to try other ventures, Waterman ultimately realized that his heart lay within the industry. 

Now a 24-year-old college graduate who was newly engaged, Waterman decided to sell his landscape business and find a more solid career path in the car wash industry. He took a wash management position at a multi-site flex-serve for about a year, then was presented with the opportunity to work with Delta Sonic.

“I worked at an amazingly busy facility where I saw and learned about upselling and how to process massive amounts of cars,” he said.

From Technician to Entrepreneur
Then things took an unforeseen turn when he encountered Don Scordo of Washing Equipment Technologies. After a chance meeting at a local Hanna Coleman distributor where he had gone to pick up parts, Scordo asked if Waterman if he would be interested in becoming a car wash technician. Initially dismissive of the offer due to the demanding nature of the work, Waterman found himself reconsidering the opportunity. “I jokingly said, ‘No. I don’t know what you pay your guys to do that work, but it’s not enough,’” Waterman said. “They have some of the dirtiest work clothes and hands I have ever seen, and they work all sorts of weird hours!”

However, within 60 days, Waterman embarked on a new career as a car wash technician, starting what would become a pivotal chapter in his professional life. “At this point, I was all in with car washing,” he said. This role was both exciting and challenging. Waterman was given a van, some hand tools and a pile of manuals, along with a pager to guide his work locations. Over the next eight years, he installed and repaired car wash equipment, eventually becoming the head project manager for new builds, including self-serve bays and laser washes. “For some strange reason, I kept count in a journal of each PDQ machine I hung. That number reached 188,” he recalled proudly. 

In 2007-2008, the economic recession hit, impacting the car wash industry significantly. Sensing a need for change, Waterman decided to take another bold step: he founded his own car wash installation company, Washworks Installations. With a newborn baby and only a pickup truck, he started the business in 2009. “Through my reputation and industry contacts, I was able to sustain an amazing four-year run,” Waterman said. He built a reputation for excellence and served some of his favorite car wash operators across New York State.

Exploring New Horizons and Embracing Sales
In 2013, Waterman reconnected with Jeff Arimento from New England Carwash Equipment, a former colleague who had started his own distributorship. Waterman seized the opportunity to relocate his family to Massachusetts, taking on a role in project management and equipment sales. This position allowed him to delve into the world of sales, where he quickly found his footing. “This was my first real opportunity in sales. I quickly loved it!” he said. “I met so many new investors and learned more about the back office of the wash industry here.”

Working with Arimento and his team introduced Waterman to the business and financial aspects of the car wash industry, as well as the critical role of chemistry in car wash operations. He built relationships with new investors and learned about the intricacies of chemistry sales, gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the industry. “I had some amazing coworkers where I was able to soak up some serious knowledge and surround myself yet again with industry greats who helped me become better,” Waterman said.

Following this experience, Waterman transitioned to a new role with National Carwash Solutions (NCS) in 2018, where he served as a director of sales. Here, under the mentorship of Joel Miller, he expanded his sales expertise, handling clients ranging from small operators to major petroleum companies. “Because of my experience, I was also able to do something unprecedented at NCS: selling ALL their brands as one rep! This was huge,” he said. During his four years at NCS, he became one of the company’s top sales reps and learned how different geographical areas influenced car wash operations. “What’s more is I learned how to go from working for small companies to a large corporation. My growth professionally is heavily attributed to my time with NCS and my guidance from Joel and other executives within that organization,” Waterman said.

Returning to Operations and Development
Today, Jim Waterman is back in operations, working with Washville Car Wash, a growing express chain in the Northeast, s rving as executive vice president and minority partner. With more than 28 years of experience, he is now focused on using his vast knowledge to mentor the next generation of car wash professionals. “Now it’s about taking all I have learned and getting the opportunity to start passing the torch to other younger, hungry washers,” Waterman said. 

Full Circle and Looking Forward
Waterman’s journey has come full circle. Not only is he back in an industry that he has grown to love, but his two daughters now work alongside him at Washville Car Wash, embodying a legacy that spans generations. His career is a testament to how a mix of hard work, continuous learning and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to a fulfilling professional life.

“Starting in 1996 and landing today in 2024 with many more years into an industry I love,” Waterman said. “A full circle in an industry that I cannot thank enough for all it has given me. I hope to, in my later years, give back as much as I can. I have made so many connections and friends in this industry. May they continue.”