I hope this edition of CAR WASH Magazine finds you enjoying a successful year. I’m happy to share that the International Carwash Association will realize its third consecutive year of membership growth in 2012 — something that hasn’t happened since 1988. All we can say is: Thank you!

It’s often difficult in business to point to one thing as the reason for success (or even failure). In car washing, was it something you did to your menu or product line — or simply better weather? For the International Carwash Association, it’s much the same. Are more car wash operators and suppliers joining

ICA because of WaterSavers, CAR WASH Magazine or our newest programs such as Wash Count™ and our educational summits? Or, is it because the industry is growing and we’re reaping some of the benefits?

I would suggest that sometimes answering the question of “why?” isn’t as important as continuing to ask it. Therefore, our Board of Directors and staff are constantly searching out new information about the car wash industry and asking questions of leaders and new entrants. Just like in your own business, it’s imperative to understand your customer in order to successfully serve them today and tomorrow.

To that end, I hope you’ll enjoy the article The View from the Top in this edition. We’ve gone out to a diverse group of leaders to ask them their take on the industry’s status and even where it may be headed. You can look for follow-ups from these professionals in future editions.

You’ll also find our usual array of thought-provoking content from outside the car wash industry, from Darryl Hall’s take on corporate branding to the topic of triple bottom line management to the latest in business and personal apps for your mobile devices. We also have an interesting profile on the amazing German car wash market.

We hope you enjoy this edition. If you do, or even if you don’t, I hope you’ll take a moment to tell us what you think.

Best wishes,

Eric Wulf
CEO
Editor-in-Chief