I think 2020 has been a year full of opportunities. We’re barreling into the final quarter of the year and many are hoping that 2021 will shape up to be a more predictable and normal year than 2020.

I don’t want things to return to normal.

Yes, I want to be able to gather in groups safely again. Yes, I want to be able to travel without worrying about things like where I put my mask, or if I have enough hand sanitizer, or if I’ll be able to eat something at the airport.

But I’m choosing to look at the positive in what I’ve seen this year. Especially as it relates to the car wash industry.

In 2020, there’s been a push for two major things to happen in ways that they never would have if we just continued on as normal. If we remained in … precedented times.

First, in the United States, we’re finally seeing a significant acceleration of the contactless payment preference for consumers. According to one study by USA Technologies analyzing the data from cashless retail terminals, cashless terminals analyzed saw a 51% growth in sales per machine overall, with 61.7% of total sales in July 2020 made with cashless payments. That means that technology in the car wash industry has had to innovate, and move quickly, to keep pace with the changing consumer demands. The industry, as far as I can tell, is doing a nice job of meeting the need for consumers.

Second, the way that car wash businesses have come together to support one another, and to support the communities they are part of, has been truly heartwarming. Sure, car washes are often good stewards in their communities and give back in great ways, but it is all magnified when you consider what many have experienced in 2020. In the last issue of CAR WASH Magazine, we ran a story highlighting the stories we’d heard about car wash owners and operators coming together. I get goosebumps every time I read it.

In this issue of CAR WASH Magazine, we’ll dive into upcoming technology trends and see what is coming in the world of artificial intelligence, mobile payments, and ways to enhance the customer experience through better aligning wash experiences with customer preferences through advanced digital signage.

We’ll also get stories from the supplier community on how they got involved and adapted during COVID-19. And, we’ll hear from Stuart Williams at Mr. Clean Car Wash about their plans to expand into a national brand.

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed creating it for you. As for 2020, I’m sticking with a positive view. It’s been a year that has created opportunities in many places.