Thankful.

For me, that’s the word that comes to mind every year around this time. Maybe it’s because of the retail displays promoting, first, all things pumpkin and then transitioning into an abundance of holiday cheer.

Regardless, on a personal level I’m thankful to have a safe place to call home, a healthy family, and a loving wife.

Professionally, I’m thankful to work with a team of some of the most talented people I’ve ever met, in an industry that continues to amaze me every day with its entrepreneurial spirit and its ongoing development.

That came to the forefront for me as we worked on this issue of CAR WASH Magazine.

This issue focuses on innovation and leadership, with an important slant toward what the future may hold. To that end we spent time talking to a futurist to see what they thought might be coming our way in the next 5, 10 or 20 years. We also covered ICA CEO Eric Wulf’s recent industry presentation at Splash! 2017 to provide a more car wash industry-focused slant on the future.

Also in this issue, we explore the demise of the internal combustion engine, innovators who have disrupted their industries, and ways you can continue to build a positive company culture.

If that all feels a little too real, we’re also exploring the latest in Augmented Reality and diving in to what that might mean for the future of the consumer behavior and expectations.

We also share initial findings from both the U.S. and European Consumer Studies, provide photo recaps of Car Wash Show Europe 2017 in Amsterdam and Splash! 2017 in New Orleans, and feature profiles on the people making the car wash industry what it is today!

As you enjoy another issue of CAR WASH Magazine, know that you’re part of an exciting industry and I’m thankful for your support of this publication.

As always, if you have an interesting story to share, make sure you reach out to me at mdewolf@carwash.org.

Matt DeWolf
Director of Marketing

& Editor in Chief
mdewolf@carwash.org
+1 (612) 293-4256