Charnann Cox
Operator Member
U.S. Car Wash Manager – 7-Eleven stores
LOCATED IN:
Austin, Texas USA
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Tetco Stores car wash category manager, full-time mother
Charnann Cox is beginning her third year serving on the ICA board as an operator member. As the new U.S. car wash manager for 7-Eleven stores, Cox manages 406 car wash locations and 424 car wash bays. Cox began her car wash career at Tetco Stores as their car wash category manager and served in that role for more than 12 years. She recently spent a few minutes with us musing on her life outside of work, what she’s thinking about in her business and her time with the ICA.
Q: So what did you do before you entered the car wash industry?
A: Outside of my most rewarding position as a full-time mom and the many duties that accompany that role, I’ve worked in banking, real estate and convenience store operations over the course of my career. I believe all have helped me be more prepared for the position I currently hold
Q: Over your career, what would you say was the best business decision you ever made?
A: The best decision I made is really hard to pinpoint. It’s more like a series of them. Looking back at my career in the car wash industry, I have hit some home runs and my share of strike outs. You can make one good decision or two in this business that leads to a profitable year, however, to make for a satisfying career, I believe it’s more about the professionals you surround yourself with and what you learn from them. In fact, I’d say the people I’ve been lucky enough to work with have made me really proud to be a part of this industry.
Q: What do you like to do when you’re not thinking about car washes?
A: I am happiest outdoors and with my family, friends and pets. I enjoy traveling to new places, working in my garden, and golfing with my husband and my son. I like to stay active. Whether it is walking outside or exploring new places, I like to treat life like an adventure. New people and places fascinate me. My husband and son are both quick to comment that it seems that I’ve never met a stranger.
I live in San Antonio with my husband, Ronnie, and my dog, Bauer. My son, Tom, and grand-dog, Ziggy, live in Austin, but visit regularly, especially when I use my magic motherly powers of persuasion, which my son sometimes incorrectly classifies as a guilt trip.
Q: What are you finding particularly interesting in the industry right now?
A: I think technology advancements and the ability to market to a large customer base via social media and the various new applications is really interesting. We’re just experimenting on some social media initiatives, but I believe they have the power to really transform the way we market to customers.
Q: How has your experience been on the board of directors?
A: My board experience has been fantastic. Personally I have enjoyed getting to know my fellow board members as well as the dedicated staff. They are a top-notch group of individuals and a lot of fun to be around. Professionally, the opportunity to network and brainstorm with successful professionals in the industry has been invaluable and rewarding.
Q: What ICA member benefit do you think more people should take advantage of?
A: We’ve brought a lot of new and exciting initiatives forward in the last few years. I think more members should really think about getting involved with the Wash Count program. It’s a no brainer to be able to track the performance of your washes against similar washes in your area or throughout different regions in the country. I can finally gauge whether we’re up or down, not based on my performance of my own stores, but against the rest of the industry. When we’re armed with data, we make better business decisions — and that will only make our industry stronger.
