Marcus Kittrell knows a thing or two about car wash – all types of car washes – from working the line to supplies, from starting them to selling them, from full service to express. After starting out in the car wash industry as a teen, the International Carwash Association Board Member is now in charge of mergers and acquisitions/daily operations for the Alabama and Gulf Coast regions for Mammoth Holdings, LLC.

Now, he wants to give back, help the industry grow as well as those involved in it, and share some of what he’s learned during his lifetime of experiences.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PATH INTO THE CAR WASH INDUSTRY.

I began working in the car wash industry at age 16 at a full-service car wash, where I was able to work my way up to manager. In 1995, I went to work for a car wash distributor where I serviced and installed equipment for five years. I also founded Marc 1 Car Wash in 1986 when I built my first self-service car wash. I grew the company in the self-service industry until 2000 when I leased my first full-service carwash. In 2003, I purchased an existing full-service wash and converted it to an express wash. I added five more express locations after that, and in 2018 I sold to Mammoth Holdings, LLC.

WHAT DOES A DAY LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?

I usually spend the first part of the day in meetings or on conference calls. After catching up at the office, I spend my afternoons visiting the sites.

WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK EVERY DAY?

I enjoy watching young people develop in the industry.

WHAT DO YOU THINK CAR WASH PROFESSIONALS NEED TO BE WATCHING OUT FOR, AND PAYING ATTENTION TO RIGHT NOW?

I think car wash professionals need to be watching out for new technology and practical applications that will increase subscription growth.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST LEARNING FROM THE CAR WASH INDUSTRY?

I have learned that networking with other operators and being involved in your associations is a recipe for success.

WHAT TRENDS OR POTENTIAL TRENDS ARE YOU WATCHING IN THE INDUSTRY?

I am really focusing on online training and team development.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT THAT ICA IS WORKING ON?

I am very excited about LEAD (Leadership Education And Development), which is an online training program for car wash managers. See more about this new program on p88.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU’RE NOT ‘ON THE CLOCK’? WHAT DO YOU DO TO REFILL YOUR TANK?

I like to hike, spend time with family, travel and watch Alabama win national championships. Roll Tide!

TELL US SOMETHING WE’D BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU.

Growing up, I traveled the country competing as a speed skater.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE?

I am very thankful for this industry and the relationships I’ve been able to establish through it over the years. It is a fantastic industry to be a part of.