Mark Curtis, ICA President / CEO Splash Car Washes
Mark Curtis served on the ICA board for eight years (three from 1999 to 2002) and was recently elected as President. As CEO of Splash Car Washes he focuses on strategy, marketing, business development and finance for the 16- location wash company. Splash ALSO provides brokerage, consulting and training services to the car wash industry. Curtis took time out of his day-to-day activities to share insight into how he got into the car wash industry, why he remains engaged with ICA, and what keeps him busy.
Q: What are you most proud of when it comes to your work in the industry?
A: We started Wash USA just after 9/11 with just a handful of operators and grew it to involve over 800 locations in every state of the union (including three in Australia!). We raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Through Wash USA, we introduced several operators to the power of cause-related marketing and many have integrated fundraising into their operations as the normal course of their business.
Q: Let’s back up a second, how did you decide to enter the car wash industry?
A: Quite by accident. After joining the management training program at Union Trust, a commercial bank in Connecticut, I was promoted to the lending officer and worked there until 1981. I happen to see a classified ad for a local carwash that seemed to make sense to purchase, although I’m not sure why given my background as a banker. I operated the one facility from 1981 to 1994.
Q: What’s the best business decision
you’ve made?
A: The best decision I ever made was to change my business model in 1994 by adding a second wash tunnel to my original conveyor. It was a full service hand wash operation that was incredibly well received by our customers. That led to the rebranding of our business as Splash Car Wash that has operated and/or developed over 27 sites and now runs 16 sites today.
Q: Toughest lesson you’ve had to learn?
A: I learn tough lessons every day. When I entered the industry, it was pretty clear by the second day that I didn’t know anything about running a car wash. I was too afraid to reach out for help lest my competitors realize just how ignorant I was! It really wasn’t until I desperately asked for help from a competitor that I understood just how open many car washers are and just how willing to help they are.
Q: What does the ICA do for its members?
A: I think the ICA has grown dramatically over the past few years with its new service offerings (CAR WASH magazine, WaterSavers and Wash Count), but I think there’s more where that came from. It is very exciting to try to address the changing needs of the industry through our association. During these times, I think together we can achieve more.
Q: When you’re not at one of your locations or volunteering your time for ICA, where are you?
A: I’m spending time with my wife of almost 19 years, Laurie, my son Sam, and my daughter Erin. It’s fun having two teenagers in the house…they keep us very busy!
