Del Norte Car Wash Operator Spotlight

For more than 12 years now, the Del Norte Car Wash has been a big part of life for car wash operator Randy Holladay and his business partner Barry Arnwine. Located on a picturesque and sprawling property in Hobbs, New Mexico, Del Norte’s self-service and automatic bays are a hub for the local community to wash and detail vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Kleen-Rite had a chance to visit this long-time customer and find out more!

Car wash operator Randy Holladay (center) and family

Putting Experience to Good Use

Randy worked for 25 years in the petroleum industry as an oil field mechanic before he made the shift towards car-wash operation and eventual ownership. Realizing he needed a change from refinery life, he decided to go back to school to finish his degree. He met Barry around the same time and started doing mechanical maintenance in the wash. Randy had a lot to offer, with working experience with hydraulics, pneumatics, electrical systems and gearboxes, and Barry quickly recognized his potential. The business partnership has blossomed into a family affair, as Randy’s family takes an active role in the day to day of the wash.

Community Ties

Classic Car

Del Norte Car Wash doesn’t really do any advertising or marketing for the business, most of his traffic comes in by word-of-mouth. “I put a small ad in the local 4H, and I get some business from Google since people see us there,” Randy said. To keep in touch with the community, Randy has an annual fundraising golf tournament and they host a safe stop for kids on Halloween. One of the bays is converted to a spooky space where families can bring the kids for candy treats without leaving their cars. In addition, Randy helps out with VIP cards for donations to local fundraisers and sometimes lets kids from the local church dry cars and collect tips for their own fundraising efforts. He hopes to plan a car show at the wash in the future as well!

Coping With Covid

Back in the spring of 2020, Randy closed the car wash for a short time in accordance with the state governor’s request for non-essential businesses to temporarily shutter. When he re-opened, he installed hand sanitizer stations and had his helpers wipedown contact equipment with bleach between uses. “Business went through the roof, people were looking for things to do and the car wash was a place to go.”

Car Wash Operator Wisdom

dog wash

When we asked what he would say to anyone asking him about getting into the car wash industry, Randy said “It’s not easy. If you do it, you gotta do it right. It’s a lot of work, but it can definitely be lucrative.” When Randy came to the wash it had 4 bays. Over the years, they’ve expanded with 3 more self service and 2 automatic bays, plus the canopied vacuum stations so customers can clean under shelter from sun and rain. They also have a dog wash that was in use when we stopped by, with another furry friend waiting for their time in the tub in queue. “The dog wash does really well for for us,” Randy added, “I’m planning to add another one, it’s easy to fit in the space we have left.”

We appreciate Randy taking the time to speak with us about his business and for being a loyal Kleen-Rite customer for more that a decade! We wish him and the entire Del Norte Car Wash family luck with their future growth and continued success.

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