The car wash industry is changing so fast in many ways. Waves of women in car wash careers are rolling into these and related businesses. That trend shows no signs of slowing down. At the Women in Car Wash conference, we met some amazing ladies in the industry. Hearing the various ways they ended up in a male dominated field was great! Many of those had been making car wash a way of life for decades already! We thought it would be nice to share some of their stories this issue, and here are just a few!
Kimberly Berg, Citrus Heights Car Wash, California
Kim and her husband at the time founded Citrus Heights Car Wash in 2003. As many of other women in car wash careers feel, she was intimidated by practically everything in the beginning. Despite having her husband as a partner, they had very different perspectives on how to present and operate their wash, but they hit the ground running.
The couple split in 2009. Then in 2013, a quarter theft sparked big changes including the switch to dollar tokens and the installation of credit card readers. That upgrade was a total game changer. “We also upped our appeal with a total remodel of the vacs and upgraded to LED lighting.” Kim gained sole ownership in 2015, and the business is thriving.
She and her staff focus on their strengths and attention to detail each day. There is a huge emphasis on customer service and cleanliness at the wash. It’s a place people actually enjoy coming to. “Customer service is paramount, being personable and engaging with people is so important,” she said. “We have 2 staff members that keep the wash clean, well-maintained and a dedicated customer service call line to keep our patrons happy.”
Citrus Heights has kept Kim busy for the past 21 years. “The work can be physically grueling. These are long, hot, busy and tiring days, but each day is new and I love it,” she expressed. She manages to find a balance between self-care and all the hard work, and hopes to step back a little to find more relaxation within the next couple of years. We think she’s earned it!
Megan Davis, Ultra Clean Car Wash, Kansas City Region
Megan Davis moved to Kansas City 5 years ago and needed a job. She stumbled upon a local car wash with a help wanted sign out front. She was interviewed and hired on the spot there as a cashier. Since that day she’s been on an upward trajectory, and today she boasts the title of Director of Operations for 3 Ultra Wash sites.
“When I entered upper management this past year it was a whole new world for me. Not only did I have to learn how the chemistry and the washes work, I also had to learn how to navigate through the vendors that were helping me fix them,” she said. “My goal was and is to learn how to fix things at the washes myself, and teach my teams how to be self-sufficient in their maintenance needs.”
This past year has been full of growth and change for Megan as a manager. She plans on being in the industry long-term. “Finding 3 or 4 people I trust and who I know have Ultra Clean’s best interests at heart has helped me get through these challenges. Big shout to the ones who have helped me along my way!” she said. “If you have that fire inside of you and want to learn, there is nothing you can’t do in this industry. I went from being a Cashier to the Director of Operations in less than 5 years!”
One of Megan’s goals is to have Ultra Clean named “Best Car Wash in Kansas City”. Her patience and perspective make a difference. “We pride ourselves in being a teaching car wash at Ultra Clean. I encourage open communication between the sites. This has created a trust element between my teams and, when someone needs help, we all come running.” She has aspirations to open one or 2 more locations with amazing teams to spread her passion for the business even further!
Elliana Gipson, Swifty Car Wash, Georgia
At only 20 years old, Elliana already has a vision for a future in car wash. When she turned 18, she wanted a change of scenery from her grocery store job. Within 3 months of starting at Swifty Car Wash she was made a key-holder! Management saw her potential and made her a manager-in-training shortly after. A year and many personal challenges later, she was granted her current role as assistant manager at the site.
One thing Elliana had to overcome was the perception of what a woman can do at a wash. “At first, they thought all I was good at was selling memberships, but I proved them wrong day by day,” she said. “I earned respect from the men I work with because I worked with them in tasks, proving I was capable of much more.”
On facing this and other hurdles, Elliana had this to say: “It’s really challenged me in a good way and has changed me for the better. I became assistant manager at age 19. I still face challenges, but I know how strong I am and no one can hold me back.” Elliana hopes to stay in the industry as long as she can continue to move upwards.
We wish all the women in car wash careers out there the best of luck moving forward, and we hope their aspirations for the future come through! Thanks so much to all of them for sharing their stories with us.
