Women In Carwash 2024 took place this past January. I had the privilege of attending the 9th semi-annual event in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, along with 3 other ladies from Kleen-Rite. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. But, by the end of the event, I had a much more solid understanding of just how important women in this industry are and of the unique perspective we bring in every facet of car wash. We met some amazing women, heard many inspiring stories, and got to participate in multiple interactive seminars that left us all inspired and proud of everyone involved.
Growing Industry Roles
Women are rapidly becoming a prevalent force in the car washing industry. In an industry long dominated by men, women are increasingly being acknowledged and recognized. Their dedication and hard work is impacting the industry more and more! The number of women joining this field and making substantial contributions is empowering and impressive.
We were really in awe listening to both key speakers and the attendees at this event. They shared a wealth of knowledge and experience driving innovation, and bringing different perspectives improves overall efficiency and solve problems in the industry and in their respective car wash businesses. Women have made important strides towards creating more equitable workplaces in the past 20 years or so. We’re becoming essential elements for success as the industry continues to evolve and grow.
Highlights of the Conference
Opening Night at the Ocean B Resort we had dinner and drinks with conference participants. We also enjoyed an energetic presentation from speaker Connie Lee Bennett, an award-winning and charismatic international speaker whose focus is meditation and confidence building.
Katie Balash, President and Director of Operations at Vaughan Industries, Inc. also spoke, and we followed her strength and inspiration into seminars on Day 1. The seminars gave great insights on everything from image perception and boosting self confidence in the workplace to learning about emotional intelligence and best business practices. The seminars helped all of us, no matter what age or workplace position. We learned how to more carefully consider and interact with our team members to be the best versions of our professional selves. Gaining an understanding of how each of us operates as an individual can be a tremendous step ahead as team leaders. It provided great insight to dealing with co-workers, employees, and other representatives in the industry and how to perform effectively and efficiently.
It wasn’t all work and no play, we had plenty of short breaks to network. Delicious lunch and dinner breaks allowed us to mingle and meet with ladies from different backgrounds and organizations. And we even had an 80’s dance party to cap off that busy first day to cut loose and unwind.
We all came home with lots of new connections and an even greater respect for other ladies in the car wash industry. We highly recommend sending girls and women at your business if you’re able, it’s a great couple of days!
This article originally appeared in Kleen-Scene Issue 43.
