The Car Wash Manager: An Unsung Hero of the Industry

My days of clocking 50 miles a week on my feet running a car wash are behind me. But looking back, I realize just how much those years shaped my understanding of what it takes to succeed in this industry. Managing a car wash is not just a job—it’s a craft. It demands gritty urgency, relentless passion, strong knees, and a leader’s willingness to always be out front. 

And it takes time. No one wakes up a great car wash manager. From the outside, it may seem straightforward but trust me—it’s far more complex. A successful manager doesn’t just complete tasks; they build teams, optimize processes, and deliver lasting customer experiences. 

The Role of a Car Wash Manager 

I recently came across a job ad for a manager position at an express wash. The responsibilities were familiar—almost second nature to me: 

• Recruit, train, and develop staff 

• Ensure compliance with company training and onboarding processes 

• Create a culture of teamwork and accountability 

• Partner with HR for onboarding and disciplinary actions 

• Drive local sales through outreach and marketing 

• Meet all sales and revenue goals set by the area manager 

• Handle budgeting and forecasting 

• Manage customer inquiries 

• Process payroll and commissions 

• Complete checklists to company standards 

• Ensure compliance with safety protocols 

• Maintain a working knowledge of car wash equipment 

• Build customer relationships through exceptional service 

• Create weekly schedules within labor cost boundaries 

• Address customer complaints and damages 

There’s more, but you get the idea. This is standard for anyone aiming to excel in this role. 

What stood out to me was the sheer level of commitment and expertise it takes to do the job well. A great car wash manager leads teams, understands equipment inside and out, manages financial targets, and delivers a consistent, high-quality customer experience. This isn’t a 9-to-5 job—it’s long days, quick decisions, and constant problem-solving. 

      Here are some simple tips to help you out.  

Mastering Membership Sales 

Start by reverse-engineering your monthly goals. If your target is 200 new memberships, break that down into a daily target. What does that look like for a busy Saturday versus a slow Tuesday? And don’t forget to account for churn. If you’re losing 50 members a month, that loss has to be replaced before you see any real growth. 

• Without churn, you’d need about 6.5 new memberships per day. 

• With 50 lost, that jumps to 8 per day. 

Understanding this math provides clarity and urgency, giving you and your team a clear target to hit. 

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Efficient Labor Management 

Scheduling is just the beginning. If you’re new to the game, understand that volume dictates labor. Managing labor effectively means going beyond just setting a schedule; it’s about adapting to demand and optimizing efficiency. 

Here are three key methods to stay in control: 

1. Cars Per Man Hour (CPMH): 

Measure how many cars are serviced per labor hour. This is a straightforward way to gauge efficiency and adjust staffing levels. 

2. Labor Percentage: 

Focus on driving sales to lower labor costs as a percentage of revenue. When sales increase, labor cost as a percentage naturally drops, giving you more breathing room. 

3. Daily Payroll Management: 

Set a daily payroll budget and adjust staffing based on volume. If you exceed the target, it’s time to scale back. This keeps labor costs predictable and responsive. 

Smart scheduling isn’t just about putting names on a calendar—it’s about knowing your numbers, reading your volume, and being proactive with your adjustments. 

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Proactive Equipment Maintenance 

A well-run car wash doesn’t just happen; it takes attention to detail and a commitment to staying on top of maintenance. Mastering this keeps your operation running smoother, reduces unexpected costs, and prevents surprise breakdowns. 

Stick to a Maintenance Schedule: 

Routine checks prevent costly repairs. Set up a schedule for checking and servicing equipment—you’ll thank yourself later. 

Get to Know Your Equipment: 

The better you understand your machines, the quicker you can spot problems. Learn the ins and outs—it’ll save you time and money. 

Use Checklists to Stay on Track: 

Create daily, weekly, and monthly checklists for your team. This ensures nothing gets missed and keeps everything running consistently. 

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Partnering with Koch-Chemie: A Step Ahead 

Support matters, and that’s where I come in. With Koch-Chemie, my mission is to support these frontline leaders by providing products that perform and make their jobs easier. Backed by years of hands-on experience, I understand the day-to-day challenges, and I’m here to offer more than just chemicals—I’m here to be a resource, a partner, and an advocate for your success. 

Car wash managers are the backbone of this industry. When equipped with the right tools, proper support, and the breathing room to lead effectively, they don’t just meet expectations—they exceed them. My goal with Koch-Chemie is to help make that possible, one wash at a time. 

When you work with us, we champion your business’s success in every possible way. 

Mike.Grimes@koch-chemie.com 

www.kcxusa.com