Insights
Operator-grade analysis on car wash development, acquisitions, operations, and equipment. No buzzwords. No filler. Just the math, the frameworks, and the tradeoffs that actually decide whether a deal works.
Written by our team and built on 15+ years of doing this work, on job sites, in tunnels, and across the table on seven-figure transactions.
- No. 01May 26, 20269 min read
The 8 Non-Negotiables of Car Wash Site Selection in 2026
Eight variables that decide whether a car wash site succeeds, in order of how much they actually move the needle. Built from 60+ developed sites and standard industry benchmarking.
Read article - No. 02May 26, 202612 min read
How to Underwrite a Car Wash Acquisition in 2026: An IC-Grade Framework
Six numbers that decide whether a deal works, five red flags that should make you walk, and the IC memo structure we use on every transaction. Anchored to current 2025-26 market comparables including the publicly announced Whistle Express acquisition of Take 5, Mister Car Wash's announced take-private, and the ZIPS Chapter 11 filing.
Read article - No. 03May 26, 202611 min read
What a Realistic Greenfield Car Wash Pro Forma Actually Looks Like in 2026
Year 1 through Year 5 numbers, realistic ramp curves, cost structure, and returns for express tunnel car wash development in 2026. Built from public operator disclosures, industry benchmarking, and our team's operating data across 60+ developed sites.
Read article - No. 04May 26, 202613 min read
Choosing Tunnel Equipment in 2026: An Operator's Honest Take on OPW/Belanger, Trident, and ICS
An operator's comparison of the OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions family (PDQ, Belanger, ICS), Trident Wash Systems, and the rest of the 2026 express tunnel equipment market. Includes disclosure of our distribution relationships.
Read article - No. 05May 26, 202612 min read
Car Wash Membership Economics in 2026: The Math That Actually Matters
Penetration, ARPM, churn, lifetime value, acquisition cost, and the pay station conversion funnel that decide whether a car wash membership program works. Built from Mister Car Wash public disclosures, Rinsed industry benchmarks, and ICA reports.
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