Leading Executives in Car Washes
John Lai
Chairperson & Chief Executive Officer, Mister Car Wash (MCW)
Chairperson & CEO who has led the U.S.’s largest car wash brand through continued growth in comps and Unlimited Wash Club memberships in 2024–2025, with strong Q1 2025 results under his tenure.
Curt Hutchins
Chief Executive Officer, Sonny’s Enterprises (Sonny’s The CarWash Factory)
Brought in to lead the industry’s largest equipment and solutions provider; in 2025, highlighted Sonny’s tech roadmap (Quivio) and M&A to deepen data and payments capabilities.
Devon Watson
President, DRB (a Vontier company)
Heads the leading car wash technology platform (POS, controls, LPR, analytics); appointed President in August 2024 and continued expansion in 2025 with Sgt. Sudz tunnel automation acquisition under parent Vontier.
David Dougherty
Vice President & General Manager, OPW Vehicle Wash Solutions (Dover)
Leads OPW’s Vehicle Wash Solutions portfolio (PDQ, Belanger, ICS, Transchem) as VP & GM, appointed in 2025 to drive integrated equipment/chemistry/software growth.
Jose Costa
Chief Executive Officer, Whistle Express Car Wash
Former Magnolia Wash Holdings chief now leading Whistle; in April 2025 closed the acquisition of Driven Brands’ U.S. car wash business (Take 5 Car Wash), creating the largest express platform in the U.S. by site count.
Bill Derwin
Chief Executive Officer, GO Car Wash
Industry veteran (ex-ICWG CEO) guiding GO’s rapid multi-market expansion to 150+ sites by 2024–2025, emphasizing customer-centric growth and M&A/new builds.
Jason Johnson
Co‑Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Quick Quack Car Wash
Co‑founder/CEO who scaled Quick Quack to 230+ locations and attracted a significant minority investment from KKR in 2024 to accelerate growth and employee ownership.
Steve Mathis
Co‑Founder & Chief Executive Officer, WhiteWater Express Car Wash
Co‑founder/CEO who surpassed 100 locations and continues multi‑state expansion while building leadership culture and growth systems.
Scott Blackstock
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Tidal Wave Auto Spa
Founder/CEO steering one of the fastest‑growing conveyor operators; expanded to 280+ locations by 2025 with continued greenfield openings across the Southeast and Midwest.
Chuck Howard
Chief Executive Officer, Autobell Car Wash
Second‑generation leader of the 55‑year‑old Southeastern brand, emphasizing water recycling and full‑service expertise at 85–90+ sites.
Alex Lemmen
Chief Executive Officer, Tommy’s Express Car Wash
CEO of a fast‑growing franchise model recognized by Franchise Times and Inc.; driving national network growth with proprietary systems and brand design.
John Roush
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Express Wash Concepts (Moo Moo, Flying Ace, Clean Express, Green Clean, Bee Clean)
Founder/CEO who built a multi‑brand, 120+ site portfolio with repeat Inc. 5000 growth, focused on core‑market density and operational excellence.
Terry Emerson
Chief Executive Officer, Mammoth Holdings
Leads one of the largest operator platforms (150+ sites by late 2024), promoted from President/COO to CEO by 2025 per company materials; driving “drive‑to‑five” (500 sites) strategy.
Pete Nani
Chief Executive Officer, ZIPS Car Wash
Veteran operator appointed CEO in 2025 to lead ZIPS post‑restructuring, bringing multi‑brand experience (Clean Freak, Rainstorm, Mister) to a revitalized platform.
Dan Petrelle
Chief Executive Officer, Splash Car Wash (CT–NY–NE)
Elevated from COO to CEO in April 2025 as AEA Investors became majority owner; tasked with accelerating organic growth, M&A and new‑site development.
Eric Wulf
Chief Executive Officer, International Carwash Association (ICA)
Long‑time head of the industry’s global trade association, overseeing The Car Wash Show, ROADMAP, LEAD training, research and CAR WASH Magazine.
Scott Caplan
Co‑Founder & Chief Executive Officer, EverWash
Co‑founder/CEO of the leading membership platform for independent operators; recognized on the Inc. 5000 three years running and expanding tech/services for wash partners.
Heath Pomerantz
Chief Executive Officer, WOW Carwash (Las Vegas)
CEO featured on WCA’s 2024–2025 Board; scaling a data‑driven express platform with sustainability and guest‑experience focus in the Southwest.
Ryan Blanchard
President & Operator, H2Go Express Car Wash (SoCal)
President/operator on the Western Carwash Association board; growing a high‑throughput SoCal express model with water‑saving practices.
Mandi Brower
President, Quality Car Wash (MI)
Third‑generation leader serving as ICA treasurer for 2025; president of a Midwest chain known for integrated c‑stores and innovative guest amenities.
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