PRESIDENT’S LETTER
NYSCWA President Walt Hartl
The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus is credited with the statement, “Change is the only constant in life.” As I write this column the Midterm Elections are only a few days away and regardless of the outcome, there will be change. The New York State Car Wash Association (NYSCWA) has been around for more than 30 years and through that time we have seen massive changes in the complexity of doing business. Years ago, producing a clean car was not the only thing that mattered, but it was far and away the major daily focus of the carwash operator. Today’s complex business environment, advances in washing technology, equipment and solutions as well as complex tax and labor requirements makes it more difficult than ever to successfully start or run a carwash operation.
As we all know, there is a lot more to it than just soap and water. The advances our industry has made in recent years has not flown under the radar, Wall Street and private equity are taking notice. At our Fall Membership Meeting long-time carwash operator and co- founder of Amplify Car Wash Advisors, Bill Martin, shared his company’s mission to help operators to “sell, partner or grow” their operations. Bill shared his thoughts of the future of the industry, what impact the investment from private equity will play in the future and how it may change the landscape of the carwash industry. Bill’s comments exposed operators to a new reality in our industry and how we can be prepared regardless of what path we take, sell, partner or grow.
That lesson was not lost on the board of the NYSCWA as we are changing, albeit slowly. We are happy to welcome our newest board member Meeghan Sheckler who is a commercial account representative at Cross Insurance, Car Wash Solutions Commercial Insurance Program. Meeghan will be filling the seat on the board held by long-time NYSCWA board member and dear friend Mike Benmosche. The self-proclaimed “old insurance guy” is enjoying his new status as “the old-retired insurance guy.” Meeghan not only brings her experience from the insurance industry working with carwashes, but she also has real life experience as a carwash operator. We are excited to have her bring her perspective and experience to the NYSCWA board.
Another change is that board member Chris Kubarek will be replacing Mike on the planning committee of the Northeast Regional Carwash Convention (NRCC) board. Chris will work alongside representatives from the other associations that make up the planning committee and help organize and manage the NRCC trade show. I know I share the committee’s excitement in having Chris join the team.
The last change is that board member Christian King has stepped up to take on the role of NYSCWA Treasurer, a position that Mike help for more than 20 years. The also board approved hiring Capital CFO, an outside accounting and executive CFO company, to provide accounting, bookkeeping and financial reporting services to the association. In his role as treasurer, Christian will work closely with the team at Capital CFO. I have often written in this column the importance of hiring professionals to do the things that need to be done and that we often do not have the time to do. The board took this message to heart when discussing using Capital CFO and based on early results we believe we made the correct decision.
The NYSCWA is committed to providing our membership with help, resources, and networking opportunities to help you regardless of what your plans are to sell, to partner or grow.
Happy retirement Mike!
Walter Hartl, NYSCWA President