2026 Impact Awards Winner: Express Auto Wash

Over the past 18 to 24 months, Express Auto Wash has made a deliberate and strategic investment in improving employee experience, training and overall workplace culture across its car wash operations. 

After identifying gaps in staff training, engagement and morale, the company launched a focused initiative aimed at strengthening internal capabilities, increasing accountability and building a more supportive and structured work environment.

Recognizing that well-trained, engaged employees deliver better service, resolve issues faster and contribute to a more positive customer experience, Express Auto Wash leaders standardized training across locations, focusing on both technical competencies and customer service excellence. 

The business is currently developing and modernizing an internal application designed to track maintenance, streamline reporting and provide greater visibility into equipment performance. This ensures that teams are better equipped to manage site-level challenges proactively, oversee operations effectively and make data-driven decisions.

In addition, a new Employee Assistance Program (EAP) supports employee well-being, providing access to confidential resources that address mental health, financial wellness and personal challenges. 

The initiative has resonated strongly with site teams. By actively involving employees in feedback loops, operational reviews and process improvements, management has boosted staff confidence and ensured tools are practical. This collaborative approach to problem-solving has increased buy-in among front-line workers, resulting in solutions that better support both employees and their communities.