Introducing a new column from the Canadian Carwash Association
The Canadian Carwash Association (CCA) is launching a new recurring column—The Soapbox—aimed at informing, connecting and supporting people across the carwash industry. More than just another feature, this is meant to be a practical, community-driven platform built on real experience from the Canadian car wash space. We would like to thank EnsembleIQ, Canada Convenience Store News and OCTANE for the opportunity.
The name "The Soapbox” exemplifies what this column is meant to be, a place to step up, share perspective and speak about the industry. It’s also a fitting nod to what brings us all together, washing cars. The objective is to bring together voices from across the industry to reflect what’s happening and trending, providing support and information to the operators in the Canadian car wash industry. Running a car wash looks different depending on where you are and what scale you’re operating at, and this column is meant to capture that range.
One thing the Canadian Carwash Association understands is that expertise doesn’t live in just one corner of the industry. It comes from the day-to-day work of operators solving problems, suppliers supporting them and everyone in between. That’s why you’ll hear from a mix of contributors: independent operators who have been creative and adaptable in their local markets, as well as multi-site operators managing growth and consistency across locations. We’ll also include input from vendors, equipment manufacturers, chemical providers, consultants and service professionals to share their perspectives on the issues.
The idea is to keep things practical. Topics will range from improving efficiency and customer experience to handling new technology or dealing with shifting economic conditions. Just as important, we won’t avoid talking about challenges. There’s a lot to learn not just from what goes right, but from what doesn’t.
Whether you’re new to the carwash business or have been in it for years, the column is meant to offer something useful. If you’re just getting started, you’ll find guidance to help build a solid foundation. If you’re more experienced, it’s a chance to refine your approach, pick up new ideas, and stay current with where things are going as well as share your expertise.
We’re also introducing an interactive element: Ask Captain Car Wash. Think of it as a straightforward advice column where anyone in the Canadian Carwash Association community can submit questions about anything from operations and equipment decisions to staffing, customer issues or long-term planning.
Captain Car Wash will respond with practical, experience-based answers, drawing from people who have been there before. These questions will also help guide future article topics, making sure the content stays relevant to what people want to discuss.
At its core, this column is built on the idea that the industry is stronger when people share what they’ve learned. Everyone benefits when good ideas and best practices are shared openly. The Soapbox is meant to be one of those informative and fun places.
The Canadian Carwash Association is encouraging members to get involved, whether contributing insights, suggesting topics, or sending in questions for Ask Captain Car Wash. The more people take part, the more valuable it becomes. This isn’t just something for the industry, it’s something to be built by the industry.
As this gets underway, it’s a step toward strengthening connections across the Canadian carwash sector. By bringing different perspectives together and keeping the conversation open, the goal is to create something practical and grounded in real-world experience. We look forward to meeting you here each publication.
