The car wash industry is competitive and constantly evolving, making innovation and adaptability crucial for long-term success. Castle Wash, a family-owned business in Tennessee, serves as a shining example of how strategic decisions and the right partnerships can transform operations, elevate customer experience and foster community goodwill. Through their collaboration with Turtle Wax Pro, Castle Wash has not only enhanced their services but also set a benchmark for others in the industry. This blog post delves into their journey, the key lessons for other car wash owners, and the broader implications for the industry.

Embracing Change: A Strategic Switch to Turtle Wax Pro

Castle Wash began its journey in 2007 with a mix of self-serve and automatic car wash bays. Over time, owners Keith Hudson and his wife recognized the need for modernization to meet customer expectations. In 2017, they partnered with H2O Solutions, a move that led them to explore Turtle Wax Pro’s products.

Their first foray into Turtle Wax Pro’s lineup came with the introduction of the Fire and Ice® system. Customers immediately noticed the difference — vehicles emerged with a brilliant shine. Turtle Wax’s decades-long reputation as a trusted brand in car care amplified customer confidence. Encouraged by this success, Castle Wash expanded their use of Turtle Wax Pro to include pre-soaks, surface protectants, and eventually the advanced Titanium Wash. These products not only delivered superior results but also became a key part of Castle Wash’s marketing strategy.

Enhancing Operations Through Innovation

Castle Wash’s commitment to improvement didn’t stop at upgrading their product lineup. With guidance from Turtle Wax Pro and H2O Solutions, they overhauled their Express Tunnel system. This included replacing outdated applicators with advanced systems that ensured even, consistent chemical coverage. The result was a noticeable improvement in wash quality — no more missed spots or uneven cleaning.

Technology also played a pivotal role in streamlining operations. Turtle Wax Pro’s True Vue 2system provided Keith Hudson with unparalleled oversight of his three locations. From tracking chemical usage to monitoring customer preferences, True Vue 2 allowed him to make informed decisions and manage his business remotely. This transparency and efficiency proved instrumental in Castle Wash’s expansion plans.

Elevating Customer Experience

At the heart of Castle Wash’s transformation was a focus on the customer experience. Turtle Wax Pro’s advanced chemistry not only delivered a superior shine but also improved long-term surface protection for vehicles. Customers could see and feel the difference, which translated to increased loyalty and positive word-of-mouth.

Employee training also contributed to this success. With access to Turtle Wax Pro’s comprehensive online training modules, Castle Wash’s staff became well-versed in the science behind the products. This knowledge empowered them to educate customers about the benefits of premium washes like Titanium, enhancing trust and satisfaction.

Consistency was another priority for Castle Wash. Whether customers visited their Paris, Camden, or Waverly locations, they could expect the same high-quality service. This reliability became a hallmark of the Castle Wash brand and reinforced their commitment to excellence.

Impact on Business Growth

The results of these efforts were clear. Within a year of switching to Turtle Wax Pro, Castle Wash saw a 20% increase in revenue. Remarkably, this growth was achieved without a significant increase in costs per car. By delivering more value with premium products and streamlined operations, Castle Wash positioned itself as a leader in the market.

The success of the Paris location paved the way for further expansion. Encouraged by the positive feedback and operational efficiencies, Castle Wash implemented similar upgrades at their Camden site. The decision proved to be a game-changer, solidifying their reputation and inspiring confidence in future growth.

Giving Back to the Community

Castle Wash’s success isn’t just measured in numbers; it’s also reflected in their commitment to the community. Recognizing the importance of building strong local ties, the company has engaged in initiatives like providing free washes to high school seniors in Paris and Camden. This gesture not only supported those in need but also fostered goodwill among residents.

Castle Wash’s philosophy goes beyond business. “We want to be a car wash that gives to the community, not just one that takes from it,” Keith Hudson explains. By prioritizing community engagement, Castle Wash has created a loyal customer base that values their presence as much as their services.

Broader Lessons for the Car Wash Industry

Castle Wash’s journey offers valuable insights for other car wash owners:

1. ‍Invest in Quality Products: Superior chemistry and advanced solutions, like those from Turtle Wax Pro, enhance results and build customer trust.‍
2. Embrace Technology: Tools like True Vue 2 provide operational transparency, making it easier to manage multiple locations and plan for growth.‍
3. Prioritize Training: Knowledgeable employees improve customer interactions and highlight the value of premium services.‍
4. Engage with the Community: Strong local ties can differentiate a car wash from competitors and ensure long-term loyalty

Conclusion: Paving the Way for Future Success

Castle Wash’s partnership with Turtle Wax Pro underscores the power of strategic collaboration and a customer-first approach. Their story demonstrates that innovation, consistency, and community engagement can drive success in a competitive industry. For other car wash owners, the lessons from Castle Wash offer a roadmap to achieving operational excellence and sustainable growth.

Are you ready to transform your car wash business? Explore Turtle Wax Pro’s solutions and see how we can help you achieve similar success.

The car wash industry is built on more than just great chemistry—it thrives on strong partnerships, reliable support, and innovative solutions. For Energisystems, a leading car wash distributor, their journey to success wasn’t always smooth. Before partnering with Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group, they faced challenges with impersonal corporate suppliers, inflexible logistics, and a lack of field support.

That all changed when they found a partner that shared their values. By aligning with Turtle Wax Pro, Energisystems doubled its chemical business, improved customer retention, and helped car washes across their region scale with premium solutions.

This is their story—a testament to the power of the right partnership in the car wash industry.

Why Energisystems Needed a New Approach

Before teaming up with Turtle Wax Pro, Energisystems worked with various chemical manufacturers, but something was missing:

• Lack of cultural alignment – Previous suppliers operated with a big corporate, private equity mindset, making it difficult to build trust.

• Minimal field and administrative support – Car wash operators need more than just a product; they need expertise, troubleshooting, and hands-on service.

• One-size-fits-all chemical solutions – Their previous suppliers lacked the ability to tailor chemistry and marketing to each customer’s specific needs.

• Logistical inefficiencies – Bulk shipments meant high upfront costs and storage challenges, making it harder to be agile.

Energisystems knew they needed a partner, not just a supplier—one that offered tailored solutions, operational support, and a brand that customers already trusted.

Partnering with Turtle Wax Pro

When Energisystems was introduced to Turtle Wax Pro and Transchem Group, they quickly saw the potential for a true strategic partnership.

Why Turtle Wax Pro?

• A recognized, trusted brand – Customers already knew and loved Turtle Wax from their garages, making the transition easy.

• A culture of partnership – Unlike large corporate suppliers, Turtle Wax Pro shared Energisystems’ values of service, trust, and hands-on support.

• Diverse, high-performance products – Their innovative lineup included Fire, Ice®, Super Hard Shell Finish®, and graphene-based solutions that wowed customers.

• Efficient logistics & flexible ordering – With ultra-concentrates in 2.5-gallon containers, Energisystems could streamline deliveries and storage.

• Comprehensive distributor support – From marketing resources to in-field technical support, Energisystems finally had a true partner in growth.

The results were immediate—Energisystems was better equipped to serve customers, differentiate from competitors, and scale their business with confidence.

A Flagship Success Story: Rapid Wash North & South

One of Energisystems’ standout transformations was at Rapid Wash North & South in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The Challenge:

• Outdated branding & signage that lacked curb appeal.

• Competitive pressure from new and modern car wash chains.

• Customers needed a reason to choose them over competitors.

The Transformation:

• Rebrand & refresh with Turtle Wax Pro’s high-impact signage and marketing materials.

• Upgrade to premium wash solutions, featuring Super Hard Shell Finish®, Ice® Instant Shine®, and Fire Wax.

• On-site service support to optimize chemical usage, cost-per-car, and performance tracking.

The Results:

• Increased wash volume & customer retention.

• Higher ticket averages with premium wash package upsells.

• Became the only tunnel wash in the region experiencing consistent growth.

Rapid Wash is now a flagship site, showcasing how Turtle Wax Pro and Energisystems together can elevate any car wash business.

How Energisystems is Winning with Turtle Wax Pro

Since making the switch, Energisystems has:

• Doubled its chemical business with more sites onboarding Turtle Wax Pro solutions.

• Optimized logistics—reducing storage footprints while improving delivery efficiency.

• Leveraged chemical monitoring & cost-per-car analysis—helping customers make data-driven decisions.

• Enhanced distributor training with Turtle Wax Pro’s Learning Center, ensuring their technicians and customers stay ahead of the curve.

More than just selling products, Energisystems now partners with car wash operators, offering consultation, service, and business insights that set them apart from the competition.

Key Takeaways: What Other Car Wash Distributors Can Learn

For distributors looking to scale their business, Energisystems' journey offers valuable lessons:

• Build strong relationships – Choose a chemical partner that aligns with your values and supports your long-term success.

• Invest in branding & marketing – Customers are drawn to trusted brands like Turtle Wax Pro, which can increase wash volume and upsell opportunities.

• Offer value beyond products – Service, on-site support, and tailored chemical solutions create real competitive advantages.

• Streamline operations – Ultra-concentrates and logistical flexibility make distribution easier, more profitable, and scalable.

In an industry where customer loyalty is everything, having the right partner can be the difference between surviving and thriving.

The Future of Car Wash Success

For Energisystems, the future has never looked brighter. With a trusted brand, cutting-edge products, and unwavering support from Turtle Wax Pro, they are positioned to lead the industry with innovative, high-performance car wash solutions.

Are you a car wash distributor looking to elevate your business? Let Turtle Wax Pro help you provide superior chemistry, streamlined logistics, and unmatched customer support.

Contact us today to see how a Turtle Wax Pro partnership can transform your car wash business.

For Michael Barbrow, owner of Coastal Car Wash Services, the car wash industry is in his DNA. He’s been involved in it since before he was born—his mother was pregnant with him while working at the family car wash. With over five decades of experience, he’s seen countless brands, products, and business models come and go.

But when it came to finding a chemistry partner that could truly help him stand out and grow his business, one brand rose above the rest—Turtle Wax Pro.

This is the story of how Coastal Car Wash Services transformed its business by leveraging Turtle Wax Pro’s unmatched product quality, brand recognition, and distributor support to compete against industry giants, build long-term customer relationships, and drive consistent growth in the Florida market.

Competing in a Crowded Market

The Florida car wash industry is one of the most competitive in the country. With major players like Sonny’s and NCS dominating the region, independent distributors often find themselves struggling to differentiate and win new business.

Before partnering with Turtle Wax Pro, Michael faced several key challenges:

• Brand Recognition Gaps: Without a strong, well-known brand backing him, potential customers were hesitant to switch.

• Inconsistent Product Quality: Other brands often had separation issues, residue buildup, and frequent clogging in self-serve and automatic systems.

• Competitive Pricing Pressures: Competing against large national brands made it difficult to justify premium pricing for superior performance.

He needed a differentiator—something that would not only give him a competitive edge but also provide real value to his customers.

Partnering with Turtle Wax Pro

When Michael discovered Turtle Wax Pro, he knew it was the missing piece in his business strategy.

Why Turtle Wax Pro?

✅ Brand Equity That Instantly Builds Trust – Customers already recognize and trust the Turtle Wax name.
✅ Unmatched Product Performance – No separation issues, reduced maintenance, and superior results.
✅ Competitive Differentiation – Helps independent distributors stand out against larger competitors.
✅ Robust Distributor Support – Training, flexible ordering, and a strong partnership for long-term growth.

How Coastal Car Wash Services Benefited

• Co-Branding Strategy: By leveraging the Turtle Wax Pro name on his marketing materials, magnets, and wash packages, Michael immediately gained credibility with new customers.

• Turtle Wax Pro Learning Center: A 20-hour online training program that helped educate customers and convert skeptical operators into believers.

• A New Approach to Selling: Instead of selling equipment first, Michael flipped the model—selling chemicals first and letting chemistry performance drive equipment upgrades.

A Strategic Approach to Sales & Marketing

Michael didn’t just sell a new product—he transformed his sales approach by combining Turtle Wax Pro’s brand power with a smarter, more strategic marketing and customer acquisition strategy.

1. Shifting from Equipment-First to Chemical-First Sales

Traditionally, distributors lead with equipment sales, then try to sell chemicals as an add-on. Michael realized that flipping this model created more long-term value.

• Selling chemicals first allowed him to prove product effectiveness before discussing equipment.

• By positioning premium finishing products like ICE® INSTANT SHINE® and Super Hard Shell Finish®, he helped operators justify increasing their wash package prices.

• Higher margins came from upselling premium wash tiers, leading to greater profitability for both Michael and his customers.

2. Winning with Co-Branding & Smart Marketing

A key part of Michael’s success was leveraging Turtle Wax Pro branding in simple but highly effective ways.

• He introduced branded magnets with QR codes at self-serve washes.

• Operators and customers saw the Turtle Wax Pro logo, leading to 7 inbound calls specifically because of the brand’s recognition.

• Out of those 7 leads, he converted 6 into long-term customers.

This small but strategic branding move directly translated into new business growth.

Real-World Results: How This Strategy is Paying Off

Since partnering with Turtle Wax Pro and implementing this new sales strategy, Coastal Car Wash Services has seen impressive growth and customer wins.

1. Consistent Business Growth

• One new customer per week is now the norm.

• Increasing upsell opportunities by repositioning wash packages with premium branding.

2. Customer Success Story: Touch-Free Automatic Upsell

One of Michael’s touch-free automatic wash customers in Florida saw immediate success after switching to Turtle Wax Pro:

• Upgraded their pricing structure by introducing Super Hard Shell Finish® & ICE®.

• Started selling $30 single washes, a premium price point previously unheard of for that location.

3. Operational Benefits: Performance That Reduces Maintenance

• No residue buildup in self-serve systems.

• Eliminated clogging and maintenance issues, saving operators significant time and money.

The Power of Relationships: More Than Just Sales

For Michael, success in the car wash industry is not just about selling chemicals—it’s about building relationships that last a lifetime.

• He gets to know his customers personally—asking about their families, hobbies, and business goals.

• He actively supports their communities, including donating to a high school baseball team to help them buy a pitching machine.

• His approach creates loyalty—once a customer works with him, they stay for life.

In an industry where many distributors are purely transactional, Michael’s relationship-first approach has solidified long-term partnerships and a thriving business.

Key Takeaways for Car Wash Distributors

For distributors looking to replicate Michael’s success, here are the key lessons:

• Leverage a strong brand – Turtle Wax Pro provides instant credibility and helps close sales faster.

• Use creative marketing tactics – Small changes, like magnets with branding, can drive significant lead generation.

• Focus on high-margin products – Positioning premium chemistry solutions helps customers justify higher wash prices.

• Shift your sales model – Lead with chemicals, let performance drive equipment sales.

• Prioritize relationships over transactions – Customers stick with distributors who care about their long-term success

Looking Ahead with Turtle Wax Pro

With a trusted brand, a strategic approach to sales, and a commitment to customer relationships, Coastal Car Wash Services is poised for continued success.

Turtle Wax Pro has been the foundation of this growth—offering the right mix of quality, support, and competitive advantage to help independent distributors stand out and win.

If you are a distributor looking to elevate your business, increase customer loyalty, and drive higher margins, now is the time to partner with Turtle Wax Pro.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve the same level of success.

In the competitive world of car wash operations, finding the right products to enhance customer experience and streamline operations is crucial. For Splash2o Car Wash, a state-of-the-art facility based in Virginia Beach, the quest for quality led them to Turtle Wax Pro. This is the story of how their switch to Turtle Wax Pro transformed their operations, delighted their customers, and set them on a path for growth.

Introduction

Splash2o Car Wash is more than just a car wash facility. Locally owned and operated, it is a community institution dedicated to giving back to the local Hampton Roads community. Their commitment to quality and community impact is evident in every aspect of their operations. However, they were on the lookout for the best quality products to further enhance their operations and customer experience. Their search led them to Turtle Wax Pro, a brand synonymous with superior car care products.

Choosing Turtle Wax Pro

The decision to switch to Turtle Wax Pro was not made lightly. Splash2o was looking for products that would not only meet their high standards of quality but also provide innovative solutions to streamline their operations. Two factors stood out in Turtle Wax Pro's favor: the superior quality of their chemicals and the innovative True Vue monitoring system.

True Vue is a chemical management system designed to optimize chemical operations. It provides real-time data, monitoring capabilities for up to 22 tanks per location, and automated alerts for low tank levels, overfilled tank levels, unexpected usage, and abnormalities. This level of control and visibility was a game-changer for Splash2o, allowing them to manage their chemical usage more efficiently and effectively.

Implementation

The transition to Turtle Wax Pro was facilitated by the support from HOWCO Inc and the Turtle Wax Pro national service team. A successful trial with the HOWCO team was the first step in this transition. Impressed by the results, Splash2o began the process of switching over to Turtle Wax Pro products.

The implementation of the True Vue system was a significant milestone in this transition. The system transformed the backroom of Splash2o into one of the cleanest in the industry, streamlining operations and making the management of chemicals a breeze. The True Vue system, with its real-time data and monitoring capabilities, brought a new level of efficiency and control to Splash2o's operations.

Results

The impact of the switch to Turtle Wax Pro was immediately noticeable in the enhanced customer experience at Splash2o. Customers were quick to express their love for the watermelon scent of the products, the great coverage of the chemicals, and the shiny results from the ceramic upgrade.

Conclusion

The partnership between Splash2o and Turtle Wax Pro has been more than just a supplier-customer relationship. It's a collaboration that has brought tangible benefits to both parties. Splash2o is proud to use Turtle Wax Pro chemicals and has leveraged the brand's 97% recognition rate in the USA in their marketing efforts.

Turtle Wax Pro provides signage and marketing tools, which Splash2o has used extensively across their site. From gate signs and windmasters to tunnel signs and pay station callouts, the Turtle Wax Pro branding is prominently displayed, reinforcing the quality promise to their customers.

This partnership has also extended to charitable efforts. In August 2023, Turtle Wax Pro will be supporting a Splash2o fundraiser for the Virginia Beach aquarium. This collaboration underscores the shared values of community support and giving back that both organizations hold dear.

Future Plans

The successful implementation of Turtle Wax Pro products and the True Vue system has set Splash2o on a path for growth. The enhanced customer experience, the streamlined operations, and the strong brand association with Turtle Wax Pro have positioned Splash2o as a leading car wash facility in Virginia Beach.

As they look to the future, Splash2o is poised for expansion. The partnership with Turtle Wax Pro will continue to play a crucial role in their growth strategy. With the continued support from Turtle Wax Pro and their commitment to quality and innovation, Splash2o is set to make even bigger splashes in the car wash industry.

Final Thoughts

The story of Splash2o and Turtle Wax Pro is a testament to the power of quality products and strong partnerships. It's a story of transformation, growth, and community impact. At the heart of this story is the human connection, exemplified by the strong collaboration with Liz Tilbury, the Director of Operations at Splash2o.

In the end, it's not just about having the best products or the most innovative systems. It's about the people who make it all work, the relationships that drive success, and the shared values that make a difference in the community. That's the Splash2o and Turtle Wax Pro story.