WCA Express - Winter Edition 2025 : simplebooklet.com

PresidentRyan BlanchardH2Go Express Car WashHuntington Beach, CAImmediate Past -PresidentScott HornerSITEologyLas Vegas, NVBob JerseyNational Carwash SolutionsSanta Fe Springs, CAVice PresidentMiguel RodriguezSud’s Up ExpressSignal Hill, CASecretary / TreasurerAli YusufallyElite Express Car WashCalabasas, CAEXECUTIVE COMMITTEERichard AndreasWashworldDe Pere, WIJim GundersonMint SmartwashBillings, MTAlexander LazarOcean Blue Car WashPayson, AZPat RileySonny’s Carwash ServicesSacramento, CASam SousaAll American ExpressChino, CAHeath PomerantzWOW CarwashLas Vegas, NVAndrew SchellRaceway Car WashPhoenix, AZMarc StrauchSuper Clean Car WashFolsom, CAKyle ThibaultMotor City Wash WorksWixom, MIScott ThomasClean Spot Car WashDuvall, WABOARD MEMBERS02WCA EXPRESS - BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Time flies! This year, WCA proudly celebrates its 70th anniversary. Originally founded in 1955 as theAutomatic Carwash Association in Southern California, it became the California Carwash Association in1975. By its 50th anniversary in 2005, the organization had expanded to serve 12 states in the West,becoming the Western Carwash Association.Today, WCA continues to provide direct business support to operators within our official geographicalboundaries. However, our education and programming now reach far beyond, helping carwashprofessionals everywhere. Last year, we launched the Self-Serve/IBA Council to create a dedicatedspace for operators seeking industry-specific information, education, and community. We also proudlyhost events across the country, including annual carwash tours and educational sessions at The CarWash Show, which attracts attendees from around the world.During last year’s strategic planning session, the Board of Directors decided it was time to refresh ourbranding. Our new brand reflects a more modern, timeless identity and includes a tagline thatembodies three key pillars of our mission: our role in the industry, our ability to bring people together,and our commitment to strengthening the carwash community. Our new tagline is:Wash. Connect. Achieve.These three words are now as integral to WCA as our formal name.Throughout 2025, you’ll see our new branding roll out. What remains unchanged is our dedication toproviding top-tier education, fostering both intimate and large-scale networking opportunities, andequipping operators with tools and solutions for success.We’re excited to announce two carwash tour experiences at The Car Wash Show in Las Vegas—onefocused on tunnel carwashes and another on self-serve/IBA operations. Plus, we’re already planninganother signature event in Phoenix this fall.We look forward to seeing you soon! David A. Murillo, CAE, IOMExecutive Director MESSAGEEXECUTIVEDIRECTOR’SCELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF WCA03WCA EXPRESS - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

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CAR WASH MANAGER OF THE YEARGerardo LunaWCA AWARDSWCA is proud to announce thatGerardo Luna has been awardedthe prestigious Car WashManager of the Year award inrecognition of his outstandingleadership, dedication, andunwavering commitment toexcellence.Starting his career at a young ageas a vacuumer, Gerardocontinually demonstrated astrong work ethic and a passionfor providing exceptional service.Today, he proudly serves as theManager of Fashion Square CarWash in Sherman Oaks, CA,leading a team of auto detailers,oil change technicians, and carwash staff with a unique blend ofmanagerial skill and hands-onexpertise.Throughout his career, Gerardohas consistently taken onchallenges with a smile and apositive attitude. Whetherhandling a difficult customer,overseeing daily operations, ormanaging a team, Gerardoapproaches each situation withprofessionalism and a solution-oriented mindset.At the heart of Gerardo’s successis his dedication to customersatisfaction. He understands thatevery customer should leaveFashion Square Car Wash notonly with a car that looks betterthan when they brought it in, butalso feeling like the experiencemade their day better than it wasbefore they came in. He paysattention to customer needs andoffers a personal touch to ensurea customer’s needs are met andalways addresses concerns withprofessionalism.His ability to balance operationalefficiency with a warm,personalized service experiencehas set the bar for the entireteam. Many customers havepraised him for his attention todetail and his willingness to goabove and beyond to ensure apositive experience, makingFashion Square Car Wash atrusted destination forautomotive care.While Gerardo’s hard work anddedication have always beenapparent, he has never soughtrecognition or awards for hisefforts. He is a humble leader,focused on the well-being of histeam and the satisfaction of hiscustomers. However, this year,the WCA Car Wash Manager ofthe Year award shines a much-deserved spotlight on hisincredible contributions.“Winning this award is a greathonor,” Gerardo says, reflectingon his journey. “But it’s reallyabout the team. I’m lucky to workwith such dedicated individuals,and this recognition reflects ourcollective effort to provide thebest possible service to ourcustomers. To be recognized forsomething I love doing isincredibly humbling.”As Car Wash Manager of theYear, Gerardo Luna’s future is asbright as ever. His commitmentto both his team and hiscustomers continues to drive thesuccess of Fashion Square CarWash. With his leadership, thebusiness will no doubt continueto grow, innovate, and provideexceptional service. As FashionSquare Car Wash celebrates hiswell-earned award; it is clear thathis influence will continue toshape the future of the businessfor years to come.05WCA EXPRESS - AWARDS

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Being an owner-operator of a carwash allows Sam to have theinner knowledge proven to beinstrumental in assisting othercar wash owners in making theright insurance decision for theirorganization. Living and breathingthe business on a daily basis hasproven to be a valuable asset notonly for Sam, but each car washowner with which he comes incontact. Sam has walked the walkand talked the talk.Sam Furno’s experience andexpertise in the car wash andInsurance industry has made hima valuable addition to theWestern Car Wash InsuranceAgency’s “Team”. Sam began hisprofessional career by sellinghealth insurance products door todoor in the Greater Chicago area.With his high level of salessuccess Sam was promoted to aNational Sales Trainer positionwith Combined InsuranceCompany of America, all whilefinishing his college degree at theUniversity of San Francisco.In 2000, after more than 20 yearsin the insurance and managedcare arena, Sam purchased a full-service car wash located inSacramento, CA, Harv’s Car Wash,Smog & Detail Center. Utilizing hissales and management skills Samwas able to build a highlysuccessful and well-respectedorganization.The Western Car Wash InsuranceProgram (WCIP) providesexclusive insurance programspecifically designed for carwashes. Few insurancecompanies or brokerage firmsdevote the resources toproviding comprehensiveservices and insurance programsfor the car wash industry as doesthe Western Car WashAssociation. WCIP has been inexistence since 1994, with SamFurno being its leader and teammember since 2007.Sam has walkedthe walk andtalked the talkSam’s contributions to theindustry are not just tied to thedecades of exceptional serviceand dedication in the promotionof quality car care and businesspractices, but his impact is alsofelt by the conversations he haswith fellow operators aboutsetting business up for success.He helps others by controllingloss runs, highlighting the prosand cons of choosing certaininsurance products, and bysharing not only his expertise, butapproaching them with personalcare that shows his fellowindustry professionals that theyhave an ally. We all get a chanceto choose how we composeourselves within our respectiveprofessions and Sam’s reputationshows that he has chosen tocompose himself with the dignityand person-first approach thatmakes WCA proud to presenthim with the LifetimeAchievement Award. 06WCA EXPRESS - AWARDSLIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDSam FurnoWCA AWARDS

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2024 marked another year where employment related legislation was the focus for many legislators inCalifornia. Some of the bills were carry-overs from 2023, while some were new ideas. Of course, being anelection year – there were a lot of ideas introduced to “start a conversation” or make a headline, many ofwhich did not come to fruition.WCA positioned on several bills that would affect members:SB 1116 (Portantino) Unemployment insurance: trade disputes: eligibility for benefits Would allow striking workers to claim unemployment insurance (UI) benefits when they choose tostrike. This was a repeat effort from a last-minute gut and amend last year. Status: Failed passageWCA opposed SB 1116, and worked alongside the business community to successfully kill the bill, similarto 2023.SB 1434 (Durazo) Unemployment insurance: benefit and contribution changes Increases UI taxes to fund UI benefit hikes of up to 55%, as well as providing for subsequent increasesbased on inflation. Also creates an entirely new UI program to provide benefits to workers who do notqualify for traditional UI, to be funded by a new tax on California employers.Status: Failed passage WCA opposed SB 1434, and helped to successfully kill the bill. AB 2011 (Bauer-Kahan D) Unlawful employment practices: small employer family leave mediationprogram: reproductive loss leave. Adds claims for violations of reproductive leave loss provisions to coverage under the small employerfamily leave mediation pilot program and makes the pilot permanent.Status: Signed by GovernorWCA Supported AB 2011, and helped successfully lobby for its passage.AB 2288 (Kalra) Labor Code Private Attorneys General Act of 2004 Codifies negotiated reforms to the California Labor Code's Private Attorneys General Act of 2004(PAGA) to further the purpose and intent of PAGA to protect workers from labor code violations. Thisrepresents the first substantial modification of PAGA since it went into effect in 2004 and signalspositive news for employers.Status: Signed by GovernorWCA supported the PAGA reform legislation and helped to lobby for its passage. 07WCA EXPRESS - LEGISLATIVE UPDATEPOLITICAL SOLUTIONS UPDATE2024 LEGISLATION

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2025-2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSIONOn December 2nd, both the California Senate and Assembly convened the 2025-26 Legislative Sessionwith formal swearing-in ceremonies and elections of leaders. Senator McGuire remains as the SenatePresident Pro Tempore and Assemblymember Rivas remains as Assembly Speaker.In the Senate, 20 Senators were sworn-in, including 12 new members. The Senate is currently operatingwith 39 members as we await a special election to fill the vacancy created by Senator Janet Nguyenbeing elected to the Orange County Board of Supervisors. In the Assembly, all 80 Assemblymemberswere sworn-in yesterday of which 23 are new members. The Assembly is currently operating with 79members as we await a special election to fill the vacancy created by former Assemblymember VinceFong being elected to Congress. The California Legislature now has a record number of women electedacross both houses and gender parity has been secured in the Senate. Amongst the celebratory activities, Legislators also began introducing bills. In total, 128 measures wereintroduced. Notably, both houses have adopted rule changes for this year limiting the bill introductionlimit per member to 35 bills for the 2-year session. This number is down from the previous limit of 40 inthe Senate and 50 in the Assembly. AT THE BALLOTCalifornia’s Proposition 4, approved by voters in theNovember election, authorizes $10 billion in generalobligation bonds to fund initiatives focused on climatechange mitigation, water resource improvements, wildfireprevention, and conservation of natural resources.The $10 billion will be allocated across eight main projectcategories: drought/flood prevention and water supplyimprovements ($3.8 billion), wildfire prevention ($1.5 billion),coastal and sea-level rise projects ($1.2 billion), habitat andland conservation ($1.2 billion), renewable energyinfrastructure ($850 million), parks ($700 million), extremeheat adaptation ($450 million), and sustainable agriculture($300 million). Each category supports a combination ofloans and grants aimed at state agencies, local governments,nonprofits, Native American tribes, and some businesses.Proposition 4 also aligns with the governor’s broader climateinitiatives, such as the 2022 California Climate Commitment,reflecting a statewide push to address environmentalresilience amid scaled-back direct climate funding. By usingbonds, the state can secure longer-term financing whileincorporating these funds into the governor’s broaderclimate priorities.08WCA EXPRESS - LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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The Legislature has also convened the previously called specialsession “to provide additional funding to the California Departmentof Justice and other agencies, departments, boards, and offices…tosupport the ability to immediately file affirmative litigationchallenging actions taken by the incoming Trump Administration.”Governor Newsom announced his $25 million proposal for a legaldefense fund to defend against potential Trump Administrationdecisions and policies. Both the Senate and the Assembly haveintroduced bills to advance the Governor’s proposal. WCA will work again in 2025 to advocate for its members.09WCA EXPRESS - LEGISLATIVE UPDATEBelow is a list of key legislative deadlines in early 2025January 6: Legislature reconvenes January 10: Governor’s proposed budget submitted February 21: Bill introduction deadline April 10-21: Spring Recess May 16: 1st House Policy Committee deadline

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How long have you been in thecar wash industry? How did youfirst get involved?I have been in the car washindustry since 2013. My first jobwas at Kelly's Express Car Washin Stockton, CA as a SiteManager. In 2015 I re-located toSouthern California to take a roleas a Vehicle Care Specialist withZEP Inc. where I remained in thatrole until 2023 through thetransition of National CarwashSolutions (NCS) acquiring theVehicle Care Division from ZEPInc. In 2023 I took a new role asthe Chemical Sales Manager withNCS for the West Region(California, Nevada, Arizona, NewMexico, and West Texas).Tell us about your business.NCS is the standout leaderamong car wash equipmentmanufacturers in NorthAmerica. Since 1973, we’veserved the car wash industrywith excellence, growing tobecome the premiere providerof high-quality car washequipment, full-spectrum carwash service and sustainablechemistry. For 50 years NCShas steadily grown organicallyand through acquisitions. TheNCS family of brands includesMacNeil, Ryko, Vacutech,PurClean, TSS, Rain-X, Armor-All, Black Magic, and Blue Coral. What do you enjoy most aboutworking in the car washindustry?I love working with washoperators and assisting withproducing the cleanest, dryest,and shiniest cars possible. Myspecialty has always been on thechemical side, specificallyhelping operators increase topline revenue to help maintain thefiscal health of the business. Withthe acquisition of the VehicleCare Division by NCS I amexcited about the entire portfolioof solutions, so I can helpoperators take their washes tothe next level. What challenges do you seefacing the industry in the yearsto come?While I anticipate exciting growthin both the short and long termfuture, our industry will facesome challenges. Some of thesechallenges include over-saturation, federal/state/localregulations, and specifically inCalifornia water conservation.Maximizing water savings whileincreasing water efficiency andsustainability will be a very bigtopic in the coming years. What do you like to do for fun inyour spare time?I have been happily married tomy wife Shelly for 11 years and wehave two children, Mia 10 andBlake 8. In our spare time weenjoy traveling to some of ourfavorite vacation destinations forextended weekend trips. I alsoenjoy golfing.WCA EXPRESS - BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT10BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHTBob Jersey

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Since 1991 California employershave been required to have anInjury and Illness PreventionProgram (IIPP). At that time, manybusinesses obtained genericprograms written with theconstruction industry in mind,probably because it was anindustry that was already tightlyregulated by Cal OSHA. Thatseems like good logic, but it isn’t.When a company prepares anIIPP it is committing toimplementing the provisions ofthe program as it is written. If itdoes not implement the termsspecified in the program it hasneedlessly created additionalOSHA violations. As a safety consultant I’ve seenmany companies begin theirsafety programs with a great dealof ambition and enthusiasm.However, after a few months,more pressing business concernstake priority and eventually theIIPP program becomes a dustybinder on a shelf that everyonehas forgotten. This can be as simple asassigning an individual SafetyAdministrator who isresponsible to implement all theelements of the program, or itcan be a Safety Committee thatincludes a Safety Coordinator,managers, supervisors, andemployees. If your companyculture can sustain a SafetyCommittee that will meetregularly, typically quarterly,that’s terrific. However, if yourorganization will not be able tosustain it, don’t commit yourselfto it in writing. Keep it simple.11WCA EXPRESS - A SAFETY MANUAL IS NOT A SAFETY PROGRAMSafety can be viewed like anyother business metric - similar toprofits, expenses and losses. Youcan expect positive results whengoals are reviewed periodically.Ignorance is not bliss. As a safety consultant I’ve seenmany companies begin theirsafety programs with a greatdeal of ambition and enthusiasm.However, after a few months,more pressing businessconcerns take priority andeventually the IIPP becomes adusty binder on a shelf thateveryone has forgotten. Safetycan be viewed like any otherbusiness metric - similar toprofits, expenses and losses. Youcan expect positive results whengoals are reviewed periodically.Ignorance is not bliss. by: Jonas ArasPresidentManpowerCompliance Services 1. ManagementCommitment/Assignmentof ResponsibilitiesA SAFETY MANUAL IS NOT A SAFETY PROGRAMIt is important to review yourexisting program and revise itto reflect your company cultureand include attainable goalsand schedules. The requiredelements of a written IIPP are:

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2. Safety Communications System with Employees. There are several ways to comply with this. A labor/management Safety Committee fulfills this requirement. Alternately, employee meetings that solicitemployee feedback, safety training, and a safety suggestion box can be used. Regardless of which optionis used, it must be regularly documented. 3. Hazard Assessment and Control. Periodic inspections, conducted at the frequency defined in yourprogram, must be documented. A customized checklist must be developed. Long, generic checklists arefrowned upon by Cal OSHA. Written inspection reports must be reviewed by management, a SafetyAdministrator or a Safety Committee. The review should assist in prioritizing actions and verifycompletion of previous corrective actions. 4. Accident Investigation. Investigations must be in writing and adequately identify the cause(s) of theaccident or near-miss occurrence and determine what type of constructive action can eliminate thecause(s) of the accident or near-miss. Most workers compensation insurance companies have developedforms that can be used for this purpose. 5. Safe Work Practices. Safe work practices must be written and specific for each specific jobaddressing areas such as personal protective equipment (PPE), appropriate clothing, expected behavior,and emergency procedures.6. Safety Training. Training is one of the most important elements of any IIPP. It allows employees to learntheir job properly, brings new ideas into the workplace, reinforces existing ideas and practices, and putsyour program into action. All training must be documented (e.g. training attendance sheets, trainingcertificates, etc.) and retained for at least three years. Your employees will benefit from safety and healthtraining through fewer work-related injuries and illnesses, and reduced stress and worry caused byexposure to hazards. Your organization will benefit from reduced workplace injuries and illnesses,increased productivity, lower costs, higher profits, and a more cohesive and dependable work force.CAR WASH COMPLIANCESOLUTIONS Bilingual safety training thathas been developedspecifically for the car washindustry. The cost is $69.95/employeefor an all-access pass. WCA members get a $30/employee discount whenusing the discount code“WCAORG” OTHER COURSESWorkplace ViolencePreventionCovid 19 PreventionTrainingParking Lot SafetyMaterial Handling Handtrucks, pallet jacks andfloor dolliesDistracted DrivingStepladder SafetyCAR WASH SAFETY 101 Consists of two sections:12WCA EXPRESS - A SAFETY MANUAL IS NOT A SAFETY PROGRAMOSHA Safety Essentials(Haz Com, EmergencyResponse, PPE, Heat IllnessPrevention)Car Wash Safe WorkPractices Training(Unintended Acceleration,Tunnel Safety, VehicleMovement, Slips, Trips andFalls, Chemical Safety,Electrical Hazards, SafeLifting)

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... the average fine forOSHA violationsranging from $15,000to $30,000 perviolation...An OSHA inspection can happen atany time, so it’s essential to alwaysbe ready. Knowing how to prepareyour carwash for an OSHA inspection—and what to do if you receive anunscheduled visit—can make or breakyour success. This guide was createdto help businesses like yoursunderstand OSHA requirements andnavigate the inspection process.What is OSHA?The Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration (OSHA) is the primaryfederal agency responsible forenforcing workplace safety standardsin the U.S., and it conductsinspections to ensure businessescomply with these regulations. Withthe average fine for OSHA violationsranging from $15,000 to $30,000 perviolation, preparing for an OSHAinspection is critical for avoidingfinancial penalties and ensuring thesafety of employees and customers. Ifan OSHA inspector identifies health orsafety issues, employers must correctthem or face possible fines—or worse.by: Sam FurnoFirst Vice PresidentWCIPTHE COST OF NON-COMPLIANCEThe high cost of fines is only one aspect of the financialburden. Failed OSHA inspections can also result in:Increased insurance premiums.Businesses with poor safety records or frequent accidentsmay face higher liability and workers’ compensationinsurance premiums.Legal fees and settlements: Injured employees may filelawsuits, resulting in additional costs for legal defense andsettlements.Operational downtime: OSHA may require a business tocease operations temporarily to address violations,leading to lost revenue and reputation damage.13WCA EXPRESS - INS AND OUTS OSHATHE INS AND OUTS OF OSHAUNDERSTANDING THE INSPECTION PROCESS

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PERFORM HAZARDASSESSMENTSYou are required by OSHA toconduct a hazard analysis foreach type of job that will beperformed in your carwash—fromcashiers and office staff toworkers operating machines andwiping down cars. You need toknow what hazards exist for eachjob type and how to reduce theirimpact on employees. Accordingto a 2023 OSHA enforcementreport, more than 10% of citationsissued to carwashes were relatedto improper emergency exitaccess. To avoid this, regularlyinspect exits to ensure they arefree of obstructions and well-marked.KNOW THE RULES ANDGUIDELINESEverything you need to knowabout OSHA regulations isavailable online or by callingOSHA. But sometimes thingschange. In fact, in 2024, OSHAincreased the maximum penaltiesfor violations, reflecting acontinued commitment toimproving workplace safety. Thefines for serious violations haverisen to $16,124, while willful orrepeated violations can lead topenalties as high as $161,265 perincident. Keep up with changesby checking back with the siteand making it a part of yournormal annual business review.Also, be sure that an officialOSHA poster describingemployee rights is clearlydisplayed in your carwash.10 Ways toPrepare for anInspectionASSIGN A CONTACTName someone in yourorganization as the “pointperson” when an OSHA inspectorcomes to your door. That personneeds to know where allcompany policies, procedures,and documents are located. For acarwash business with multipleshifts, it’s a good idea to train atleast one or two managers totake on that role.SCHEDULE CONSISTENTSAFETY TRAININGEnsure every employeecompletes the safety trainingrequired for their job function, aswell as the general safety andsecurity procedures that areunique to your carwash. Thistraining needs to be up to date. A2023 OSHA study found thatbusinesses with comprehensivesafety training programs reducedthe likelihood of accidents by30%, showing that training is akey factor in passing inspectionsand maintaining safety.KEEP GOOD RECORDSGood records can allow for aneasy inspection instead of adifficult one. Keep careful recordsof all policies and procedures, aswell as the training courses youremployees have completed.Make sure employees sign theirnames, indicating that theyunderstand the safety policies;and if you have non-Englishspeaking employees, make sureyou have documentation thatproves they understood yoursafety training. Have alldocuments, including trainingrecords, workers’ compensationfiles, insurance information, third-party risk assessments, andpersonnel files, available for theOSHA inspector to review.WCA EXPRESS - INS AND OUTS OSHA14“Make sure employees signtheir names, indicating thatthey understand the safetypolicies”

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PREPARE AN INSPECTION KITWhen an inspection happens, youmight be caught off-guard. That’swhy it is a good idea to have afew things set aside in aninspection kit to make theinspection easier on you. Your kitshould include a pen, a notebook,a digital camera capable of takingvideo, measuring tools, and aflashlight. Your kit will allow you tofollow the inspector anddocument their time at yourcarwash. This will make it easierto remember exactly whathappened during the inspection,especially if you are not presentfor a part or all of it. If you’re noton site, have a manager or adesignated point person followthe inspector around.DO YOUR OWN RISKASSESSMENTSAccording to the Bureau of LaborStatistics (BLS), the injury rate forworkers in car washes was 4.2injuries per 100 full-time workersin 2023, significantly higher thanthe national average across allindustries. Employers shouldconsistently review paperwork tomake sure everything is up todate and correct. They shouldalso periodically check to ensureall required safety training hasbeen administered and recorded.Scheduling periodic internalaudits in which you walk throughthe facility and look for violationsas if you were an OSHA inspectorcan also be an effective way ofstaying prepared and ensuringyou are compliant.ENSURE PROPERCHEMICAL SAFETYCar washes use a variety ofchemicals that can pose risks ifmishandled. OSHA’s HazardCommunication Standardrequires businesses to properlylabel chemicals, provide MaterialSafety Data Sheets (MSDS), andtrain employees on chemicalsafety. Common violationsinclude improper storage ofchemicals, lack of labeling, andmissing safety data sheets. In2023, a Safety+Health Magazinereport noted that businesseswith effective chemical safetyprograms reduced workplaceinjuries related to chemicalexposure by 20%. Be sure that allchemical containers are labeledcorrectly, and make MSDSdocuments easily accessible toemployees.IMPLEMENT AND REVIEWLOCKOUT/TAGOUTPROCEDURESLockout/Tagout (LOTO)violations remain a leading causeof OSHA penalties, especially incar washes where machinery is inconstant operation.Implementing a proper LOTOprogram ensures that machineryis safely de-energized duringmaintenance, preventingaccidental activation. In 2023,companies that implemented acomprehensive LOTO programsaw a 25% reduction inmachinery-related accidents,according to the NationalInstitute for Occupational Safetyand Health (NIOSH). Make sure allemployees involved in equipmentmaintenance are trained onLOTO procedures and thatnecessary LOTO devices are inplace and in good workingcondition. According to OSHA,failure to implement properLOTO procedures accounted for$17.8 million in fines across allindustries in 2023.Ask the expertsWhen it comes to preparing foran OSHA inspection, there are alot of things you can overlook.That’s why it’s a good idea toconsult with risk experts andconduct your own safety reviewsregularly. Talk with your insuranceprovider about ways you canreduce your risk profile andbetter ensure your carwash isprepared for an inspection.In addition to following the 10steps above, these strategic do’sand don’ts can further help youstay on top of your game in theevent of an OSHA inspection.15WCA EXPRESS - INS AND OUTS OSHA

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Verify the compliance officer’scredentials. Inspectors must show youtheir credentials, which include aphotograph and serial number.Be honest with the inspector. If you don’tknow the answer to something, tell them.Inspectors are trained to distinguishwhether you are being truthful or not. Welcome the inspector onto yourproperty in a timely manner. This showsthat you are confident, professional, andcooperative.Allow your employees to speak with theinspector. While holding your next safetymeeting, bring up the topic that a visitingOSHA inspector may have a fewquestions and that a simple “yes” or “no”is fine, if the question allows. On the otherhand, if a question asked by the inspectorcannot be answered by a simple “yes” or“no,” the employee should answer asbriefly as possible. Inspectors do nothave the time to listen to extraneous orirrelevant information.Document everything. If your inspectortakes pictures or videos to examinequality and safety, you should as well.They may also collect samples of air toverify exposure to toxic fumes, gases,dust, or other hazardous items. Beproactive, take good notes, and recordevery instrument reading.Correct violations before your inspectorleaves. Follow up with a letter to addressany other concerns they may have had.Allow anyone to inspect your companywithout verification. If inspectors try topromote or sell products or services orattempt to collect money for penaltiesat the time of inspection, they are eitherimpersonating inspectors or breakingthe law.Lie to an inspector. Lying to an inspectorlessens your credibility. And if inspectorssuspect you are being untruthful, theymay dig deeper.Brush off the inspector and make themwait. If an inspector contacts you andrequests to visit your business, make ityour priority to meet them as soon aspossible. If there is a noticeable delay, theinspector might think you’re hidingsomething. Discourage your staff from talking to theinspector. If an inspector gets the feelingthat your staff has been told to not talk,the inspector can compel them to do so—even going so far as to issue asubpoena. If this happens, yourinspection will become more aggressive.Be dismissive. The details matter. Don’tmiss any picture, video, or sample thatyour inspector takes. If your inspectorbrings up violations from pictures, videos,or readings, you can crosscheck with yourdata and make sure there aren’t anymistakes.Procrastinate. The sooner you can fix thesmaller violations, the sooner you canmove on to the larger issues. Yourinspector will also have more confidencein you if you’re proactive and aggressivetoward fixing your violations.DO DON’TWCA EXPRESS - INS AND OUTS OSHA16

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ABOUT THE WESTERN CARWASH INSURANCE PROGRAMWCIP has been the carwash industry’s insurance partner of choice since 1994. Endorsed exclusively bythe Western Carwash Association, the program is custom designed to cover the unique and wide-rangingrisks facing carwashes throughout the West. Built by carwash operators for carwash operators, weprovide a comprehensive barrier of coverage for all aspects of the business, whether self-service,automatic, express, flex, or full-service. Our depth of experience, strong carrier relationships, and VIPservice enable us to provide the highest possible standard of insurance excellence at the mostcompetitive rates in the market.ABOUT ALLIANT INSURANCE SERVICESAlliant Insurance Services is one of the nation’s leading and fastest-growing distributors of diversifiedinsurance products and services. In the face of increasing complexity, our approach is simple: bring onthe best people and invest more deeply in the industries and clients we serve. We operate through anetwork of specialized national platforms and regional offices to offer a comprehensive portfolio ofservices to our clients. Our goal is to ensure that they get the most innovative products—and innovativethinking—in the industry.An OSHA inspection can happen at any time, and owners and managers should always be prepared.Review your business office, shop, vehicles, and yard on a monthly basis.Look for hazards and other safety issues, and make sure all of your employees understand currentsafety procedures.Some of the most common OSHAviolations in carwashes are:Lack of written hazard communication plansImproper use or lack of PPE (personalprotection equipment)No written procedures for lockout/tagout(LOTO)Insufficient eyewash stationsElectrical issues, especially in the equipmentroomsFailure to provide proper safety trainingImproper chemical handling17WCA EXPRESS - INS AND OUTS OSHAREADINESS IS KEY.HERE ARE SOME ESSENTIAL TAKEAWAYS:

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That evening, many attendeesimmersed themselves inHawaiian culture at a traditionalHawaiian luau, a celebration oflocal culture that createdmemories and simply couldn’t bereplicated elsewhere.The following day, ScottWainwright from WOW sharedhis journey in business growthand real estate development. Hetouched on a variety of topics inthis interactive session, includingproviding insight on how a littlecreativity can be used to adaptto the ever changing regulatoryclimate to strategically positionlocations.October’s Destination Paradise:Maui Retreat delivered anunforgettable experience,blending education, connection,and relaxation! Attendeesengaged in cutting-edgeeducational sessions designedfor the car wash industry, gainingvaluable insights and practicalstrategies to drive success.by: Brett Fraser, MBA, MADep. Exec. DirectorWCACentered around the themeEfficiency and Innovation, WCAbrought together an impressivelineup of speakers—both fromwithin and outside the industry—to share actionable insights onusing these key aspects ofbusiness to achieve their goals,even in challenging times.The event launched with TonyRen of Maui Brewing Company,who shared the brand’s journeyof strategic growth and itscommitment to core values thatset it apart. In true Hawaiianspirit, Tony emphasized howbusinesses impact theirsurrounding environments—bothnatural and commercial.Additional sessions featuredindustry leaders like Tommy CarWash and G&G Lighting. TommyCar Wash provided a lot of dataand key takeaways within theirpresentation, including thethought process for selectingnew locations, focusing on howproximity and convenienceenhance customer value. G&GLighting demonstrated howinnovative lighting solutions cantransform the customerexperience, showing how ease ofuse and creative color optionscan elevate brand perception.19WCA EXPRESS - MAUI RETREAT RECAPDESTINATION PARADISEMAUI RETREAT RECAP

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Michael O’Brien, CEO andFounder of the BluePrint Toolkit,closed the retreat with aninteractive session that inspiredattendees to lead their teamswith fresh perspectives, helpingthem build a brighter future.This retreat masterfullycombined professional growthwith unique cultural experiences.The casual yet productiveatmosphere provided countlessopportunities to network andrecharge in Maui’s breathtakingsurroundings.Feedback has beenoverwhelmingly positive, withattendees celebrating theperfect mix of learning andleisure.Thank you to everyone whojoined us—we can’t wait to seeyou all at the next WCA event!WCA EXPRESS - MAUI RETREAT RECAP20

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The Background: The Suspect’sViolent PastThe suspect had a criminalhistory, which included multiplearrests for violent offenses beforehe became employed as asecurity guard at a privatesecurity company. His criminalrecord included charges forassault and other violent behavior— red flags that should haveraised concerns for any employer.But despite this history, he washired without a thoroughbackground check. Had thecompany taken the time to diginto his past, they would haveuncovered a disturbing pattern ofviolent tendencies that made himunfit for a role that demandedtrust, responsibility, and thesafety of others.His brutal past included chargesthat should have been more thansufficient to disqualify him fromworking in a job that allowed himto interact with the public. Hiscriminal history, which hadincluded violent altercationsresulting in the personal injuriesof others, should have been asignificant warning sign in anystandard hiring process thatinvolved public-facing positions. In 2011, a 26-year-old well-likedyoung woman from Atlanta,Georgia, was tragically murdered.It was a senseless crime thatshocked the community and lefther friends, family, and lovedones grappling with unimaginableloss. But what made the victim'sdeath even more heartbreakingwas the fact that her killer wasable to slip through the cracks ofa negligent hiring system — ahiring system that could haveprevented the entire ordeal.This tragic crime not only stolethe life of an innocent woman butalso exposed glaring flaws in ahiring process that allowedsomeone with a violent criminalbackground to be employed in arole where he had direct accessto vulnerable individuals.But the lack of a properbackground check meant thatthe suspect was hired andplaced in a position where hehad access to both employeesand the public. It was a deadlyoversight that allowed him tocommit the unthinkable.21WCA EXPRESS - EFFECTIVE BACKGROUND CHECKSby: Brett TroisiExec. Vice PresidentReliable Background Screening“Red flags that shouldhave raised concernsfor any employer”EFFECTIVE BACKGROUND CHECKSPROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS & YOUR EMPLOYEES

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CONCLUSION: A Life Cut Short, LessonsUnlearnedThis murder is a tragedy thatresonates far beyond heruntimely death. It is a cautionarytale of what can happen whenemployers neglect theresponsibility of performingthorough background checks. Aman with a history of violence,was hired by a security companythat did not properly vet him. Asa result, a young woman wasneedlessly killed, and the rippleeffects of that crimereverberated throughout thecommunity.Her life was tragically cut shortbecause of a preventable failure.While no amount of legal actionor reform can bring her back, herstory serves as a crucialreminder for businesseseverywhere: When it comes tohiring, negligence is not just anoversight — it can be deadly.In the end, the tragedy of thisyoung woman reminds us thatsafety must always come first.The importance of backgroundchecks cannot be overstated,and those in charge of hiringmust remember that theconsequences of their actions, orlack thereof, can change livesforever. THE MURDER The young woman, who wasliving in Atlanta at the time, wasworking as a marketingconsultant and was known forher infectious energy and kindspirit. On that fateful evening inJuly, she was leaving a friend’shouse when she wasapproached by the suspect,who, at the time, was working asa security guard in the area.His actions that night werehorrifying. After a briefconversation, he pulled out afirearm and shot the victim incold blood. The shooting tookplace in an area that, on anyother day, would have been filledwith people. The suspect didn’t just take alife, he destroyed an entirecommunity’s sense of safety. Hewas able to commit this horrificact because the company thathired him had failed to conducteven the most basic backgroundchecks.The victim’s family and friendswere left to pick up the pieces oftheir broken lives. They wouldnever again hear her laughter, orwitness her kindness, which hadtouched so many. The entire cityof Atlanta, shocked by the brutalcrime, mourned them.In addition to lives changed,companies and business ownerscan be held liable for the actionsof their employees — and eventheir former employees. This can occur under NegligentHiring and Retention Liabilitylaws, where an employee or ex-employee harms someone, andthe company did not perform athorough background check thatcould have uncovered thisperson’s violent or dangerouscriminal past.Performing thorough backgroundchecks is one of the best waysto mitigate Employer risk againstliability from Negligent Hiringlaws. Just be sure to utilize areliable background screeningcompany that is also a consumerreporting agency (CRA) to helpyour company navigate theproper disclosure andauthorization forms that areneeded to be given to yourapplicants.22WCA EXPRESS - EFFECTIVE BACKGROUND CHECKS

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For another first, we are planning a Self-Serve / IBA -focused car wash tour in Las Vegas! This route is inaddition to our other route, which has traditionally featured primarily express car washes. This will offerattendees who are looking for a more relevant experience and the opportunity to explore innovativeself-serve and IBA facilities. With Vegas’ diverse range of car washes, this tour promises to be botheducational and thought-provoking. As always, participants can network with industry peers and gainfirsthand insights into the operations and strategies driving success in this segment. Be sure to markyour calendars for this must-attend event, as this wash will set the stage for WCA’s education for theupcoming days.Additionally, preparations are well underway for the upcoming 2025 educational calendar. As always,the Self-Serve / IBA Council is planning a robust educational program to address key topics for the self-serve and IBA community. Registration for the show is not open, so register today! In the meantime,we’re also expanding our popular Town Hall Webinar series. These sessions provide a platform forcandid discussions and knowledge-sharing, fostering a stronger, more connected community. We lookforward to seeing you at these events and continuing to support the growth and success of the self-serve and IBA sectors.The Self-Serve / IBA Council is hard at work withseveral exciting developments designed toenhance engagement and provide value to ourcommunity within the next year. Foremost amongthese is the launch of a dedicated web portalspecifically tailored to the needs of the self-serveand in-bay automatic (IBA) car wash sector. Thisnew platform will serve as a one-stop shop forresources, tools, and industry insights. Memberscan access critical information, operational bestpractices, and emerging trends, all curated tosupport the unique challenges and opportunitieswithin this segment. You can expect this to launchin preparation for 2025’s The Car Wash Show inLas Vegas, NV April 26-28.23WCA EXPRESS - UPDATES FROM THE SS / IBA COUNCILUPDATES FROM THE SELF-SERVE/IBA COUNCILYOUR HOME FOR YOUR SELF-SERVE & IN-BAY-AUTOMATIC OPERATIONS

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SANDER ROMICK 1937-2025 HWB Car Wash, Inc. Los Angeles, CaliforniaOne of the most interesting, and charming personalities inthe WCA family, Sander was a true renaissance man. Aconnoisseur of fine wines and good conversation, Sanderwas a respected marketing executive in the tobaccoindustry prior to his entry to the car wash sector as ownerof HWB Car Wash in Southern California. Sander served onthe WCA Board for many years, most notably as Chair ofthe Legislative/Legal Committee where he regularlyrepresented WCA before regulators and legislators. He wasalso a key advisor to WCA on various business aspects ofthe association.Sander is survived by his wife Sharon, three children and 8grandchildren.24WCA EXPRESS - OBITUARIESBOB BURGLINNovember. 3, 2024Las Vegas, Nevada & Park City, UtahBob Burglin, a longtime figure in the self-serve car washindustry, passed away on November 3, 2024, in Park City,Utah.Born with an entrepreneurial spirit, Bob dedicated much ofhis professional life to serving the community in North LasVegas, Nevada, where he operated successful self-servecar wash businesses for many years. His commitment toquality and service made him a familiar face and trustedname in the area.In 2012, Bob retired and moved to serene mountains ofPark City, Utah. Bob will be remembered for his hard workand dedication to the industry. OBITUARIES

WCA Express - Winter Edition 2025

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