Customer Spotlight: Tyler Mooney

Tyler Mooney, 31, always knew he wanted to own and operate car washes. 

He entered the industry at age 16 with a prominent full-service car wash chain, rising to a managerial position there. At 26, he was recruited by a start-up express wash chain and was instrumental in growing the company to nearly 30 locations in a short time during his tenure. Approximately four years into that position, he stumbled on an opportunity that was too good to ignore -- a car wash for sale in the north Georgia town of Jasper, where the owner was ready to retire and sell. 

Mooney’s first call was to Howco for consultation on the viability of the potential investment, as he had worked closely and been impressed with our team during his time at both car wash chains. After due diligence, Mooney purchased the site and chose to retain the name Jasper Car Wash. 

The purchased wash had two in-bay automatic systems, one touchless and one friction. In close consultation with Howco, Mooney chose to keep the touchless and entrusted us to rehabilitate it to almost-new condition. We replaced the 15-year-old friction system with a new Profile® LXR soft-touch, a wall-mounted system designed with an emphasis on durability, simplicity of use, and reduced maintenance. 

Howco updated the point-of-sale equipment to pay stations that facilitate the purchase of wash memberships. We also installed self-service vacuums with canopies, an LED light package, and retractable doors. 

Mooney’s second car wash ownership opportunity arose in Newton Grove, NC, a unique “traffic circle town” at the intersection of three state highways between Fayetteville and Goldsboro, NC, just east of Interstate 40. This was a case of an absentee owner who had neglected the wash and was ready to sell.  

Within minutes of Mooney arriving at the local municipal office to file the appropriate paperwork and receive permits for his new purchase, it seemed everybody in Newton Grove knew of and was really excited about the new guy in town. They hoped, correctly, that he would significantly refresh and professionally operate the only car wash within 20 miles of their tiny community. Appropriately, the facility retains the name Circle Auto Spa. 

Howco removed the dilapidated in-bay automatic equipment there and replaced it with a new Razor® touch-free system. We also installed a new pay station and renovated the building to include an LED lighting package and new signage. 

Mooney quickly made inroads in Newton Grove, securing numerous fleet agreements as well as becoming involved in the community that has gleefully welcomed his presence and investment. Mooney resides in Raleigh, about 45 miles north of the wash, and has a constant finger on the pulse of the operation. 

At this writing, refurbishment of Mooney’s third car wash venture, Main & 3rd, is a work in progress in the eastern Tennessee town of Erwin on Interstate 26. The wash will also feature a Razor® in-bay automatic system and new pay stations. 

In addition to equipment installation and building improvements at all three washes, Howco also handles the chemical program at each. 

“One of the best and coolest aspects of working with Howco is that three of my primary contacts there were store managers with me at the full-service car wash chain,” said Mooney. “So we know, like, and trust each other from our time together many years ago. We have all advanced in our car wash careers and are keeping the working relationship intact. 

“It’s a whole new ballgame now that it’s just me in charge of the car wash operation,” Mooney continued. “Howco is an awesome resource for planning and weighing decisions, diving into the nitty gritty details with the numerous industry experts there. To have them working with me and looking over my shoulder while I cut my own course is unbelievably valuable and appreciated. 

“As with any car wash build or upfit, there are snags, surprises, and challenges, and I can’t think of a better partner to have in my corner than Howco when we encounter those. The knowledge and flexibility of the professionals there have been the most helpful components of my entrepreneurial venture thus far,” concluded Mooney. 

Mooney has subsequent car wash acquisitions on his radar, and we don’t see him hitting the pause button any time soon.