Third generation business owner offers innovative and cost effective ways for car washing

Following in the foot steps of his father, Bob Marchenese, and his grandfather, Jimmy Marchenese, has allowed the third generation owner of Auto Wash, Bobby Marchenese, to bring his business to Tonawanda. With two other Auto Wash locations in Geneva and Canandaigua.

“My grandfather started out in the car business, making repairs. He was in it for about 40 years. Soon after that he and my father decided to open a car wash in Geneva,” said Bobby. “Ever since I can remember, I was working for my dad in one of his car washes, mostly in Geneva. I always loved cars and I loved taking something that was dirty and within minutes making it clean.”

Bobby purchased the business, which has been family owned since 1984, from his father and grandfather in 2008 and decided to bring his business to Tonawanda in March 2012.

“I learned about the car wash in Tonawanda being for sale and drove up several times to look at the wash and the surrounding area. Tonawanda seemed like a nice area with the potential to have a successful car wash.  The wash itself needed quite a bit of upgrades which we did as soon as we took ownership,” said Bobby.

The establishment was remodeled in April 2012, during which all of the equipment inside the tunnel of the car wash was replaced with new equipment.

“I have managers at each location. I couldn’t do this without my employees,” said Bobby. “It’s tough to find the right person, but I think a good interview process helps with that and we have a great mentor and training program.”

Auto Wash has a new Point of Sales system, which enables the business to have an Unlimited Car Wash Club.

“This is RFID Technology,” said Bobby. “It kind of works like an EZ-Pass. There is a chip inside the sticker that is placed on the inside of your window. So when the customers join the club - they pull up to get their cars washed and it scans their sticker and indicates you are a club member.”

Customers may become a member for a starting fee of $14.99 per month for the basic car wash, or purchase a package up to $29.99 per month. The customer can choose which package works best for their needs. Due to the cost of a basic car wash at Auto Wash costing only $6 per visit, if a customer gets their car washed three times per month they are already getting value from becoming a member, but the customer can come through as many times as they choose.

Customers may become a member by signing up with a credit card or a debit card at the pay station. Credit card information is not stored at Auto Wash itself. To become a member, insert your credit card or debit card at the pay station, choose your wash package, and see the wash attendant to receive your membership sticker and additional information regarding your package. Funds are deducted on the first of each month, just like any membership would.

“The price is definitely good here, and we already have the quality and the customer service,” said Bobby. “As a family owned business, we definitely focus on customer service,” said Bobby.

Auto Wash also offers auto detailing. The cost of a full interior detail, which includes leaving your vehicle at the establishment for at least three hours while it is steam cleaned, is $75. For additional pricing visit the Auto Wash website at www.autowashcarwash.com.