Executive Summary
ClearWave Car Wash offers a single lane express car wash at 3175 South Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It provides automated exterior car wash services and self-service vacuum bays.
The primary customers are daily commuters, rideshare drivers, and apartment residents who want a quick and affordable car wash. The demand comes mainly from the ease of access, heavy traffic, and exposure to the weather.
Mission
ClearWave Car Wash is committed to providing reliable exterior car wash services to everyday drivers. It aims to perform a straightforward express wash that focuses on maintaining equipment in good condition, cutting down on costs, and speeding up the car wash process.
Management
Trevor Langston is the sole owner of ClearWave Car Wash and runs the business. He is responsible for the overall management of the business, scheduling of employees, liaising with suppliers, maintenance of equipment, cash handling, and ensuring the business is legally compliant.
Services
ClearWave offers automated exterior express car washes only, sold through 3 wash packages:
- Basic
- Standard
- Premium
Interior cleaning, detailing, and hand washing are not offered. Vacuum bays are available as a supporting service. The business operates with a blended average ticket of approximately $11.50 based on customer selection across wash tiers.
Market Opportunity
Fort Lauderdale spans 34.6 square miles with about 5,328 people per square mile. This results in steady, everyday driving along roads like South Federal Highway.
Several independent and small chain car washes operate within three miles of the site. This shows regular demand for quick exterior washes, not one-time or destination trips.
ClearWave competes by keeping equipment dependable, moving cars quickly, and offering simple pricing with no add-ons or confusing deals.
Financial Summary
The business requires $600,000 to start. This covers construction, wash equipment, a water recycling system, POS setup, opening supplies, and early operating cash. The owner will invest $180,000. The remaining $420,000 will be financed through a loan from Regions Bank.
Year one revenue is projected at $258,000. In year two, revenue is expected to rise to about $405,000 as repeat customers and memberships grow. By year three, revenue is projected at roughly $415,000 as traffic levels stabilize.
The business is expected to break even at approximately $20,700 per month, based on fixed monthly costs of about $13,650 and an average margin of roughly 66%.
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Business Overview
ClearWave Car Wash is a Florida limited liability company that operates a single-location express car wash in Fort Lauderdale.
The company offers automated exterior car washing plus self-service vacuum bays. There is no hand washing, interior cleaning, detailing, or mechanical repairs at the facility.
ClearWave is not a premium or full-service wash concept. It is created to meet the needs of regular car owners who want a fast, low-cost wash without waiting or getting add-on services.
Owner Background
Trevor Langston runs the business himself as the owner. He handles daily operations, plans staff schedules, checks daily sales and cash, and works with vendors for supplies and repairs. He also makes sure the equipment is working and that the business follows all local and state rules.
The owner does not take a salary at the start. He stays involved to keep costs low and make sure the business runs well.
Legal Structure and Ownership
ClearWave Car Wash is owned 100% by Trevor Langston. The business is operated directly by the owner with no partners or outside investors.
The structure provides personal liability protection while keeping ownership and management simple. The business is registered in Florida and has all the required local licenses, permits, and tax filings to operate a car wash.
Location and Facilities
ClearWave is located at 3175 South Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33316.
The area has apartments, nearby shops, and many people who drive every day for work. The location also serves commuters and rideshare drivers who use this road daily. The site is easy to see from the highway and easy to enter.
The property has one automated wash lane and self-service vacuum bays. The layout allows cars to move through easily and helps avoid traffic during busy times. Customers can enter and leave without driving through residential streets.
Keys to Success
ClearWave’s success depends on following a few key operating steps:
- Keep the wash system working at all times to avoid downtime in a single-lane setup
- Use lean staffing with direct owner involvement to control fixed costs
- Bring in steady daily traffic by offering fast and reliable service in a commuter area
- Manage cash carefully to pay expenses and loan payments during slow or bad weather periods
These steps help the business run smoothly and stay stable as daily wash volume becomes more consistent.
Market Analysis
Cars are used daily, and keeping them clean is a recurring need for owners who want to protect paint, resale value, and appearance. Globally, the professional car wash services market was estimated at about $36.30 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow at a steady rate through the next decade, driven by rising vehicle ownership and increasing preference for automated and express wash solutions.
In the United States, the car wash services market is also expanding, with industry revenues estimated at approximately $16.99 billion in 2025. This growth reflects strong and sustained demand for professional wash services as more drivers outsource vehicle cleaning for consistency, convenience, and water efficiency compared with at-home washing.
Vehicle ownership in Florida provides a strong local base for car wash demand. The state has an estimated 14,000,000 passenger cars, representing a large population of cars that require regular exterior cleaning.
In Fort Lauderdale, drivers own an average of about 2 cars per household, indicating frequent local vehicle use that supports regular car wash visits.
Target Customer Segments
ClearWave serves a small number of local customer groups that use express car washes on a regular basis. The segments below show who these customers are, how they typically use the car wash, and how often they visit.
| Customer Segment | Typical Profile | Usage Behavior | Visit Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Commuters | Working adults living or commuting nearby | Quick exterior washes before or after work | Weekly or biweekly |
| Rideshare & Delivery Drivers | Uber, Lyft, and delivery drivers | Frequent washes to maintain vehicle appearance | High frequency |
| Apartment Residents | Renters without home wash access | Convenience-driven exterior washes | Regular |
| Tourists & Short-Term Visitors | Rental car users and visitors | Wash before return or extended stays | One-time per stay |
Car Wash Industry Trends
The car wash industry is moving toward simpler models that are easier to run and cheaper to operate.
- Express exterior car washes are growing because they need less staff and lower ongoing costs than full-service washes.
- Many operators are dropping hand-drying and interior services to avoid labor issues and rising wages.
- Self-serve vacuum areas are replacing full interior cleaning, which reduces staffing needs.
- Water reclaim systems are now common and are often required by local rules, helping control water costs.
- Monthly membership plans are becoming a major revenue driver by creating steady, repeat visits.
- Smaller sites with clear entry and exit flow help move cars faster and reduce wait times.
These trends support small, owner-operated express car washes focused on efficiency, low labor use, and steady daily traffic.
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Services & Pricing
ClearWave Car Wash offers automated exterior express washes through a small set of clearly defined service options. Interior cleaning, hand washing, detailing, and mechanical services are not offered. This avoids labor-intensive work and keeps service time consistent.
Services
ClearWave’s core wash packages are outlined below, showing the services included at each tier.
In addition to single-wash options, ClearWave offers the following supporting services:
Vacuum Service
Self-service vacuum bays are offered as a supporting service. Vacuum use is included with wash purchases or available at a low standalone fee. This service increases site usage and customer convenience without adding labor-intensive work.
Memberships
The car wash offers monthly plans for customers who wash their vehicles often. These plans reduce the need to pay per visit and make regular washing easier. Three options are available:
- Basic Unlimited: $22 per month
- Shine Unlimited: $32 per month
- Ceramic Unlimited: $44 per month
Households with more than one vehicle can add extra cars to the same plan for $12 per vehicle.
These plans are designed for drivers who value convenience, including daily commuters, rideshare drivers, and households with multiple vehicles.
Vendor Relationships and Terms
ClearWave relies on a small number of core equipment, chemical, and utility service vendors. Major equipment is sourced through established wash system suppliers, with maintenance handled by outsourced technicians on an on-call basis.
Chemicals and consumables are purchased from regional suppliers with pricing tied to volume usage. Re-ordering is based on actual wash counts rather than forecasted demand. Utilities are paid monthly and monitored closely due to their impact on margins.
No long-term supplier contracts lock the business into fixed minimums. This preserves flexibility during slower months.
Pricing Strategy
Pricing is set in line with the local express wash market. ClearWave does not compete as the lowest-price option and does not use deep discounts. Prices are structured to:
- Cover per-wash variable costs
- Contribute consistently toward fixed operating expenses
- Remain affordable for frequent local users
The business has an average wash price of about $11.50. This is based on what customers choose across the three wash options. Most customers pick the Standard or Premium wash. This helps keep margins steady without slowing down the wash process.
Competitive Landscape
The South Federal Highway area has several car wash options. Most are large express chains or older self-service and full-service washes located a few miles away. Many of these competitors rely on high volume, big locations, or more labor, rather than serving nearby drivers who want quick, everyday washes.
Direct Competitors
| Competitor Type | Services | Where They Fall Short |
|---|---|---|
| Large Express Chain Locations (e.g., El Car Wash,Woodie’s Wash Shack) |
Multi-lane express washes, memberships, promotions |
Heavy traffic during peak hours; longer entry and exit times; less convenient for quick, routine washes |
| Independent Full-Service or Self-Service Washes (e.g., Federal Highway Car Wash, Sunrise Auto Wash) |
Self-service bays or labor-heavy full service |
Slower service; higher labor use; inconsistent quality |
| Smaller Express Washes (e.g., Aqua Express Wash, Blue Wave Auto Wash) |
Automated exterior washes | Depend on destination traffic; less convenient for nearby commuters |
Indirect Competitors
The business also competes with home car washing and mobile detailing services. Washing at home takes time and space, and many places restrict water use. Mobile detailing provides deeper cleaning, but it costs more and needs an appointment. These choices work for some drivers, but they are not useful for frequent use. They do not provide the speed and ease of an express exterior car wash.
Competitive Positioning
ClearWave Car Wash is designed to serve drivers who want a fast and dependable exterior wash during their daily travel.
- Exterior-only automated washes that keep service time short
- Simple entry and exit layout to reduce waiting and congestion
- Consistent wash quality with limited service options
- Clear pricing that is easy to understand and compare
- No detailing or full-service work that slows down the wash process
- Positioned along South Federal Highway to capture regular commuter traffic
This positioning makes ClearWave a practical choice for commuters and local drivers who value speed, reliability, and straightforward service.
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Marketing & Sales Strategy
We want drivers to notice the car wash easily and choose it without thinking too much. Since many drivers pass through South Federal Highway every day, we focus on visibility and simple local presence to reach them at the right time.
After the opening phase, marketing remains simple. Ongoing marketing spending is about $900 per month, covering basic entrance boards, printed handouts, and small online updates.
Marketing Channel Mix
1. Core Marketing Channels
These channels help us reach drivers who are already nearby and looking for a quick wash.
Roadside Visibility & Signage
Clear sign board along South Federal Highway helps drivers spot the car wash while passing by. This works well for daily commuters and nearby residents.
Google Maps & Local Search
A Google Business Profile helps the car wash appear when people search for a nearby wash. This brings in drivers who are ready to visit right away.
On-Site Experience
Clean facilities, clear entry and exit, and a simple service flow make the wash easy to understand. A smooth experience encourages repeat visits.
2. Digital Presence
Our main online presence is the Google Business Profile. It shows hours, location, photos, and services so drivers know what to expect before arriving.
Basic social media pages may be used only to support visibility and trust. We do not run paid ads. Reviews are checked by the owner and replied to when needed.
3. In-Store Tactics
These efforts focus on speed, clarity, and repeated use without slowing down service.
Clear directional signage guides vehicles through entry, payment, wash, and exit with minimal confusion. Instructions are short and easy to follow, so first-time customers move through the wash without assistance.
Memberships are promoted at the pay station and on-site boards for frequent users. Pricing is straightforward, with no complex offers that slow decision-making at entry.
Limited promotions may be used during launch or slow periods, but the primary focus remains on consistent pricing and fast throughput rather than deal-driven traffic.
Customer Acquisition Approach
Customer acquisition comes from pass-by traffic, memberships, and local referrals.
First-time customers are driven by strong roadside visibility along South Federal Highway and a fast, easy-to-follow express wash process. Clear pricing and quick entry reduce decision time and fit short, routine stops.
Memberships convert frequent local drivers into regular users. Monthly plans support repeat visits, steady revenue, and reduced reliance on promotions.
Referrals develop naturally through consistent service and convenience. Regular customers recommend the wash to coworkers, family, and nearby residents who travel the same routes daily, without the need for formal referral incentives.
Referrals and Word-of-Mouth
ClearWave does not use formal referral or affiliate programs. Instead, referrals occur through regular customer use and visibility along South Federal Highway. Customers often recommend the car wash to family, friends, or coworkers after repeated positive experiences.
Word-of-mouth is driven by fast service, easy entry and exit, and consistent wash quality. Because the car wash is part of customers’ daily routes, referrals happen as a natural result of routine neighborhood use rather than through discounts or referral incentives.
Launch Promotions
To build early awareness, we use short-term offers to attract first-time customers. During the first 2–3 weeks, we offer a lower-priced exterior wash so nearby drivers can try the service without hesitation.
We also introduce a limited first-month membership offer for drivers who wash often. This helps convert early visitors into regular customers.
We share these offers using clear boards at the wash entrance and pay station, along with updates on our Google Business Profile.
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Operations & Compliance
ClearWave Car Wash is open every day from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. These hours work well for morning commuters, daytime drivers, and people returning in the evening. Keeping the same hours each day makes it easier for customers and staff.
Daily Operations
Daily work follows a simple routine. This helps keep the equipment running, the site clean, and customers safe. It also helps catch problems early and keep the service the same each day.
Below is the daily workflow:
- A morning walk through to check the wash tunnel, vacuum areas, and overall site condition.
- Review chemical levels, system alerts, and basic equipment function.
- Verification of the pay station and POS functionality before opening
- Routine cleaning of high-use areas is often necessary to maintain safety and order.
- Complete an end-of-day site check, review daily sales, and secure all systems.
This routine keeps operations steady without adding extra work. It helps the owner and staff provide reliable service while controlling costs.
Regulatory, Environmental, and Insurance Compliance
ClearWave Car Wash follows all local and state rules required to run a car wash. This includes zoning, business licenses, environmental rules, and water-use requirements. The business also carries insurance to protect the site, equipment, employees, and customers.
Compliance and Insurance Overview
| Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Zoning & Licensing | Complies with city zoning and business license requirements |
| Water & Wastewater | Meets state and local water-use and runoff regulations |
| Water Reclamation | On-site system reduces freshwater usage |
| Chemical Handling | Safe storage and handling per regulatory guidelines |
| Compliance Oversight | The owner maintains records and inspection coordination |
| Insurance Coverage | General liability, property, equipment, and workers’ compensation |
| Insurance Review | Coverage reviewed annually |
Equipment and Technology
ClearWave Car Wash uses a simple set of equipment for exterior washes only. This setup supports steady wash flow, keeps costs low, and meets local rules for a single-lane express wash.
| Equipment Photo | Equipment / System | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
 |
Automatic Exterior Wash System (used/refurbished) |
This system washes the outside of vehicles with consistent results and fast cycle times. It is built to handle daily volume with very little labor. |
 |
Pay Station & POS System | This system lets customers choose a wash, pay by card or cash, and records daily sales.It removes the need for manual payment and helps keep pricing under control. |
 |
Self-Service Vacuum Stations | Vacuum stations are offered after the wash as a supporting service.They make the visit more useful for customers without adding extra labor. |
 |
Water Reclamation & Filtration System | This system collects and cleans used water so it can be reused. It lowers fresh water use and helps meet local water and environmental rules. |
 |
Utility Infrastructure (Water, electrical, drainage) | Water, electrical, and drainage systems support daily wash operations, lighting, pressure equipment, and proper water flow across the site. |
The pay station and POS system record all sales automatically. The owner reviews these records each day for basic checks. No advanced software or customer tracking tools are used, which helps keep operations simple and easy to manage.
Staffing Plan
Staffing is kept small to control labor costs while meeting daily needs. ClearWave runs under an owner-operator model and uses part-time attendants to support busy periods and maintain smooth daily operations.
Owner
The owner is responsible for overall business oversight and daily operations, including:
- Site supervision and daily inspections
- Scheduling and coordination of part-time attendants
- Vendor coordination and service call management
- Review of daily sales, cash controls, and reporting
- Compliance oversight and issue resolution
The owner does not draw a salary in the initial operating period, consistent with the financial model.
Part-Time Attendants
ClearWave employs two part-time attendants to provide approximately 70 total staff hours per week, focused on high-traffic periods.
Attendant responsibilities include:
- Monitoring wash operations and site activity
- Assisting customers as needed
- Maintaining site cleanliness and safety
- Reporting equipment issues to the owner
Attendants do not perform mechanical repairs or technical servicing.
Safety and Site Security
Basic security steps are used to protect equipment and cash. The site is open and easy to see, which helps reduce hidden areas.
Staff are present during busy times to prevent misuse of equipment and small thefts. Any equipment damage or safety issues are noted and handled quickly.
Customer safety is supported with clear signs, marked driving lanes, and regular cleaning to help prevent slips or vehicle damage.
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Financial Plan
The financial projections present ClearWave Car Wash’s expected operating performance over a three-year period.
Key Financial Assumptions
| Item | Assumption |
|---|---|
| Operating days | ~30 days/month (weather-driven variance) |
| Blended avg ticket | $11.50 (no price increase in Years 1–2) |
| Avg washes/day – Year 1 | ~55 |
| Avg washes/day – Year 2 | ~78 |
| Avg washes/day – Year 3 | ~80 |
| Membership revenue | 6% of revenue (Y1), ~14% (Y2), ~15% (Y3) |
| Fixed staffing | ~70 hrs/week baseline coverage |
| Attendant wage | $16/hour |
| Owner compensation | $0 (Y1 & Y2), $30k starting Y3 |
| Marketing spend | ~$900/month (for Year 1) |
| Loan amount | $420,000 term loan |
| Loan term | 7–10 years, fixed rate |
Startup Cost
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-Opening & Soft Costs | |
| Business registration, permits, zoning | 12,000 |
| Environmental & water approvals | 8,000 |
| Legal, engineering, inspections | 10,000 |
| Branding, signage, opening marketing | 10,000 |
| Subtotal — Pre-Opening | 40,000 |
| Equipment (Capitalized) | |
| Automatic wash system (used/refurbished) | 240,000 |
| Vacuums & pay stations | 45,000 |
| Water reclaim & filtration system | 35,000 |
| POS & payment systems | 15,000 |
| Subtotal — Equipment | 335,000 |
| Site Work & Buildout (Capitalized) | |
| Concrete, plumbing, electrical | 90,000 |
| Utility connections & drainage | 40,000 |
| Canopy, lighting, safety systems | 30,000 |
| Subtotal — Site & Buildout | 160,000 |
| Opening Inventory & Deposits | |
| Chemicals & consumables | 12,000 |
| Utility deposits | 8,000 |
| Insurance deposits | 5,000 |
| Subtotal — Inventory & Deposits | 25,000 |
| Working Capital (Opening Cash) | 40,000 |
| Total Startup Costs | 600,000 |
Sources of Funds
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bank Term Loan | 420,000 |
| Owner Cash Contribution | 180,000 |
| Total Funding | 600,000 |
Income Statement
| Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | |||
| Per-Wash Sales | 225,000 | 325,000 | 330,000 |
| Membership Sales | 15,000 | 55,000 | 60,000 |
| Vacuum & Ancillary | 18,000 | 25,000 | 25,000 |
| Total Revenue | 258,000 | 405,000 | 415,000 |
| COGS | |||
| Utilities | 46,000 | 69,000 | 70,000 |
| Chemicals & Consumables | 15,500 | 24,000 | 24,500 |
| Per-Wash Variable Labor | 18,000 | 27,000 | 26,000 |
| Transaction Fees | 7,000 | 11,000 | 11,000 |
| Total COGS | 86,500 | 131,000 | 131,500 |
| Gross Profit | 171,500 | 274,000 | 283,500 |
| Gross Margin | 66.50% | 67.70% | 68.30% |
| Operating Expenses (OPEX) | |||
| Fixed Attendant Wages | 58,000 | 62,000 | 66,000 |
| Payroll Taxes & Insurance | 5,500 | 6,000 | 6,500 |
| Rent / Site Lease | 54,000 | 54,000 | 54,000 |
| Insurance | 9,000 | 9,500 | 10,000 |
| Maintenance Contracts | 14,000 | 15,000 | 16,000 |
| Software / POS | 6,000 | 6,500 | 7,000 |
| Marketing | 10,800 | 11,500 | 12,000 |
| Permits & Admin | 6,500 | 7,000 | 7,500 |
| Owner Compensation | 0 | 0 | 30,000 |
| Total OPEX | 163,800 | 171,500 | 209,000 |
| EBITDA | 7,700 | 102,500 | 74,500 |
| EBITDA Margin | 3.00% | 25.30% | 18.00% |
| Depreciation | 63,900 | 63,900 | 63,900 |
| EBIT | -56,200 | 38,600 | 10,600 |
| Interest Expense | 25,000 | 22,500 | 20,000 |
| Net Income (Pre-Tax) | -81,200 | 16,100 | -9,400 |
Cash Flow Statement
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Activities | |||
| Net Income (Pre-Tax) | -81,200 | 16,100 | -9,400 |
| Add: Depreciation | 63,900 | 63,900 | 63,900 |
| Net Cash from Operations | -17,300 | 80,000 | 54,500 |
| Financing Activities | |||
| Loan Principal Repayment | -32,000 | -34,000 | -36,000 |
| Owner Temporary Cash | 10,000 | 0 | 0 |
| Support | |||
| Net Financing Cash Flow | -22,000 | -34,000 | -36,000 |
| Net Change in Cash | -39,300 | 46,000 | 18,500 |
| Beginning Cash | 40,000 | 700 | 46,700 |
| Ending Cash | 700 | 46,700 | 65,200 |
Balance Sheet
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | |||
| Cash | 700 | 46,700 | 65,200 |
| Inventory & Consumables | 12,000 | 13,000 | 14,000 |
| Total Current Assets | 12,700 | 59,700 | 79,200 |
| Fixed Assets (Gross) | 495,000 | 495,000 | 495,000 |
| Accumulated Depreciation | -63,900 | -127,800 | -191,700 |
| Net Fixed Assets | 431,100 | 367,200 | 303,300 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | 443,800 | 426,900 | 382,500 |
| LIABILITIES | |||
| Term Loan (Ending Balance) | 388,000 | 354,000 | 318,000 |
| Total Liabilities | 388,000 | 354,000 | 318,000 |
| EQUITY | |||
| Owner Capital (incl. support) | 190,000 | 190,000 | 190,000 |
| Retained Earnings | -81,200 | -65,100 | -74,500 |
| Total Equity | 108,800 | 124,900 | 115,500 |
| LIABILITIES + EQUITY | 443,800 | 426,900 | 382,500 |
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Break-Even Analysis
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual Fixed OPEX (Year 1) | 163,800 |
| Monthly Fixed Costs | ~13,650 |
| Variable Cost Ratio | ~33–35% |
| Contribution Margin | ~66–67% |
| Monthly Break-Even Revenue | ~20,700 |
| Annual Break-Even Revenue | ~248,000 |
| Avg Monthly Revenue – Year 1 | ~21,500 |
| Avg Monthly Revenue – Year 2 | ~33,800 |
| Avg Monthly Revenue – Year 3 | ~34,600 |
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