For Dave Ellard, being in the car wash industry all came down to a choice he made during his Saturday routine of bringing the family cars to the wash. Something about this chore was satisfying, and it gave him time to think about what he most wanted to do with the rest of his life.

At around 50 years old, he had finally reached a point in his career where he could embark on something he’d always wanted to do, not what life handed him, and it was to build his own business. He opened the first Triple Play Car Wash a couple of years later. Now, Ellard is a well-known and respected leader in the car wash industry and, effective Jan. 1, 2025, became president of International Carwash Association. We sat down with Ellard at ROADMAP and found out what went into that decision, what he thinks of networking, and a surprise admission.

Dave Ellard, General Manager, Triple Play Car Wash

Q. How did you get into the car wash industry? 
I’ve been working since the sixth grade and I never wondered whether a job was good — I was just happy to have one! And while I enjoyed the jobs I had, I always had a desire to build my own business. It wasn’t until later in my corporate career that I had a choice in what I did for a living.

I traveled the world in my corporate job. When I was home on the weekends, one thing I really enjoyed was bringing the family cars to the car wash. I would sit in the car wash and think, ‘This would be a great business.’  

So when I had the luxury of having a choice, I sat in the car wash and thought of the three things that I wanted in a business — and a car wash was the answer. I could combine my love of cars with my real estate investment interest and my goal of finding a business that would have a team of people to help me run it.  

In 2008, we opened the first wash, Triple Play Car Wash, which included a Mobil gas station, a convenience store, a complete detailing operation, and a Valvoline Express Care oil change. We opened a second location in 2020 that focused on an express tunnel, free vacuums, and a full-service gas station.  

Q: What are you most proud of when it comes to your work in the industry?  
I am proud of the opportunities created for people and the relationships we’ve built at Triple Play. We’ve been able to develop and train people to take on more responsibility and I enjoy seeing people advance their careers.  The networking I’ve been able to take part in has been fulfilling, as well. Most of all, though, I’ve enjoyed the community aspect of a small business versus corporate America. Neighbors are customers. You can see the lifecycle of economics work, and you become part of that community lifecycle.  

Q: What’s the best business decision you’ve made? 
It’s getting actively involved in the whole industry. It’s vitally important to know your industry. I made a conscious effort to meet other people in the business and to join various car wash associations, such as the New England Car Wash Association, the Northeast Regional Car Wash Convention, and, now, the International Carwash Association. It was the most important thing I did to learn this business. It wasn’t the chemicals or equipment we chose, or even the location. It was getting to know the industry and having friends you could call on when you needed them.

Q: Toughest choice? 
In building or growing a business, it is tough to decide if it’s better to do it with partners or on your own. I’ve done both. I’ve had good experiences with both. It's an internal debate as to which way is better. You can definitely grow faster with partners and bring in diversity of skill sets. But you can control your destiny without partners. You need to know the advantages and disadvantages of both. I think this is the toughest choice I’ve had to make.

Q. Any trends you’ve been watching in the industry? 
There are many. The one to be most conscious of now is the increasing competitiveness of the industry. I view this as a positive trend that pushes us all to be our best. From a macro view, this heightened competition will only make the industry better. It will keep you on your toes more, and the customers will get a better product. All sizes of car washes can learn from each other. There are opportunities for sites of all sizes and types to thrive. Don’t be afraid of competition. There’s room for everybody.  

Q. How do you prepare for future shifts in the industry and changing consumer trends? 
You need to stay relevant by networking, researching, and trying new things. For example, one shift that we need to stay conscious of is our basic need for water. Many businesses need water, but it is a primary raw material for us. With the evolving climate issues, water is going to become more scarce and valuable. We need to make sure we are sensitive to using that vital resource properly. The one thing we can’t work without is water. It becomes a hot topic quickly when your area is going through a drought or water crisis. We have to be on top of this one.  

Q: When you’re not at a car wash or volunteering your time for ICA, where are you? 
I am spending time with my family and friends. When I’m not at the wash, I enjoy amateur car racing, going to track days with my sports car, and, most of all, spending time with my girlfriend Jen at our horse farm in Massachusetts.

Q. What would people be surprised to find out about you?
We lovingly own and care for three horses and I’ve never ridden any of them!