- 2024 Franchise 500 Rank
-
#52 Ranked #90 last year
- Initial investment
-
$4.6M - $7.9M
- Units as of 2024
-
206 186.1% over 3 years
Tommy's Express Car Wash is a team of car wash professionals working towards creating an opportunity for potential franchisees interested in the car care industry. The company has enhanced its franchise system to ensure that its franchisees can grow their car wash locations in their territories.
Tommy's Express Car Wash was founded in 1969 in Holland, Michigan. Since beginning to franchise in 2016, the company has grown to become one of the fastest-growing car wash chains in the United States. There are now over 65 locations nationwide. The brand has been operating for more than 50 years with its proven and tested business model and processes.
Why You May Want to Start a Tommy's Express Car Wash Franchise
An ideal franchisee is someone who enjoys working outdoors, serving their community, and of course, cleaning cars! Additionally, Tommy's Express Car Wash has been ranked in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500. This ranking is based on an evaluation of more than 150 data points in the areas of costs and fees, size and growth, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability.
By opening a Tommy’s Express Car Wash franchise, you get the opportunity to start a business modeled around superb customer service. Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise locations are characterized by a striking architectural design and the latest car wash equipment. To help promote customer traffic, franchise locations are fitted with a dual belt conveyor system and a license plate recognition-enabled membership program based on a mobile app.
What Might Make a Tommy's Express Car Wash a Good Choice?
To be part of Tommy's Express Car Wash team, you should make sure you're financially ready for an initial investment made up of a franchise fee and other startup costs. In addition, you should prepare yourself for ongoing fees that will include advertising fees and royalty fees. Franchisees will also need to meet the company's set net worth and liquid capital requirements. Tommy's Express Car Wash may require additional investments for a multi-unit development.
Coupled with a good reputation and a considerable market segment, opening a Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise may have a more predictable outcome than investing in a completely new brand that may struggle to thrive in an already competitive industry.
How To Open a Tommy's Express Car Wash Franchise
As you decide if opening a Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise is the right move for you, make sure you take time to explore the opportunity. Research the brand and your local area to see if a Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise would do well in your community. While competition is healthy, too much of it may not allow for the most possible growth.
Before making any financial commitment or signing an agreement, you must perform your due diligence and establish if this is the right opportunity for you. As part of your due diligence, you may want to speak to existing franchisees and ask the Tommy's Express Car Wash franchising team questions.
If you are seen as a good fit for the brand, you may be invited to tour Tommy's Express Car Wash headquarters in Holland, Michigan. Here, you may have the opportunity to speak with brand executives as you determine your interest in the brand.
Company Overview
About Tommy's Express Car Wash
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Related Categories | Car-Wash Services |
| Founded | 1969 |
| Parent Company | Tommy's Express LLC |
| Leadership | Ryan Essenburg, President & CIO |
| Corporate Address |
648 S. Point Ridge Holland, MI 49423 |
| Social | Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube |
Business Overview
| Franchising Since | 2016 (8 years) |
|---|---|
| # of employees at HQ | 288 |
| Where seeking |
This company is offering new franchises throughout the US. This company is offering new franchises in the following international regions: Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Middle East, Europe (Eastern), Europe (Western), Canada, South America |
| # of Units | 206 (as of 2024) |
|
|
|
Information for Franchisees
Here's what you need to know if you're interested in opening a Tommy's Express Car Wash franchise.
Financial Requirements & Ongoing Fees
Here's what you can expect to spend to start the business and what ongoing fees the franchisor charges throughout the life of the business.
|
Initial Franchise Fee
|
$50,000 |
|---|---|
|
Initial Investment
|
$4,589,208 - $7,896,861 |
|
Net Worth Requirement
|
$2,000,000 |
|
Cash Requirement
|
$1,500,000 |
|
Veteran Incentives
|
20% off franchise fee |
|
Royalty Fee
|
4% |
|
Ad Royalty Fee
|
1% |
|
Term of Agreement
|
20 years |
| Is franchise term renewable? | Yes |
Training & Support Offered
Franchisors offer initial training programs and a variety of ongoing support options to help franchisees run their businesses.
| On-The-Job Training | 60 hours |
|---|---|
| Classroom Training | 180 hours |
| Ongoing Support |
Newsletter
Meetings & Conventions
Toll-Free Line
Grand Opening
Online Support
Security & Safety Procedures
Lease Negotiation
Field Operations
Site Selection
Proprietary Software
Franchisee Intranet Platform
|
| Marketing Support |
Ad Templates
National Media
Regional Advertising
Social Media
SEO
Website Development
Email Marketing
Loyalty Program/App
|
Operations
Additional details about running this franchise.
| Is absentee ownership allowed? | No |
|---|---|
|
Can this franchise be run from home/mobile unit?
|
No |
|
Can this franchise be run part time?
|
No |
| # of employees required to run | 12 |
|
Are exclusive territories available?
|
Yes |
Franchise 500 Ranking History
Compare where Tommy's Express Car Wash landed on this year's Franchise 500 Ranking versus previous years.
Additional Rankings
Curious to know where Tommy's Express Car Wash ranked on other franchise lists? Find out below.
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