In this episode of Behind the Business, host Evan Roberts sits down with industry veterans Jeff Pavone and Chris Jenks, CFA to break down the latest trends shaping the car wash M&A landscape. From bonus depreciation and dry powder deployment to the resurgence of larger check sizes and aggressive platform growth, the conversation dives into the forces driving today’s market cycle.
They discuss why membership models remain resilient despite consumer headwinds, how AI and technology are reshaping the customer experience, and what operators should focus on as competition intensifies. The trio also look ahead to 2026, exploring the role of private equity timelines, the return of flex-serve models, and why only a handful of disciplined operators will separate themselves as market leaders.
17 mins