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BizVoice/Indiana Chamber – May/June 2016
Upon entering the support office of Mike’s Carwash
in Fort Wayne, the city in which the company began
in 1948, I’m quickly greeted by examples of its
founders’ top three priorities:
1.
God
– crosses, religious symbols and a sign
reading “Smile, God Loves You” adorn the wall
2.
Family
– founders Joe and Ed Dahm, along with
Joe’s son and current president/owner Mike, warmly
receive me with handshakes
3.
Work
– pictures and signage from the nearly
seven decades of business depict the evolution of
this industry archetype
Joe explains the company was founded with $35,000 in seed
money from their father. Joe left his academic life as a sophomore at
Indiana University to pursue the opportunity, launching Mike’s Minit
Man (named after Joe and Ed’s younger brother).
“Gasoline on the corner was 29 cents per gallon, the Minit Man
wage was 75 cents an hour and a full service car wash was $1.50,”
recalls Joe, noting the full-service car wash was the first of its kind in
Indiana and the 18th in the United States.
Mike’s second location wasn’t built until 1971. But two
governing mantras launched the company’s enduring success: “The
customer is the boss,” and “treat your team members like family.”
Mike’s Carwash split into two businesses (Mike’s Carwash and
Crew Carwash) in 2014 as part of a friendly reorganization to enhance
family succession planning. Mike now leads Mike’s Carwash with 17
locations and 350 employees in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, while his
brother Bill oversees Crew’s operations in Central Indiana.
Empower the people
Mike’s Carwash earned its spot on the Best Places to Work in
Indiana list (it has received similar recognition in Ohio) largely because
of its attitude toward its associates. Team members are granted a great
deal of latitude to help satisfy customers if problems or opportunities
arise, and the company leans on staff to offer opinions and feedback
that enhance the customer experience.
This is evidenced while talking to managers– in between the
steady stream of soiled vehicles passing through on a delightful March
afternoon – at its Jefferson Street operation in Fort Wayne.
“They really listen to their people,” relays Ron Russell, district
manager. “They know we’re on the front lines, so they take our ideas
to make it a better experience. That’s one of the reasons I’m here.”
Russell’s badge reveals he’s been with the company for 26 years,
although he qualifies the number is actually 28. Ten-year veteran Ron
Haller, general manager, came to the company after working in
restaurant management because he wanted more family-friendly hours.
The career shift has been well worth it, and he relishes the opportunity
to spend time with his co-workers.
“The caliber of people we work with is great,” Haller notes.
“(The company is) very selective in the hiring process, so you work
with really good people. I also like the mix of the job. I get to dabble
in some maintenance responsibilities, as well as help serve customers.”
But not every associate has a family. In fact, many are students,
Mike’s Carwash
History of Teamwork Continues
By Matt Ottinger
2016 NEWCOMER
Chains no longer pull cars through the wash as they did in 1948. The company, however, remains linked to the mantra – “The customer is the boss” – of
its founders, Joe and Ed Dahm. Joe’s son Mike (center) now keeps the company on track as president.