Frequently Asked Questions  Why should I consider using RJR Enterprises? Since 1999, we have served over 200 clients. RJR has extensive experience in helping investors plan and develop carwash ventures with enterprise values from $500,000 to $12 million. We have an excellent track record of helping people succeed in the carwash business. Is carwash a good investment? Carwash is a highly fragmented and unregulated industry. Many experts believe these factors will continue to provide entrepreneurs with the opportunity to create highly personalized and profitable carwash businesses for the foreseeable future. Is the carwash business recession-proof? Common experience has shown that few businesses are recession-proof. However, the carwash industry has consistenly shown that it is very resilient. Even during these tough times, some carwash owners are experiencing some of their better years. How much money do I need? The equity required to build a new carwash varies considerably depending on the type of wash, scale and scope of the project and credit qualifications. However, 25% to 30% of the total project cost will usually satisfy most lenders. What makes a good carwash site? The real estate should be zoned for carwash. The site should have excellent visibility and access to highway traffic. Utilities should be available at the site. The trade area should have adequate population and household incomes. Surrounding retail development should be tightly clustered and offer a good variety. There should be few competitors. These factors and many others need to be thoroughly analyzed before making a decision to select a site. How much experience do I need? Most lenders will require the investor to have several years of hands-on or very closely related experience. Related experience can include ownership or management in the automotive, hospitality, fast food or gasoline and convenience store industries. How important is the carwash equipment? Carwash equipment is very important in terms of production efficiency, cost savings and quality of services. However, the equipment does little to bring customers and operators together. The loyalty business model is the foundation of the carwash industry. The quality of the products and services leads to customer satisfaction which leads to customer loyalty which leads to profitability. Is it possible to be an absentee-owner? Yes, new wash formats and innovative technology have made it easier to manage many aspects of a carwash business remotely. However, common experience has shown that a wash will perform better financially when the owner is involved on a daily basis. What is the key to success? Tommy Hoffman, Jr., a very successful carwash operator, describes his formula for success as 20% of the right equipment and splash and 80% how you treat the customer.