Meet the Team: Chipper New, Chemical Sales Manager

By Howco Marketing

Chipper New found himself at a career crossroads when he joined a major car wash chain in 2007. New, a native of Charlotte, NC, was working in construction and studying construction management at Central Piedmont Community College when the market took a nosedive, derailing his long-term plans.

“I worked at a busy car wash and did my best. I wasn’t there long before being approached about an Assistant Store Manager position,” said New. “This was not in my sights initially, but I knew I could do it based on my training and work ethic.”

Little did he know this temporary job would be the beginning of a new career path. Chipper's commitment and attention to detail stood out, and his ability to think beyond his immediate situation and envision the bigger picture caught the attention of fellow team members and supervisors. He soon moved from assistant into the store manager role, eventually contributing to the company’s success at three different locations, including negotiating the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this time, he learned of an opportunity for a potential career shift within the car wash industry.

“When a Territory Sales Manager position opened at Howco, it piqued my interest,” stated New. “I reached out to an acquaintance who had experience in the role to gain more information.” New was offered and accepted the job in early 2021.

The transition to Howco was an opportunity for New to learn more about the car wash industry and gain additional hands-on education with training from manufacturers. He quickly achieved success in his new calling, building confidence along with knowledge.

He credits his mentor at Howco, CEO Chuck Howard, with shaping his perspective and encouraging continual learning and development.

“I consider myself fortunate to have someone like Chuck in my life, constantly challenging me to evolve and think about solutions from different angles,” offered New. 

About two years after New found his groove at Howco, the position of Chemical Sales Manager opened. Chipper stepped into the role temporarily and, soon after, asked to be formally considered for the job. After vetting all candidates, Howco awarded New the position in May 2023.

In his new capacity, Chipper’s horizon expanded from the Carolinas territory to overseeing the East Coast operation. He is focused on providing continued exemplary customer service and support, developing and growing business for his team members, and facilitating training from manufacturers.

Reflecting on his quick rise within Howco, New credits his success to various factors. He believes the company's emphasis on growth opportunities, combined with having supportive colleagues who believe in his potential, play a significant part.

“Since I entered the car wash industry in 2007, the people who believed in me and pushed me to learn and grow are the most important factors in my success,” stated New. “I’m where I am today because they helped pave a path for me.

“It’s certainly a benefit to have Howco’s stellar reputation and nearly 55-year track record of serving wash operators behind my efforts as well,” he concluded.

Outside of his Howco role, New, 36, enjoys the outdoors and family time with wife Natalie, daughter Maddie, 5, and son Cade, 3. New is also an avid kayaker and pursues perfecting meats on the smoker.