With Howco as His Guide, Srikanth Chelasani Transforms His Career and a Dilapidated Site into a Successful Car Wash Location

When Srikanth Chelasani decided to switch career gears and leave his longtime 9-to-5 occupation of banking software development, he began exploring the car wash industry as a possible entrepreneurial avenue. While looking at potential sites, he stumbled on a dilapidated car wash in Greeneville, TN, that had been closed for almost two years during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. He thought this defunct car wash might become an engaging business venture with a good return on investment to start the next chapter of his professional life. 

Chelasani committed to the site and began researching various car wash consultants and suppliers, discovering Howco in the process. 

The dormant car wash was at least 15 years old and had not been modernized or well-maintained by previous owners. The entire wash infrastructure needed revamping, and the existing car wash equipment was not functioning properly. Chemicals had been mixed, stored, and used improperly and required replacement, as did the applicators. Even in the wash’s dreadful shape, Chelasani and Howco saw the potential and designed a plan to totally renovate and revive the business. 

“I had a vision for this wash that was shared and significantly enhanced by Howco,” explained Chelasani. “I knew absolutely nothing about the car wash business, and Howco partnered with and tutored me from the equivalent of Car Wash 101 to a master’s degree in about six months. Every Howco representative I’ve encountered has been fantastic with the patience, knowledge, positive attitude, professionalism, and compassion provided to me.” 

The challenging site and new-to-him vehicle wash business required a steep learning curve for Chelasani, but the resulting Winner Glow Car Wash proved a very gratifying project. 

The wash bay sports a 100-foot conveyor tunnel featuring Coleman-Hanna car wash equipment, including Hanna EQ Plus blowers, Hanna Tire Glaze tire shine applicator, and many new arches and foamers to deliver a quality wash. The wash utilizes the Tru Pearl® ceramic technology chemical system, including High Foam and Tru Pearl Shield, along with Repel ceramic triple foam and Magma Shine from Ver-tech Labs.  

In addition to upfitting all the wash’s public spaces, Howco created the customer experience platform throughout the wash, including car wash packages, pricing, and menus; lot signage; employee uniforms and procedures; and recommended placement of the 17 vacuum stalls. The attractive flex-serve car wash now sees growing customer traffic and increased revenue every month. 

“The hands-on ownership approach in which Howco continues to guide me is one of the most interesting, effective, and satisfying experiences I’ve encountered in my professional career, as I’m learning the car wash business from the best in the industry,” Chelasani concluded. “They don’t tell me what I want to hear. They tell me what I need to hear, and for that I am grateful. I will remain as committed to Howco as the company is to me as we expand this car washing venture.”