Car WashThe Tommy’s Express franchise opportunity explained
Quality Car Wash, the precursor to the Tommy’s Express franchise model, started in 1969 with one car wash in Holland, Michigan.
Since then, we’ve learned through decades of car wash operations and launched Tommy’s Express Car Wash as a nationwide car wash franchise in 2016.
With over 140 locations across the U.S. and counting at the time of publishing, we’re primed for steady growth.
“We foresee many years of 60 to 120 car washes a year,” CEO Alex Lemmen said, in reference to openings, “but with mature support for our franchise partners and a mature infrastructure.”
Process of building a Tommy’s Express franchise
There are many items to check off the to-do list between signing a franchise agreement and washing cars. We call this the Tommy Journey. These are the four main steps:
- Discovery
Future partners begin with the franchise webinar to answer the most frequently asked questions. When ready, a potential franchise partner signs a Franchise Disclosure Document to begin. Next, we host a tour of our West Michigan locations, and finally, the partner signs a franchise agreement. - Site selection
Next, franchise partners work closely with our real estate team to help find the perfect piece of land. Often, the search is not just for the best single site but, instead, looking for an area with several great opportunities that allow for market saturation. - Project development
This is the fun part! We’ll assign a project manager to check the boxes with a general contractor and help the process go as smoothly as possible. Franchise partners have a permanent franchise business consultant and a franchise marketing coordinator. Then, the equipment is installed and calibrated. - Operational
When it’s time to start washing cars, our team provides you with soft opening and grand opening support, ongoing national and regional marketing campaigns, and continued team member education through Tommy University.
Capital requirements and franchise fees
Have you thought about owning or operating a profitable franchise? Building and owning a Tommy’s Express requires a certain amount of capital. Financing options are available for qualified applicants.
Full ownership requires liquid capital of US$1.5 million and a net worth of US$2 million. Lease options require liquid capital of US$1 million and a net worth of US$1.5 million.
Associated costs with running a Tommy’s Express franchise include a $50,000 initial franchise fee, 4% royalty, and 1% towards the national brand fund.
Why Tommy’s Express?
When searching for a low-labor franchise opportunity, Tommy’s Express is an excellent choice.
Franchise Times named Tommy’s Express Car Wash the #1 smartest-growing franchise on the Fast & Serious List for 2023. Entrepreneur Magazine ranked us #1 in the car wash category on the Franchise 500 List for 2023.
We have owned and operated some of the busiest car washes in the world.
The strategies we’ve developed and the infrastructure we’ve built in these key areas give you the leadership and support to reach success faster than doing it on your own.
Interested in learning more? Fill out our application today, and our franchise development team will get back to you soon!