The Story of Tommy’s Express: Heart of Giving

The story of Tommy’s Express starts when the Essenburg family established Quality Car Wash in 1969 and expanded to seven locations across West Michigan. Years of innovation and operations experience propelled the Essenburgs to offer their car wash parts and equipment through Tommy Car Wash Systems. In 2016, the Tommy’s Express franchise was born with a vision to establish a recognized national car wash brand and expand globally.  

Serving communities, adding value, and enriching lives is the mantra Quality Car Wash and Tommy’s Express both live by, initially inspired by the Essenburgs.

Beginning with Quality Car Wash in 1969, the Essenburgs always put others before themselves and constantly expressed gratitude for those surrounding them. This heart of giving continued when they branched out to franchise internationally with Tommy’s Express Car Wash, which is still alive and thriving today.  

For more information, check out our blog on the history between Quality Car Wash and Tommy’s Express!

Passed down by the generations, the Essenburgs have continued to lead their washes with these core values, putting community first above all things.  

This mission wasn’t just a spoken goal either, as it was actively and constantly demonstrated! Events and ongoing fundraisers such as the Helping Hands fundraiser, the annual MDA Golf Scrambles, the Holland PD Racecar Day, and many more exemplified the Essenburg family’s pursuit to make a positive change in their community.

These actions haven’t gone unnoticed either. Several streets and parks in the Holland area have names dedicated to and in honor of the Essenburg family.  

As of Summer 2022, Jun Essenburg continues to lead by example by being a regular contributor at the office; despite being in his 90s, he values spending time with others and discussing the business.  

The visionary impact of these core values started by Sonny and Jun has continued to ripple into our efforts today as the story of Tommy’s Express continues to be written, carrying on the tradition of giving back to the communities who have welcomed us into their lives.