The Tide is Rising
I first met the Bollinger brothers quite some time ago now, when inquiring about their family business – Daryl Bollinger Co., a home improvement company founded by their father in 1973. By then, all of the brothers were working alongside their father and one another in this business.
Just a few years later, in 2011, they invited me to the grand re-opening of Lititz Car Wash (formerly East End Car Wash, an old-school “drop the quarters and spray away” style of car wash), which they had purchased. Any day with the Bollingers is a fun one, and this grand opening was no exception. Even better, the response was great for their little “side hustle” of a car wash.
Now, the Bollinger brothers own another car wash of the same nature in Mount Joy, as well as an express site (exterior wash and free vacuums) on Lititz and Oregon Pikes. All locations are now known as Riptide Car Wash. What started small has quickly blossomed into a thriving business – helping people keep their treasured vehicles clean, fresh, and looking sharp.
The Bollingers remain involved in the day-to-day operations of their father’s business, and have a management team in charge of car wash operations. Customer satisfaction is at the very top of their priority list.
Each of Riptide Car Wash’s express locations offers three different monthly subscription options, as well as free vacuums.
There is no plan to slow the growth of the Riptide brand. In fact, each of the brothers has children of their own, so perhaps history may repeat itself, and – as their children come of age – they might start working at the ‘tide, as well. I’m confident that the next generation of Bollingers will carry their family brand with pride, no matter the business endeavor. After all, quality work and service just runs in the family.
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By Mark Pontz
