How Tommy's Express Car Wash Franchise Drives Long-Term Success

By: Helen Bond

A Foundation Forged in Family

The journey of Tommy’s Express began in 1969 in Holland, Michigan, when the Essenburg family opened Quality Car Wash. From the start, the company was visionary—expanding a single location into a regional network across Western Michigan, and eventually designing and manufacturing its own equipment, founding Tommy Car Wash Systems.

In 2016, those strengths came together to launch the Tommy’s Express franchise, propelling a local legacy into a national brand on the global stage. Today, as the nation’s fastest-growing automated car wash brand, the company remains family-owned and fiercely focused on performance.

“Having seen many brands come and go, I’m confident we’ll still be here 50 years from now, and washing more vehicles than anyone else,” Essenburg says.

The Blueprint: Precision, Speed, and Recurring Revenue

What makes Tommy’s Express unique is not just the shine –it’s the science. Drawing from decades of operational experience, Essenburg says efficiency is at the core of the franchise model.

“We are students of the science of processing,” Essenburg says. “Processing quickly, in any business, increases revenue.”

Known for its sleek designs, fast lines, and unmatched scalability, Tommy’s Express locations are engineered to remove friction from the customer experience. Wide entrances, automated access, and optimized tunnels keep vehicles moving smoothly, reducing labor needs while maximizing traffic.

“We’ve achieved over 3,000 cars washed in one day at a single site,” Essenburg says.

Every component—from proprietary equipment design to water reclamation systems—is built for high volume and low operating costs. The brand’s TommyClub membership club turns casual customers into loyal patrons, giving franchisees a steady stream of predictable revenue.

“Your car wash service is the equipment and technology,” Essenburg says. “The building itself is part of the machine.”

Vertical integration, with much of the tech and equipment designed in-house, ensures consistency and reliability for every owner.

Innovation Inspired by Improvement

Culture at Tommy’s Express is a daily practice.

“Every day we can make something better,” Essenberg says. “We live by ‘C.A.N.I.’—Constant and Never-Ending Improvement.”

Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, cutting-edge technology, and ongoing operational guidance. The brand offers a flexible range of site models, from compact urban locations to large multi-service flagship sites, with interiors and EV charging tailored to any market.

“There is an optimal model,” Essenburg says, “but it varies by location, demographic, and operators’ goals.”

The Road Ahead: Paved with Growth

Looking forward, Tommy’s Express is positioned to reach new heights in a global car care market projected to surpass $54 billion by 2033. Essenburg says the rise of advanced driver-assistance systems and self-driving vehicles is transforming a clean car from a cosmetic luxury into a functional necessity for sensor clarity.

Internationally, the market remains wide open. When combined with emerging tech—think three-minute washes, app-based preferences, and vehicle recognition—Essenburg believes the industry is poised for dramatic growth.

“We are entering a 10-times growth phase,” he predicts.

Join the Tommy’s Express Family

For entrepreneurs seeking a high-tech, high-growth opportunity with hands-on support, Tommy’s Express delivers a unique proposition: the heart of a family business with the muscle of a scalable, modern franchise.

“We are looking for the best operators in the world,” Essenburg says. “Retail business operations are the key to running a great car wash. We train everything else, like equipment maintenance and wash processes. Getting sites built and funded has become routine. The gold is in the on-site operator.”

Discover how you can be part of one of the most forward-thinking brands in car care. Learn more about franchise opportunities at tommys-express.com/franchise.