Family-owned Mike’s Carwash to reorganize into two companies

Founder’s sons develop succession plan to help both companies grow

The two brothers who own Mike’s Carwash, Bill Dahm and Mike Dahm, have announced reorganization plans for the business their father started in 1948. The move, which is expected to be completed in October, will create two independent companies and more opportunities for their 750 Team Members.

“Over the last couple of years, as Mike and I talked about the future of Mike’s Carwash, we began to realize the potential for growth and continuing the business well beyond our lifetimes. We came to the conclusion that our families long term opportunities increased if we reorganized into two separate companies,” said Mike’s Carwash CEO Bill Dahm.

Under the plan, Bill will operate 26 carwashes in Central Indiana including the metro Indianapolis area, Lafayette, Kokomo, Terre Haute, Anderson and Columbus, while Mike will operate 15 carwashes in Cincinnati, Dayton, Evansville, Fort Wayne and Mishawaka. The two brothers have enjoyed working together for 27 years and have collaborated to develop their own vision for the future.

Bill’s Central Indiana locations will operate under the same branded look, with a new name: Crew Carwash. “Mike’s Carwash has always been recognized for our team of outstanding young men and women who serve our customers every day. The name Crew Carwash was chosen to acknowledge the key to our success, our people,” said Bill Dahm. Brother Mike’s 15 locations will keep the name, Mike’s, with a new branded look.

The family patriarch, Joe Dahm, founded the company in Fort Wayne in 1948 with his brother, Ed Dahm, opening “Mike’s Minit Man,” Indiana’s first automated carwash. At the time, just 18 automated carwashes operated in the United States. Today, Bill and Mike own and operate 41 Mike’s Carwashes in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. Their operations are known for their state-of-the art car washing technology, friendly customer service and fun stuffed animals that greet customers along the path to a cleaner vehicle.

“This is not a decision we’ve taken lightly,” said Bill. “We’ve spent many months in discussions with each other and consultants who specialize in family business succession planning. This is a friendly reorganization that will lead to more growth for both of the new companies.”

“Succession planning is very important,” added Vice President Mike Dahm. “By making these plans now when the company is financially strong and when there is no urgency or outside forces dictating action, we can make wise and well thought out decisions for the future.”

Bill’s company, Crew Carwash, will remain headquartered in Indianapolis; Mike’s company will have headquarters in Cincinnati, in addition to the Fort Wayne office. Twelve new Support Team positions have been created in Ohio, and Bill’s team is training the new team to ensure a seamless transition.

It is important to note that all of the existing Mike’s Carwash Book tickets and coupons will always be
accepted at Crew Carwash and Mike’s Carwash.

Mike’s Carwash has been honored as a Best Places to Work in Indiana, Ohio’s Top Workplace, and “Top Small Workplace” by The Wall Street Journal.