Episode 246: Growing the EWC farm with John Roush

Host Rich DiPaolo welcomes back John Roush, CEO of Express Wash Concepts (EWC), to discuss the company’s latest strategic moves and its continued momentum in the express carwash space. Roush shares insights into EWC’s recent acquisitions, including new sites in Pittsburgh, three ZIPS locations in Ohio and the Cleanland Car Wash property, detailing how each fits into EWC’s broader growth blueprint. He also explores how EWC maintains brand consistency across five distinct banners while adapting to regional market nuances. As EWC gears up for 25-plus projected openings this year, Roush discusses how the company is scaling staffing, technology and internal operations to support expansion. He also highlights the company’s workplace culture, which recently earned Moo Moo Express the 2025 ColumBEST Best Employer award and talks about what drives EWC’s repeat recognition on INC. magazine’s list of fastest-growing companies in the Midwest. Looking at the broader industry, Roush offers his perspective on current trends, including M&A activity, tech integration and private equity, and what it takes to not only survive but also thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. Roush concludes by outlining the biggest opportunities for express carwashing over the next 24 months.