Carwashing - 4/3/2003 10:25:38 AM
Most Valuable Carwasher winner announced
SANTA MONICA, CA – In a year when nominations for Professional Carwashing &
Detailing's Most Valuable Carwasher award poured in from around the globe,
it was only fitting that the winner would come from arguably the carwash capital
of the world – Southern California.
The editors of Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine announced
today that Gary Pendleton, general manager for Wilshire West Car Wash in Santa
Monica, has been named Professional Carwashing & Detailing's 2003 Most
Valuable Carwasher.
Pendleton, a 27-year carwash veteran and a regular fixture at national and
regional trade shows, emerged from a field of finalists that included carwash
employees from the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Kingdom. The
race became international this year, as industry members for the first time
could nominate would-be award winners through Professional Carwashing &
Detailing Online, the
website with the highest reported traffic in the carwash industry.
Pendleton was nominated by current Wilshire West owner Behrouz Soroudi.
"Gary has a passion for washing cars that has no equal," Soroudi said. "Gary's
excitement and enthusiasm for washing cars can't help but rub off on you. Talk
to Gary for 15 minutes and you to will want to go out and wash a car."
Pendleton assumed the GM position at Wilshire West in 1999 and by 2002 had
increased volume 22 percent and net sales by 35 percent. Pendleton also started
an express detailing program that brings in $35,000 a month.
Pendleton, a father of five, also received a nomination from Paul Dadgar,
founder of former carwash consolidator Car Wash of America, who praised
Pendleton's "unique ability to bring employees together and form a team where he
is coach, surrogate father and mentor."
"We're thrilled to have such a dedicated industry advocate as our 2003 Most
Valuable Carwasher," said Professional Carwashing & Detailing Associate
Publisher Kevin Hart. "Gary is emblematic of the many truly special individuals
who have dedicated their talents to our industry."
As the 2003 Most Valuable Carwasher, Pendleton will receive airfare, hotel
accommodations, and full registration to Car Care World Expo in Las Vegas.
Content Copyright 2003
National Trade Publications Inc.