Local Car Washes Thrive Amid Corporate Expansion

Family-owned businesses adapt to industry changes and compete with national chains in Des Moines metro

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:08am

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Despite a boom in new corporate-owned car washes across the Des Moines metro area, locally owned businesses like Perry's Service and Towing are finding ways to adapt and stay competitive. By upgrading technology, offering rewards programs, and providing personalized service, these community-rooted companies are holding their own against national chains backed by private equity investment.

Why it matters

The rise of corporate car wash chains reflects broader national trends, but the continued success of local businesses shows how community-focused services can thrive even as the industry evolves. This story highlights how small, family-owned companies are innovating to meet changing customer expectations and fend off competition from deep-pocketed national players.

The details

Perry's Service and Towing, a 50-year-old business in Des Moines, recently expanded by purchasing a self-service car wash down the street from its original auto repair and towing shop. The company has upgraded the older car wash with new technology like credit card readers and automated chemical mixing to stay competitive with the growing number of fully automated washes owned by national chains. While some customers still prefer the hands-on self-service experience, Perry's has also seen increased demand for the convenience of automated washes where drivers can stay in their cars. The locally owned business has kept prices low while also offering rewards programs tied to its gas station to retain customers in the face of corporate competitors' unlimited wash memberships.

  • Perry's Service and Towing purchased the car wash in 2025, adding it to its existing auto repair and towing business.
  • The original self-service car wash was built in the 1970s.

The players

Perry's Service and Towing

A family-owned business in Des Moines that has provided automotive services for over 50 years, including recently expanding to add a self-service car wash.

Andy DeBoard

The president of Perry's Service Inc., representing the third generation running the family business.

National Car Wash Solutions

The largest manufacturer of automatic car washes in the Western Hemisphere, headquartered in Grimes, Iowa.

Brian Buethe

The president and CEO of the Grimes Chamber and Economic Development, who sees the prevalence of new car washes in the area as a positive sign of economic growth.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to be more all-inclusive for automotive services, and with the car wash's convenient location one block from our facility, it made perfect sense to expand.”

— Andy DeBoard, President, Perry's Service Inc.

“If they're happening in your community, it's a really good sign that you have the right demographic that people are wanting to put them in there because car washes don't just go anywhere.”

— Brian Buethe, President and CEO, Grimes Chamber and Economic Development

What’s next

Perry's Service and Towing plans to continue investing in upgrades and technology at its car wash to stay competitive with national chains as the industry evolves.

The takeaway

While corporate car wash chains have expanded rapidly across the Des Moines metro, locally owned businesses like Perry's Service and Towing are finding innovative ways to adapt and thrive by providing personalized service, community ties, and a focus on customer experience that national players struggle to match.