Quick Quack Co-Founder Travis Kimball

Quick Quack Co-Founder Travis Kimball

Starting and growing a business is never an easy feat, but for Travis and his partners, it was about more than just washing cars—it was about building a company with a greater mission. From the early struggles to a turning point that changed everything, their journey offers insights into entrepreneurship, resilience, and the power of mentorship.

The Beginning of a Vision

When Travis and his partners first got together, they knew they wanted to create a successful car wash business. But they quickly realized that being the best at washing cars wasn’t what would motivate them every day for the next 20 years. Instead, they needed something bigger—a vision that would truly drive their passion.

That vision turned out to be teaching and mentoring. They saw an opportunity to employ a lot of people, many of whom were in their first or second jobs. Competing with fast food chains for frontline employees, Quick Quack Car Wash didn’t just want to train people to be great employees—they wanted to equip them with life skills that extended beyond the job.

“We’re not just teaching them about car washing or even about business and leadership,” Travis explained. “We’re teaching them about finances, how to get involved in the community, how to change lives, and why it’s important to set goals for their future.”

This mindset led to long-term employee retention, with some staying for years—even decades—and developing valuable skills along the way.

The Turning Point: Overcoming Challenges

Quick Quack Car Wash began its journey in late 2004, expanding into Sacramento in 2005 and 2006. However, one pivotal moment almost derailed everything. When they attempted to acquire Quick Quack, the deal nearly fell through. Without secured loans, they found themselves out of contract. But thanks to the integrity of the previous owner—who agreed to give them two more weeks—the deal closed just in time.

What followed was another major hurdle: the 2008 recession. Growth slowed, and challenges mounted. However, one key factor kept them afloat: the unlimited car wash model. Quick Quack had been one of the first in the country to introduce a subscription-based model, and that consistency in cash flow made all the difference.

“The industry was shifting,” Travis recalled. “When we hit seven locations, we were already in the top 50 car wash companies in the country. The market was fragmented, mostly mom-and-pop shops, but there was new energy. Private equity firms started looking for scalable chains.”

By 2012, the business had momentum. The economy was recovering, and the unlimited membership model was gaining popularity, much like it had in the fitness industry. That’s when a private equity firm from Southern California approached them, not just to make a quick investment, but to build something long-term.

“They brought in capital that allowed us to expand into new states,” Travis said. “It was at that moment we knew—it was working.”

Lessons in Growth and Leadership

Over the last decade, Quick Quack Car Wash has been on a mission to grow as fast as possible while staying true to their values. From building a strong internal culture to making strategic decisions on acquisitions versus building new locations, they’ve remained intentional about their path forward.

“We always look at what we can learn,” Travis explained. “Every acquisition teaches us something, but we love our own car wash model. It’s easier to build from scratch than to remodel an existing location.”

Growth, however, isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people. The company remains committed to mentorship, leadership development, and making a lasting impact on employees and customers alike.