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Zips Car Wash LLC
Zips Car Wash LLC runs 180+ express car washes across seven US states, built on a subscription model and company-owned real estate.
Zips Car Wash LLC
Zips Car Wash LLC was founded in 2002 by Kevin Gleason, opening its first location in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The company expanded through a franchise model before converting entirely to company-owned operations, a transition completed by the late 2010s. Its headquarters moved to Plano, Texas as the chain grew. The firm operates express tunnels with a menu of three wash tiers, priced from under $10 to roughly $20 per wash. Its subscription program, ZIPS Unlimited, is the primary revenue driver, offering unlimited washes for a monthly fee. Zips pursues a roll-up strategy, acquiring independent car washes and smaller chains across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. Property and equipment for each site are typically owned or long-term leased. As of 2025, Zips Car Wash employs over 2,000 people. The company has no disclosed AUM or deployment figures, and its ownership structure remains private. It has not announced any philanthropic vehicle or adjacent operating-company structure. Zips' structural differentiator lies in its all-company-owned model, which avoids franchisee disputes and allows uniform service standards. It also leans on real estate ownership for many sites, giving it control over location disposition and the option to monetize land over time.
General information
Firm type
Family Office
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Plano
Corporate office
Plano, TX, United States
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Zips Car Wash and when?
Kevin Gleason founded Zips Car Wash in 2002 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He previously operated a construction company and used that experience to build the first wash site.
Does Zips Car Wash still franchise, or are all locations company-owned?
All Zips locations are company-owned. The firm converted from a franchise model to 100% corporate ownership in the late 2010s.
How does Zips fund its growth and acquisitions?
Zips uses cash flow from operations and debt financing to acquire independent car washes and smaller chains. The firm does not disclose equity investors or external capital partners.
What is the ZIPS Unlimited subscription program?
The ZIPS Unlimited program offers unlimited car washes for a flat monthly fee across all company locations. It includes a dedicated members-only lane and is the primary loyalty driver.
Is Zips Car Wash involved in any philanthropic or community initiatives?
Zips has made no public disclosure of a formal philanthropic foundation or charitable vehicle. The firm's community activity is limited to local store-level promotions.
How many employees does Zips Car Wash have?
The firm reported over 2,000 employees as of 2025. This figure includes all store-level, regional, and corporate staff.
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