Episode 261: Bundling car care to boost carwash retention with Way's Ro Krishna
Thu Jan 29 2026
In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, Rich DiPaolo speaks with Ro Krishna, VP of Car Wash at Way, about how customer data and retention are reshaping the carwash business. The conversation focuses on the growing pressure on margins, especially in high-volume express tunnels, and why speed and discounts alone are no longer enough to drive sustainable growth. Krishna shares insights on underutilized capacity, declining memberships, and the lack of customer visibility that prevents operators from bringing customers back consistently. He also discusses how software and automation can simplify operations, empower frontline staff, and improve loyalty without disrupting existing systems. The episode highlights a shift toward bundled value, smarter loyalty programs, and data-driven engagement beyond the wash lane. Krishna closes with guidance for operators planning ahead: long-term success will depend on knowing your customers and making each visit feel more personal. Learn more at way.com/carwash.
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In this episode of Wash Talk: The Carwash Podcast, Rich DiPaolo speaks with Ro Krishna, VP of Car Wash at Way, about how customer data and retention are reshaping the carwash business. The conversation focuses on the growing pressure on margins, especially in high-volume express tunnels, and why speed and discounts alone are no longer enough to drive sustainable growth. Krishna shares insights on underutilized capacity, declining memberships, and the lack of customer visibility that prevents operators from bringing customers back consistently. He also discusses how software and automation can simplify operations, empower frontline staff, and improve loyalty without disrupting existing systems. The episode highlights a shift toward bundled value, smarter loyalty programs, and data-driven engagement beyond the wash lane. Krishna closes with guidance for operators planning ahead: long-term success will depend on knowing your customers and making each visit feel more personal. Learn more at way.com/carwash.