For Randy and Jennifer Rethman and their three young children, operating a car wash is a family affair.
The Rethmans bought the car wash at 306 E. Sixth Ave. in December 2008 and since have changed the name to Splash n Dash and made several changes to the car wash. The Rethmans decided to buy the car wash because it was a good fit with Jennifer Rethman staying home with the children. In addition, Randy Rethman has always wanted his own business and it’s good for the kids to grow up around a family business, he said.
“This can fit into our lifestyle,” Jennifer Rethman said, adding that the Rethmans can have a young family and still work.
Since purchasing the business, the Rethmans have made many changes. The car wash has four wide bays and one bay on the outside to accommodate larger vehicles. They have added new vending machines with more than 60 items and chemicals that are used are environmentally friendly. The car wash has several options for people to use including pre-soak, spot-free, engine/tire cleaner, clear coat, wash, rinse and foam brush. It also offers turbo vacuums.
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sciguy (anonymous) says...
I've used a couple of others in town and I think this one is maintained very well. I ran into the gentleman and his son one evening, and they seemed very nice and asked how the cleaning machinery had worked for me. It was clear that they want to run the business well, and took pride in cleanliness and customer service.
I'm glad to give them my business.
October 5, 2009 at 12:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
countrydog (anonymous) says...
i hope this becomes the best in town
October 5, 2009 at 6:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
I believe I'll try it out today. The one I'd been using on South Commercial is often full of mud and out of soap too.
October 5, 2009 at 6:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rcr (anonymous) says...
I've tried this one too. It's as clean as the one on west 6th and well maintained too. What a great design for the logo's. I wish this business owner well. Hoping he sets the standard for Carwashes in Emporia. I've also had the no soap muddy experience down south
October 5, 2009 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Jallanpoe (anonymous) says...
I've tried to use this carwash to wash my large truck and the outside bay was either closed or it was hard to get out! I've used the automatic carwash across from bluestem and the automatic damaged my vehicle, took off my side mirror and peeled some paint of my vehicle. Just be carefull of what carwash you pick
October 5, 2009 at 6:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cheerup (anonymous) says...
I've tried this one a couple of times as others and found the time was the shortest in town. Also a little skimpy on his soap. My favorite is the one on S. Commercial. I really love the credit card accepters that they have installed in the self service bays. WOW what a great idea.
October 5, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
duckhunter (anonymous) says...
One of the best kept secrets is the carwash down by Bunge. I choose to wash there because they offer the best value, and they seem to keep it clean!
October 5, 2009 at 9:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
snow (anonymous) says...
I have used this car wash often since the family purchased it. It is always clean and the time per quarter at 45 seconds beats all of them in town. I have been to the one on south commercial and on 12th avenue and they are by far, no comparison, they are run down, don't get my vehicles near as clean and skimpy on the time per quarter. Splash N Dash is my choice by far.
October 6, 2009 at 7:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
2chase (anonymous) says...
The change in apperance and the incredible service is the makings of a long and profitable family business. Service is everthing in a business that depends on me coming back again and again, and the splash N Dash family really understand that. Thanks for the great carwash.
October 11, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
2chase.....I think you hit the nail on the head......the secret to getting my repeat business for a small business is personal involvement of the owners. If I can see your hands on involvement in running the place you got the battle 98 per cent won in getting me back.
October 11, 2009 at 1:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )