Goo-Goo-founder Lamar Beck enters Hall of Fame
ICA has added Lamar Beck to their Car Wash Hall of Fame. The founder of Goo-Goo Car Wash has changed the car wash industry with his express car washes. Beck passed away in November 2023.
Since 1962, ICA has presented the Hall of Fame Award to car wash professionals, operators and suppliers who have made a lasting impact on the professional car wash industry.
“Every year we get the opportunity to induct a deserving recipient into the Car Wash Hall of Fame,” said ICA President Marcus Kittrell during this year’s edition of TheCar WashShow. “These are always people who have made a tremendous impact in our industry, and who have always been willing to help others.”
The Hall of Fame Celebration at The Show was an opportunity for ICA members to toast and reflect on Beck’s accomplishments — both in the car wash industry and in life;
In a memory-filled introduction that shared some of what made Beck such a legend in the industry, Kittrell shared: “One of my favorite memories of Lamar Beck is he and I sitting on five- gallon buckets in his equipment room at his first express in Montgomery, Alabama,” Kittrell said, sharing that he had been nervous at the time about the success of his first express wash.
“He told me, ‘Marcus, you’ll be fine. Just take care of your customers and never be satisfied.’”
Those words are a pivotal part of Beck’s story, as was apparent in the video that followed, which highlighted Beck’s contributions to the industry and the lives of everyone he touched.
“Never satisfied; It should be on his tombstone,” said Darren Bradham, his partner. Beck also wasn’t scared to try something new, he said, which was the case with their first express wash in 2001. “We rubbed our nickels together and decided to try it.”
Sixty express car wash locations later, Goo-Goo Car Wash and Lamar Beck had changed the car wash industry forever.
Selection into the Car Wash Hall of Fame is based upon candidate attributes in the areas of leadership, collaboration, industry support, longevity and innovation.
See a full list of Hall of Fame recipients.
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