New Jersey car wash association debuts networking event at private car club

The Car Wash Operators of New Jersey brought members together for a first-of-its-kind networking event at a private car storage and members club on the Jersey Shore, according to reporting from Auto Laundry News. The Suds & Super Cars gathering took place August 18 at Shore Car Club and gave operators a chance to step away from daily business demands and connect in a relaxed setting.

The event featured a barista bar food truck, a catered lunch, and a selection of wine, beer, and soft drinks for members and their guests. CWONJ president Dino Nicoletta said the association had never staged anything comparable before, describing the surroundings and the collection of cars as an unusual backdrop for member networking.

Inside the venue

Shore Car Club is a 40,000-square-foot facility that combines a members club, event space, and private vehicle storage aimed at collectors and enthusiasts. It includes 14 private garages with discreet access, two indoor wash bays, and secure storage for 110 vehicles. Members also have access to seven dedicated spaces, among them a 6,000-square-foot lounge, a library, a game room with a golf simulator, two driving simulators, outdoor terraces, and co-working areas.

The club is owned by Bryan, Michelle, and Dayna Gold, with Michael Salerno as a cofounder. It opened in November 2025 and is billed as the first venue of its kind in New Jersey. Dayna Gold said the concept grew out of the owners' own enthusiasm for cars, design, food, and connection.

What comes next

CWONJ has already scheduled its next gathering, a fall membership meeting set for November 10 at Suburban Golf Club in Union. The featured speaker is John Roush, founder and chief executive officer of Ohio-based Express Wash Concepts.

Roush is a car wash owner and operator with more than 25 years of experience across retail, commercial, and residential development. The source reports he has developed, site selected, and built more than 142 express tunnel washes across several brands, including Moo Moo Express, Flying Ace Express, Clean Express, Green Clean Express, and Bee Clean Express. His address is expected to cover his approach to team building and the company's cause marketing work. Registration details are available through the CWONJ website.

Why it matters for operators

Regional associations remain one of the most accessible ways for independent and multi-site operators to build relationships, compare notes, and stay current on industry trends. CWONJ's decision to host a low-key social event rather than a traditional meeting signals a recognition that peer connection, not just formal programming, keeps members engaged. For operators weighing whether association dues are worth it, events like these offer direct value in the form of introductions and informal knowledge sharing.

The November meeting is a stronger draw for those focused on growth. Hearing from an operator who has built more than 140 express tunnels offers practical perspective on site selection, scaling multiple brands, and using cause marketing to strengthen a local presence. Operators in the region should consider attending, and those elsewhere may want to check whether their own state or regional groups are lining up comparable speakers this fall.