PARKLAND, FL. -- A groundbreaking social enterprise, the high-quality Rising Tide Car Wash in Parkland has a powerful mission: to employ adults with autism and inspire communities to redefine their perception of the capabilities that people with autism have. Making its debut on Saturday, April 6 in conjunction with National Autism Awareness Month, Rising Tide not only aims to be the premier car wash experience on the market, but with 40 employees, it is one of the largest employers of people with autism in the U.S. It is the largest single store retail employer of individuals with autism in the U.S., and is among the first consumer brands in the nation focused on empowering young adults with autism.
Combining a high standard of expectations and high-quality training program, the unparalleled Rising Tide features top-notch equipment, elite customer service, eco-friendly products and a comfortable/fun waiting area, making it the go-to car wash in Parkland.
Rising Tide is the brainchild of entrepreneur John D'Eri and his son Thomas D'Eri, who wanted to create a supportive environment where John's son and Thomas' brother, 21-year-old Andrew D'Eri, a vibrant, lighthearted individual with autism, could thrive and achieve independence. Currently, unemployment among people with autism is approximately 90 percent, and at least 500,000 more individuals with autism will enter the workforce in the next decade.
It is a proven fact that people with autism are exceptional at tasks requiring repetition and structure. Using this quality of autism to their advantage, Rising Tide created an innovative model that breaks the car washing process into 46 distinct steps. Employees work in a mirror image of each other, and are able to thrive off the repetitive structure to produce amazing results.
"We deeply impact the lives of our employees," said John D'Eri. "Rising Tide offers a supportive environment to help augment their strengths and provides a community of peers. These factors, along with the excellent service they provide to the community, helps them to be proud of who they are.
"By leveraging the talents of individuals with autism, we are turning a disability into a successful business strategy," he continued. "We anticipate that Rising Tide will be the premium brand in the car wash industry and grow to be a nationwide movement with many locations."
Over a period of a year and a half, the D'Eris worked with Sonny's Enterprises, Inc., the largest manufacturer of conveyorized car wash systems in the world, to perfect Rising Tide's processes (which are endorsed by Sonny's CarWash College). University of Miami – Nova Southeastern University CARD (Center for Autism and Related Disabilities) partnered with Rising Tide to execute its pilot program, completed during summer 2012.
Locally, Rising Tide collaborates closely with The Dan Marino Foundation, which has a mission to "open doors" toward independence for children and young adults with autism and special needs by creating awareness and opportunities. Rising Tide aims to be Broward County's first B Corporation (the gold standard in verifying that a company is truly a social enterprise) and the fourth in the state of Florida.
Rising Tide's unsurpassed car wash services, ranging in price from $5 to $28, include the 3-Minute Exterior Wash (Supreme, Superb, Select, Simple), and optional add-on interior cleaning for all but the Simple Wash. Detailing services include the Express Carnauba Wax, Interior Super Clean, and full detail services (all detailing services include the Superb Wash package and interior cleaning.)
Riding Tide's Founders Club membership is available for $225 per year (upfront payment required). Members receive unlimited Supreme exterior car washes for one year, access to FastPass (Riding Tide's RFID tag reading system) and free vacuums, ability to renew at this rate each year for the life of their vehicle and recognition on Riding Tide's Founders Wall. Superb Exterior Club members receive unlimited Superb exterior car washes each month for $20. With the Superb Exterior Club, there is no long-term commitment or obligation, and members enjoy access to FastPass and free vacuums. For either package, customers must sign up on-site through the pay stations.
In late 2013, Rising Tide will look to scale its model. For more information, visit www.risingtidecarwash.com/work.
Rising Tide Car Wash is located at 7201 N. State Rd 7, Parkland, FL 33067, next to Chevron gas station and in front of BJ's. It is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
About Rising Tide Car Wash
Rising Tide Car Wash is a scalable social enterprise with the primary mission to employ adults with autism. By delivering a first-rate car wash experience to the consumer, Rising Tide strives to inspire communities to change their perception of the capabilities of people with autism. Through intensive training, team building and caring for the community, Rising Tide sets its employees up for success. With this model, Rising Tide has a goal to provide people with autism with an opportunity to build a career and achieve an independent lifestyle. Rising Tide aims to be Broward County's first B Corporation (the gold standard in verifying that a company is truly a social enterprise) and the fourth in the state of Florida. Rising Tide Car Wash is located at 7201 N. State Rd 7, Parkland, FL 33067. It is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.–6 p.m. For more information, please visit www.risingtidecarwash.com, call (954) 344-1855 or email info@risingtidecarwash.com.
