Photos courtesy of Mr. Shine Car Wash
In Northwest Peoria, Mr. Shine Car Wash is more than a place to get your car cleaned—it’s a family-run enterprise that’s become a beloved part of the community. Celebrating its fifth anniversary, this unique car wash has thrived thanks to the Gleason family’s dedication and innovative spirit.
Alivia Gleason, the business manager for Mr. Shine, recalls the journey with a sense of pride and nostalgia. “Five years have flown by,” she says. “Starting a family business was stressful, but now, looking back, it’s incredible how far we’ve come.”
The story begins with Alivia’s father, Brian Gleason, who spent 35 years on the vendor side of the car wash industry. “Brian worked for a major equipment manufacturer out of Detroit and was the vice president of sales,” Alivia explains. “He traveled extensively, helping clients with site selection, designing and engineering of their car washes while helping them create an enhanced customer experience.”
In 2015, the Gleason family purchased three acres of land already zoned for a car wash in Northwest Peoria. Drawing on his vast industry experience, Brian envisioned a unique concept inspired by German car washes. “We have an exterior express car wash where you drive through yourself, complete with free vacuums, towels, air detailers, and mat washers for those who like to do it themselves,” Alivia says. “We also have a second building that’s the heart of our unique offering.”
This second building, in the newly renovated Express Interior Cleaning Building, features a 12-foot-wide conveyor belt, akin to a giant treadmill. “The customer drives on to the conveyor belt, turns off their car, takes their keys and then our team gets to work,” Alivia describes. “In about seven minutes, we clean the dashboard, console, cup holders, windows, door jambs, mats, and vacuum. It’s an assembly line, efficient and thorough. Customers can walk alongside their car on our customer walkway or relax in our seating area with complimentary coffee, tea, and water.”
The quick, flex-service interior and exterior cleaning process, completed in about 15 minutes, has been a hit with busy families and professionals. “It’s great for people who don’t have 30 or 40 minutes to spend at a full service car wash,” Alivia notes.
The Gleason family’s commitment to the business is evident in every aspect, from the meticulous maintenance to the welcoming atmosphere they’ve created. “We’ve invested in training and brought in a car wash consultant,” Alivia says. “It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but we’ve learned a lot and built a great team.”
Community engagement is a cornerstone of Mr. Shine’s success. “We grew up here and live in the area,” Alivia shares. “Being a part of the community means a lot to us. We host a haunted car wash event and are thrilled to be up for “Phoenix Magazine’s” Best of the Valley again. We’ve won in 2020, 2021, and 2023. If we win this year, it will be four years out of five, which is amazing for a single-location car wash.”
Looking to the future, the Gleason family plans to expand while maintaining their personal touch. “We have property in Surprise and hope to start construction soon,” Alivia reveals. “We want to keep it in the family and stay local. While the car wash industry has seen a lot of private equity involvement, we believe in the importance of community connection.”
For Alivia, the most rewarding part is working with her parents and brother Shane, who is the general manager. “Seeing what my parents started and being part of its growth is incredibly fulfilling,” she says. “We aim to create an enjoyable experience for our customers and remain a vital part of the community where we’ve lived since 1995.”
Mr. Shine exemplifies what a family business can achieve through innovation, commitment to quality, and strong family values.
Located at 25500 N. Lake Pleasant Pkwy., the hours of operation for the Express Wash are Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Express Interior Cleaning service hours are Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information on car wash packages and unlimited wash plans, visit mrshineaz.com.
