About the author
About the Author: Mike Berlin
Mike Berlin, a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, grew up immersed in a family legacy centered on hard work, entrepreneurship, and collaboration. As the middle of three brothers, Mike credits his upbringing in the plumbing wholesale industry—where his father worked for Coburn Supply for 50 years—with instilling values of perseverance and ingenuity. His journey into marketing and car wash innovation is as compelling as the industry he now champions.
Mike's story is one of transformation. From struggling through his first year of college at the University of Southwestern Louisiana to discovering his passion for marketing and video production at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), his path was far from conventional. While at MTSU, Mike gained invaluable experience through an internship at Walt Disney World, working across iconic properties like the Magic Kingdom and EPCOT Center. It was there that he learned the art of customer service and "putting on a show"—a lesson that would resonate throughout his career.
Mike's connection to the car wash industry began with his older brother, Bubba, who opened Chammies Car Wash in Asheville, North Carolina. While studying in Murfreesboro, Mike frequently traveled to Asheville to help Bubba repair equipment, often swapping mechanical fixes for jet ski rides and cold beers. This hands-on involvement gave Mike a deep understanding of the operational and cultural aspects of the car wash business.
In 2002, Mike and Bubba co-founded Bclip Productions, a video production company specializing in creating compelling marketing content for businesses. Naturally, their first clients included car wash professionals, and the business quickly became a trusted vendor for industry giants like Sonny's, Simoniz, and Blue Coral. Mike's knack for storytelling and his curiosity about the industry's evolution led to a long-standing partnership with Sonny's, where he traveled the country documenting the success stories of pioneering car wash operators.
The rise of the express car wash model and its appeal to investors inspired Mike to launch SLAM Car Wash Marketing in 2018. Recognizing a gap in the market, SLAM was designed to provide comprehensive branding and marketing solutions for new and established car wash operators. From crafting logos and building websites to managing social media and launching advertising campaigns, SLAM became a lifeline for operators navigating the competitive landscape.
In 2019, SLAM joined forces with Sonny's to create Sonny's Marketing by SLAM, cementing Mike's role as a key innovator in the car wash industry. His contributions didn't stop at marketing; he also became an educator, teaching marketing classes at Car Wash College and producing the popular "SLAM SIX" video series. These efforts, combined with his firsthand knowledge of industry pioneers and their successes, inspired Mike to write this book.
This book is more than a guide—it's a reflection of Mike's passion for the car wash industry and his commitment to helping operators succeed. Drawing from decades of experience and insights from industry trailblazers, Mike provides actionable advice, inspiring stories, and proven strategies to help readers think differently, innovate, and thrive.
Mike resides in Asheville, North Carolina, where he continues to champion the car wash industry through education, creativity, and a relentless drive to make car washing easier—and more profitable—for operators everywhere.