Splash Car Wash

In 1981, two friends from Greenwich, Connecticut, Mark Curtis and Chris Fisher, decided to trade their business suits for suds and water. They purchased a local car wash, initially naming it Carl's Auto Bath. This single location was the humble beginning of what would become a major player in the automotive care industry. Their early goal was simple: make enough money to buy a boat and sail to Tahiti. The turning point came in 1994 when the founders introduced an innovative concept: washing cars by hand on a conveyor system. This new process was a hit and they rebranded to "Splash," a name that would soon become synonymous with growth. The company began a steady expansion, acquiring and developing more locations and adding services like detailing and oil changes to their portfolio. The next chapter in the Splash story was marked by significant outside investment. In late 2018, the company partnered with Palladin Consumer Retail Partners to accelerate its growth. This led to a period of rapid expansion through acquisitions and new developments. More recently, in April 2025, AEA Investors acquired a majority stake from Palladin, signaling a new phase of strategic growth for the company. Co-founder Mark Curtis moved to the role of Chairman, with long-time COO Dan Petrelle stepping in as CEO. Today, Splash Car Wash operates over 65 locations across several states, a testament to a four-decade journey from a single car wash to a northeastern car care empire.