San Diego Car Care was founded in 1978 by Tom Fetter. Tom had worked for a major NYSE Corporation for 13 years but was based here in San Diego. Turning down a request that he relocate to the corporate headquarters in Los Angeles, Tom and two colleagues started their own business. They acquired control of a small carwash equipment manufacturing company in Minneapolis and moved it to San Diego in 1971. The Bubble Machine, Inc. which operated over 80 Chevron branded car washes located throughout the Western United States became their major customer and ultimately purchased the manufacturing business. Tom commuted to San Francisco and in 1976 was named president of the Bubble Machine, Inc. A change in corporate strategy required the sale of the individual carwash units and Tom carried this out successfully. In the process he ended up purchasing four Bubble Machine locations in San Diego. Over the years he bought, sold and built 11 carwashes.
Today, San Diego Car Care has five locations across San Diego. San Diego Car Care currently employs 170 people and is known for its loyal and satisfied employees and customers. The company has been successful at creating a fair, open-door culture, where employees are encouraged to say what they think and feel. Supervisors and managers are encouraged to take professional development classes to assist them in being the best managers they can be.
Because of its strong internal culture, many employees stay with the company for many years. Some employees have been with the company for 20+ years. In fact Cameron Robb, Tina Martinez, Ali Uzakov, and Jeff Leon, have been with the company for over 15 years and worked their way up to a managerial position.
Another feature that distinguishes San Diego Car Care is its commitment to giving back to the community. The company is a frequent contributor to local fundraisers and charities, supporting schools, churches and the Salvation Army.
Tom Fetter has personally devoted a large percentage of his time in service as a trustee to organizations such as the Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego History Center, and the University of San Diego School of Law, from which he graduated in 1957 after attending night school for four years. Additionally, the company provides scholarships to the San Diego North Educational Foundation. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day, San Diego Car Care offers free car washes to those who are actively serving in the military. If you haven’t been to a San Diego Car Care recently, be sure to check it out the next time you need a car wash or oil change. You can be sure you will be well taken care of!
To learn more, visit www.sandiegocarcare.com.