Keegan Pearl began managing Shammy’s Sparkle Brite and Crickett’s car washes in 2015 when they were housed under one company. After 7 years, he decided to venture out independently, purchasing the two Soak-n-Wet Car washes. He and his wife Naimeah decided to expand the operation once more, recently assuming ownership of Crickett’s.
Soak-n-Wet has locations at 4933 Frederica Street and 2940 New Hartford Road. Crickett’s is at 2110 West Parrish Avenue, in the lot adjacent to Lic’s Deli and Ice Cream, and it’s been an Owensboro staple since 1989.
“It was one of Owensboro’s premiere car washes back in the day,” Pearl said. “We already have new equipment on order and plan to restore it. We’ve already made some necessary repairs and plan to rebrand it as a Soak-n-Wet here soon.”
Pearl and his crew are committed to maintaining the high standard of service that their customers have come to expect from their other locations. Their ultimate goal is to unify all three locations under one membership plan, offering both automatic and self-serve washes.
Pearl said his locations are the only remaining self-serve car wash locations in town. He added that he takes pride in keeping his costs down, starting self-serve options at $3 and touchless automatic washes at $8. They will also offer complimentary vacuums.
“Car washes today are owned by a lot of private equity,” Pearl said. “We have a niche, and that’s how we like it. I’m passionate about the industry. I love tinkering with stuff and problem solving with the equipment.”
Because the locations offer the self-serve option, Pearl said some of the dirtiest vehicles in the tri-state will grace his wash bays. He’s OK with that, though.
“I’m removing the friction wash at Crickett’s and installing two touchless automatics,” he said. “We want to treat the customer like we want to be treated and offer the most quality wash possible.”
The Pearls also own the Cougar Wash in Calhoun.
