Rising Tide Car Wash: A South Florida Movement Employing People with Autism

The Genesis of Rising Tide Car Wash

• 💡 The Rising Tide Car Wash was founded by the D'Eri family with the primary goal of creating meaningful employment for their brother, Andrew, who is on the autism spectrum.
• 🎯 The business model focuses on leveraging the strengths of individuals with autism, challenging the societal view of autism solely as a disability.

Business Model and Impact

• 🚀 The car wash business is expanding, with plans for a new location in Pompano Beach, marking their fourth establishment.
• 🧠 Over 80% of the staff at Rising Tide Car Wash are on the autism spectrum, demonstrating the viability of this inclusive employment model.
• 📈 The business model is proving successful, with happy customers and a strong return rate, directly addressing the high unemployment rate among people with autism.

Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace

• 🧩 The D'Eri family views autism as a valuable diversity rather than a condition requiring sympathy, highlighting the capability of individuals on the spectrum for detail-oriented, process-driven tasks.
• 🤝 Employees at Rising Tide Car Wash are involved in all aspects of the business, including cleaning, organizing, managing finances, and building friendships.
• 💬 The success of Rising Tide Car Wash aims to inspire other employers to adopt similar inclusive hiring practices, showcasing that differences can be a source of strength.
• ✅ The family believes that embedding the business within the community allows them to effectively communicate the capabilities of people with autism.