Kleen-ritecorp

From its inception, Kleen-Rite always operated its own car wash alongside its supplies business, which gave the company a better insight into the needs and problems of - and solutions for - the car wash operator. Back in the early days of the car care industry, there were not many suppliers for operaters needs. There were only a few companies that made and sold car wash equipment. Often operators would ask each other if they had any extra parts or supplies. Harold McKonly thought, "I should start stocking this stuff." Initially, he would buy extra parts for his wash, and other people would buy them off of him. It grew from there - out of need. For many years, he would build and service car washes, and fix pumps. Self-serve equipment was always Harold's focus, whether it was supplies, vending, parts or equipment. In order to support his service business, he had to stock more parts. The parts portion of the business took more time than the actual repair of the car washes! It went full circle. Harold founded Kleen-Rite Corporation in 1959, which specialized in providing car wash supplies, parts and equipment at the lowest prices, with the largest inventory and selection.