1948
Energized by America's post-WWII entrepreneurial spirit, Joe Dahm of Ft. Wayne, IN opened Mike's Minit Man Carwash. It was the first automated carwash in Indiana and only the 18th in the country. Shortly after his brother, Ed Dahm, joined the business. Joe and Ed took a gamble that the automobile would play an important role in America's growth. They were right!
Today
Our carwashes feature the most advanced technology available, specially formulated detergents, soft cloth, computer-controlled equipment and our special touchless hot air dryers, along with the exceptional customer service for which Mike’s is known.
1971
Joe and his brother Ed wanted to make sure they had it right before expanding their business. That’s why it took them 23 years to open their second location in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
Today
We operate 40 carwash locations in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio.
1978
Despite having a successful business, Joe and Ed could see that Americans were getting busier and less spare time, especially for a carwash. So, they converted their second Ft. Wayne location from a full-service carwash to an exterior-only wash. Mike’s Express concept was a big hit with customers and became the model for all future Mike’s locations.
Today
Our brand has evolved since 1978 but we continue to offer a fully-automated, exterior-only carwash.
1993
Founders Joe and Ed Dahm stepped down to allow the second generation to take over the daily operations of the business. Mike’s principal owners become Bill, Jerry and Mike Dahm.
Today
Mike’s Carwash is still under second and third generation family ownership.
Pictured left-to-right:
Mike Dahm (second generation)
Joe Dahm (third generation)
Joe Dahm (first generation)
Brian Dahm (third generation)
Pictured left-to-right:
Mike Dahm (second generation)
Joe Dahm (third generation)
Joe Dahm (first generation)
Brian Dahm (third generation)
2014
Mike's owners and brothers, Bill and Mike Dahm complete a friendly company reorganization as a part of their family succession plan. Mike opens a new Support Office in Cincinnati to operate Mike's Carwash locations in Cincinnati and Dayton, OH; Florence, KY; and Ft. Wayne, South Bend and Evansville, IN. Bill begins operating Central Indiana locations under a new company name.
Today
Since our reorganization, we have experienced tremendous growth, with 40 locations.
2016
Mike's takes pride in building teams that understand the importance of creating an exceptional carwash experience for our customers, the Boss. Our focus on teamwork has translated to frequent recognition as a "Top Employer" in the markets where we operate.
Today
By always putting our customers first, Mike's is often named "Best Carwash" across our three-state footprint.
2019
As corporate citizens, we realize that Mike's plays an important role in the life of each community in which we do business. In particular, we have focused on the needs of children in our communities through special partnerships with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and the YMCA Youth Service Bureau.
Today
Since 2015, Mike's has helped raise more than $4.1 million through our local fundraising promotions.
2023
Mike's celebrates its 75th anniversary as one of the country's leading, and most innovative, companies, in the carwash industry.
Today
Starting with one full-service carwash in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, we've grown to 40 state-of-the-art facilities across our three-state footprint (Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio).
75 Years of Leadership
Mike Dahm
Chief Executive Officer
Joe Dahm
President
Mark Schnorbus
Chief Financial Officer
