Don’t Call it Inspo-Porn: Rising Tide Car Wash Employing Autistic Staff is Expanding

John D’Eri co-founded the Rising Tide Car Wash in Parkland, Florida with his son, Thomas, in 2013. Following the success of the business, the pair expanded to Margate in 2017, and are now poised to open a location in Coral Springs later this year.

What sets Rising Tide apart from other car washes is its team: the majority of its staff are on the Autism spectrum.

D’Eri told the South Florida Sun Sentinel, “My son Andrew is on the spectrum. There were no opportunities for him whatsoever. I have always been a serial entrepreneur so I decided that the best thing I could do was try to give him empowerment through employment versus some form of institutionalization like a group home.”

At Rising Tide, Andrew found work along with many others. The family has a bold vision for the new Coral Springs location: Within two years, they aim to have the car wash “100% staffed with diversity, meaning employees on the spectrum.” Those employees would include team leaders, D’Eri said and would set Rising Tide apart from other social enterprises focused on inclusion within the Autistic community.

To learn more about the Rising Tide Car Wash, check out the company website or read the full article in the Sun Sentinel.