By Jim Utter
Director of Journalism
ZIPS Car Wash has successfully leveraged an innovative marketing strategy through its popular video series, “Car Wash Convos.” Now in its third season, the series has become a standout example of how businesses can use NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) partnerships with college student-athletes to build brand awareness and connect with their audience.
What is “Car Wash Convos”?
Launched in 2022, “Car Wash Convos” features college student-athletes from across the Southeast in candid interviews. These conversations happen as fans “ride along” during a car wash, offering viewers a unique, personal glimpse into the athletes’ lives beyond sports.
The episodes are distributed on YouTube and Instagram, reaching a diverse and engaged audience.
- Recent Episode Highlight: Episode 2 of Season 3, featuring University of Memphis linebacker Chandler Martin, was released in late November. Watch it here.
- According to ZIPS Chief Marketing Officer Rebecca Latacz, “Car Wash Convos” showcases student-athlete personalities and the ways their schools influence their careers and personal lives.
Why NIL Marketing Works
The NCAA’s NIL rules allow companies like ZIPS to incorporate college athletes into their marketing campaigns. This provides businesses with a unique opportunity to connect with local communities and universities while promoting authentic stories.
For Season 3, ZIPS partnered with NIL marketplace leader Opendorse and Learfield, the multimedia rights holder for university athletics, to assemble a diverse roster:
- 18 student-athletes (male and female)
- Representing six universities: Arkansas, Georgia, Memphis, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas
- Featuring eight sports
Season 3 Highlights
Season 3 will spotlight nine male and nine female student-athletes across various sports. This reflects ZIPS’ ongoing commitment to supporting college athletics and connecting with fans.
Impressive Results from Previous Seasons
“Car Wash Convos” has delivered outstanding results since its inception:
- Season 1: Over 4 million impressions and 2 million video views
- Season 2: More than 13 million video views across 22 episodes
ZIPS: A Car Wash Industry Leader
Based in Plano, Texas, ZIPS is ranked among the top three largest car wash companies in the U.S., according to Car Wash Advisory’s Top 100 Car Wash Companies.
Why This Matters
The success of “Car Wash Convos” demonstrates the power of NIL marketing in building brand visibility while supporting college athletes and universities. ZIPS’ ability to combine entertainment, storytelling, and sports marketing positions it as an innovator in the car wash industry.
Stay tuned for more episodes of “Car Wash Convos” and insights into how ZIPS continues to redefine marketing strategies in the car wash sector.
