Deriving power from sunshine is a powerful metaphor for Kirsten Ehrich and family, owners of Ol’ Miner Express Car Wash. They believe in spreading light and warmth and have loyal customers – and solar panels - to prove it.
“It is fun to take care of Parkites in such a practical, necessary way and give back to a town that has given us so much,” Kirsten exclaims.
Family, in-laws, and friends work together to make Ol’ Miner a cleansing experience. “We fell in love with Park City in the 90s,” she says of relatives who emigrated from Syracuse, Vancouver, and LA. “We jumped at the chance to work here.”
A long-time local, Kirsten understands the Parkite bond with our stunning environment. When the family acquired Ol’ Miner in 2017, they focused on sustainability. “At first glance, a car wash doesn’t appear green, so we got guidance from Recycle Utah,” she remembers. “Our 150+ solar panels and other green additions have significantly reduced the traditional car wash footprint. We want to do all we can to care for community sustainability.”
Their caring attitude and family atmosphere wash over customers who return the good feelings, creating a homey environment Kirsten finds rewarding and humbling. “Without a doubt, support from the local community has absolutely blown us away,” she says. “We have customers bring hot chocolate to our staff on cold days, homemade cookies, and Christmas gifts. They are the most caring, loyal and supportive customers we can imagine.”
When the last wipe-down is done, Kirsten loves joining her husband and two children to stroll Main Street “and remind ourselves of how gorgeous this town is” while walking their faithful dog, Scout, “the true leader of our household.”
Kirsten and family are leaders, too, in serving up kindness with car washes and caring for Parkites and our environment.
