Colorado State University graduate students recently got an up-close look at the people, culture, and operations that power Breeze Thru Car Wash during a special site visit at our Fort Collins Mulberry location.
The opportunity came through a connection with CSU’s Counseling and Career Development master’s program, which partners with local businesses to help students better understand different work environments, career paths, and organizational cultures. Recognizing an opportunity for students to learn about workplace culture, employee development, and leadership in a real-world setting, the program selected Breeze Thru as a host site for a student tour and Q&A session. Fourteen graduate students participated in the experience.
Myrane Modesto, Lizzy Gonzalez, Derrick Hammer, and Mitch Madril were joined by Regional Operations Manager John Lipp as they helped guide students through the tunnel, pump room, and site grounds, providing a firsthand look at the day-to-day operations behind a modern car wash. The experience gave students the chance to see beyond the customer-facing side of the business and learn about the teamwork, technology, and leadership that keep operations running smoothly.
During the Q&A, students asked thoughtful questions about employee support, workplace culture, mental health resources, and career growth opportunities.
One student asked, “How does your company acknowledge mental health?” The team shared how Breeze Thru supports team members through Human Resources, the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and management training programs such as Crucial Conversations, which help leaders navigate difficult conversations and provide meaningful support.
Another student asked, “What kind of person would thrive here?” Mitch Madril shared how success at Breeze Thru comes from being engaged with customers, remaining open to learning, and focusing on helping people make the right choice rather than relying on high-pressure sales tactics. The conversation also highlighted how Breeze Thru seeks employees whose values align with the company’s culture from day one.
Students were equally interested in understanding how Breeze Thru supports its people. In response to the question, “What kind of support do you offer your staff?”, team members shared information about career development opportunities, regional support teams, the Management Apprenticeship Program, employee housing initiatives, and other resources available to help employees succeed both personally and professionally.
While the visit was designed to help students explore potential career paths, it proved equally rewarding for the Breeze Thru team. Employees had the opportunity to reflect on their own journeys, share personal growth stories, and showcase the meaningful work they do every day.
Perhaps the most memorable moments came during the tunnel walkthrough. As students experienced the wash from a completely different perspective, curiosity quickly turned into excitement. Smiles and laughter echoed through the tunnel as the group got an up-close look at the equipment and processes that power the customer experience, creating a visit that was both educational and memorable.
Reflecting on the visit, Regional Operations Manager John Lipp said:
“What stood out most wasn’t just the students’ curiosity, but the pride our team showed in sharing their experiences. Watching our people talk about their growth, the opportunities they’ve been given, and the impact they have every day was incredibly rewarding. We hope the students walked away with a better understanding of the opportunities that exist in our industry, but I think our team gained just as much from the experience.”
Building connections with local colleges and universities helps bridge the gap between education and the workforce. By opening our doors and sharing real-world experiences, Breeze Thru is helping students explore potential career paths while giving team members an opportunity to share their own growth stories. The visit served as a reminder that meaningful community partnerships create value for everyone involved.