What happens when a father refuses to let his son’s challenges define his future? For many parents of children with disabilities, this question feels like an uphill battle. In a world where only 19% of people with disabilities are employed, the odds often seem stacked against them. But for John D’Eri, the father of a young man with autism, those odds were a call to action—not a barrier.
Rather than watch his son, Andrew, struggle to find meaningful work, John decided to create an opportunity that would not only change Andrew’s life but also transform the lives of countless others. The result? Rising Tide Car Wash—a business built on inclusion, empowerment, and the belief that disabilities should never limit potential. What started as a father’s mission to help his son has now become a thriving model of hope, employing 80 individuals with disabilities and redefining what it means to succeed.
A Father’s Determination: The Birth of Rising Tide Car Wash
When introduced as the motivation behind Rising Tide Andrew proudly confirmed, “I’m an inspiration!” ✨ Here’s to another #inspiring year ahead & many more annual holiday parties! 🥳 #HappyNewYearsEve pic.twitter.com/NofZ3W0vFL
— Rising Tide Car Wash (@RisingTideWash) January 1, 2025
For John D’Eri, watching his son, Andrew, navigate the challenges of living with autism often brought feelings of concern for the future. Like many parents, he feared that Andrew’s potential might go unrecognized in a world that often overlooks individuals with disabilities. The reality was stark—finding meaningful employment for people like Andrew proved incredibly difficult. The job market, already competitive, left little room for neurodiverse individuals who needed environments designed to embrace their unique strengths.
Instead of succumbing to frustration, John took a bold step forward. He envisioned a place where Andrew and others like him could not only work but thrive—a space that valued their abilities rather than focusing on their limitations. From that determination, Rising Tide Car Wash was born.
Launched in 2013, the car wash became a tangible expression of John’s unwavering commitment to inclusion. Its mission was simple yet revolutionary: to create a business model where employees with disabilities could excel in structured, supportive roles. For Andrew, it wasn’t just a job; it was a gateway to independence, confidence, and a sense of purpose. For John, it was proof that a little innovation and a lot of heart could change lives.
Employment for 80 Individuals With Disabilities
Rising Tide Car Wash is more than just a business—it’s a lifeline for those who have long been marginalized in the workforce. Since its inception, the car wash has provided meaningful employment to 80 individuals with disabilities, each with their own story of resilience and untapped potential. For employees, this isn’t just a job; it’s an opportunity to thrive in an environment tailored to celebrate their abilities rather than limit them.
The structure at Rising Tide is carefully designed to meet the needs of neurodiverse individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum. Tasks are broken into repeatable, step-by-step processes, allowing employees to build confidence through routine and mastery. Beyond the work itself, the environment fosters camaraderie and personal growth. Many employees report a newfound sense of pride and independence—qualities often elusive in traditional job settings. For Andrew D’Eri and his coworkers, the car wash represents far more than a paycheck; it’s a symbol of belonging and self-worth.
What’s equally inspiring is how Rising Tide challenges societal misconceptions about individuals with disabilities. Customers, too, have embraced the car wash not just for its exceptional service but for the heartwarming mission behind it. It’s a reminder that businesses built with empathy and purpose can create ripples far beyond their immediate goals. For the employees, these opportunities often serve as stepping stones to a brighter future, proving that when people are given the chance to succeed, they can exceed expectations in remarkable ways.
The Power of Inclusivity in Business
✨ You can see clearly now … that the smudge is gone ✨ 😉 Thank you, Andrew! #carwash #broward pic.twitter.com/i66n6l5gNS
— Rising Tide Car Wash (@RisingTideWash) August 8, 2024
Rising Tide Car Wash is a shining example of how inclusivity in business can be both transformative and profitable. At its core, the car wash operates on the belief that every individual has something valuable to contribute, regardless of their challenges. By fostering a workplace that prioritizes diversity and support, John D’Eri not only created jobs but also reshaped how businesses can approach hiring practices.
Inclusivity at Rising Tide is more than a buzzword—it’s woven into the fabric of the company. Employees with disabilities are trained to excel in their roles, not as a favor but because their unique skills add measurable value to the business. The attention to detail often associated with individuals on the autism spectrum, for instance, aligns perfectly with the precision required in delivering top-notch car wash services. This focus on strengths, rather than perceived limitations, has resulted in a highly efficient and reliable workforce.
The community has taken notice. Customers often express admiration for the car wash’s mission, and many choose to support it not just for the quality of service but for the values it represents. Rising Tide has become a beacon for other businesses, demonstrating that inclusivity is not just an ethical decision but a strategic one. Companies across industries are beginning to see the potential in tapping into a talent pool often overlooked, recognizing that embracing diversity can lead to stronger teams, greater innovation, and deeper connections with their communities.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities at Rising Tide Car Wash
Building Rising Tide Car Wash required John D’Eri to innovate at every step to create a workplace tailored to neurodiverse employees. One key challenge was breaking down tasks into clear, repeatable steps, ensuring employees on the autism spectrum could excel with confidence. This process demanded patience, constant feedback, and a deep commitment to designing accessible workflows.
John also faced societal skepticism about whether an inclusive business could succeed financially. Through a focus on operational efficiency and exceptional service, Rising Tide dispelled these doubts, proving that inclusivity is not just ethical—it’s profitable.
Another crucial lesson was the role of community support. By sharing the mission with customers, Rising Tide built loyalty that extended beyond its services, creating a business model that inspires others to embrace inclusivity. These efforts have shown that with determination and thoughtful practices, barriers can be transformed into opportunities for growth and empowerment.
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A Model of Hope and Inclusion
Rising Tide Car Wash stands as a beacon of hope, proving that inclusivity and business success can go hand in hand. What began as a father’s mission to help his autistic son find meaningful work has blossomed into a transformative initiative that has empowered 80 individuals with disabilities and inspired countless others. Its success is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and compassion.
John D’Eri’s journey is more than just a story of creating a business—it’s a lesson in how empathy and vision can break down societal barriers. Rising Tide is more than a car wash; it’s a movement redefining what it means to build a workforce where everyone is valued. The initiative has shown that when people are given the chance to shine, their potential knows no bounds.
As Rising Tide continues to grow, it serves as a reminder that even small actions can create a ripple effect of positive change. Businesses, communities, and individuals alike can take inspiration from its story to champion inclusivity in their own ways. After all, a world where everyone has the opportunity to contribute is a world where everyone thrives.
Featured Image from: Rising Tide Carwash on Facebook
