A Father’s Car Wash Dream Changed 90 Lives

He Opened a Car Wash to Help His Autistic Son — Now It’s a Lifeline for Dozens of Families

More than a decade ago, John D’Eri was just a father thinking about the future of his autistic son, Andrew. Like many parents of children on the autism spectrum, he knew that one of the biggest challenges Andrew would face as an adult wouldn’t just be medical care or independence — it would be finding meaningful, reliable work. Statistics on unemployment among people with autism are sobering, and John didn’t want his son to become another number in those reports. He wanted Andrew to have a place where he could thrive, be respected, and feel proud of his contributions. That thought wasn’t just a passing worry — it became the spark for something extraordinary.

In 2013, John teamed up with his other son, Tom, and decided to turn an idea into action. They opened Rising Tide Car Wash in Parkland, Florida. At first, it was a small, local business — a father’s heartfelt project designed mainly to give Andrew a safe, stable, and fulfilling job. But John and Tom quickly realized they were onto something much bigger. The work environment they created — structured, supportive, and understanding — unlocked the potential in their autistic employees in ways they hadn’t even imagined. Tasks were approached with intense focus, schedules were followed with precision, and the pride in a job well done radiated from every team member.

The impact was immediate. Word spread in the community, not just about a new car wash in town, but about a workplace that celebrated neurodiversity instead of just accommodating it. Families with autistic adults began reaching out, wanting to know if there were openings. Customers became regulars, not only because their cars sparkled when they left, but because they knew they were supporting something with a heart far bigger than its business model. Rising Tide became more than just a place to get your car cleaned — it became a movement.

Over time, the little car wash that started with a father’s dream grew into a company with multiple locations. Today, the majority of its staff are neurodivergent adults, with around 90 employees on the autism spectrum working across its sites. For many of them, this isn’t just a paycheck — it’s their first real job, their first taste of independence, their first opportunity to prove to themselves and the world that they have value beyond labels and stereotypes. Each shift is filled not only with work, but with friendships, laughter, and a shared sense of purpose.

John and Tom didn’t just create jobs; they created an environment that plays to people’s strengths. They noticed that autistic employees often excel at routine tasks, attention to detail, and reliability. By structuring the workflow in a way that maximized these skills, they created a system where everyone could succeed. The car wash runs like clockwork — not because it has to, but because the people there genuinely care about doing things right. Customers notice it, too. Many say that getting their car washed there feels different, like they’re part of something meaningful, even in such a simple daily errand.

It hasn’t always been easy. Like any business, there were challenges — from the logistics of expansion to ensuring they had the right training and support systems in place for their team. But those challenges were never viewed as obstacles; they were seen as puzzles to solve, much like the ones many of their employees love to figure out. This mindset has helped Rising Tide not only survive but thrive in a competitive industry.

The story of Rising Tide is deeply personal, but it’s also universal. It’s about a father’s love for his son, a family’s belief in possibility, and a community’s willingness to embrace a different way of thinking about work. It’s proof that inclusion isn’t just a nice idea for charity campaigns — it’s a sustainable, smart, and powerful business model. The success of Rising Tide shows that when you give people the right tools, respect, and environment, they can do far more than anyone might expect.

Walking into Rising Tide Car Wash today feels like stepping into a place where potential is celebrated, not overlooked. Employees greet you with genuine smiles, work side by side with pride, and leave at the end of the day knowing they’ve done something worthwhile. For Andrew and the dozens of others like him, this is not just a job — it’s a place where they are truly seen and valued.

John often says that he didn’t set out to change the world; he just wanted to change his son’s future. But in doing so, he has touched countless other lives — the employees who now have meaningful work, the families who feel a sense of relief and hope, and the customers who get to witness the power of inclusion in action. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most extraordinary changes come from the simplest ideas, born out of love, determination, and a refusal to accept that things have to stay the way they’ve always been.

Looking back, what started as a way to help one person has become a beacon for what’s possible when communities think differently about ability, work, and value. Rising Tide Car Wash isn’t just cleaning cars — it’s clearing away misconceptions, washing off the stigma, and showing the world that with the right opportunity, everyone has the power to shine.