Contact: Media@MisterCarWash.com
So Long Ozzie
TUCSON, Ariz. – Madison and Rockford drivers can wave their last goodbyes to “Ozzie,” the iconic mascot of Octopus Car Wash in five locations that were acquired by Mister Car Wash last June. As Mister Car Wash completes the integration of these locations under its national brand, it will oversee with loving care the removal of the Ozzies to make room for Mister Car Wash signage on December 14th. Mister Car Wash would like to reassure customers that the Ozzies will be in good hands; those of Octopus owner Jeff Jurkens.
The three-dimensional, multi-armed mascot was originally conceived by a close friend of John Jurkens, the founder of Octopus and a patriarch of the car wash industry, according to Sarah Ross, Director of Integration for Mister Car Wash. “We bought the locations from his son Jeff, who has requested that we return the Ozzies to him.” Ross said.
Among those relieved to hear this news was Ruth Rohlich, Business Development Specialist with the City of Madison. She indicated in an email to Ross that there are a number of folks who would like to see one of the Ozzie signs preserved and displayed somewhere if the family is agreeable. Calling the signs “beloved,” Amy Scanlon, the City’s Preservation Planner, explained that the signs became part of Madison’s zoning history and car culture when the City had to make a special designation for these types of creative signs.
“I am working on a plan to display the Ozzies and I appreciate the cooperation I’ve gotten from Mister Car Wash in this effort,” Jurkens said.
“The Ozzies will be moved but certainly not forgotten. We’re honored to build on the tradition of great service that Octopus worked hard to maintain in Madison and Rockford,” Ross said.
The signage changes will be taking place at 1039 East Washington, 2202 University Avenue, 907 S. Park and 3708 E State St.
About Mister Car Wash
Mister Car Wash (www.mistercarwash.com) operates 160 car washes and 34 express lubes in 19 states. Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, Mister Car Wash is an operating company of Leonard Green & Partners L.P.
About Leonard Green & Partners
Leonard Green (www.leonardgreen.com) is one of the nation’s preeminent private equity firms with over $15 billion of private equity capital raised since inception. Founded in 1989, the firm has invested in 72 companies with aggregate value of over $60 billion in the form of traditional buyouts, going-private transactions, recapitalizations, growth capital investments, corporate carve-outs and selective public equity and debt positions. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Leonard Green invests in established companies that are leaders in their markets.
