Tosh Show Podcast Summary: "My Car Wash Guy - Buzz Cadenhead"

Release Date: May 13, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of the Tosh Show, host Daniel Tosh welcomes Buzz Cadenhead, the owner of Malibu's premier luxury car wash. The conversation delves into Buzz's journey from his early ventures to establishing a successful car wash business catering to the rich and famous of Malibu.

Buzz Cadenhead’s Background

Buzz opens up about his upbringing and early life in Malibu and Palm Springs. Growing up with five sisters in Malibu, Buzz describes a childhood filled with outdoor activities like dirt biking and horseback riding.

Buzz [13:29]: "I had five sisters growing up."

Buzz moved to Palm Springs at the age of ten, expanding his horizons with 15 acres of land, allowing for greater freedom and adventure.

From Music Studio to Car Wash

Initially, Buzz and his father built a recording studio in Malibu, aiming to capture the live music experience. Despite working with renowned artists like Weezer and Pink, the studio struggled financially, leading Buzz to pivot to the car wash business.

Buzz [19:02]: "After the studio thing fell apart, I didn’t know what I was going to do."

Encouraged by a friend, Buzz launched his first car wash at the Malibu Racquet Club, starting small with just ten cars a day and four employees.

Overcoming Challenges and Business Growth

The early days were tough, with low business volume forcing Buzz to juggle multiple jobs, including waiting tables. Persistence paid off as Buzz networked within the community, eventually securing contracts with prestigious country clubs like Riviera Country Club and Sherwood Country Club.

Buzz [21:23]: "We started servicing five country clubs with a very simple model of Play tennis, get a car wash, play golf, get a car wash."

This expansion transformed his operation into a concierge-style service, offering additional conveniences such as smog checks and vehicle maintenance for high-end clients.

Services and Business Model

Buzz’s car wash offers a range of services tailored to the luxury market:

• Full Wash: $50 per car, involving an hour-long detailed cleaning.
• Detailing: $150 for comprehensive interior and exterior care.
• Golf Cart Wash: $40, acknowledging the similar maintenance needs as regular cars.

Buzz [24:02]: "We have a guy that comes and pops the dings out."

The business emphasizes quality and attention to detail, ensuring each vehicle is meticulously cleaned to meet the high standards of Malibu's elite clientele.

Celebrity Clients and Memorable Stories

Buzz shares amusing and noteworthy encounters with celebrity clients, including an amusing incident involving Adam Sandler and a visit from Chris Hemsworth:

Buzz [42:04]: "Adam Sandler gave me 100 bucks after he realized I was charging him."

Buzz [42:47]: "Chris Hemsworth came in with the Bond mobile once. It was super cool."

These stories highlight the exclusive nature of Buzz’s business and the unique experiences that come with servicing high-profile individuals.

Employee Management and Company Culture

Hiring and managing a diverse workforce presents its challenges. Buzz predominantly employs Ukrainian workers, praising their work ethic but noting cultural dynamics when hiring from other backgrounds.

Buzz [33:45]: "It's the toughest part. No matter what, every business, employees are good. They last for six months."

Buzz maintains a professional demeanor at country clubs, adhering to strict dress codes and service protocols to ensure seamless integration with the clubs’ environments.

Buzz [23:20]: "Don't be seen. So all of our wash bays are off site... Our greeters treat everybody as if they are members of the club themselves."

Innovations and Future Plans

Buzz discusses plans to innovate within the car wash industry, such as introducing a "wash bucket" kit for DIY enthusiasts and expanding services to include electric vehicle maintenance.

Buzz [27:12]: "We’re going to do a wash bucket. So you can buy a bucket with some soap and some towels and stuff so you and your kids can wash your car together."

Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of using water efficiently despite environmental concerns, challenging the prevailing trend of waterless car washes.

Buzz [22:53]: "You have to use water to wash your car."

Personal Anecdotes and Humor

Throughout the episode, Buzz and Daniel share lighthearted moments and personal stories, enhancing the conversational tone of the podcast. From Buzz's experience with a broken leg in his youth to humorous exchanges about car cleaning mishaps, the dialogue remains entertaining and relatable.

Daniel Tosh [28:22]: "The worst part about having children is the dirtiness."

Buzz [44:49]: "I'd call the dad and say, hey... just kind of rough with your son."

Closing Remarks

As the episode concludes, Daniel Tosh humorously reflects on Buzz's dedication to keeping cars pristine while sharing personal anecdotes about his own experiences with car maintenance.

Buzz leaves the audience with a glimpse into his meticulous cleaning processes and future aspirations, reinforcing the commitment that has made his car wash a standout in Malibu.

Notable Quotes

• Buzz on Studio Challenges:

  "After the studio thing fell apart, I didn’t know what I was going to do." ([19:02])

• Service Expansion:

  "We started servicing five country clubs with a very simple model of Play tennis, get a car wash, play golf, get a car wash." ([21:23])

• Celebrity Interaction:

  "Adam Sandler gave me 100 bucks after he realized I was charging him." ([42:04])

• Employee Management:

  "It's the toughest part. No matter what, every business, employees are good. They last for six months." ([33:45])

• Innovation in Services:

  "We’re going to do a wash bucket. So you can buy a bucket with some soap and some towels and stuff so you and your kids can wash your car together." ([27:12])

Conclusion

This episode of the Tosh Show offers listeners an insightful and humorous look into the world of luxury car detailing through the experiences of Buzz Cadenhead. From overcoming early business challenges to catering to Malibu's elite, Buzz's story is a testament to perseverance, quality service, and the unique dynamics of running a high-end car wash.

For those interested in the intersection of business, celebrity culture, and automotive care, this episode provides both valuable insights and entertaining anecdotes.