Leer en espa\u00f1ol<\/a><\/p>\nA South Florida family is working to change that.<\/p>\n
Andrew D\u2019Eri is in his mid-30s and is caring, kind and a dedicated worker. But like many adults on the spectrum, he struggled to find a job in his early 20s. His brother, Thomas D\u2019Eri, saw firsthand how limited opportunities were holding Andrew back.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt became really clear really quickly that in order for him to lead the full adult life that we knew he was capable of, we were going to have to take action,\u201d Thomas said.<\/p>\n
Fresh out of business school, Thomas teamed up with his parents to buy a car wash. Their goal wasn\u2019t just to employ Andrew, it was to create opportunities for others like him.<\/p>\n
That idea became Rising Tide Car Wash.<\/p>\n
Since opening in 2013, the company has grown to three locations in Parkland, Margate and Coral Springs, employing more than 90 individuals on the autism spectrum. Even more notably, more than 250 employees have gone on to secure jobs elsewhere after working there.<\/p>\n
\u201cBusinesses like ours are an on-ramp into the workforce for many people with autism,\u201d Thomas explained.<\/p>\n
The model is intentional. At Rising Tide, systems are designed to be clear, structured, and easy to follow\u2014an approach that plays to the strengths of many individuals on the spectrum.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe design our systems to be really clear, really simple to use,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cIt\u2019s very process-driven and tangible.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou come to a car wash\u2014you know pretty quickly whether you got good service. The car is either clean or it\u2019s not,\u201d Thomas added. <\/p>\n
That clarity helps employees build confidence and pride in their work. It also fosters a strong sense of community.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone here is really close\u2014like friends,\u201d said employee Luke Zenda. \u201cWe\u2019re able to work well together and handle day-to-day operations.\u201d<\/p>\n
Andrew agrees. \u201cI like working with my friends here a lot,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
For customers, the experience is just as meaningful. Employees greet them warmly, take pride in their service, and create an environment that feels both welcoming and genuine.<\/p>\n
The impact extends beyond the workplace. For the D\u2019Eri family, the business has strengthened personal bonds as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cI get to work with my family every day. I get to work with my brother really closely,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cWe\u2019ve grown tremendously in our relationship, and honestly, car washing is awesome.\u201d<\/p>\n
At a time when many companies struggle to find reliable workers, Rising Tide is thriving. The demand for its services\u2014and its mission\u2014continues to grow.<\/p>\n
The company is now preparing to open a fourth location in Pompano Beach, expanding its reach and creating even more opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum.<\/p>\n
For families like the D\u2019Eris, it\u2019s proof that with the right approach, inclusion isn\u2019t just possible\u2014it\u2019s powerful.<\/p>\n
In addition to being the CEO of Rising Tide Car Wash, Thomas D\u2019Eri is also the author of the best-selling book, \u201cThe Power of Potential,\u201d<\/a> published by Harper Collins Leadership, a book that highlights employment opportunities for individuals with autism and addresses common challenges businesses face. <\/p>\n\ud83c\udfe0 News From Your Neighborhood<\/p>\n
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