[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 75 (Tuesday, May 7, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S2684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING RISING TIDE CAR WASH

 Mr. RUBIO. Madam President, this week the U.S. Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship joins more than 30 
million small businesses across our Nation in celebration of National 
Small Business Week. Small businesses drive our Nation's economic 
expansion, generate lasting job growth, and encourage community 
development. It is important that we recognize the vital contributions 
of small businesses. In celebration of National Small Business Week, it 
is my honor name Rising Tide Car Wash of Parkland and Margate, FL, as 
the Senate Small Business of the Week.
  Founded in November 2012 by John D'Eri and his son, Tom, Rising Tide 
is a full-service car wash with the mission of employing adults with 
autism. Andrew D'Eri, John's other son, is autistic. As Andrew neared 
the end of his academic career, John brainstormed ways to help him find 
a dignified job. Noting his son's embrace of structure, process, and 
attention to detail, John landed on the idea of buying a car wash. 
Since purchasing the struggling car wash 9 years ago, John and Tom have 
grown the business to include a second location, going from washing 
35,000 cars per year to more than 150,000 annually.
  Today, Rising Tide is one of the largest employers of individuals 
with autism in the United States. In fact, Rising Tide views autism as 
their competitive advantage, giving dignified work, structure, and hope 
to 90 individuals with autism. Their work has not stopped there. Rising 
Tide is also a leading advocate for autism awareness. In an effort to 
aid other entrepreneurs looking to build an autism social enterprise, 
Tom and John created Rising Tide U, an online course offered in 
partnership with the University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University 
Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Tom and John's innovative 
approach to advocacy has not only allowed for their business to grow, 
but has also allowed more small firms to hire individuals with autism.
  Rising Tide's mission has sparked national attention. Tom has 
appeared before the United Nations on World Autism Awareness day, was 
selected to serve on the Young Entrepreneur Council, and was included 
in Forbes 30 Under 30 for social entrepreneurship. Additionally, Rising 
Tide and the D'Eri family have been featured on The Hero Effect, The 
Today Show, NBC News, TED Talks, Forbes, and People Magazine. Rising 
Tide has also been named Small Business of the Year by South Florida 
Business Connection and Employer of the Year by the Autism Society.
  Rising Tide is more than just a successful business; they are an 
inspiration. John and Tom have combined the principles of 
entrepreneurship and social engagement to create a revolutionary 
program. Running a successful small business is difficult enough; yet 
John and Tom D'Eri have found a way to simultaneously engage and 
encourage truly deserving individuals. Their employees have found a 
community, friends, and gained valuable experience that will serve them 
for the rest of their lives.
  Starting out with a simple mission of helping a family member find an 
engaging job, John and Tom have grown Rising Tide into a business that 
provides both a valuable community service and dignified work. I am 
honored to recognize the D'Eri family and the entire team at Rising 
Tide Car Wash as the Senate Small Business of the Week. You make 
Florida proud, and I look forward to watching your continued growth and 
success.

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