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[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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