For over 50 years, J.E. Adams Industries has been producing high quality self-serve car wash equipment, pressure washing products, and mist cooling solutions. We are driven by innovative product designs and efficient manufacturing procedures, so that we can provide the highest quality products, with the fastest delivery in the business. J.E. Adams wouldn’t be where we are today if it weren’t for Jack and Zakea Adams.
In 1972, Jack Adams Sr. and Zakea Adams founded J.E. Adams Industries, Ltd. in their garage. Jack was an expert in creating relationships, and for several years, Jack sold, purchased, products directly to car washes out of his van. His Wife, Zakea, managed the shipping and bookkeeping functions of the business. Jack grew dissatisfied with delayed deliveries and poor quality from his suppliers which lead Jack to manufacture his own products. Jack started by manufacturing car wash toweling and self-service stainless-steel vacuums. By the early 1990’s, the company expanded into high-pressure parts.
  • In November 1999, Lonnie Schwartz joined J.E. Adams as CFO and worked alongside Zakea.
  • In 2002, Lonnie Schwartz became President & COO and managed all day-to-day activities of the company.
  • In 2007, the assets of the company were sold to Lonnie Schwartz
  • In January 2014, Lonnie sold the company to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), making J.E. Adams Industries an employee owned company.
  • In February 2025, the Company acquired the assets of Proto-Vest, a car wash equipment manufacturer specializing in high-efficiency dryers, conveyor systems, tunnel equipment, brushes, and other cleaning components.
J.E. Adams Industries thrives on the vast experience of its management team, boasting over 130 years of combined expertise. This experience drives the company's commitment to customer satisfaction, quality products, and on-time delivery – the core principles of our operations.
Our management team is made up of:
Lonnie Schwartz – CEO & President             25 years
Karen Pool – CFO                                          25 years
Andy Johnson – Plant Manager                     27 years
Jill Nauman – Purchasing Manager                25 years
John Fetters – Engineering Manager             17 years
Kraig Snyder – Sales & Marketing Mgr.         12 years

We also need to honor the memory of Shipping Manager - Sandy Sterk, Nov. 1998 – Sept. 2020 and Sales Manager - Jen Bender, Jan 2008 – Aug. 2014, both of whom passed away far too soon.  As members of our management team, their spirit and contributions will always be part of our legacy.
J.E. Adams Industries’ rich history and employee-owned structure provide a strong foundation for future growth. These roots reinforce our core values, build trust with customers, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Our deep experience and internal motivation fuel innovation, product quality, and long-term stability in the car wash and pressure washing industries.
A recent example of this principle is our acquisition of Proto-Vest, a respected manufacturer of car wash dryer systems. We’re leveraging our decades of manufacturing expertise to re-engineer Proto-Vest’s products—enhancing their efficiency, durability, and overall performance.
At J.E. Adams, our people are our greatest asset. As owners, our dedicated team ensures that every dryer, stanchion, vacuum, air machine, and high-pressure part that leaves our facility reflects our commitment to excellence. We are proud to produce the highest-quality equipment on the market, delivered in a timely manner, and we remain dedicated to serving the industry for years to come.