Soul of 78: Jeremy Barrentine

Mr. B’s Express Car Wash

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill

Jeremy Barrentine’s friends and family will tell you that he “keeps the roads hot” in his job as a medical supply sales representative. Traveling across the southern United States to coordinate with medical practices has Jeremy in his car the majority of every day. 

“Being in my car so much of the time really makes me appreciate a clean car, both internally and externally,” he says. “To me, a clean car helps ease a lot of stress and creates a sense of pride because a big investment is being protected and maintained.”

In the early days of his career, Jeremy would often take his vehicle through automated car washes, a relatively quick and convenient way to maintain a vehicle’s appearance and boost personal pride. He also saw potential for success in owning one.

While researching car washes in the local area, Jeremy found there was a great need for one in the city of Gardendale. In 2008, Jeremy, along with his parents and his wife, Joeletta, took a leap of faith. After purchasing property in Gardendale, they built Mr. B’s Express Car Wash, a full-service, drive-through exterior car wash offering an assortment of washing and detailing packages starting at just $5.00.

Thirteen years later, the business is still going strong and is a fixture in the Gardendale community. The success of that location encouraged Jeremy and his family to extend the business to Walker County. In 2018, they purchased an existing car wash on Highway 78 East in Sumiton, remodeled it, and transformed it into a second Mr. B’s location, which has seen equivalent success to its sister store.

Mr. B’s serves 8,000-14,000 vehicles a month collectively, which Jeremy believes is due to the quality of their work and the reputation of their business.

“We provide a good, safe environment for folks to have an essential service performed at a high level, and we give back to the people who support our business through things like sports sponsorships and donating car washes to organizations trying to raise money,” Jeremy says. “It’s a mutually beneficial relationship.”

Jeremy is extremely proud of his team at Mr. B’s. Nearly 20 employees across the two locations manage and maintain the businesses while Jeremy and Joeletta work their regular jobs. The team stays up-to-date on the technologies that help provide better service and is often complimented by customers on the kindness and attention to detail they exhibit.

“This business has been a blessing to us, and we want to continue to be a blessing to the folks we serve,” Jeremy says. “We take as much pride in every vehicle that comes through our washes as we take in our own cars, and we settle for nothing less than the best work. It’s truly an honor to have this business, and we look forward to serving our communities for many years to come.” 78