Charles Howard ’71
Distinguished Alumnus Award
With 50 years of experience in the car wash business, Chuck Howard is one of the most highly regarded car wash operators in America. Even before receiving his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the Belk College of Business, he worked alongside his father, Charlie Howard Sr., Autobell’s® founder. Chuck is now the owner of Autobell®, along with his three children, and serves as the company’s CEO.
Chuck and Autobell® have received numerous recognitions from utilities, government and the media for the company’s water conservation and environmental commitment, community relations, employee scholarships and fundraising program. These accolades include the North Carolina Wildlife Federation Business Conservationist of the Year; Charlotte Observer Guardian of the Environment; North Carolina Family Business of the Year by Wake Forest University’s Family Business Center and Business North Carolina Magazine; SmartCEO Corporate Culture Award; and Outstanding Philanthropic Organization by the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Charlotte Chapter.
Chuck’s actions set a wonderful example of how to be a successful leader, businessperson, citizen and family man by quietly striving to determine and follow through on doing the right thing. In 2000, he established the Autobell® Scholarship Program, awarding more than 1,000 scholarships totaling over $1 million dollars to deserving employees seeking a college education. Chuck’s generous support has given new opportunities to future leaders. He enjoys employing high school students who start off washing cars, mature and develop into executive roles, and remain at Autobell®.
Through Autobell®, Chuck has supported the community by raising $9.5 million for nonprofit organizations. He currently serves on the Charlotte Chamber Board of Advisors, Charlotte’s NorthEnd Partners Board and the Wingate University Board of Trustees, where he earned a master’s degree. He is past president of the Southeastern Car Wash Association, past vice president of the International Carwash Association and a 2007 inductee into the International Carwash Association Hall of Fame.