5 Surprising Ways Travis Kelce Turned A Car Wash Into A Multi-Million Dollar Business Empire

The image of a superstar NFL tight end wielding a power washer at a local car wash might sound like a joke, but for Travis Kelce, it’s a smart, strategic move that has paid off handsomely. As of late 2025, Kelce’s off-field activities have cemented his status not just as a football icon, but as an astute business mogul whose portfolio extends far beyond the gridiron.

The story of the "Travis Kelce Car Wash" is more than just a viral TikTok moment; it’s a case study in celebrity investment, brand building, and leveraging local roots for national expansion. His stake in the express tunnel car wash industry is a key pillar in an increasingly diverse and lucrative business empire, proving that the Kansas City Chiefs star is playing the long game with his wealth.

Travis Kelce: A Brief Biography and Business Profile

Travis Michael Kelce was born on October 5, 1989, in Westlake, Ohio. He grew up in the diverse suburb of Cleveland Heights, Ohio, alongside his brother, Jason Kelce. He played college football at the University of Cincinnati before being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft.

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• Full Name: Travis Michael Kelce
• Born: October 5, 1989 (Age 36 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: Cleveland Heights, Ohio
• College: University of Cincinnati
• NFL Team: Kansas City Chiefs (Drafted 2013)
• Jersey Number: 87
• Position: Tight End
• Charity Foundation: Eighty-Seven & Running (focused on empowering disadvantaged youth in Kansas City and Cleveland)
• Podcast: *New Heights* (Co-hosted with brother Jason Kelce)

Kelce’s professional achievements include multiple Super Bowl victories and numerous Pro Bowl selections, making him one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. His off-field persona and high-profile relationships have only amplified his brand, which he has strategically channeled into a rapidly expanding portfolio of business ventures and investments.

The $10 Tuesday Investment: Kelce's Stake in Club Car Wash

The "Travis Kelce Car Wash" is officially Club Car Wash, a rapidly expanding express tunnel car wash chain. Kelce’s involvement began in December 2020, with the partnership officially announced in January 2021.

Club Car Wash, originally founded as Tiger Express Car Wash in Columbia, Missouri, in 2006, has seen aggressive growth. Kelce joined as a co-owner and investor, aligning himself with a brand that was already a leader in the Midwest and poised for a massive national rollout.

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The decision to invest in the car wash industry is part of a larger trend, as the asset class is known for its recurring revenue model and strong cash flow, making it highly attractive to celebrities and private equity groups. Kelce’s investment wasn't just a passive financial move; it was a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging his brand for expansion across the country, especially in the South and West, including states like Texas and Colorado.

Club Car Wash has been on a tear, boasting over 230 locations and continuing its growth trajectory, with new sites, such as one slated for North Fort Worth, Texas, continually being announced. The partnership also includes philanthropic elements, with Kelce’s Eighty-Seven & Running Foundation benefiting from the business’s success.

From Tight End to TikTok: The Viral Car Wash Shift

What truly put the car wash on the map for millions of fans was Kelce’s willingness to get his hands dirty—and turn it into viral content. In a brilliant piece of brand marketing, Kelce showed up for a shift at a Kansas City location of Club Car Wash, boasting about his "Summer Job SZN" on social media.

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The most memorable moment came in a humorous TikTok video where Kelce was filmed enthusiastically using a power washer, complete with a now-famous, hip-thrusting motion that perfectly captured his fun-loving and energetic persona. This hands-on approach and sense of humor instantly resonated, turning a routine business investment into a viral sensation and giving the car wash chain invaluable, organic exposure.

By engaging directly with the business and creating authentic, shareable content, Kelce achieved several key objectives:

• He humanized the investment, making it relatable to his vast fan base.
• He provided a massive, free marketing boost to the Club Car Wash brand.
• He reinforced his image as a down-to-earth athlete who isn't afraid of a little hard work.

This type of celebrity involvement is rare and highly effective, differentiating his venture from other athlete investments, like NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders' ownership role in El Car Wash.

Beyond the Suds: Kelce's Expanding Business Empire

Kelce’s investment in the car wash is just one piece of a much larger, carefully constructed business portfolio that showcases his entrepreneurial ambition. His off-field earnings have skyrocketed, placing him among the elite athletes who successfully transition their fame into long-term wealth.

His diverse investment strategy spans multiple industries, highlighting a focus on both high-growth startups and established consumer brands. Key entities and ventures in his portfolio include:

• Automotive/Sports: An investment stake in the Alpine Racing Formula One team, a move that saw his investment jump by 24% in one year.
• Food & Beverage: Investments in popular consumer products like Cholula Hot Sauce and local ventures like True Colors Brewing.
• Media & Tech: Stakes in PlayersTV (a sports lifestyle network) and the fitness technology company Hydrow.
• Retail & Hospitality: Investments in various restaurants and sports bars, capitalizing on the hospitality sector.
• Entertainment & Leisure: Joining an activist investment group to acquire a significant stake in Six Flags theme parks.
• Trucking: An investment in RealTruck, a major online retailer for truck accessories.

This wide array of investments, from express car washes to F1 racing teams, demonstrates a sophisticated approach to building a post-NFL career. By diversifying his assets, Kelce is ensuring his financial stability and legacy long after his playing days are over. The Club Car Wash investment, in particular, serves as a tangible, high-visibility symbol of his growing business acumen.