What Started as a Father’s Plan to Help His Autistic Son Find Work Has Turned Into a Movement, Employing Over 90 Autistic Adults and Redefining What Inclusive Business Really Means
Sometimes the most powerful movements start with a simple act of love. That’s exactly what happened in Parkland, Florida, when entrepreneur John D’Eri realized his autistic son Andrew would struggle to find meaningful work once he finished school. Instead of waiting for the world to adapt, John decided to build something himself. Together with his son Tom, he launched Rising Tide Car Wash in 2013, a business with one mission in mind: to create a workplace where Andrew could thrive. What he didn’t know at the time was that this decision would ripple far beyond his own family, touching the lives of dozens of others and sparking a national conversation about the power of inclusive employment.
In the early days, Rising Tide was just a single location with a lot of heart. John and Tom wanted to give Andrew not just a job, but a sense of pride and purpose. They knew he could succeed if given the right structure and support, and they believed the same was true for many other autistic adults who often face discrimination or limited opportunities in the job market. So they built a car wash where almost every detail of the workflow was designed to highlight strengths, reduce stress, and set employees up for success. What began as a family’s solution soon became something much bigger.
Over time, Rising Tide grew steadily, gaining attention for its remarkable model. Today, it operates three successful locations in Parkland, Margate, and Coral Springs, with a fourth planned for Pompano Beach by 2026. What makes it extraordinary is not just the business itself, but the people behind it. Nearly 90 percent of Rising Tide’s staff are autistic adults—more than 90 employees in total—who bring dedication, attention to detail, and a sense of pride to their work every day. For many of them, this isn’t just a paycheck; it’s stability, dignity, and a chance to be part of something meaningful.
Employees like Andrew and Ryan Brodie have found more than jobs here—they’ve found community, routine, and the confidence that comes from being valued for who they are. Parents who once worried endlessly about their children’s future now speak with relief and joy about seeing them thrive in a supportive environment. Customers, too, notice the difference. They don’t just come for a clean car; they come because they believe in what Rising Tide stands for.
The impact has reached far beyond Florida. Rising Tide has become a national example of how businesses can succeed when they build with purpose. It proves that inclusion isn’t charity—it’s smart, it’s sustainable, and it works. The company has inspired conversations across industries about how to create more opportunities for people with autism and other disabilities, showing that with the right vision, barriers can become doorways.
John D’Eri’s dream began with his son, but it grew into something none of them could have imagined. Rising Tide isn’t just a car wash—it’s a movement, a reminder that one act of love can spark change for countless others. It’s proof that sometimes, the best way to change the world is simply to start by changing one life.
