Trade associations are under increasing pressure to do more for their members, especially when it comes to workforce readiness. High turnover, safety requirements, and inconsistent onboarding aren’t abstract challenges. They show up every day for member organizations trying to operate efficiently.
That was the reality facing the International Car Wash Association.
While in-person events and trade shows remain an important part of ICA’s engagement strategy, the organization saw an opportunity to better serve members between events, particularly as workforce challenges across the carwash industry continued to grow.
A Common Association Challenge
ICA is a training provider, not a technology company.
The organization has deep expertise in carwash operations, safety, and standards but building and maintaining a modern learning system was not where ICA wanted to invest time or resources. Training demand was increasing, expectations from members were rising, and internal capacity was limited.
ICA needed a way to deliver practical, industry-specific training at scale, without becoming responsible for inventing or managing an LMS.
The Solution - LEAD, Powered by Learner Mobile
ICA partnered with Learner Mobile to launch LEAD, ICA’s industry training and development platform.
LEAD is owned and operated by ICA, with Learner Mobile providing the mobile platform designed specifically for frontline and field-based workers. This partnership allows ICA to focus on relationships, relevance, and industry leadership, while Learner Mobile handles the platform and learning experience.
Built for Frontline Reality
Carwash operations are fast-paced and hands-on. Training needs to work when and where the job happens.
LEAD delivers:
Instead of pulling employees away from work, learning happens in the flow of daily operations.
The Results
The impact has been clear:
As ICA’s Chief Learning Officer, Claire Moore, explains:
“We’re a training provider, not a technology company. Learner Mobile allows us to focus on building stronger customer relationships and delivering relevant training, instead of spending time building and maintaining a learning system. That focus has driven high adoption and satisfaction among our members and created sustainable, recurring value for the association.”
A Model for Other Associations
ICA’s experience highlights what’s possible when associations productize education and workforce development:
For associations looking to extend value beyond events, LEAD with Learner Mobile offers a clear blueprint.