Three generations of the Bowie family are involved in the car wash business. It was initially founded by Jim Bowie and is currently operated by his son David and nephew Michael. Jim established the Whirlwind Car Wash on H Street in 1950 and later constructed the flagship store on Blackstone in 1965. Reflecting on his father's accomplishments, David mentioned, "Dad managed to design, permit, and construct the Blackstone Red Carpet for a cost lower than what permits alone would typically amount to in today's times.