Family-Owned Car Wash Chain Captures Top Workplace Ranking in 2026 Glassdoor Awards

Crew Carwash, an Indianapolis-based car wash company with roughly 55 locations spanning Indiana and Minnesota, has achieved the number one position on Glassdoor’s prestigious “100 Best Places to Work in 2026” list. The recognition marks a significant ascent for the family-run business, which placed second in the previous year’s rankings. Based on comprehensive employee feedback and voluntary evaluations, Crew Carwash earned a 4.6 out of 5 star rating, demonstrating exceptional workplace satisfaction across its workforce.

Crew Carwash Rises to First Place Among America’s Best Employers

The car wash company’s ascent to the top reflects the organization’s commitment to creating a supportive and growth-oriented work environment. Employees consistently highlighted the company’s strong leadership culture, clear pathways for career development, and collaborative team dynamics as key factors in their satisfaction. The company leadership acknowledged that this achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and engagement of its staff members, crediting their employees as the driving force behind the recognition.

The Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Awards, now in its 18th year, represents one of America’s most authentic workplace recognition programs. Unlike traditional industry awards determined by external evaluators, these honors are shaped by actual workers who anonymously and voluntarily share their workplace experiences, creating a transparent evaluation system that reflects genuine employee sentiment.

The Complete Top 10 List of 2026’s Best Workplaces

The 2026 rankings showcase a diverse range of industries and company sizes. Following Crew Carwash’s top position, the full top 10 includes: In-N-Out Burger, Nvidia, Ryan, Keller Williams, Mars, ServiceNow, Bain & Company, Houston Methodist, and EPAM Systems. These organizations span sectors including food service, technology, real estate, consumer goods, and professional services, demonstrating that workplace excellence transcends industry boundaries.

Industry Shifts: New Leaders and Regional Trends Emerge

This year’s rankings revealed significant geographical and sectoral trends. San Francisco Bay Area representation declined notably, with only 13 companies making the list compared to 23 in the previous year. Conversely, New York City strengthened its presence, increasing from six companies in 2024 to ten this year. Several newcomers joined the prestigious rankings, including Alaska Airlines at number 38, Dutch Bros. Coffee at 75, and Bath & Body Works at 80, signaling emerging excellence in the airline, specialty coffee, and retail sectors.

The manufacturing and retail sectors gained greater visibility this year with increased company representation, while technology, healthcare, and biotech/pharma sectors saw fewer entries on the final list—a shift reflecting broader changes in workplace culture and employee satisfaction across different industries.

How Employee Votes Shape America’s Workplace Rankings

Glassdoor’s ranking methodology prioritizes employee participation and authenticity. The 2026 awards were calculated using a proprietary algorithm analyzing reviews submitted by U.S.-based employees during a 12-month evaluation period from October 17, 2024, through October 16, 2025. Large organizations seeking recognition must achieve a minimum threshold of 75 ratings within each category to qualify for consideration.

Owen Humphries, president of Glassdoor, emphasized that these employee-driven rankings serve a critical function in today’s job market. “The Best Places to Work award helps job seekers identify organizations where employees genuinely thrive,” he noted. He further highlighted that despite economic uncertainties throughout 2025, the featured companies maintained elevated levels of trust, engagement, and employee satisfaction—a testament to their resilience and strong organizational cultures.