Rising Tide Car Wash Expands Autism Employment Model Across South Florida
Rising Tide Car Wash, a South Florida social enterprise that primarily employs adults with autism, is expanding its operations with a planned fourth location in Pompano Beach expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027.
The company, founded in 2013 by Thomas and John D’Eri after seeing Andrew D’Eri struggle to find work opportunities, has built a model that designs the workplace to support autistic employees. Rising Tide now operates three locations in Parkland, Margate and Coral Springs and is considered one of the largest employers of people with autism in the United States, with about 90 autistic employees.
Rising Tide Car Wash’s approach aligns with broader employment challenges facing people with disabilities. In 2025, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 22.8% of people with a disability were employed, while the Autism Society notes that up to 85% of autistic college graduates are unemployed or underemployed and often earn significantly less than peers with other disabilities. Rising Tide reports an alumni network of more than 100 autistic employees who have moved on to new jobs or higher education, highlighting the potential of structured, supportive workplaces. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Autism Society data
Co-founder Thomas D’Eri has also documented lessons from the company’s employment model in his book “The Power of Potential,” published by HarperCollins Leadership, which explores how businesses can create meaningful roles for autistic employees and address common workplace barriers.
Images of the D’Eri family and operations at Rising Tide Car Wash are available here, and more information about the company can be found on the Rising Tide Car Wash website.