Autistic Workers Shine at Rising Tide

Quick Smiles:

• Rising Tide Car Wash celebrates 10 years of empowering neurodivergent adults.
• Now 90 employees across three locations, with a fourth coming in 2026.
• Work gives independence, paychecks, friendships, and joy.

What began in 2015 as a father’s hope for his autistic son has grown into a joyful movement in South Florida.

Founder John D’Eri’s vision now employs 90 neurodivergent adults washing, buffing, and waxing cars at Margate, Parkland, and Coral Springs.

A fourth location is set for Pompano Bay in 2026.

When GNN first reported on Rising Tide they had just started with 35 employees.

John D’Eri imagined life after his son Andrew graduated high school — how he would fill his days and take care of himself.

“I don’t want him to sit in a room, taken care of by others once I’m gone,” John D’Eri said at the time.

“I want him to have a job, I want him to have friends.”

Ryan Brodie, who works alongside Andrew, beams about the work.

“I like working on the cars because it’s so easy for me,”

“The best thing of having a job is that I make so much money.”

Psychologist Michelle Hintz praises the meaningful opportunities Rising Tide provides.

“There’s not many meaningful opportunities for individuals who have high-functioning autism, and this is something that they can do and be successful at and feel a part of.”

Speaking with CBS, she said there’s a clear arc of success in cleaning a car, which arrives dirty, is covered in suds, and then gradually, through application, begins to sparkle and shine.

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