In this special series of Darlington Connects blogs, we are excited to share the inspiring stories and impactful work of those in our Darlington Community who embody Darlington’s mission of "Service Beyond Self." Today, we learn more about the Shadday family and the alumni connections within their business, Big Dan's Car Wash.
The Shadday family’s legacy at Darlington School is longstanding, with multiple generations who have left their mark on the Darlington Community as students, parents, alumni, and dedicated supporters. For Jarrett (’85, LD ’18) and Holly (’89) Shadday, Darlington has been a foundational part of their family’s journey, extending through their children Jay (’16), Jacquelyn (’16), Gamble (’17), Mae Mae (’20), and Evie (’22).
"Darlington has always been more than just a school for our family – it’s part of who we are," shared Jarrett Shadday (’85, LD ’18). "All our kids went to Darlington, as did other family members. It’s been a place that has taught us hard work and built character.
“The connections made at Darlington, whether personal or professional, are lifelong," he continued. "It’s not just about what you learn in the classroom, but the friendships and networks you develop that can open doors in unexpected ways.”
This strong connection to Darlington continues to thrive in the family’s business endeavors. Jay has brought a new chapter to the Shadday legacy. As president of Big Dan’s Car Wash, a rapidly expanding business with 24 locations and counting, Jay leads with the values he learned at Darlington. The company, named after Jay's grandfather, is not only a thriving enterprise but also a testament to the strength of Darlington connections.
“Darlington taught me that leadership is about lifting others up, and we have carried that forward into building a work culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute to a shared goal,” said Jay. “At Big Dan’s, our culture is built on putting people first—whether it’s the customers we serve every day or the team members we empower to grow and succeed. Honor shows up in how we do business, treating everyone with respect and delivering on our promises. Service isn’t just a slogan for us—it’s the heart of what we do, going above and beyond to create an exceptional experience every time someone visits.”
Under Jay’s leadership, Big Dan’s Car Wash is powered by a team of Darlington alumni, including his father, Jarrett, as chairman; Tripp Flournoy (’15) as chief operating officer; Adam Himes (’19) as vice president; and Jake Maxwell (’16) as director of development. Jay’s siblings, Gamble (’17) and Jacquelyn (’16), play roles as well, with Gamble managing new store openings and Jacquelyn providing administrative support. Gamble joined the company shortly after college and has been instrumental in our Florida market. Previously, he served as the site opening coordinator and is now part of the training team that is responsible for ensuring over 350 employees are consistently trained to the company’s standards.
"Since starting Big Dan’s Car Wash, Darlington alumni have played a critical role in the success of this company," said Gamble. "The ongoing connections after graduation are what make our community the most unique. Aside from the lifelong friendships made while attending, working in a professional setting with Darlington alumni has only proven beneficial. We can trust that our team shares the same values of integrity, work ethic, and teamwork. Big Dan’s places extreme value on community ties. It’s important to give back to the communities that give so much to us. Service beyond self is something that has become a part of our ‘secret sauce’ and is what has allowed Big Dan’s to grow and achieve our mission.”
Tripp Flournoy (’15), chief operating officer, emphasized the family culture within the company. “From day one, our goal was to build a family culture," he said. "The Darlington alumni on our team have been essential to this because I consider them family. Working with those you grew up with has created a working environment I will always cherish. There wouldn’t be a Big Dan’s if Darlington hadn’t connected us years ago.”
This team reflects the commitment, sense of purpose, and strong bond that the Darlington Community nurtures. Together, they embody Darlington’s values of loyalty, service, and honor, carrying the school’s legacy into the world of business and beyond.
“Darlington creates lifelong relationships,” added Jarrett. “It’s more than just the education – it’s the people, the experiences, and the lessons that stay with you for life. Academics are of course important, but I would also encourage families to focus on building relationships that will enhance future opportunities and open doors beyond graduation.”
Big Dan’s Car Wash exemplifies how these relationships can flourish in real-world settings. Whether through leadership, operational excellence, or fostering a supportive work environment, the Shadday family’s Darlington roots are evident.
“What we learned at Darlington has shaped how we approach challenges and opportunities," said Jay. "It’s about leading with integrity and working together toward a common purpose.”
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from our Darlington Connects series, where we celebrate those who embody Darlington’s mission of "Service Beyond Self."
