Family roots drive success of Smokin’ Wands expansion to Morinville

By Shelley Winger
What some may mistake for a large corporate operation is, in fact, a proudly local family
business built on hard work, community values and deep agricultural roots.
Smokin’ Wands Truck & Car Wash, now welcoming customers at its new Morinville location,
is owned and operated by Nick and Anna Zilinski and their children, Adrian and Jaylene. The
business first began as a retirement dream for the couple, who have spent decades building
both businesses and a life rooted in farming.
For many years, Nick operated a roofing business that took him throughout surrounding
communities, including Westlock and the surrounding region. Through that work, he often
hauled trailers and equipment and quickly recognized a need for a wash facility that could
properly accommodate larger vehicles.
The idea for Smokin’ Wands came from that simple need.
He wanted to provide the community with something he wished he had for his own trailers.
After a year of planning and construction, the first Smokin’ Wands location opened in
Westlock in October 2014. The response from the community was immediate, with strong
local support helping establish the business in its early years.
For the first several years, Nick and Anna operated the wash with the help of dedicated staff.
In time, it became a true family-run operation.
Their daughter, Jaylene, joined the business in 2019 after life changes and the arrival of
children made the timing right. Their son, Adrian, followed in 2020, bringing the entire
family together once again — this time in business.
The family says the transition felt natural, reflecting the same teamwork they had long
shared on the farm.
From family days spent picking roots and rocks in the fields to working side by side at the
car wash, the Zilinskis have carried their strong work ethic into every part of the business.
With the success of the Westlock location, expansion soon became a realistic possibility.
After hearing repeated comments from loyal trucking and farming customers who wished
for similarly accessible truck bays in Morinville, the family began exploring the opportunity

to open a second location.
That vision has now become reality.

The Zilinski family continues to live locally on separate farms just a few miles from one
another. Nick and Anna remain on the original home quarter near Waugh, land that has
been in the family since Nick’s parents farmed it. Farming continues alongside the car wash
business, further reflecting the family’s connection to the local community.
The family hopes the story helps clear up a common misconception that the business is part
of a larger corporation.
“We are local, we support locals, and we hire locals,” they said. “We are proud and excited to
be part of another small-town community.”
As Smokin’ Wands celebrates its grand opening in Morinville while continuing to serve
customers in Westlock, the family says community support has meant everything.
They look forward to serving both communities for many years to come.