AustinAaron in the mix!

[AustinAaron]

Just taking a few moments to introduce myself to the autopian community. The name says it all. I'm Aaron, I live in Austin. Currently working as a licensed Realtor. Real estate in Austin is solid. Market is stronger than most, and a decent living is just as easily done as said. But for some reason, it just doesn't provide that spark you get in your gut when you step back from a black Benz you've just freshly detailed. And to be honest, for some reason I just don't think real estate provides the same rewarding smile a happy car owner gives when seeing his restored vehicle for the first time. Not even when it's a house on the lake. The way I see it, when you buy a house, you've known for at least a month what product you were getting when closing day comes. But when a detail client shows up to see that detailed car for the first time, he has no idea what he's in for. The element of surprise seems to be stronger, IMO. That excites me! Think I'd be in it for the smiles.

Been a lurker for quite some time. Probably a little over 2 months. Been reading, acquiring as much knowledge as possible, and figured now is a more appropriate time to chime in than when I first discovered Autopia. i.e. - "Oh, I can correct paint. Just give me a rotary!" Yeah. That didn't fare so well. Burnt through the paint first time out. Fortunately, it was an old hood from my neighbor's backyard, and not a customer's vehicle.

Feel very fortunate to have found such a valuable resource . . . the contributors here on Autopia. Having this venue will payoff twofold. I've had my fair share of detailing. Nothing professional. Though, have make some money detailing here and there. Wash & wax. Nothing spectacular. Hoping to get my hands on a PC, learn some appropriate skills, and then maybe move up to a Flex much later.

I am NOT moving straight into my own mobile detailing service. So, if any of you seasoned vets see me say that in the very near future, know that I often verbally put the cart before the horse. But know, in reality, it's just talk. I'm too analytical, but often favor jumping and figuring out how to build the chute on the way down. However, I would very much entertain the idea should I feel confident enough to say, "Yes. I can correct your paint on your '64 Ferrari. I can have it done in 2 days." When I get to the point that I wouldn't shudder at whatever rolled through the door, I'll consider my own service. In the meantime, I'm comfortable with W&W's.

In the interim, I am strongly considering a training seminar. As in, I have the money, ready to learn. I think a week-long introduction to technique/evaluation/process/etc... would certainly serve it's purpose. I learn by watching, then repeating. Hear Renny's seminars are worth every cent. Any advice regarding said consideration?

Look forward to many more posts, and the continued education from the many contributors I follow relentlessly. Sorry if this post was a bit long-winded. I tend to say everything at once so I don't have to repeat the process later on.

*Edit* Would have added a custom avatar if I could have found an image that didn't look like $&!% at 7.6kb.