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WOAHSz28HM2

New member
Hello. My name is Dylan Beaven and I live in SLC, Utah. Originally from California. I'm 37 years old, DM guitarist of 20 years (If you have children that are eyeing music as a hobby, or worse, as a "career", do whatever is reasonable to dissuade them from it), SPFX, writing, and salivating over F-bodies new and old are some of my hobbies. My dream job would be to own a resto shop building old muscle cars on one side of the shop and builds of custom guitars happening on the other. Slayer blasting on the jukebox running through a top-notch P.A.. Can't decide if the classic Godzilla roar will be triggered when I open my office door or that chilling wolf's howl from "An American Werewolf In London". Eh, I'm sure my ego will figure it out. Anyway...



Father is a car guy, has bought and restored cars for nearly 5 decades. He was not going to raise a lazy kid (though that's what I tried really hard to be), so I detailed cars and mowed lawns to earn extra $. Recent injuries, age and no income has brought him face to face with foreclosure. Between that and the fact that I'm supporting other family members who are getting raped by Murphy's Law (and I'm just a rent-a-cop on a rent-a-cop's wage) desperation has caused me to look at the idea of going into business. I've always known that a job is no way to financial security, and I'll never help my dad save his house without building something bigger than the j.o.b (Just Over Broke). And that '69 Z28 or '68 Firebird 400 HO is an unlikely acquisition under such circumstances, nevermind my pipe-dream '69 Trans Am. I think doing a few things like feeding some homeless kids living on the street would be a damn fun thing to do as well. It's an ugly truth here in the land of zion, you can find them all along state and main streets downtown. People walking by try to ignore them, hopefully I can change that a little. So......



I only ever did very simple wash/polish-wax/interior details, but never had a customer who wasn't glad they used my services, and I take pride in my work, taking the time to do it right. Never used a buffer, polisher or machinery of any kind, other than my portable vacuum. (I bought one once, used it for about 3 minutes, threw it back in my bucket and went back to doing it by hand). I'd have rather been doing other things at 17, but I was never to keen on arguing with Mr. Beaven, that was just never a wise idea. He said I was gonna work, so that's what I was gonna do. Those here with old-school fathers know what I'm talking about.



It occurred to me that given my passion for cars and the fact that death metal guitar playing and rent-a-cop-ery will barely pay my bills and never allow for the realization of any of my dreams beyond that, it made sense to maybe think about getting into the detailing business, but with far more zeal and drive than I had for it in my youth. That's why I'm here. Random browsing on the topic brought me to this site, and what I learn here will be the basis for my education in modern detailing, to get my knowledge base up to where it needs to be in order to compete with some of the far more established, knowledgeable and professional detailers doing business in my area.



As per that fact, this will likely be my only post for awhile, aside from any photos of my work I upload, or fun generalized car talk. (I do have some pictures of a bit of my SPFX work on my profile). Reason being is, it's time to go to school. There is a ton of info here, and I personally find myself irritated when a newb begins asking a grip of questions when the answers are on the very forum he's posing the question in, though he's too lazy to look. So, I'll be doing what I'm sure will be literally dozens and dozens of hours of research here rather than asking "read the effin' manual" type questions. I had no idea what "APC", "ONR", or "MF" meant till I did some digging. I have a few potentially powerful edges over my competition, but it's gonna be tough of course. But the bridge back the other way is on fire, so it's do or die. DBA I'll be operating under is "Wizard Of Aaahhs", my father's idea. I love it.



I will endeavor to withhold questions until I'm certain I'm unable to find the answer on my own. Special thanks to Thomas for taking about a half hour over chat to explain the HD products to me, he's truly a class act and a very talented detailer. His work on that '69 Camaro, the black Porche, and the Ghia is consistent and ridiculously beautiful.



So hello all, and we'll rap when I get myself up to speed on the ins and outs of all this site has to offer, as well as gaining enough wisdom to allow me to avoid sounding like a moron. Sorry for the novel, maybe the pent-up stress of this profoundly un-fun year prompted a bit of venting. Apologies and cheers.
 
:welcome: to Autopia.org WOAHSz28HM2



Establishing creditability is one of the biggest challenges for small start-up businesses. Success is down to the hunger and passion that you are born with. It is a part of you and it’s instinctive. If you have it, you can’t switch it off. Often they are not driven solely by monetary gain; it’s more usually about independence and proving something to themselves.



Starting a business is not hard to do, nor does it cost a lot of money. However, just like any business it needs to be done correctly. Many who get started don't set up the business correctly in the beginning stages and end up either loosing or completely folding up; a large percentage of fail within the first 18 months of getting started.



This isn't meant to stomp on your dream; just don't get yourself into a worse financial situation in the current economy







“Becoming a Professional Detailer” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/detail...ng/136438-becoming-professional-detailer.html
 
TOGWT said:
:welcome: to Autopia.org WOAHSz28HM2



Establishing creditability is one of the biggest challenges for small start-up businesses. Success is down to the hunger and passion that you are born with. It is a part of you and it’s instinctive. If you have it, you can’t switch it off. Often they are not driven solely by monetary gain; it’s more usually about independence and proving something to themselves.



Starting a business is not hard to do, nor does it cost a lot of money. However, just like any business it needs to be done correctly. Many who get started don't set up the business correctly in the beginning stages and end up either loosing or completely folding up; a large percentage of fail within the first 18 months of getting started.



This isn't meant to stomp on your dream; just don't get yourself into a worse financial situation in the current economy







“Becoming a Professional Detailer” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/detail...ng/136438-becoming-professional-detailer.html



Absolutely great points, and whole-heartedly acknowledged. While I'm in a situation of nigh desperation, I have no desire to make a foolish or naive misstep that sinks my operation. Great points about monetary gain, I definitely am motivated by the need to secure a future for my family and to make reality a few things about myself I already suspect to be true but have yet to be proven. Having a little bit of business experience, I know that I can definitely grow in that area, and you intrigue me on your point about the vital need for starting up properly in the beginning stage. Thank you so much for the link, I'm studying it right now; are there any other threads you can recommend for research on that topic of proper start up? This is a valuable post and I thank you, I'll be referring to it daily to keep my head in the game, and the real world.
 
Welcome to the Forums. I am in a similar situation myself and can be reading for hours on this site. Make sure to hit the Wiki Section for many How to and many informative post. Good Luck in your new venture and I look forward to seeing more post, details an such.
 
It sounds like your off to a good start. Some of the best foundations are built on



Willingness to learn and seek information on your own.....

Use information given......

Passion......

Drive (be it do or die or just simply going to do it)



As mentioned start it up right. Also get in touch with a SCORE ( they are local everywhere) representative. They are retired small business owners who mentor start ups..free.



From what it sounds, starting up right and keeping your attitude you'll be ok. Skills can be refined with knowledge and practice. Growing up around cars helps too especially restoration. The restoration market put me in the detail market I'm in today.



I would highly recommend this book

"9 super simple steps to Entrepreneurial success"

By Marty Grunder



This book is motivating to say the least. It breaks building and growing a business down in the simplest terms. It explains the simple things he did to take a $20 lawnmower and a pick up truck and made a

4.5mil. dollar a year business. His principals apply to all service businesses. You can check out his website. Hes only in his 40's. I've met him and he is for real. His advise is sought after across the nation.



Much success to you!
 
Welcome! I think you should consider WRITING as an additional means of monetary gain. Your style is fun to read and flows well. Great story. I wish you the best. Keep in touch.
 
WOAHSz28HM2 said:
Absolutely great points, and whole-heartedly acknowledged. While I'm in a situation of nigh desperation, I have no desire to make a foolish or naive misstep that sinks my operation. Great points about monetary gain, I definitely am motivated by the need to secure a future for my family and to make reality a few things about myself I already suspect to be true but have yet to be proven. Having a little bit of business experience, I know that I can definitely grow in that area, and you intrigue me on your point about the vital need for starting up properly in the beginning stage. Thank you so much for the link, I'm studying it right now; are there any other threads you can recommend for research on that topic of proper start up? This is a valuable post and I thank you, I'll be referring to it daily to keep my head in the game, and the real world.



Wiki Articles



1. “Essentials for Starting a New Business” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/detail.../136439-essentials-starting-new-business.html



2. “Marketing on the Internet” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/detail...ng/136474-marketing-internet.html#post1447579



3. “Becoming a Professional Detailer” - http://www.autopia.org/forum/detail...ng/136438-becoming-professional-detailer.html




Recommended reading-



1. Start Your Own Automobile Detailing Business by Eileen Figure Sandlin

2. Selling The Invisible" by Harry Beckwith

3. The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber

4. What Clients Love: A Field Guide to Growing Your Business – Harry Beckwith

5. Mentored By A Millionaire by Steven K. Scott

6. Think and Grow Rich! by Napoleon Hill

7. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

8. Starting a Business info from IRS website Starting a Business




Recommended Software-



• Service CEO - ServiceCEO Auto Detailing Software - Service Business Software - ServiceCEO

• Quicken Quick Books - Accounting Software - QuickBooks

• Executive Coaching and Business Coaching Martin Brossman is a personal coach operating in the Raleigh, Durham and the Washington DC Area's. Client referrals have extended his practice nationally and internationally. Coaching areas include, personal coaching, executive coaching and business coaching.- Personal Coach Martin Brossman serving Raleigh, Durham and the Washington DC
 
Welcome, Ahhhs. Great name.:xyxthumbs



You have the right idea to research, but don't be afraid to ask ?s when necessary. Where so many get :flame: is by asking broad, general questions that cannot be easily answered. When questions are specific and come with the necessary information they get answered more willingly.



Take what you are learning and put it to use. There is no substitute for experience. Find cars to practice on; friends, family, etc.



Good luck!





P.S. Brad makes a good point. Your writing is good. Perhaps a blog or a thread chronicling your learning experience. It would be a great place to refer others who want to take the same path. It would also help us steer you in the right direction.
 
Welcome to the forum. You have landed at a great site. The members here will make you feel at home while they give you the straight skinny of the detailing business. I frequent 4-5 detailing forums and this has become my favorite for many reasons. The talent on here is top notch and they are more then willing to share it with others. So while pursuing you goals this site will be able to help you in many ,many ways.
 
I want to comment and thank you all by name, but for the sake of space I'm not quoting each post.



TOGWT: Thank you so much for the copious amount of material you've provided for me to study, I'll be pouring through it and referring to it for years to come, no doubt. An invaluable treasure trove of wisdom, to be sure. The "7 habits..." and "Think And Grow Rich" have intrigued me for ages, though I've not taken the initiative to read them. I'll be rectifying that soon. Again, thank you.



Thomas: Sheeeeesh, hell yes it pumps me up! Not a day goes by when I don't spend a few minutes thinking of what that upholstery will smell like, the low, malevolent growl of the engine idle, the stiff resistance of that 43 year old gas pedal, then it's ultimate surrender accompanied by that almost alarming surge forward. Sometimes it seems so real, so palpable, I think I can reach out and touch it. Or more importantly the thought of knowing I can take care of just about any eventuality or emergency that might befall my family and being able finally enjoy that piece of mind, and that it potentially IS real--I CAN achieve it--but I can also really @&*$%!? it up, too. As usual, it's not an easy time for me to be alive but it's on the verge of being by far the the most interesting. It feels as though big things are going to happen in the next few years.



ErnDog: Thank you for the encouragement, you guys are the best and the positive energy you give me is more valuable than you know. Or maybe you do. :-)



CONCOURSJOHN: Thank you for the book recommend, in addition to the other material recommended, it sounds exactly like the kind of read I love to lose myself in, both educating and inspiring. Yes, I actually have the S.C.O.R.E. business card in my wallet and will be meeting with them next week. Also made contact with a local distributor of auto care products yesterday, (Buddco) and will be participating in the free classes they hold regularly in the 'trade. Wonderful resource to have stumbled upon by an interesting series of apparently "chance" events. Will elaborate if there's interest....



Brad B: Thank you! the encouragement is positive energy pushing me forward. I think about writing quite a bit, and I've gotten too much positive feedback from people in that area lately to ignore it. I'll be definitely be looking to create some opportunities there. I know next to nothing about blogging, but I'm starting to think that perhaps I should learn, in addition to researching any legitimate writer-for-hire gigs I can find.



Nth Degree: Much appreciated! The encouragement all of you have given me is overwhelming. I can't thank you enough, except to make good on my endeavor, and give it my supreme best.



Interesting events of late, will post after work tomorrow. Thanks again everyone, you've all made me feel very welcome here. :-) --Dylan
 
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