My first Ferrari

This is a true story that I think this group might enjoy hearing. Way back when I first opened my business, I knew what kind of cars I wanted to work on. Exotic sports and high end luxury cars. But I knew the owners of these cars were particular with regard to who works on them. I was a no body, so I had to earn my stripes. After a year Perfect Auto Finish opened, I still had not detailed a Ferrari. So one day while I was in a strip mall, I saw what I found out later was a 1988 Mondail, open top. I went door to door asking people who owned that car. I finally got the word it was the owner of a wireless phone company. I walked into the office and asked if I could meet him. I remember his puzzled look he gave me when I introduced myself to him, and said I wanted to detail his car. (He must of thought I was clearly off my rocker) But after 10 minutes of talking to him about car care, he was convinced I had a passion for what I do. Still, he wasn't ready to hand over the keys, but he did agree to let me detail his 740I BMW the next day. "If you do the kind of work you say, and I'm impressed with it, you can have the Ferrari." Well, the rest is history, he is one of my best customers to this day. Now many Ferrari's later, I still enjoy sharing that moment. Gary

 

There should be NO secrets in this industry. I focus directly on consumer education on car care. When people know exactly what is involved in "true" detailing they have more respect for the profession. Problem is most shops target high volume and quality takes a back seat. Before I opened my shop, I worked at a commercial large volume car wash/detailing center to see what goes on there. I was shocked that every car that came in for a detail got an acid bath. That's right--an acid bath. WHY? Because thats the quickest way to remove all surface contaminants. Exposure to acid will soften the paint, repeated applications spell diaster. This is why many people are fearful of going to a detail shop. Thus, auto detailing 101. I'm currantly writing an article for a trade magazine about the standards in detailing. I'm working with group of my peers to form an association that will qualify people before they open shop. Its time to set the bar. Gary

 

I don't have a problem with that, although I may be spreading myself a little thin. If you saw what I have on my table, you'd understand. I would love to hear from those poeple that bought and tried my products at Fox Valley. Feedback? Gary