A Life Around Cars

Some people fall into the auto industry by accident, but for me, it’s always felt like a natural fit. I’ve been around cars for as long as I can remember. As a teenager, one of my first real jobs was working as a porter at a car dealership—moving cars, cleaning up, doing whatever needed to be done. It might not sound glamorous, but for me, it was the beginning of something that still plays a major role in my life.

At that age, I didn’t know where I was headed long-term. I tried different things—culinary school, working in childcare, even a window tinting class out in Portland, Oregon. But no matter how far I wandered, something always pulled me back to cars. There’s something about taking a dirty, tired vehicle and bringing it back to life that just clicks with me. It’s a hands-on job with real results, and I love that.

Learning the Value of Detail

Over time, I moved from porter work into detailing, and that’s where I really found my rhythm. Detailing isn’t just washing cars. It’s about bringing them back to a condition where someone feels proud to drive them again. It’s in the little things—getting into the tight corners, buffing out scratches, and making the interior look like new. There’s something satisfying about standing back after a long day and seeing a car gleam in the sunlight, knowing I did that.

I’ve come to see car detailing as its own kind of craftsmanship. You need to be focused, patient, and committed to quality. There’s always something new to learn—whether it’s using new tools, working on different models, or figuring out how to tackle a tough job no one else wants. I take pride in doing the work well, not just fast. That attention to detail is something I bring to every part of my life, not just the shop.

The People Side of the Industry

Working in the auto industry isn’t just about machines—it’s about people. I’ve worked with all kinds of coworkers, customers, and managers, and those relationships are a big part of what makes the job meaningful. Whether it’s helping a new car buyer feel excited about their first ride or teaming up with a service tech to get a car ready on a deadline, there’s always teamwork involved.

What I’ve learned is that a lot of customers don’t just want a clean car—they want someone who cares about doing the job right. They want to know they’re being taken care of, especially when they’re trusting you with something as personal as their vehicle. When I work on a car, I treat it like it’s my own. That respect and work ethic has gone a long way in earning trust and repeat business, even though I’m not the one doing the selling.

From Work to Family Life

One of the biggest challenges is balancing my work life with being a dad. Detailing is physical, sometimes exhausting work, and I’m on my feet all day. But when I get home, it’s all about my kids. We spend time together swimming, watching sports, or playing outside. They know their dad works hard, and I want them to grow up with that same mindset.

I also try to pass along my love of cars. We’ll go to car shows or just walk around the lot looking at different models. Sometimes I let them help me wash our own vehicles, and they get a kick out of spraying the hose or wiping down the wheels. It’s a way for us to connect, and who knows—maybe one day one of them will follow in my footsteps.

Always Looking Ahead

The auto industry is always changing. Electric vehicles are becoming more common, and the way cars are designed keeps evolving. That means the way we care for them has to evolve, too. I’ve been doing my best to keep learning—whether it’s new detailing techniques, better products, or just watching how the industry shifts. I don’t want to be left behind.

One day, I’d like to open up my own detailing shop. It would be a place where quality comes first, where customers know they’re not just getting a surface-level clean but a full-service experience. I want it to be the kind of place where people feel taken care of—because that’s what this industry is really about.

More Than a Job

For me, detailing cars isn’t just a job—it’s a craft, a service, and a way to build a better future for myself and my family. I take pride in my work, and I know that every car I touch is a reflection of that. From the dealership lot to the driveway, I’m part of what makes someone feel good about their vehicle again.

It’s been a long road from my first days as a teenage porter to where I am now. But every step has taught me something. About hard work. About people. About patience. And about the pride that comes from a job well done.

That’s why I’m still here—and why I’m just getting started.