My Journey To Reach A 7-figure Auto Detailing Business

[parttimer]

The non compete must really vary state to state. I know two different people that signed them, in two very different industries, both were told by lawyers not too try breaking it.

 

[Buff-N-Glo]

Never heard of people starting out as a manager and working their way up? One of the latest CEO's of McDonalds did just that.

Okay, 1 CEO did that, out of how many managers in mcdonalds?

No man, mcdonalds is not a good way to get rich

 

[BitterGreg]

I wanted to write something more detailed in response to this. Big props for having the guts to go after something this big. I'm sure you have covered many bases but some of the things that come to my mind are:

1. Capital, you are going to need a lot of it. Unless you are planning to do mobile services, which is going to be hard to pick up the volume you would need.

2. Do NOT underestimate the value of a press release. If you starting this big of a project up, you should be sending releases to every possible local media outlet. I don't care if you are just offering a new type of carpet cleaning, after your grand opening press release keep them coming. Media outlets NEED things to print/release, and as long as it is interesting and different they will put it out there. Great free advertisement in addition to the other methods you mentioned.

3. Franchise modeling, even if you are not a franchise, is an excellent way to have iron-clad processes and systems in place. I actually wrote out a franchise model for my business when I started my business and one of the toughest positions to train/retain in this business is the technicians themselves. Having a modeling helps, but that will be one of your biggest challenges staff wise.

4. Product/efficiency. I had a couple of really high end companies approach me regarding being a distributor of their products. You might want to consider it, since in such a big operation selling small amounts of products to customers for follow up work/free gifts/up-sells might really help your revenue/margins. If you are interested, PM me and I will forward the info. Most of them have Jobber pricing too, but I wasn't interested because I didn't spend the usually $300+ a month needed to keep on their rolls. Doesn't sound like you will have that problem. We are talking 50-60% off retail prices here, even on bulk (50 gallon) product.

5. Lawyer up. Make each employee sign a non-competitive agreement stating that they will not work for a competitor or start their own similar business within x amount of years from leaving you. I honestly don't think this will be a big issue, since starting up a detailing business is much harder than most think, but this would give you some insurance/leverage should an upstart employee get a bright idea.

I have some other ideas too, but don't want to sound like I'm trying to educate you or anything. You seem to have thought this out really well, so I just wanted to share some thoughts that might peak your interest.

The non compete must really vary state to state. I know two different people that signed them, in two very different industries, both were told by lawyers not too try breaking it.

It obviously matters how it is written. Bigger companies are obviously much more tightly written. That is why I mentioned the caveat of higher levels. Most of the time for smaller business it is not worth the company to pay to sue the former employee as they may not win, and probably won't get much. Normally a cease and desist letter is all that is needed. Most of the time you can argue that the former clients and even employees contacted them and not the other way around. Those are normally built around the word solicit.

 

[John_Jethro]

Good luck and grind hard in life to achieve such goals. No matter how big the goals are, it's always worth the try. I'll do the same here too, truly motivate me reminding why I started being an entrepreneur in the first place. Thank you.

 

[StephenK]

Very interesting

 

[DeepReflections]

I would be very interested in progress. While I think the goal are lofty and there is nothing wrong with that, reality may dictate something else.
I am especially interested in the hiring aspect. I have car people/artists working in my shop. They are absolutely outstanding and do all of the little things that make a huge difference. But if I were to ask them what there aspirations and goals are 5 years from they would give me a blank stare.
When I interview someone, I drill in on their love for cars first, skills in detailing second, ability to work in a team atmosphere third. This tells me they understand our philosophy and culture.

Payroll is my biggest expense and I pay just a bit above average. It is outstanding to have an ideal to pay above average, but when the calendar is empty and you can play 9 holes of golf in your shop without hitting a car, reality will dictate another direction.
When all is said and done there are a ton of expenses running a brick and mortar situation that can quite easily eat into your monthly gross very fast. In my business plan I thought I had them all covered, but missed the mark on a lot of little things.

So I truly appreciate the lofty goals the OP has and is to be commended. We have not heard much and we are 5 months into a 12 month journey. Ego aside, even if he is not close I think it would be beneficial to hear what has happened and his experiences. IMO, it is OK, to say I screwed up and here is where it went sideways, or I am kicking butt and here is how I am doing it.