Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Neidig.
Hi Chris, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Detail Driven LLC, formerly StraightShot Auto Detail, began in 2020 after I was laid off from a dealership where I washed cars due to the pandemic. Getting laid off was hard because I didn’t have a plan B for that season of my life. I remember walking home that day in tears–worried and afraid of what I would do next. I had always wanted to be a business owner, but I had yet to learn what that looked like or what it would take. But I decided I would do that, and StraightShot Auto Detail was born. I dove in head first, asking family members for a loan to help with startup costs for tools and chemicals. I started by purchasing a garden hose, two five-gallon buckets, a vacuum, cheap chemicals, and towels. Every day, I would load up the backseat and trunk of my Nissan Altima with all my tools and head out to wash cars for friends, family, people I knew from church, and anyone I could get to book my services. I was a mobile car wash, performing the bare minimum and trying to make enough money to pay my family members back for the loan and hopefully have some cash to reinvest into growing the business.
Eventually, I did just that, and in time, I also learned how to detail cars, not just wash them. After about 6 months of washing cars, only making enough money to break even and buy new tools, not taking any profits or income, I finally transitioned into the detailing world. At this time, I began to see some profits and started running a real business. Around the year and a half mark, I hit some walls, realizing that a lot more went into owning a business than just the manual work. As a business owner, especially a new one, you are overwhelmed with a variety of challenges between growing your clientele, building your skillset, learning about taxes, scheduling, contracts, operational hours, which CRM to use, how to track and what to track financially, social media, website building and operations, legal documents and filings, and so much more! All of this led me to deal with anxiety, fear, and stress. Building a successful business takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice! This is why focusing on what drives your business and the “why” behind your mission is essential. Finding my “drivers” is the reason my business shifted around year two to backtrack a little; in 2015, my father was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia. In 2016, I was lost, at rock bottom, living a sinful life, and I was depressed and wanted to give up. In 2017, I gave my life to Jesus and allowed the Lord to redeem my life. In 2020, I was laid off and stressed. Because of these life markers, my drivers consist of three main things: Jesus, freedom to be present with and care for my father, and not allowing myself to quit before I start. We strive for top-tier customer service, and we value relationships over transactions. Of course, we want our business to grow and be successful, but more than anything, we enjoy the opportunity to value people more than cars and give back to the community over sales numbers.
In 2024, our business was rebranded and reimagined as Detail Driven LLC. We are increasingly servicing our customers throughout the greater Knoxville area and surrounding cities. We are one of the top mobile detailing businesses around, and we have remained consistent and accurate for four years this June. We provide customers with a satisfying experience, fantastic customer service, high-quality detail services, cleaning, and more.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I touched on some of this in my story of building Detail Driven, but entrepreneurship takes work. It hasn’t been disheartening either, but there are challenges. Some of the key challenges I have faced throughout our business journey:
- Learning how to detail and operate a business. Every bit of what I learned was from countless hours of studying YouTube videos from professionals worldwide and hands-on trial and error.
- My wife and I run this business together, but it is just me in the field. Occasionally, I’ll hire a contract employee for bigger jobs or heavier scheduled days, but usually, I am on my own. That comes with a bit of loneliness some days.
- Being a mobile business in an industry that relies on good weather can be challenging on cold or rainy days.
- The most difficult challenge is learning to balance life and work. Living a life committed to family and faith can be difficult when the world says that to be a successful business, you have to sacrifice weekends, ball games, and life events.
We’ve been impressed with Detail Driven LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share about what you do and what sets you apart?
Detail Driven is a mobile auto detailing company specializing in cleaning, restoring, and preserving vehicles. We are primarily known for our top-tier mobile detailing services, efficiency, quality of services, and consistency. What truly sets us apart from others is our customer service. We strive to provide top-notch service quality, customer satisfaction, and an extremely professional customer service factor. We are as personal and relatable with our customers as possible, treating them like friends and family. Brand-wise, I am most proud of the welcoming and professional aspect. We offer various services ranging from paint correction and ceramic coatings to premium details, including shampoo and essential details for a simple refresh. From luxury vehicles to budget vehicles, we work on all brand types and service RVs and Watercraft.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
When I started, I wish I had listened to people who said, “You don’t need to know everything right away, and you don’t want to overthink and grow too fast.” It would have freed me up to focus on learning as much as possible about my craft and industry. I would advise anyone starting to save as much as possible and learn from others in your industry to build their skills and learn how to market to their audience. Another piece of advice I’d give is to spend time learning your business, its numbers, and how it (and you) can be the most efficient. Knowing what to look for “under the hood” of your business will change your operations.
Pricing:
- Free estimates and in-person quotes available
- Prices vary based on service and condition of the vehicle.
- Pricing information available at detaildrivenpro.com
Contact Info:
- Website: detaildrivenpro.com
- Instagram: detaildriven.llc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/detaildrivenpro
