Hello from CT and a thank you

[mark_g]

Hi everyone, I’ve been a lurking member for about seven years now. In that time I’ve been toying with the idea of starting my own detailing business by scouting online forums for business and technical info & continuing to detail cars for my family and friends as I have since I was about 15. I have a good career in the insurance business that supports our family but have always longed to build a business of my own. I’m 39 now and have figured it’s time to finally get this thing off the ground.
I want to take a moment to publicly thank Justin at Final Inspection for some guidance he provided last week. After discussing products with a rep for a particular company, I wanted to hear the opinions of someone in my region that uses the brand. I tracked Justin down via this site and Facebook and fired a message off to him. Shortly after, he replied with an invitation to give him a call. This may turn out to be the most valuable 30 minutes I’ve spent starting this business. I did get the information about the company that I was looking for but, as it turns out, his business model and situation are very similar to mine. Without knowing it, he provided some much needed reassurance in the direction I am headed.
I’m still piecing things together for officially opening “M Reflections Auto Aesthetics” by getting an Instagram page and Facebook going. I have some additional lighting to add to my work area, shelving to put up etc so that my workspace is as professional appearing as can be. In the mean time, I’m handling our cars and those of our friends not only with the polisher but now with a camera too. I hope to start posting a lot more in the Show & Shine section of this site very soon!
Anyhow, thank you to the membership here, I will always have a lot to learn but don’t think I’d be as ready as I am without this site.

-Mark
M Reflections Auto Aesthetics


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[Bill1234]

A god thing I just thought off is to correct half a pannel and then use a camera on a tripod with good lighting to post to social media and show paint correction or leather with a 50 50. That makes a huge difference in alot of situations. Also, stick to your prices and dont let people lowball you

[UncleDavy]

Congratulations Mark. I just liked your Facebook page. Starting your own business is a big leap of faith and I wish you the best. Talking to Justin was better than any investment or legal advice you have to pay for. You are already off to a great start. You came to the right forum and talked to the right guy.
CT is part of my sales territory and I travel through Rocky Hill quite frequently. I would like to stop by sometime. One of my CT customers is a muscle car guy and he is always looking for a good detailer. My nephew works at a body shop and they often recommend detailers. I will let them know about you.

[Kamakaz1961]

Welcome to AGO!!

[ronkh57]

<---- CT refugee!!

Justin is good people as are a lot of folks here...

Where in CT?

[PaulMys]

<---- CT refugee!!

Justin is good people as are a lot of folks here...

Where in CT?

I didn't know you were once a Cross-Sounder, Ron.

[ronkh57]

I didn't know you were once a Cross-Sounder, Ron.

Lon Giland as well :) (great neck/prot Washington)

[PaulMys]

Lon Giland as well :) (great neck/prot Washington)

Petcha dowg for me...............:props:

[Bill1234]

On the border of nycish and in ct though too

[mark_g]

Thanks for the kind words everyone! I’ve got an Escalade ESV on deck that appears to have made plenty of trips through a car wash so I’ll be getting plenty of practice photographing some 50/50 shots. I have to paint the garage and hang up some new lights first. My intent is to keep a 100% professional atmosphere. In the mean time, I’ve been starting to build a network to get the word out locally. In the last two days I’ve lined up another suv and two boats. My business isn’t centered around boats but since these will fit in my garage and I have even more boat experience than car experience, I agreed to take on the work. The owner has a huge network too so I have to keep that in mind.
Oh and I’m in Rocky Hill, CT
Dave, you mentioned that I’m in your territory, what do you sell?



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[Justin at Final Inspection]

Hey Mark!!! Welcome aboard buddy!

Thanks so much for kind words! Truth be told I try to give advice based on my personal experiences over the years. The way I see it is we are all in this together and I like seeing good honest people succeed. It was a pleasure speaking with you about your upcoming adventure and it's awesome to hear things are already starting to take off.

Along the way I have had a couple of people who I would not only call mentors but friends answer random questions and give me advice along the way and it's only right to pass it along.

One thing I have tried to do along the way is surround myself with other happy and successful people in my life. I don't need negativity. Trying to run and business and tackle scheduling and consulting with clients is difficult enough. Having negative comments and suggestions is something I have no time for. Support and positivity can do a lot. Among being a physical job, the business as a whole can be very mentally draining. You'll have ups and downs but keep at it bud. I'm just going along with things the best I can. I have to be doing something right if I have a 2 month lead time on jobs.

That being said , feel free to hit me up with any questions or concerns you may have. I may not have all the answers but I'll do my best to help you out!

[UncleDavy]

Thanks for the kind words everyone! I’ve got an Escalade ESV on deck that appears to have made plenty of trips through a car wash so I’ll be getting plenty of practice photographing some 50/50 shots. I have to paint the garage and hang up some new lights first. My intent is to keep a 100% professional atmosphere. In the mean time, I’ve been starting to build a network to get the word out locally. In the last two days I’ve lined up another suv and two boats. My business isn’t centered around boats but since these will fit in my garage and I have even more boat experience than car experience, I agreed to take on the work. The owner has a huge network too so I have to keep that in mind.
Oh and I’m in Rocky Hill, CT
Dave, you mentioned that I’m in your territory, what do you sell?



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I sell electric motors and gearboxes for industrial machinery. I was in your area yesterday in Wethersfield and New Britain. I'll give you a call next time I am in the area.

[PaulMys]

I sell electric motors and gearboxes for industrial machinery. I was in your area yesterday in Wethersfield and New Britain. I'll give you a call next time I am in the area.

Awesome.

Mark, make sure to take Dave up on his offer. You'll never a meet a better dude. :xyxthumbs:

[mark_g]

I sell electric motors and gearboxes for industrial machinery. I was in your area yesterday in Wethersfield and New Britain. I'll give you a call next time I am in the area.

Sounds good Dave, I’m at my “real job” most days but I do work from home a couple days a week too.


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