Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Vanderwaall.
Josh, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in San Diego, I started surfing at the age of eight. Had my first sponsor by 12 and by 17, I was getting paid to surf. It wasn’t anything big. But a small monthly base, paired with photo incentives ( a payment structure based on how many photos were published with my sponsor’s logos showing) I was happily living my dream of just traveling and surfing. I was on a trip to Puerto Escondido for a month and when I came back I found out that my main sponsor had dropped their entire men’s apparel program and I was out of my main source of income. I was looking online for something to do and was feeling discouraged so I decided to drive down to the beach and go for a surf. As I was driving, a mobile detail van drove past me… I wondered what that business looked like and what all the ins and outs were. After surfing, I went home and did some research. One week later, I was in business.
From there, I worked out sales-based jobs to supplement my income while growing my business. I finally landed a few good contacts with a few dealerships and wealthy individuals and was able to focus 100% of my time on my detailing business.
After growing the business for 12 years, I started teaching myself vinyl and leather repair and started to add that into my business. This service has allowed me to get more dealership accounts and grow the business significantly.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Starting off, I had no idea how to market my business. I started by offering cheap services and big discounts through some local publications. I didn’t know my worth yet and that was the hardest thing to figure out. I figured id rather be working than not so I would do jobs for less than I should have. Once I filled my pipeline with customers, I began charging the normal rates without fear of missing out on customers.
Detail Green USA – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business focuses on high-end mobile car detailing and interior leather and vinyl repair. We are known throughout San Diego as a reliable source for detailing. Detailing has a relatively low barrier of entry but by establishing ourselves as a reliable, professional, and highly educated company, our customers stick with us for the long run and help feed the business with referrals.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is based on happiness. I have an amazing wife and two beautiful daughter ages two and five. I am able to create my schedule and spend as much time with them as possible while still providing everything they want. As the owner, I have a few people I work which allows me to work a 3 to 4-day work week. I have a few other businesses as well as working with local car dealerships and because of my multiple revenue streams, my family and I are able to live a great life.
Pricing:
- Basic Wash packages start at $45
- Complete Detail packages start at $199
- Interior Leather and Vinyl repair pricing is based on the damage.
Contact Info:
- Address: San Diego
9187 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92123Carlsbad
2380 Camino Vida Roble #A
Carlsbad, CA 92011 - Website: www.detailgreenusa.com | www.carlsbadcardetailing.com
- Phone: San Diego (858) 768-0609 | Carlsbad and North County (760) 268-9166
- Email: josh@detailgreenusa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detailgreenusa/ and https://www.instagram.com/vinyl_and_hide/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/detail-green-usa-san-diego
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