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I am happy to present to you our 43rd local business spotlighted in the Pay it Forward feature – Village Auto Detail.
Our recent Lake County business featured was Glowing Smiles Dental Hygiene Practice and the owner, Adriana Marquez chose to Pay it Forward to Village Auto Detail.
The catch is that I will not choose the next business to interview, but the current spotlighted business will choose who I will interview next. Local businesses will Pay it Forward.
Village Auto Detail is owned by Charlie Marquez, who offers vehicle and boat detailing with 5-star reviews. Village Auto Detail offers a friendly, professional and polite staff that goes above and beyond your basic detailing needs. They pay attention to your special requests; like that stain in the upholstery or that stubborn scratch. Their pricing is fair with an attention to detail. Whether you are seeking routine exterior/interior cleaning or headlight restoration, Village Auto Detail will not disappoint.
1. Why did you decide to start your own business?
I have always been fascinated with cars and in our county, sixteen years ago, there was no one offering auto detail services. It was a passion of mine. I wanted to provide a service that left people happy about their vehicles. Anyone can clean a car but the attention to detail is an art.
I knew that if I provided a service that no one else was doing, I would not only be doing what I loved but I could make money, too. So with the support of my wife, I decided to go for it and did it. My two boys were very active in sports and having my own business would allow me to attend all the sports and school functions. At times I was even coaching some of the sports.
2. What advice would you give to someone just starting their own business?
Do what you feel in your heart. If you believe in it, you have to go for it. There will always be people that will not believe in your idea but as long as you believe in it, you can do it.
Allow for feedback and take it as constructive criticism.
3. What routines do you follow each day?
Sure, there are always the usual daily tasks that come with running the shop. I check my appointments for the day and get everything ready. I make sure I have all the supplies and tools I need to kick things off smoothly. Our car wash offers hand drying after the car goes through the wash. That is a service which is unique to our business. It’s an added touch so to speak. So making sure all the towels have been washed and dried prior to use.
4. Where do you see your business in five years? Ten?
I’m looking to expand a bit more, ideally by hiring more staff and setting up regular detailing schedules for our customers. We recently partnered with Golden Gate Car Wash, which has allowed us to offer an automated car wash service. Our goal is to grow alongside Golden Gate and become the go-to spot in the county for both washing and detailing.
In ten years, perhaps a second location would be ideal.
5. How did you market your business when it was brand new?
Believe it or not, most of our growth has come from word of mouth. We did some advertising when social media was just getting started, but thankfully, referrals have been our biggest asset. Some of my customers have been coming to me for 16 years and still return whenever they buy or sell a car, wanting us to handle the detailing. I’ve built strong relationships with them, and they trust me to take care of their vehicles.
6. If you could spend the day with anyone (living or who has passed on) who would it be and why?
That’s a tough question for me. I’ve been influenced by many loved ones who are no longer with us, making it difficult to choose just one person. If I had to select someone, it would be my father. There were so many things we never got to say to each other.
Village Auto Detail
Charlie Marquez, Owner
1801 N High Street
Lakeport, CA 95453
(707) 263-5800
Open Mon-Sat for car wash and car detail by appointment only.
Village Auto Detail would like to Pay it Forward to Roman Arroyo; Insurance Agent with Lincoln Leavitt.
Stay tuned for Roman Arroyo!
