Local detailing shop looking to break through the industry

SAND CITY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Car week has seen busy times for local detailing shops around the Peninsula. Some, like Ronald Tinsley, are seeing their business capture a new demand, as with so many luxury cars needing a quick clean, his number of appointments has seen an increase.

“I kind of had the idea, me and a bunch of my buddies were doing detailing, and we all kind of ventured out doing our own events and things like that.” Ron shares that after some time working alongside his friends, he was recently able to venture into the business on his own. “But this year is the second year, I started my business back in November, and I've been just trying to grow.”

Car week is bringing shine to cars all around the peninsula, and car detailers like Ron are showcasing their passion for the cars they work on.  

“It's just an honor to be able to work with something, you know, this old, but this nice. like, you know what I mean?”  

Such a niche trade is not foreign to Ron, as for him, the industry is very close to home. He shares that the inspiration for this trade came from his dad, who owned a similar business and taught him about car detailing. “I don't know why, but just dealing with cars and working like this is kind of soothing for me. It's like therapy,” he says.

A lot of people might think anyone can make their vehicles car-week-ready, but it's not just spraying down cars.

“We take trips up to Las Vegas to conventions to different places just so that we can acquire the know-how for you know caring for these cars, I mean, we're dealing with people's property here, and some people have sentimental value, and you know they really care about their cars.”

In this business, Ron adds that weather plays a big role, as a morning sprinkle may smudge, smear, or just add water spots to a freshly washed car. That's why James Jones does not play. 

“Well, this is going to sound kind of silly, but she doesn't go out in the rain.” James Jones owns a 1973 Lincoln as a member of the Seasiders' Classic Car Club. “She doesn't go out at night time, you know, because at the end of the day, they can't put a value on this car.” 

Despite uncertain times, Ron adds that as a business owner, he must just push forward. “You always want to keep a low cost of overhead. That's the main goal for sure. But I mean, you just have to prioritize certain things, such as chemicals and tools, and gas.” 

Ron adds that Car Week certainly helps his business and others like him, as he sees a higher number of detailing appointments during this time.