Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Her
Hi Daniel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
MinnWest Detailing Story: From Service to Entrepreneurship—Building an Auto Detailing Business One Step at a Time
My journey to entrepreneurship wasn’t something that happened overnight. It was a path paved with hard work, learning, and a lot of trial and error. Before diving into business ownership, I served in the Minnesota National Guard while working at previous jobs—a chapter of my life that shaped me in ways I never anticipated. Serving taught me valuable life lessons, like leadership, responsibility, and teamwork, and also instilled in me the drive to work hard for something greater than myself. These lessons became the foundation for my future as a business owner.
However, there was one thing that stood in my way: I had no experience starting or running a business. I had the drive, the discipline, and the skills, but the world of business operations was foreign to me. I certainly didn’t know how to turn my passion for auto detailing into a full-time career. But, as I had learned in the National Guard, when faced with a challenge, the only option was to dig in and learn.
From Detailing Cars to Starting My Own Business
Before I made the leap into entrepreneurship, a close friend of mine introduced me to auto detailing where I spent some time working in the detailing department of a dealership and later at a shop. It was in those earlier times that I developed hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the detailing industry. I learned the ins and outs of auto detailing, how to care for various types of vehicles, and the value of providing exceptional customer service. The work was rewarding, and it sparked something inside me—an entrepreneurial fire that was hard to ignore.
Despite my experience in the industry, I didn’t know the first thing about the business side of things. I didn’t understand taxes, marketing, customer acquisition, or how to manage operations efficiently. The reality was that I had a lot to learn. So, I did what anyone would do in my position: I turned to research. I spent hours reading articles and watching videos on how to turn my passion for auto detailing into a business. It was a steep learning curve, but every bit of information I absorbed helped me build a foundation for what would eventually become my company.
The Birth of MinnWest Detailing in My Parents’ Garage
With a little knowledge and a lot of determination, I took a leap with faith and decided to start my detailing business. Naturally, I started small—operating out of my parents’ garage. The garage was far from ideal—small, crowded, and filled with random storage—but it was a place I could call my own to get started. Before the journey really began, organization had to be done. Shelves were built to keep personal items organized, and I made enough room to work on a car. Specialized lights were purchased and installed to help with visibility.
I had a small setup with just the basic equipment I could afford, and I started offering detailing services to friends, family, and anyone who would listen. The garage became my office, my workspace, and my shop. I spent countless hours working on cars, perfecting my technique, and figuring out how to balance customer satisfaction with growing my business. Every job I took on taught me something new—not just about detailing, but about managing clients, handling finances, and running a small operation.
I didn’t have the fancy tools or a team behind me, but I had determination. I knew the work I put in would continue to pay off. Word of mouth started spreading, and the space was no longer making the cut—it was time to think bigger.
The Next Move
After a short time in business, the garage at my parents’ house was no longer cutting it. I needed a larger space to accommodate the workspace and more equipment. It was time to consider moving to a much larger location. After looking online, I found a 3-car garage that was the perfect next step. The additional space allowed for new equipment, more inventory, and the ability to meet the growing needs of the business.
This move was a significant milestone, but it came with many struggles. It wasn’t just about space; it was about taking my business seriously and growing it into something more substantial. During this time, I was still serving with the Minnesota National Guard, juggling jobs while trying to manage personal expenses and maintain focus on the business. With the new transition came new challenges. Despite this, I stayed focused, kept pushing forward, and continued building the foundation for a bigger future.
Transitioning to a Larger Shop
After a few years in the 3-car garage, I began to realize that the business had outgrown the space. I needed a larger facility that would allow for further expansion and greater efficiency. The next big move came at just the right time—the previous business owner had outgrown their space and gave me the option to move into it.
The move to a larger space came with its own set of challenges, but it was necessary for continued growth. However, even with the larger shop, I kept the operation small, focusing on maintaining the same quality of service while expanding my client base. It was important to me that the business stayed manageable and that I could still deliver the personal touch my clients had come to expect. The larger shop allowed me to serve more customers, expand my services, and have the flexibility to work on multiple vehicles at once.
Today, the business is continuing to grow. But even with a larger facility, I’ve remained primarily a one-man crew. I enjoy the hands-on aspect of the work and the personal connection I have with each of my customers. It’s my passion for detailing and the lessons I learned through my National Guard service that have allowed me to build this business. I stay disciplined and focused, keeping the business manageable while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
Where I Am Today
Looking back, I am proud of how far the business has come. From working in my parents’ garage with no business experience to operating a one-man functional shop, it’s been a journey that has been both challenging and rewarding. It hasn’t always been easy, but every step along the way—from that tiny garage to the larger shop—has been a reflection of my growth, both as a business owner and a person.
I’m still running the show, still working hard, and still learning. The Minnesota National Guard taught me the importance of discipline, hard work, and never giving up, and those values are what continue to drive the business today. It’s been an incredible ride, and I look forward to what the future holds.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The Challenges of Building MinnWest Detailing: From Small Garage to Larger Dreams
Starting a business is never easy, and mine was no exception. The road to where MinnWest Detailing is today has been filled with challenges that tested my determination, creativity, and resilience. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine the obstacles I faced, but each one pushed me further into the journey of entrepreneurship. It all began with the initial decision to start my business and the long, challenging road that followed.
The Start in My Parents’ Garage
At the time, I didn’t know anything about running a business nor had a huge savings to start off. All I had was a passion for auto detailing and the determination to make it work. I decided to start small and operate out of my parents’ garage.
The garage was far from an ideal setup. It was small, crowded, and filled with random storage. But it was space I could use, and it allowed me to get started. The real challenge, though, was not just the lack of space—it was figuring out how to make it a functional workspace for my new business. I had no fancy equipment, no team to help, and limited resources. But I had the drive.
It wasn’t just about detailing cars. There was the challenge of learning how to run the business side of things—figuring out finances and finding clients. All of this while I was still figuring out how to manage my time between running a business and my responsibilities in the Minnesota National Guard plus the current jobs at the time.
The Move to a Larger Location: Higher Expenses and New Struggles
After a while, I realized that my parents’ garage was not working anymore. I needed more space to work efficiently and provide the quality of service I wanted to offer. I found a 3-car garage, which seemed like a perfect next step. But with the new space came a host of new challenges, and none of them were easy.
The first major obstacle was the increased expenses. I was paying rent and other business costs. The small garage at my parents’ house was a thing of the past, and the new financial expense of this new location was a real struggle. I didn’t have a huge steady stream of clients yet, so there were many months where I had to pinch pennies just to cover the basic costs. I had to work harder to find clients and pick up jobs at night, all while keeping the lights on at the new shop.
On top of that, the location wasn’t without its quirks. It didn’t have heat, which made the Minnesota winters a real challenge. The cold months were brutal, and trying to work on cars in a freezing space was incredibly difficult. But there was no way I was going to let that stop me. I had to get creative. I invested in space heaters and other makeshift solutions to keep the building warm enough to work in. It wasn’t ideal, but it was the only option I had if I wanted to keep the business moving forward.
Another struggle faced at the new space was it did not directly have water. That meant in the colder months, I had to haul water from home every day just to fill up a water tank at the location. I would load up my car with gallons of water, drive it over, and pour it into the tank so I could wash cars. It felt like a never-ending chore, but it was part of the price I had to pay to make the business work. Every fill up was a reminder that building a business meant putting in the extra work, no matter how inconvenient or tiring it was. There were times when I thought about giving up.
Facing Higher Expenses and the Pressure to Find Work
As the business grew, I faced even more challenges. I had moved to a bigger location with the necessary heat and water that the previous location did not have. But the expenses kept increasing, and the pressure to find consistent work to cover those expenses was constant. At this time, I decided to quit any other jobs to put all efforts and focus on the business, which meant there was no back up income for rainy days or a steady income gotten from a regular job. The larger space allowed me to serve more clients, but I still had to work hard to find customers, especially with the added costs of running a bigger shop. Moving into a whole different part of the city meant a reset on how future clients found you. It wasn’t easy. Slowly but surely, clients started to come in, but I always felt like I was one step away from falling behind.
Another struggle faced was unexpected repairs/replacement of tools. On slower months when work gets slow and the need to replace high priced tools happens. You either make the sacrifice of replacing the needed tool or save the money for the recurring expense that was coming. On slower months the business had to survive, this meant if you didn’t make enough to support a regular life, whatever you made goes towards the business expenses.
There were bills to pay, overhead costs to cover, and no guarantee that the business would stay afloat. But every time I felt like giving up, I thought back to the sacrifices I made to get to this point. I remembered the days working in my parents’ garage, hauling water, dealing with the cold, and facing the constant pressure to make ends meet. I couldn’t let all of that be for nothing.
Where I Am Today
Today, MinnWest Detailing is continuing to grow. Looking back at everything I’ve been through—from working in my parents’ garage with minimal resources to struggling with high overhead costs and trying to keep a shop warm in the cold Minnesota winters—it’s hard to believe how far the business has come. There are still challenges to face, but I now know that every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow.
Through all of it, I’ve learned that perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to work hard are key to building a successful business. I’m grateful for every setback and every challenge because it’s those moments that have shaped me into the business owner I am today. And while the expenses and challenges continue, I am committed to building the dream I set out to create.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
MinnWest Detailing is an auto detailing business that offers professional auto detailing services for vehicles. We provide a range of services to protect and enhance the appearance of cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Which can include exterior detailing, interior detailing, paint correction, and ceramic coatings.
MinnWest Detailing is founded by a veteran entrepreneur who has a passion for auto detailing. The business focuses on providing high-quality services to customers, ensuring their vehicles look their best and maintain their value.
MinnWest Detailing is built on values of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, with a commitment to maintaining high standards of service. It continues to grow and serve customers while remaining focused on offering excellent detailing services.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The COVID-19 crisis brought significant challenges to businesses across the globe, and MinnWest Detailing was no exception. Like many others, the pandemic forced the business to adapt, innovate, and reassess its operations to survive and continue serving its customers. Through this experience, MinnWest Detailing learned several valuable and important lessons that have shaped its approach to business going forward:
1. The Importance of Flexibility and Adaptability
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how unpredictable business conditions can be. MinnWest Detailing had to quickly pivot its operations to comply with safety regulations and restrictions. This taught the importance of being adaptable and flexible—being able to adjust services, business hours, and even the business model itself to keep operations running smoothly, even in uncertain times.
2. Digital Transformation and Online Presence
With social distancing measures in place and people avoiding unnecessary trips, MinnWest Detailing learned the critical role of online presence and digital marketing. Having an active social media presence, an updated website, and the ability to book services online became essential. The business saw that the future of customer interactions, at least for a while, would be more reliant on digital platforms. Online booking systems and virtual consultations allowed MinnWest Detailing to continue engaging with clients safely while maintaining efficiency.
3. Customer Relationships and Communication
The pandemic underscored the importance of clear, consistent communication with clients. Many customers were uncertain about safety, operating hours, and service availability, so keeping them informed was crucial. Whether it was letting customers know about new sanitation practices or updating them on changes in services, MinnWest Detailing learned that building and maintaining trust through communication is essential for customer loyalty, especially in challenging times.
4. Relying on Strong Operational Foundations
The crisis revealed how important it is to have a solid operational foundation in place. MinnWest Detailing had to streamline processes, focus on cost-efficiency, and make sure that the business could continue to function even with reduced customer volume. This experience reinforced the need to focus on financial management, reducing unnecessary expenses, and making sure the business was built to withstand difficult periods.
5. Creativity and Diversification
During the pandemic, MinnWest Detailing also found ways to get creative with its offerings. With many people staying home, some began to value their vehicles more or needed specific services like interior sanitation and cleaning. By offering specialized services like sanitizing vehicles to protect against the virus, the business was able to meet an immediate need in the market. This taught MinnWest Detailing the importance of diversifying service offerings to meet changing customer needs.
6. Resilience and Perseverance
Finally, one of the most important lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis was the power of resilience. Like many small businesses, MinnWest Detailing faced tough months, uncertain revenue, and logistical difficulties. However, the crisis also showed the importance of persevering, staying focused on long-term goals, and trusting that hard work would eventually pay off. The experience taught that resilience, the ability to keep pushing forward even when things are tough, is vital for business success.
7. The Value of Local Support
During the pandemic, MinnWest Detailing recognized the immense value of supporting and being supported by the local community. Many clients made an effort to continue supporting local businesses, and MinnWest Detailing learned that strong relationships with local customers could be a key factor in survival during difficult times. Community support was vital to keeping the business afloat during slower periods.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.minnwestdetailing.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/minnwest_detailing/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MinnWestDetailing/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@minnwest_detailing?lang=en
