Today we’d like to introduce you to Zach Tharge.
Hi Zach, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started Detail & Dash in 2018 as a mobile detailer out of the trunk of my Chevy Impala. I was in college at the time, and I didn’t have the funds to open a physical shop, so I bought basic equipment from Walmart — a small pressure washer, microfiber towels, and entry-level supplies — and began offering detailing services on the side to make extra cash.
I would drive to customers’ homes, hook up to their water and electricity, and complete full details right in their driveway. At the time, mobile detailing wasn’t common in our region, so being the first mobile unit made the service extremely convenient and helped me stand out.
The mobile model actually started as a necessity rather than a strategic business idea, but demand grew quickly because people appreciated the combination of convenience and quality. After doing it part-time for two years, the business was thriving enough that I decided to leave college and pursue it full-time.
The name “Detail & Dash” came from that original model — I would detail the vehicle and then dash away to the next customer. Today, the name is trademarked, and while we no longer routinely offer mobile services, it’s become an important part of our brand story.
As demand continued to grow, I focused on building a team, investing in better tools and training, and expanding into brick-and-mortar locations. Through consistent quality and hiring the right people, we’ve grown into two full service facilities — one in Superior, Wisconsin and one in Duluth, Minnesota — offering premium detailing, ceramic coatings, paint protection film, window tinting, powder coating, and more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think anyone who has built a business from the ground up would agree that entrepreneurship is hard, and there’s no blueprint that perfectly prepares you for it.
A few key struggles stand out. One of the biggest ongoing challenges has been employee retention and staffing. Finding the right people who share the same standards, work ethic, and commitment to quality is extremely difficult, especially in a labor-intensive service industry. People can either bring your business forward or pull it down, and learning how to identify, train, and retain the right talent has been a major learning curve.
Quality satisfaction has also been a core challenge—not because we don’t care, but because maintaining consistently high standards requires strong systems, communication, and accountability. As demand grows, it becomes harder to oversee every vehicle personally, and you have to build a team you trust to deliver the same level of work your customers expect.
Another struggle has been figuring out how to stay busy year-round, especially in a seasonal climate. Creating consistent revenue to support a full staff and sustain a long-term career has required a lot of strategic planning, diversification of services, and marketing.
At the end of the day, our business is only as strong as the people behind it. There’s no question that employees are our greatest asset. Building a team that aligns with our goals has been both the most challenging and most rewarding part of the journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Detail & Dash?
Overall, we’re a premium automotive appearance and protection company. We offer high-end detailing services, ceramic coatings, paint protection film, window tinting, rust proofing, vinyl wrapping, bed liners, and powder coating. Our goal is to help people protect, customize, and enjoy their vehicles long-term, not just make them look good for a day.
What really sets us apart is our commitment to customer satisfaction and individualized service. We don’t push one-size-fits-all packages. Every vehicle and every customer has different needs, so we take the time to create customized plans based on their goals, budget, and how they use their vehicle. That personalized approach, combined with professional-quality products and skilled technicians, has helped us build a reputation for exceptional results.
We’re also known for excellent customer service and extremely high quality standards. We hold ourselves to a level where every customer who walks through the door should leave 100% satisfied — not just with how their vehicle looks, but with the entire experience.
What I’m most proud of is seeing our brand recognized locally as a leading provider of both quality and service. That doesn’t happen by accident. It takes daily commitment from our entire team. We have to show up with consistency, effort, and pride in our work every single day — because customers can tell when you care.
Any big plans?
Looking ahead, we’re focused on continuing to grow our presence in Duluth and establishing the same level of quality and consistency there that we’ve built in Superior over the last four years. Expanding into a new market is always a process, and we’re committed to building a team and a reputation that reflects the standards our customers expect from us.
We’re also adding new services, including powder coating and vinyl printing for commercial and business vehicles. These offerings allow us to expand beyond traditional detailing and protection, giving customers more ways to customize and elevate their vehicles under one roof.
I’m excited about these additions because they create new opportunities both for our customers and for our business. They allow people to interact with our brand in different ways, whether they’re looking for protection, customization, or branding solutions for their fleets.
Ultimately, our future plans revolve around smart growth, expanded capabilities, and providing services that genuinely add value to the community.
Pricing:
- $250-$10,000 depending on the service
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.detailanddash.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detailanddash/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Detail.Dash/
