Today we’d like to introduce you to Drew Lindgren.
Hi Drew, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
A couple of years ago, I was given my red 2008 Dodge Dakota truck from my grandpa. He couldn’t drive anymore, and this truck meant a lot to him. I wanted to make him proud by taking care of it. I began learning about car detailing, interior and exterior.
My old co-worker told me she liked how my truck was always so shiny, and asked if I could do some detailing for her car. I then realized car detailing is in higher demand than I originally thought.
I took a risk financially and got the right tools, chemicals, and organization to make a legit car detailing company. This began May of 2024.
The first year was really tough. I was doing the labor all day, handling the growth of the business, finishing up college (online through Bemidji State), and working overnight asleep jobs caregiving in a grouphome as a backup fund.
This work ethic and the blessing of finding customers to help allowed me to buy my first duplex in St. Paul, which led our comapany headquarters to the cities rather than where I was before: My parents house in Roseville.
Ever since, Northwoods Auto Detail has been working tirelessly to become the largest mobile detailing company in the Twin Cities, as well as the largest overall car detailing company in St. Paul.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been the smoothest sailing.
In the beginning, although I detailed my truck often, I still had lots to learn. Working for lesser prices for people close to me allowed me to learn the techniques and skills needed for high-quality servicing.
Once I began gaining clients through Google and Facebook, I had to properly allocate my time and make sure I was satisfying the clients needs, while making sure the back-end of the business was running smoothly. This was an excellent lesson about time management and knowing what clients need, and how to communicate with them.
When the winter came, I was extremely stressed to find a solution. My parents wouldn’t want my to work in their garage all winter (understandably) and I wasn’t sure what the demand for car detailing was like in the winter. I explored every option possible, but decided to take another risk and buy a duplex with a large garage. We plan to stay mobile and seasonal, but this gives us the chance to work through the winter if necessary.
This year, my main challenge is finding the best ways to gather clients and leads, as well as manage my two employees. Taking on a management role has been a physical relief, but a mental game. Working on our advertising, directions, plans, and relationships with customers ensures I learn something new every day!
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?
Northwoods Auto Detail is a trailblazer in the car detailing industry.
We focus on a wide array of interior and exterior services for your car, and we do so offering same-day availability. Mobile auto detailing is still pretty rare in the Twin Cities, and with our emphasis on perfection, speed, and reliability, we’re separating ourselves from the competition.
I love that while we focus on speed and availability, our customers see the details in our work, and we’re rated very highly. Also, as the manager and owner, I’m always willing to talk with customers about their concerns and be available for them.
I’m convinced every person needs their cars deep-cleaned. Years of dirt, dust, and unwanted odors build up in a car without even noticing sometimes. This is the small space that you breathe in every day, sit in, and spend each day in.
While we deep clean interiors, we also pride our work on the exterior protection of your car. With our ceramic coatings, you can protect your paint for up to TEN YEARS, making sure your cars exterior is protected from the Minnesota winters.
Northwoods Auto Detail is available, high-quality, personable, and we offer the services you need!
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Absolutely.
Two years ago I became a believer in Jesus Christ, and reading The Word of God each day gives me peace and wisdom to continue pushing on in this journey.
One Youtuber that has a lot of helpful content is Alex Hormozi. He’s given me a huge mount of information based on his experience, and his words have helped a lot.
I love learning Spanish through Duolingo. It sharpens my mind in the mornings and I hope to be fluent one day.
Pricing:
- Premium Full Detail: $235-275
- Interior Deep Clean: $210-250
- Ceramic Coating: $405-1150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.northwoodsautodetail.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northwoodsautodetail/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Northwoods-Auto-Detail-61560405456164/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-lindgren-70b0b8300/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@northwoodsautodetail
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/northwoods-auto-detail-saint-paul
