Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Bostic.
Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I relocated to Atlanta from Brunswick, GA. I originally moved here to attend College as a Full-Time student at Clayton State University. It was during this transition I learned many things that would shape who I am today. During school, I picked up an overnight job to put money in my pocket, the college ramen noodle diet was starting to become an old routine. I started working for a major company and as I started to pay attention to the logistics of our production when I realized that I made an impact on the overall success of production. As I thrived to moved up with the company, I realized at each level comes more responsibility with no guaranteed security. As I educated my self reading books like rich dad poor dad, 7 habits of highly successful people, etc. As I started to become more financially literate, I began to see ways that I could thrive in a capitalistic society where money can be the determining factor if you live or die.
I’ve always been someone to put my mind to something and do it. So from that moment, I began to make the necessary sacrifices and lifestyle changes to take steps towards financial freedom. One major step I chose to take that I felt would lead me to financial freedom is starting a business. I kept a notepad that I would write on at my overnight job, brainstorming business ideas. Not just any ideas but things I felt where actually tangible for me to achieve while being a student with minimal resources. I needed money for start up costs so I knew whatever I was getting into couldn’t be too expensive to start. After making the decision to start a car cleaning service I began getting the necessary equipment piece by piece. Saving money from each check, school refund, and any other income I received. At first a lot of my equipment was second hand, sourcing it from places like let go and craigslist. It wasn’t until later when the business began to grown when id get better things to prefect the cleaning process. I rolled my pressure washer into my bathroom since I had no where to store it. Every morning when I woke u to brush my teeth, I would see that pressure washer sitting there reminding me that I’m working towards something and to not lose sight of that. The last major purchase I made before making my business legitimate in the state Georgia was my van.
The day I purchased my van I was so proud of myself. I put all the equipment I collected in the van and started washing cars the next morning. I sacrificed sleep, the college parties, and a few assignments from my 8 o’clock class to maintain the roles of a full time student, to work overnight, and start a business; but I knew it was apart of a larger plan. My struggles did not end there. I started to build client by literally hustling. I would walk Walmart parking lot asking people walking out if they needed a car wash. I would put my business cards on car doors and windows. I was going by businesses, dealerships, and to anyone who had 4-wheels and an engine offering my services. I had to over come being rejected so much I turn it into a game. I would make it a goal for my services to be accepted before being rejected at least 5 times. I started small making my goal to service at least two vehicles a day, as marketing grew, so did my business. and not only did I reach my goal, but I surpassed it! I was able to pay off my van in less than a year of opening. Everyday rather I service a car or not I continue working to grow my business; marketing, cutting cost, or expansion.
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?
Moving from a small town by myself, Brunswick, GA (same city as Ahmaud Arbery) working an overnight job while in school was a difficult task with a major like computer science almost all of your time outside of the classroom, is spent studying. Working was necessary to provide my necessities. Everyday is an 18hr day.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Right now I currently work overnight as a supervisor of a major logistic company. I have been an essential worker throughout the pandemic to ensure businesses and homes over the world receive products. I am known for the music I create and the studio sessions I use to host in my dorm room. I am a computer science major and I specialize in cyber security. I am most proud of overcoming the mental stresses, the materialistic distractions, and the unjust system geared to derail African American males like myself and steer us to the graveyard or to prison. What’s sets me apart is my ability to adapt to situations and conquer them. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall it matters how many times you get up!
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Soon I will be expanding DirtMasters and looking for part-time employees. All support is appreciated whether it be a simple follow and repost on Instagram or a potential client requesting my services.
Contact Info:
- Email: dirtmastersceo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @dirtmastersllc
- Other: $DirtMastersLLC
