Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Cardoza.
Hi Steven, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started Detail Excellence around 2019–2020, working out of my garage with the simple goal of providing quality car detailing for people who genuinely cared about their vehicles. In the beginning, I was doing mostly drop-offs, learning through trial and error, and putting in long hours just trying to get better every day.
As demand grew, the business naturally transitioned into a fully mobile operation. That shift pushed me to level up—not just in skill, but in mindset. Ambition, discipline, and work ethic became non-negotiables. What started as a side hustle quickly turned into something much more serious.
Over the years, I’ve grown into the role of a true business owner. I became intentional about learning from people who were doing it better than me, building a strong network, refining my processes, and raising my standards across the board. Each stage of growth came with challenges, but those challenges shaped how I operate today.
Now, looking back—especially since the last time I was featured on VoyageATL—I can clearly see the evolution. Not just in the brand, but in myself. Detail Excellence has become just as much about the relationships I’ve built with my customers as it is about the work itself. Trust, communication, and consistency are at the core of everything we do, and many of my clients have been with me for years. That connection and loyalty are what truly define where I am today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. There have been moments where I’ve genuinely considered walking away—working for a company, collecting an easy paycheck, and avoiding the pressure that comes with running a business. But I’ve come to realize that, even though I don’t always enjoy that pressure, it’s what keeps me sharp and constantly moving forward.
There were times where I was simply trying to make ends meet while also figuring out the market, especially as inflation began affecting both customers and small businesses. Those challenges forced me to think differently and adapt instead of staying comfortable. I’ve had to evolve for my customers—changing my website, restructuring service packages, creating new programs, and even collaborating with a respected tinting company to provide more value.
Along the way, I also learned that growth isn’t just about the business. Working on myself—mentally, professionally, and personally—has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey. Those internal improvements reflect directly in how I operate, how I serve clients, and how I handle challenges today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Detail Excellence is a premium mobile detailing and vehicle care service built around convenience, quality, and relationships. We come directly to our clients—whether that’s their home or workplace—and provide professional detailing without them having to disrupt their day. That convenience is a big part of what we offer, but it’s only the starting point.
What we’re known for is the experience. After that first service, many of our clients stay with us on a recurring basis, turning into long-term customers—and often friends. We specialize in high-level detailing and vehicle care, and we approach every job with the mindset that it’s more than “just a wash.” There’s a big difference between quick, low-cost services and true professional work, and we don’t cut corners to compete on price. We focus on quality, results, and consistency—because you truly get what you pay for.
What sets us apart is our professionalism and how personal we are with our clients. We take the time to educate, communicate, and help however we can, whether that’s recommending the right service, creating a maintenance plan, or collaborating with trusted partners to provide even more value. Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the trust we’ve built. Detail Excellence is a brand people feel comfortable recommending, returning to, and standing behind—and that’s something we work hard to earn every single day.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Resilience has been the most important quality behind my success. Even during slow months or periods where things don’t go as planned, I keep going. I’ve learned that setbacks are part of the process, and it’s the long-term vision that keeps me focused when short-term results don’t show up right away.
A lot of people quit when they don’t see immediate success or when progress takes longer than expected. I’ve felt that impatience myself, but instead of stopping, I push forward. I hold myself to a high standard and I’m constantly challenging myself to be better—not just in the work, but in the overall experience I provide. That pressure I put on myself has helped me grow, stay unique and continue improving year after year.
Pricing:
- Essential/Express Detail: Starting at $199
- Recurring Maintenance Plan: Starting at $90
- Ceramic Coating Protection: Starting at $499
- Gloss Paint Enhancement: $275
- HeadLight Restoration: $120
Contact Info:
- Website: https://DetaiExcellence.Com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detailexcellence?igsh=MjV5ODAyMm0yNnBo&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16mxz7TQ1h/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@detail.excellence?si=s-NfAMxm9ANVlWAM
