Hidden Gems: Meet Steven Cardoza of Detail Excellence Mobile Car Detailing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Cardoza.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started? 
My name is Steven Cardoza, a driven 22-year-old entrepreneur who embarked on the journey of establishing Detail Excellence Mobile Car Detailing approximately five years ago. Prior to venturing into the entrepreneurship world, I cultivated my foundation in the automotive industry while working part-time at a local carwash. Through diligence and dedication, I ascended to the role of assistant manager, gaining invaluable insights into the intricacies of the trade. 

Inspired by the entrepreneurial endeavors of my family members, particularly my mother’s thriving house-cleaning business Luan’s Magic Cleaning. I harbored a deep-seated desire to carve my own path and realize my vision of building a successful brand from the ground up. The prospect of not only actualizing my dreams but also positively impacting my community by offering unique services for people and employment opportunities fueled my determination. 

My tenure at the local carwash catalyzed discovering my passion for automotive detailing and recognizing the untapped potential within the industry. While conventional carwashes cater to basic cleaning needs, I identified a gap in the market for a service that prioritized meticulous attention to detail and superior results for long-term care for people’s vehicles. Thus, Detail Excellence was born, committed to delivering unparalleled quality and exceeding customer expectations. 

Setting ourselves apart from traditional carwashes, Detail Excellence specializes in comprehensive detailing solutions tailored to individuals who hold their vehicles in high regard. Our range of services, including interior deep cleans, paint corrections, and ceramic coatings, is designed to not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of vehicles but also preserve their condition for the long haul. 

What began as a modest operation in my garage swiftly evolved into a thriving mobile venture, catering to clients across Atlanta and its surrounding areas for maximum convenience. Through dedication to excellence and unwavering commitment to customer service, Detail Excellence has amassed over 130 five-star Google reviews and cultivated a robust online presence with over 20,000 Instagram followers. 

As we continue to grow and innovate, our mission remains steadfast: to redefine the standard of automotive detailing, one meticulous service at a time. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Growing up in a family of business owners, I knew starting my own venture would be tough, both mentally and physically. But I was ready for the challenge when I founded Detail Excellence. At first, I didn’t expect things to take off so quickly. Running the show on my own, handling everything from operations to marketing, was a lot to handle. As the business grew rapidly in the first year, I realized I needed to make some changes to keep up. 

One of the hardest parts was figuring out how to make a profit and build a strong foundation. I had to learn the ins and outs of running a business pretty much on my own. As I worked on adjusting prices, improving our marketing, and getting our name out there, the pressure started to get to me. I was so focused on keeping the business going and not letting it fail that I started struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. It was a very scary time, and it affected my life for 4 years as I worked on expanding the business. 

But I soon realized that I couldn’t let the business take over my life completely. I needed to make time for myself, my hobbies, and my family. Taking care of myself became just as important as taking care of the business. My mother told me that I couldn’t have a lavish business and a horrible personal life. With the support of my family, therapy, and medication, I learned to manage my anxiety. It’s still there, but it doesn’t control me like it used to. 

Now, I approach entrepreneurship with a healthier mindset and that everything happens for a reason. I know that success isn’t just about working hard all the time—it’s about finding balance and taking care of myself too. Detail Excellence is thriving, but I’m also thriving as a person. And that’s something I’m really proud of. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
At Detail Excellence, we specialize in providing meticulous care for discerning vehicle owners who demand nothing but the best for their prized possessions. Our mobile car detailing services are tailored to those who value quality and safety for their vehicles, offering the convenience of professional car care right in the comfort of their own driveway or work location. No need to worry about water or power since we carry every tool and professional equipment to get the job done. Setting ourselves apart from quick carwashes, we understand that true excellence takes time. While an average local carwash may rush through a job in mere minutes, prioritizing quantity over quality, we take the opposite approach. With a commitment to perfection, our skilled technicians invest 3-4 hours on average to detail a car properly, with certain services requiring up to 2 days for completion! 

Whether it’s reviving an old vehicle languishing in storage or preserving the showroom shine of a brand-new purchase, we take pride in our ability to restore and maintain vehicles to impeccable standards. Unlike the quick washes that can leave behind swirl marks and paint damage, our meticulous handcrafted approach ensures every inch of your vehicle is treated with the utmost care and attention. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our 130+ five-star Google reviews, earned through consistently delivering exceptional results and unparalleled customer service. Many of our clients have been with us since before we transitioned into being mobile, trusting us to keep their vehicles in pristine condition year after year. Beyond just cleaning, we offer a range of specialized services, including interior deep cleans and exterior treatments such as waxing, leather conditioning, engine detailing, paint corrections, and ceramic coatings. These not only enhance the appearance of your vehicle but also provide long-term protection against environmental damage. 

At Detail Excellence, we are known for our customer service. Customer satisfaction is our top priority; it’s our foundation because, without our supportive customers, we would not be here. From the moment you inquire about our services, we work closely with you to create a personalized plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns. Our commitment to customer service extends beyond the initial appointment, with many clients opting to enroll in our popular maintenance program, ensuring their vehicles receive regular care monthly, bi-monthly, or a custom schedule without the hassle of long waits or subpar results while offering them low prices for premium care. 

In addition to serving our clients, we are passionate about sharing our expertise with the next generation of detailers. Through personalized one-on-one training sessions, either in person or online, we mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them hone their skills and navigate the intricacies of the industry. In just five years, we have made a significant impact not only on social platforms but also within our community, showcasing the transformative power of professional detailing and empowering others to pursue their passions. At Detail Excellence, we don’t just clean cars – we elevate the entire experience, one detail at a time every time. 

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc.?
Of course, continuously connecting with successful detailing owners worldwide has been an invaluable part of my journey. I firmly believe in the power of knowledge-sharing, particularly when it comes from those who have already achieved the milestones I aspire to reach. This commitment to learning has driven me to invest significantly in programs and courses, enriching my understanding of the detailing industry, honing new skills, and refining my abilities as a business owner—all for the benefit of my valued customers. 

My pursuit of growth extends beyond the detailing industry. Recognizing that knowledge is the cornerstone of success, I immerse myself in business literature and absorb insights from business articles, podcasts, and other successful owners following my career path. These resources not only fuel my entrepreneurial spirit but also fortify my confidence in steering my business toward greater heights. 

For me, formal education was not the chosen path, but that decision came with a vow—to constantly evolve and improve as a business leader. Through self-directed learning and guidance from industry leaders, I’ve gained a wealth of wisdom that surpasses any classroom setting. Each investment in personal development has shaped me into a young mature, discerning entrepreneur with a keen eye for opportunities and commitment to excellence. 

Yet, my journey isn’t solitary. I’ve embraced a mission to pay it forward, leveraging my experiences and past mistakes to mentor and support new detailing entrepreneurs—locally and globally. By offering guidance and insights gleaned from my own successes and setbacks, I empower others to navigate their unique paths toward their business goals. Undoubtedly, the process of training and guiding fellow entrepreneurs isn’t solely driven by altruism—it’s a mutually beneficial relationship that propels my own personal growth forward. With each interaction, I discover fresh inspiration and motivation, spurring me to consistently challenge the limits of what I can achieve, not only for myself but also for those under my mentorship. 

Pricing:

• Express Maintenance Detail (Starts at $85)
• Standard Mobile Detail (Starts at $170)
• Complete Deep Detail (Starts at $250)
• Interior Detailing (Starts at $200)
• Ceramic Coating Installment (Starting at $950)

Contact Info:

• Website: DetailExcellence.Com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detailexcellence/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DetailExcellence
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Detail.Excellence

Image Credits
Detail Excellence
Stephen Drinkwater