Today we’d like to introduce you to Yasir Waqaar.
Yasir, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Back in 2003, my rental properties were vacant. I had no other income. I started mobile detailing as a way to get cash. I made some flyers and business cards. Then I went door to door at businesses on Candler Road. After about three years, I took a job and stopped detailing. However, several customers continued calling and requesting my service. After a year or so break, I serviced a few former clients and detailed at some offices. In 2008, I started Red Clay detailing as a part-time operation. I detailed cars around my regular job schedule as a broadcast engineer.
In 2014, the company decided to restructure our department, which meant reapplying for my position. The chief engineer encouraged me to reapply; I wasn’t interested in doing so. Well, I reapplied and was not “rehired.” Fortunately, I received some decent “walking away from money.”
Since then, I turned my energy to detailing full-time. With that, I have attended trade shows and training to improve my skills. Over the past four years, I have worked on projects and attended shows around the country. During the spring and summer, I work with Mothers Polishes road team. I have detailed at Monterrey Car Week at McCall’s Motorworks Revival. Twice, I have worked on the Air Force One Detailing Team in Seattle. The travel and projects breaks up the daily rut. I meet and work with people from all over the US and other countries.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Letting go is probably my biggest challenge. I do too much in my business. Things go undone or take longer because I have a long list of responsibilities.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Red Clay Detailing – what should we know?
Red Clay Detailing is a personal detailing service for new and like new vehicles. Service starts with a base. Other services can be added onto. Service is by appointment and includes Scratch Removal, Paint Polishing, Headlight Restoration, Odor Removal, Carpet and Upholstery Shampooing. This business is about trust. A customer must know you will perform the services you’re paid to do. Also, you will not steal from them and protect their privacy. I am willing to say, “No.” I am not all things to all people. Either it’s too risky or out of my skillset.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My clients who have been with me through the tough times. Some have been with me for three or more years. Several have been close to ten years. Family and friends who gave supported me in the early years and sent referrals or call for advice. A close personal and industry friend, Steve Printup, with Showcase Reconditioning. We call on each other for projects and technical issues. He also encourages and pushes me. It’s not always direct. Other industry friends who send referrals or bring me in on projects: Justin with Eco Auto Clean. Eric at FadeAway Detailing, Rodd and Beth at Next Level Detailing.
The Detail Mafia is a national network of detailers. Many members make themselves available to answer questions in a pinch. They give business and technical advice. Having access to people who can give you a different view is priceless.
Contact Info:
- Website: redclaydetailing.com
- Phone: 404-419-6882
- Instagram: @redclaydetailing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redclaydetailing/
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