WHY I STARTED THE WHITE GLOVE DETAILER
Why I Started The White Glove Detailer
How childhood inspiration, cable wires, and Cadillac coatings shaped a Tampa Bay original
In 2001, like many kids who saw Fast & Furious for the first time, I fell in love with the car world. But while others dreamed of drag races and modded engines, I became obsessed with something else—cleanliness. The sound of a foam sprayer, the look of a polished panel, the feeling of transforming something neglected into something respected. That was my lane.
Born in ’96, I started detailing at 14 with a bucket and a brush in my neighborhood. By 18, it was a steady side hustle. Then in 2018, a job at a local detailing supply distributor deepened my curiosity. I was supposed to be helping sell products—but I wanted to understand what made them work. I dreamed of creating my own line. When my role shifted into their in-house detailing department, I realized I wanted more control over the experience. So I stepped out on my own.
In 2019, The White Glove Detailer was born.
Why “White Glove”?
That nickname came long before the business. When I worked in the cable and fiber optic industry, my manager called me “White Glove” because of how clean and precise I was—wires neatly tucked, tools in place, van organized like a mobile workshop. I brought that same standard to detailing. Nothing thrown together. No shortcuts. Always clean. Always ready.
What Was Missing in the Industry?
I had my car professionally detailed once. It looked alright—until I started fixing things myself right after the guy left. I was overcharged, underwhelmed, and felt like I could have done better. That moment stuck with me.
Detailing is a luxury service. Whether you’re paying $50 or $500, your expectations should match your investment. I built The White Glove Detailer around the idea that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability. That’s why my entry-level package offers up to 2 hours of serious service for just $165—it’s my sweet spot between value and craftsmanship.
The Moment I Knew It Was Real
The first ceramic coating I applied was to a 2019 Cadillac Escalade ESV. It was the biggest ticket I’d written, the most involved process I’d tackled, and the first time I looked at a vehicle the next morning thinking—“I did that?”
That Escalade didn’t just shine. It signaled a shift. I wasn’t just washing cars anymore—I was transforming them.
From Side Hustle to a Scalable Vision
The biggest evolution in this business came when Shae joined the journey. She challenged the idea of charging the same price for a vehicle we saw two weeks ago versus one we hadn’t seen in months. That led to the creation of our 96 Octane Maintainer Plan—a membership-based detailing program that rewards consistency and saves clients time and money.
Today, we’re working toward building a dual presence: a physical location while continuing to offer mobile services. We’re setting a goal of maintaining 70–150 vehicles weekly on rotation before securing the right space.
We’re also moving toward a credit-based system with auto-charging, all built around transparency and trust.
Why This is Bigger Than Just a Job
This brand has become my identity. My wardrobe supports it. My language reflects it. My message—“Another Day, Another Detail™”—is my mantra. I don’t just want to be in this industry. I want to uplift it. Whether I’m working behind the buffer or leading from the front, I’m always learning—and someday, I’ll have to pay that forward. Maybe through content. Maybe through mentorship. But always with purpose.
The Legacy I Want to Leave
I want The White Glove Detailer to be remembered as the realest to do it in the South. Not because of hype—but because of honesty, consistency, and connection. I want to build a network of detailing professionals who collaborate instead of compete. I want Tampa Bay to shine—and know who helped polish it.
Want to Support the Mission?
Whether you’re a detailer, an enthusiast, or someone who just loves a clean ride, you’re part of the journey.
Book a service, refer a friend, or just say hello.
🧤 Another Day, Another Detail™
