We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chris Garibay a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Chris thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share a customer success story with us?
One of my favorite customer success stories involves a client with a Nissan 370Z that had been sitting untouched in their driveway for over a year. The car had collected dust, the paint had lost its shine, the engine bay was grimy, and the headlights were yellowed and cloudy. On top of that, the client was preparing to sell the car, so presentation and condition were going to directly impact how much value they could get from it.
When they called me, they were nervous that the car might look too far gone to impress potential buyers. I assured them that we could completely transform it with the proper process and attention to detail. I started with a full deep clean on the interior, exterior, and engine bay. The paint received a careful wash and rejuvenation, bringing back its depth and gloss. The interior was restored to a fresh, like-new feel, which instantly elevated the overall presentation. The real game changer was the headlights. They were badly oxidized and cloudy from years of exposure, but after a full restoration process, they looked crystal clear, almost factory new.
When the job was complete, the owner could not believe it. They told me the car looked better than the day they bought it eight years ago. More importantly, when it came time to sell, the detail made all the difference. They were able to secure an offer above Kelley Blue Book value. In their own words, they felt the detail was the reason the car stood out and commanded that higher price.
For me, this story highlights what TopShine is all about. It is not just cleaning a car; it is about helping customers unlock hidden value, restore pride of ownership, and solve problems that directly impact their goals. Seeing their excitement, knowing the service paid for itself many times over, and hearing that they will be back for all their future details is exactly why I do what I do.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m Chris Garibay, founder of TopShine Mobile Detailing in San Diego. My passion for cars started years ago as a personal hobby, and over time, it grew into a craft and eventually a business dedicated to helping people see the true potential of their vehicles.
At TopShine, we provide premium mobile detailing and ceramic coating services that restore, protect, and elevate vehicles inside and out. From deep interior resets to multi-year ceramic coatings and headlight restorations, our work solves real problems—whether that’s preparing a car to sell for above market value, protecting a new vehicle from coastal elements, or simply giving someone back the pride of seeing their car look brand new again.
What sets us apart is our attention to detail, consistency, and values. We don’t rush through jobs or cut corners, and we use proven products and processes designed for long-term results. Being mobile means we bring that quality and convenience directly to our clients at their home or office.
What I am most proud of is the trust we’ve built. Our clients return again and again, not just because of how their cars look, but because they know we care about their goals and experience. For me, TopShine isn’t just about cars—it’s about people, value, and showing that the little details matter most.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source of new clients for TopShine has been a combination of word of mouth and Google visibility. Our clients are usually so excited about the results they get that they naturally share their experience with friends, family, and coworkers, which brings us a steady stream of referrals. At the same time, we’ve invested heavily in our online presence—particularly through Google Business Profile and local SEO—which makes it easy for people searching for premium mobile detailing in San Diego to find us.
Those two channels work hand in hand. Referrals build instant trust because they come from someone the client already knows. At the same time, our strong online reviews and visibility give new customers confidence that we’ll deliver the same quality for them. That mix has been the foundation of our growth.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Absolutely. Two of the biggest influences on my entrepreneurial journey have been Alex Hormozi’s $100M series and Grant Cardone’s 10X Rule. Hormozi’s books really shaped the way I think about creating offers, building value, and structuring a business so that it scales with clarity and systems. His philosophy of stacking undeniable value until customers feel like they would be losing money by saying no has directly influenced how I design my detailing packages and offers.
On the other hand, Grant Cardone’s 10X Rule impacted my mindset. It taught me that success often comes down to taking massive, consistent action and pushing past the level of effort most people consider “enough.” That principle has been my cornerstone as I’ve built TopShine—whether in marketing, customer service, or even just showing up daily with energy and discipline.
Together, these resources have helped me combine strategy with execution. Hormozi gave me the frameworks, and Cardone gave me the mindset to go all-in. Those lessons are a big part of why TopShine has stood out in such a competitive industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tsautodetails.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/topshineautodetail
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TopShineMobileDetail
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/topshine-mobile-detailing-san-diego-3
Image Credits
My Photos. N/A