We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Desmond Darby a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Desmond , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

This idea started back when I was doing and going to car shows. I had a passion for cars. Doing unique builds and doing something extreme to catch people attention. It was my thing growing up. My dad always told me that “you got this from me but, you take it a little extreme when it comes down to your vehicles. I realized I wasn’t really enthused about going to car shows but I always get a compliment regarding how clean and paint was always top tier wherever I drove. So that’s when the idea of starting my own detailing business came into play. I told a couple of people about my vision and they laugh because I was a master degree achiever and had a corporate job. I really thought that detailing cars would take off for me and the joy I have in it. So that’s when I took a risk on myself and went out to fulfill my dreams

Desmond , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Desmond Darby but known as Dez. I am the owner of Done Right Auto Detailing. I got into this industry simply by attending car shows and literally worked for a dealership for some time where I had one of my peers show me the game and really get me into attention to detail of taking care of vehicles. Knowing the paint texture, clear coat, and what to look for inside and out. We provide paint correction, ceramic coating, adhesive removal, wax services, tint removal, and restoration services. What sets me apart from others is because I don’t brag about my work. I rather my reviews and interactions with people serve the purpose of how people see me as a person. My craft speaks for itself because I treat everybody vehicle like it’s my own. I’m not in this detailing industry to make a quick buck. I rather take the time to really get familiar with each vehicle and serve needs to consumers so that way they get their money worth and not feel like they getting overcharged. Also, booking something that they recommend and when I get there. That’s not what they need and I be most upfront with them. I most proud of is building this detailing business from the ground up. Started in a garage where I had someone tell me it wouldn’t work. It would not take off. Maybe considered staying in my corporate job so that way I have stability. I knew my vision and I knew what I was going to put myself in when I took a risk on my vision. I haven’t looked back since. I want people to know is when they book a detail or any services with me. Just know I care more for you as a consumer rather than providing you services. I rather be upfront and respectful to you. Recommend things that I know would bring your car completely to a whole different level and leave you with a smile. You would want to call or rebook with me because your vehicle is in the right hands.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I funded my business at the time back in 2019 when Covid hit hard. I was working for Wells Fargo at the time. I was a fraud analyst. I worked non stop maybe 60-80 hours a week if they allowed me but, when I have a day off or wanted to finally not sign up for OT. I would detail cars in the garage. I wasn’t charging like extreme amount of money like the pro detailers did but I got many clients from it. So I saved my money up from working my full time job and detailing. I went and bought me my first truck and trailer. I was so happy because I did this on my own. Then, that’s when I finally started doing it mobile. I had an uncle who set up everything for me and showed me how to do everything mobile with the setup I had. From there the business took off.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

The thing that helped me build my reputation. It was because of my honesty and trust in God. I went into this detailing industry not knowing a thing but I had a peer that trained me and got me to where I wanted to be. Shout out to my peer Tony “Bug” Brown that taught me everything I know. I literally built this reputation with my heart, sweat, and tears. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it wasn’t for God showing me the way and how to market myself to get business out here today. Words can’t explain how far I came and if I could tell that Dez who started back in 2019 with just a vision. I would tell him to excel more than I did starting out. Don’t be so scared to take a leap and worry about other people think. Detailing changed my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://donerightautodetailingllc.booking.detailbookie.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/donerightautodetailing?r=nametag
• Facebook: Done Right Auto Detailing