We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ryan Otterstein. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ryan below.

Ryan, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be honest, I’m not sure I have all the answers to success at 21. My idea of success has changed a lot over time. For me, success is about having a clear understanding of what it means to me as an individual. A defined vision and plan are essential – without them, it’s easy to get lost. I’m a big believer in being honest about strengths and weaknesses. We should build on our strengths while acknowledging areas for improvement and working on them daily. Failure is a big part of the process. I face setbacks every day, but I see them as opportunities to learn and grow. Each failure brings me closer to who I need to be to achieve my goals. Staying focused on what matters most to me, despite what others think, is crucial. It’s not always easy, but it’s what drives me to be the best version of myself and ultimately achieve success in all areas of my life.

Ryan, 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?

I’m a 21-year-old entrepreneur from Buffalo, New York, and I own a mobile detailing company. I started this business as a summer side hustle, but it’s grown way faster than I expected. I’m super proud of what we’ve built.

What really drives our business is solving a real problem in our region. Buffalo’s weather can be pretty rough, and it takes a toll on vehicles. That’s where we come in – our mobile detailing services help protect and maintain our clients’ cars, whether they’re at home or at work.

What sets us apart is our attention to detail and the trust we’ve earned from our clients. I love seeing the consistent results we deliver year after year – it’s awesome to know our work is making a real difference. For me, it’s not just about detailing cars – it’s about giving our clients peace of mind and helping them protect their vehicles.

I’m excited to see where our business takes us, and we’re looking to expand into new areas and grow our presence in the future, potentially exploring opportunities beyond our current region.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I think what really sets us apart is the personal touch we bring to every client interaction. We make sure to keep our clients in the loop about plans and packages that are tailored to their specific needs. Our goal is to build long-term relationships with our clients, and we do that by providing consistent, high-quality service and really listening to what they need. Unlike traditional car washes, we come to them, and we pay attention to the little details that often get missed. It’s that personal touch and attention to detail that keeps our clients coming back.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Fortunately, starting a mobile detailing business requires relatively low initial investment. I was able to fund the startup costs through my part-time job at a local hardware store. The initial expenses were primarily for detailing equipment and supplies, and business cards, which allowed me to get started without a significant upfront financial burden. This approach enabled me to maintain control over costs and focus on growing my business.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @ryanotterstein
• Facebook: Ryan Otterstein
• Linkedin: Ryan Otterstein