We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tyler Kerby. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tyler below.
Hi Tyler, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?
When I was eager to expand my detailing business beyond friends and family, I turned to the Nextdoor app to make my first breakthrough. I posted a detailed listing with pricing and included services for vehicle detailing. The response was beyond my expectations – within a short time, two individuals messaged me. One of them had four cars in dire need of my services, while the other had two cars, one of which was an exquisite Ferrari. The moment I read those messages, I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and pride as these were my first genuine customers, marking the significant step in my business journey.
The opportunity to detail four cars and that awe-inspiring Ferrari not only allowed me to earn my first dollar of revenue but also ignited my passion for providing top-notch service to my clients. It was a defining moment in my entrepreneurial journey, a testament to the power of digital outreach and my commitment to delivering quality automotive care.
Tyler, 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 journey into the automotive detailing business was driven by my lifelong love and passion for cars. From a young age, I had a deep connection with automobiles, and at the age of 18, I embarked on this path when I started working at a dealership. It was there that I fell in love with the art of detailing. The pivotal moment that set me on this journey happened when a friend, aware of my detailing skills, asked if I could detail their car on the side. Without hesitation, I said yes, and that day, May 13th, 2021, became the turning point from which I never looked back.
Launching my own business was no easy feat. I made the bold decision to quit my job entirely and commit 100% to growing my passion project. This endeavor demanded unwavering self-discipline, focus, guidance from mentors, and a thirst for knowledge. Over time, my business, High Class Automotive Detailing, LLC, has flourished into a full-time operation, offering an array of services including paint correction, ceramic coatings, full details, headlight restoration, and more. What truly sets us apart from other detailers in the industry is our unwavering commitment to our customers and clients. We pride ourselves on punctuality, professionalism, and an unwavering passion for our craft. Every vehicle, whether it’s a daily driver or an exotic masterpiece, is treated with the utmost care and attention, as if it were our very own.
One of my proudest achievements is witnessing the remarkable growth of my company. In the first year, we serviced and detailed 24 vehicles, and in the subsequent two years (2022 and 2023), we have had the privilege of servicing and detailing over 350 vehicles. We’ve introduced innovative monthly subscription packages, earned certifications for ceramic coatings, and garnered over 45 glowing 5-star Google reviews. And I’m particularly humbled to have achieved all of this before the age of 21. What I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know is that High Class Automotive Detailing, LLC is not just a business; it’s a passion, a commitment, and a promise to deliver the highest standard of automotive care. We treat every vehicle with the care and dedication it deserves, and we look forward to continuing this journey of excellence with our customers and partners.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
Absolutely, there have been numerous resources that have significantly influenced my management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. I’m a firm believer in continuous learning, and I draw inspiration from various sources. Podcasts have played a vital role in my growth as an entrepreneur. Shows like “The Iced Coffee Hour,” “The Ed Mylett Show,” and “Impact Theory” have been instrumental in expanding my horizons. They offer valuable insights into the world of business and personal development, and I find their conversations with successful individuals truly enlightening.
In addition to podcasts, I’m an avid reader, and I’ve delved into books that have shaped my mindset and approach to entrepreneurship. Engaging with these resources and having discussions with fellow entrepreneurs provides me with a unique perspective on how they think and operate their businesses. This multifaceted approach to learning has had a profound impact on my self-improvement, mindset, and business strategies. It’s a constant journey of growth and refinement, and I continue to seek wisdom from these resources to evolve as an entrepreneur and manager.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I began my entrepreneurial journey with very limited capital. In fact, my initial investment was just $50. I didn’t have much to start with, but I had a vision and a strong determination to make it happen. I already had some basic tools like a shop vacuum and a pressure washer, along with buckets I could use from home. With that $50, I headed to the local automotive store and invested in essential items like detail brushes, soap, tire cleaner, and window cleaner.
What I’ve learned through this experience is that starting a business doesn’t necessarily require a significant amount of money upfront. The real barriers to entrepreneurship are often in one’s mindset. With determination, hard work, and a willingness to learn and adapt, anyone can begin a business with little to no capital. It’s not about the resources you start with, but how you utilize them and your commitment to continuous improvement that makes the difference in building a successful business.
Contact Info:
- Website: Highclassautomotive.com
- Instagram: Highclassautomotive__
- Facebook: Highclassautomotivenc