MAJOR relocation... 1100 miles!

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VanityDetailing

New member
After this week, I'm packing up shop, and moving back down to Jacksonville, FL.





Mostly to work on more higher-end cars, yachts, megayachts, Cigarette speedboats, etc. I'm basically trying to get into the higher echelon of detailing. Financially, it's been great the last month... but from a personal standpoint, I'm really tired of doing the "typical wife's car," an Altima/Camry/Accord/whatever, that's completely neglected and trashed. I've only had 6 or 7 "fun" cars over the last 6 weeks... and even then, they're nothing to go "OMG" over. A couple '08 C6ZO6's, a couple '06 Evo's, an '04 STI, and a '08 335i hardtop convertible. But I've had probably 25 cars that are just regular, basic cars. Which, I understand not every day can be like TH001's, and getting to detail vintage Duesenbergs and etc., but I'm a car guy. I have a lot more fun working on a car that I personally enjoy.





I know I've got the skill, equipment, chemicals, and networking to bump up into that category. One of my closest friends down there works for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and has already started talking to players about it. Awesome. The main thing I'm kinda stressing about is a location. My girlfriend has a carport at her house, which I'm moving into, but her '76 Corvette that hasn't moved in 5 years is sitting under it. I guess I'm gonna have to go full-mobile.





Any suggestions for a good detailing rig? Bear in mind, I'm going to be driving well over 150 miles a day... so I'd like to not get eaten alive on gas/operating costs. I was kinda thinking about a '02-03 WRX wagon. I need something with plenty of open space in it, because the poles for washing boats are 6' long.
 
If you are looking at a newer ride, then I would suggest either a Chevy HHR Panel, Ford Transit Connect, or a Honda Element. You can also get by with a small pickup with a cap. IF looking for an older vehicle, then an Astro van might just be the ticket. Best of luck with your move. I have a childhood friend that lives in Jacksonville.
 
Not the coolest vehicle out there, but when it comes to mileage, space, and reliability, I would consider a Ford Ranger with the 4 cylinder with a locking bed cover or topper.
 
I know your relocating from the post, but may I make a suggestion. I used to think here in Amish Country Lancaster County PA there were no exoctics. Just your everyday cars. Once I began to progress and my business moved on things changed and well. I have had the chance to work on many cars. You have to have the customer find you is the thing. While moving to a place like florida is great with all the exotics. What make you think your gonna go down there and work on them instantly? You have to build a resume. I know first hand TH001 didn't just wake up and start working on the priceless cars we all see him put out. I see so many times peope think I'm moving here and everything is gonna be great. Its not about that. Its about paying do's and earning trust. I was detailing probaly 10 years for other people and during them years I work on a lot of exotics. Far more then most before I started Presidential Details. When I started it it was like starting all over again. I had to reearn my trust with new clients and its not that easy. Todd TH0001 has not only proven himself, but has also worked his way up the ladder to success threw hard work, write-up, and constantly improving on everyday skills. He is actually a prime example of what can be accomplished threw the value of hard work. Another Factor is how many other talented detailers are also in FLorida. I can think of alot. JUst to name a few Todd, David Fermani. Angelo (zoomzoom), Eddie Fusia, Richie Carbone, and there are more. Its not as easy as just relocating. Im not trying to come off harsh and please do not take it that way. I'm just trying to bring reality into perspective. Plus I really don't know your level of expertise either. HOpe this helps and best of luck!
 
Barry, you're absolutely right. I have no argument with anything you said. My mindset is that my advantage is that I used to live there. I've got several clients already lined up, that have some pretty big boats. Like I said, I'm looking to focus more on the marine side of things. There's a ton of money to be made in boats. It's basically doing the work that nobody else wants to do. I enjoy that kind of stuff.





As far as building the resume down there, again, you're absolutely right. I'm going to have to start from the ground up, all over again. It took a year and a half to get to the point of being busy everyday. Going down there, I'm hoping to get 2-3 cars, and maybe 1 boat a week to start. I'm going to whore my business out to every marina, and to all of my friends. My girlfriend works as an office manager for an oral surgeon, and the doctor and some of his friends have already given the green light, based on the pictures they've seen on Facebook. So, I've got work lined up. I've just got a figure out a space to do the cars in, and to get clearance from the marinas where the boats are.
 
Is not easy to move or relocate your business, but don`t give up , keep pushing and you will succeed. be confident in your skills and that will help you gain trust with new clients.

If go mobile you may wanna clean up your rig and use only "poli" products (1 product with multiple applications).

Start marketing aggressive special in the first months after u get there.

my words when comes to competition: " is not competition is only quality , focus on it!" it worked so far

Good luck!

Cosmin
 
Good luck on the move. I'd focus on the Ponte Vedra area if possible. If you ever need help on a big project, I can army up the troops to assist.
 
Wow, good luck in the move. Florida is a great place to work and the detailing crew down here gets along quite well. I'll pm you my number, feel free to call if there are any questions or anything I can help you with!
 
Thanks for all the kind words and advice y'all!





I finally made it down here, and my phone has been blowing up the last 2 days... Unfortunately, I need to find a space to work in. It's also getting hard to find an insurance company down here. State Farm wouldn't transfer my Garage/Garage Keeper's insurance to FL, and now they aren't even writing any more small business policies... allegedly.



That's the one thing I'm holding out on, is getting insurance. With my luck, the day I don't have insurance, is the day something catastrophic will happen. So, I've gotta keep calling around.
 
That's a great area. I've taken care of a lot of surgeons from the Mayo Clinic in that area when I've made trips down. My friends parents live in St. Augustine.
 
Just got the email from the Florida Secretary of State saying that my business license is now officially active...





Just got insurance lined up, so that will be in effect on Thursday...



Picked up a 10'x20' carport canopy, so that I can work from home...



Possibly picked up a part-time job at Subaru of Jacksonville, to detail cars prior to delivery, 2-3 days a week...





It's been a crazy week and a half, but I'm finally starting to get settled in!







All in all, I'm just ready to start working again, even if it's just on cars. I can't afford the $4K insurance for the boats, yet, but that will happen soon. Got a lot of clients lined up, and all have been waiting anxiously for me to be ready to go. Should be a fun and busy year.
 
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