GOODWIN'S  Auto Detail

July 2, 2007 Section: WORKPLACE Page: D1 COLUMN: ON THE JOB

 

Michael J. Goodwin, Mobile vehicle detailer, Goodwin's Auto Detail

 

What do you do?

"I'm an auto detailer. I fully recondition vehicles. It starts with a wash, the tires get cleaned, the interior gets fully cleaned, the carpets and mats get fully shampooed. The leather, where applicable, gets reconditioned. The outside gets a complete coat of wax. The door jams get waxed, the windows get cleaned. The wheel wells get cleaned and dressed. For the average vehicle, it takes about three hours from start to finish."

 

How did you get into this job?

"It started as a hobby in the '80s. When I got old enough to drive, I always kept my cars clean. As time went on, I started doing friends' and relatives' cars. I did that for a number of years while I worked in retail for Lew Horton's in Framingham. It got to a point where I needed to make a decision. I took the leap and I started the business in 1999. I have an active list of 175 to 200 people. I'm in Worcester County, Midddlesex County and I go up to Hampton Beach. It was a hobby that just kept growing."

 

What tools do you need for this job?

"You need a high-speed buffer, a wet/dry vac and eight or nine specialty brushes. I've got all sorts of waxes, dressings and window cleaners. My biggest tool is a leaf blower - that's how I dry the car or truck."

 

Why a leaf blower?

"You want to dry a car right away. It gets all the water off. I didn't discover the leaf blower until five years ago. Before that I would use a chamois."

 

What do you come across when cleaning the inside of a car?

"I find all sorts of food and personal items. I actually found one of my customer's wedding rings. It was stuffed all the way under the driver's seat. I find all sorts of pens and change. I've found Palm Pilots. People are spending more and more time in their cars."

 

What does New England weather do to a car?

"It keeps me in business. New England weather wreaks havoc on a vehicle. The road salt kills it. It oxidizes alloy wheels and creates rust and corrosion. We've also got acid rain to contend with."

 

Why do you have such a love affair with cars?

"I've always been into cars. My father was a car enthusiast. Right now, I don't have a toy of my own. I drive a 2003 Saturn VUE. I've owned a handful of Trans Ams, but right now I don't have time for a toy."

 

Do you mind if someone watches over your shoulder while you're working?

"I prefer to do my own thing but some of the time people like to come out and talk. Some of them might be trying to steal my secrets but even if you watch it, it doesn't mean you can do it. But most of the time I'm by myself."

 

What's the worst part of your job?

"The weather. On rainy days it throws me way off schedule. The bad weather backs everything up."

 

What's the best part of the job?

"I love dealing with my customers who have become my friends. I also enjoy working on some great cars. That gives me a lot of pleasure. And finally, I get to be my own boss and work outside on beautiful days."

 

What's your favorite vehicle?

"I like Corvettes, especially the C5 series. But I don't get a lot of Corvettes. I've found most Corvette owners do their own. It's a treat for me to do one."

 

Compiled by: Business reporter Bob Kievra