Today we’d like to introduce you to Clifford Gulley Jr.
Hi Clifford, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been a detail-oriented person, no pun intended. When I was younger, my father was meticulous about keeping our family vehicles clean on a regular basis. He showed me how to clean the vents with a Q-tip or folded rag reminded me not to forget the door jambs and those sorts of things. It became routine when I started driving and got my own vehicles. Fast-forward to 2020 and Covid-19. I worked at my job until they decided that they had to furlough everyone do to lack of business being conducted amid nationwide and international shutdowns. After sitting at home with no work no coaching (I am also a basketball coach), I was essentially getting bored and wasn’t making any money. The State of Ohio unemployment services were extremely backup, and I had not received any money or knowledge that I would. One day, I decided to wash my wife’s SUV (it was our anniversary weekend). After cleaning it thoroughly inside and out over the course of about 2.5 hours, I thought to myself, “I could get people to pay me $50-60 for this quality of work.” I already had the basic equipment like buckets, a shop vac, and rags. It also helped tremendously that my lifelong friend, Tony Sanchez, was and still is a very experienced and top-tier detailer himself. Over the years, we had discussed going into business together where he would bring the brains and industry knowledge, I would bring the business mind, and we both have tremendous hustle and work ethic. Unfortunately, I did not materialize that way, but I used the knowledge I had gained from him other resources to further research the industry.
I washed my wife’s SUV on a Saturday. That following Tuesday, which also happened to be my guys Tony’s birthday, I filed the paperwork with the secretary of state to create the LLC. Prestige Auto Clean. I reached out to friends and family and shared on social media that I was starting a business, and the support was greater than I could imagine. I pulled some money from my savings to get some more equipment up front, and things started flowing. At this point, I didn’t know what was going to happen with my possible unemployment money, so I just wanted to make a few dollars in order to not be having to live off of our savings and my wife’s income. I kept learning, kept working, and tweaking my process. Tremendous support continued via word of mouth and social media. In just under a year, I was able to purchase an equipped van and move into detail full-time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road at ALL lol!!! There’s always uncertainty, insecurity, and decisions to be made. Especially breaking into an industry without having any formal training. Even after paying for classes to become certified in ceramic coating and taking other courses just to stay up to date with what is going on in the industry, I am always wondering if I’m doing enough or is it going to continue to pay off. The are weeks where business is very slow, and it makes me question everything. Then there are weeks that are extremely busy, and it brings confidence. My wife and I also had our first child 10 months after I stared the business. He has never been in daycare, and I’m in this space where I am full-time stay-at-home dad and full-time business owner. So that sometimes creates challenges with availability. My wife works full time so finding the balance to managing a busy business schedule and being present as a parent is sometimes a challenge. However, it is not as difficult as some would imagine. Maintaining my business has been more about staying consistent and doing what I can when I can, and that formal is leading me in the direction of success.
We’ve been impressed with Prestige Auto Clean, LLC., but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Prestige Auto Clean is an automotive detailing company that covers the greater Northeast Ohio area. This company offers a variety of detailing services, such as basic interior/exterior cleanings, paint correction, ceramic coating, and everything in between. A key component to the success of Prestige Auto Clean is the availability of mobile services. Our fully equipped detailing van essentially brings the detailing shop/garage to you. There is no need to hook up to your water or electrical supply. Everything that is necessary to make sure your detail is complete and that you are a satisfied customer is on the van. Being able to offer this flexibility saves our customers a lot of time, effort, and planning. Particularly in the midst of the Covid pandemic, when the work-from-home numbers skyrocketed, our company was able to provide service at our clients’ homes without having to interrupt their work schedule/routine.
What were you like growing up?
I was very, very energetic and curious. I always had a lot of questions and wanted to know how things worked. Very playful and busy. I was interested in all sports. If it was competitive, I wanted to play it. I was always fascinated with flying and space. I went to school near Lake Erie and loved to watch the jets practice for the air show every year in Cleveland. Very bright and funny personality.
Pricing:
- Exterior details start at: Small $35/Medium $45/Large $55 (vehicle size)
- Interior details start at: Small $85/Medium $100/Large $115
- In/Out Packages start at: Small $110/Medium $135/Large $160
- Milage charge for mobile appointments is $1 per mile, round trip, from Bedford Heights, Ohio
- Paint correction (buffing, polishing, etc.) starts at $75/HR
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @PrestigeAutoClean_LLC
- Facebook: Prestige Auto Clean LLC
- Twitter: @PrestigeAutoCl1
- Other: Phone: 216-926-5212
Image Credits
Justin Mitchell
