Behind The Rim began with a simple discovery. While walking through the foyer of the Center for Urban Families, I noticed a bulletin-board announcement about a vehicle-detailing training program through Vehicles for Change / Full Circle Garage. I decided to take the opportunity. What started as a detailing class became the beginning of a profession that I have now been doing for more than 10 years. During my training, I learned much more than how to clean a vehicle. I learned that there are different levels and approaches to detailing.
Some detailers primarily clean vehicles. Others specialize in restoration. Some work harder, while others learn how to work smarter. Some lead, while others simply follow instructions. I paid attention to all of it. I have always been a detail-oriented person, so detailing came naturally to me. I took notes, watched experienced detailers, studied how different products and techniques were used, and learned from the people around me. One of the most important things I learned was to treat every vehicle with the same level of care. It doesn’t matter whether the vehicle is someone’s everyday driver, work truck, family vehicle, collector car, or exotic. The vehicle deserves the same attention to detail. Over the years, that philosophy has stayed with me. Behind The Rim isn’t simply about making a vehicle clean. Depending on what the vehicle needs, detailing can involve maintenance, deep cleaning, correction, enhancement, restoration, or preparing a vehicle to look its absolute best.
What continues to bring me the most satisfaction after more than a decade in the profession is seeing the customer’s reaction when they see their vehicle after the work is completed. That is what I enjoy about detailing. I started by learning the trade. I stayed because I learned how much difference skilled detailing can make. And Behind The Rim continues to be built around that same attention to detail.