From Employee to Detailing Empire Owner: The Black V Protect Story

Many people wonder if the American Dream is still alive. "A lot of people say the American Dream no longer exists, but I believe it does. I'm living it," says Jorge, founder of Black V Protect, one of the most complete detailing shops in Orlando.

In the latest episode of the Hoopty podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Jorge, an entrepreneur who, in just three years in the United States, went from working as a bartender to building a comprehensive automotive care business. His story isn't just about cleaning cars; it's a masterclass in vision, sacrifice, and business strategy.

The Beginning: From Bartender to Mobile Detailer

Jorge's story began with determination. Originally from Mexico, where he completed his university degree, he arrived in the U.S. and had to start from scratch.

"I arrived and started looking for work in restaurants... I would walk to work," he recalls. For one year, he worked as a bartender, saving every dollar. "For a year I didn't go out, I didn't spend... not going to parties, things that make you spend unnecessary money, not going into debt."

That sacrifice allowed him to save enough to buy his first van and basic equipment. While his passion for cars came from childhood, it was his focus on entrepreneurship that made the difference.

Identifying the Opportunity: The Shop Orlando Needed

While working in his mobile detailing van for nearly two years, Jorge noticed a critical need in the market: "I realized there was a need for a shop here in Orlando."

Together with his brother-in-law, he took the leap. They didn't limit themselves to selling products; they created a 360-degree business. Today, Black V Protect isn't just a product store (detail shop), but offers high-demand services such as:

• Paint Protection Film (PPF)
• Wraps (vehicle wrapping)
• Window Tint
• Mobile detailing services
• Van setups for detailers

They went from a single van to a complete operation that serves as a hub for the detailing community in the region.

The Secret to Scaling: Marketing vs. "Word of Mouth"

This is where Jorge shares one of the most valuable secrets for any detailer looking to grow. Many rely on "word of mouth," but Jorge is clear: "If you want to take your business to the next level, word of mouth is not going to take your business to the next level."

The key? Investing in digital marketing.

"Nowadays with the technology we have, the key... is marketing," he explains. "I always ran campaigns on Google, I always ran campaigns on Meta (Facebook/Instagram), which today is number one for scaling your business."

Jorge emphasizes that you need to lose the fear of investing $2,000 or $3,000 monthly on advertising and developing a solid website with SEO (Search Engine Optimization) to appear organically in searches.

Is Detailing Profitable? Breaking Myths

Can you make good money in detailing? Jorge confirms what many suspect: yes, it's possible.

"I know many detailers who have three, four vans... and they're doing really well. They're making 30,000, 40,000 monthly," he reveals.

But he warns that success doesn't just depend on knowing how to polish a car. "In this industry there's money, but like any business you have to know how to invest, you have to educate yourself... not just on how to clean a car, but educate yourself on business topics, on how to run a business, how to organize your finances."

Building Community: The Power of Education in Spanish

One of Black V Protect's missions is to fill the information gap for the Latino community. "Most of the people who do this are Latino, people who speak Spanish," Jorge points out. "It's hard to find information in Spanish about detailing."

To address this, his shop organizes monthly events, meet and greets, and affordable training to help new detailers get started, creating a strong and well-informed community.

Tips for Starting Your Detailing Business

For those who want to start, Jorge offers two practical tips:

1. Start with What You Have: You don't need the most equipped van right away. "What I tell people is to start with what they have. Someone once told me, 'Start with what you have,' and from there you scale up."
2. The Basic Kit: You can start with a modest budget. "A detailer can start basic with a budget of $300... talking only about detailing products."

The 3 Best-Selling Products

According to Jorge, the three basic products that every detailer buys without fail are:

1. Wheel and Tire Cleaner (Degreaser)
2. Shampoo (pH Neutral)
3. Tire Shine

Conclusion: Passion and Strategy

Jorge's story at Black V Protect is proof that the American Dream exists for those willing to work for it with passion and, above all, intelligence. Success in detailing isn't just about manual work; it's about being an entrepreneur, investing in marketing, and constantly educating yourself.

Listen to the full interview on our podcast and discover more about how to scale your detailing business.