Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Vichich II.
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My passion for detailing cars started when I was a child and would help my father clean our families’ vehicles on the weekends. I especially enjoyed cleaning his patrol car because it was fun and exciting for me as a kid. As I got older and was able to purchase my own vehicle.
I took pride in the way it looked inside and out at all times even during the winter months. My passion for detailing cars has only grown greater over the years and when I became a police officer myself at the age of 23, I put an expectation on myself to have the cleanest vehicle in the department which I lived up to. In 2018, I started posting videos of me detailing my cruiser on social media platforms such as Instagram and was asked by my wife’s friends and family to detail their vehicles as well.
Once I started detailing my wife’s friends’ vehicles, they would refer me to their friends and families to have their vehicles detailed as well. I decided shortly after to start Grease Police Auto Detailing LLC in 2019 and continue my passion for detail.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to starting my auto detailing business has not always been a smooth one. I have run into many obstacles but as an entrepreneur, I have found ways to overcome them and continue doing what I love to do.
For example, one obstacle I face on a daily basis is the weather. The weather in Maryland can be unpredictable at times and as a mobile detailer without a shop or garage, I mainly work outside which requires clear sunny days in order to clean the interiors and exteriors of vehicles.
Each and every vehicle is different and they all bring a unique challenge when it comes to detailing them. Some vehicles are smaller than others so I have to squeeze myself into tight back seats and contort my body in order to reach areas such as underneath the seats where dirt tends to gather. Some vehicles are very tall and require a ladder or step stool in order to reach the roofs to be able to properly wash, wax, and polish them.
When I first started Grease Police Auto Detailing LLC, I struggled with pricing because I was unsure of what I could and should be charging based on the amount of work I was doing. I detailed several cars for free or for a fraction of the price I would charge the now, but this was all part of my learning experience as a business owner.
One of my main struggles right now is finding time to detail. I am a full-time student at UMGC with a full-time job but I am only able to be a part-time detailer. Once I graduate in July of 2022 with my bachelor’s degree, I will have more time to focus on doing what I love and growing my business.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As the owner-operator of Grease Police Auto Detailing LLC, I would like customers to know that I treat their vehicles as if they were my own.
I use quality equipment from the best companies in the auto detailing industry to ensure the vehicle is being cleaned thoroughly and properly. I spend countless hours educating myself and fine-tuning my skills with different techniques, tools, products, and equipment. This enables me to ensure the vehicle is protected from the elements and the detail lasts for months – not days such as what happens after taking a car through a car wash.
I specialize in detailing multiple forms of conveyance such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, and jet skis. I am known for being meticulous with my detailing skills which allow me to over-deliver for the customer to make them happy and ensure they are thrilled with their detail. What sets me apart from other mobile detailers in the industry is my detailing setup.
I have designed my van to be able to show up at locations and start working within minutes of my arrival. I carry 110 gallons of water and my own generator, meaning I can detail anywhere at any time without having to bother the owner to ask if I can hook up to their water or their power.
I also offer multiple services for interior and exterior auto detailing carpet extraction, window tint removal, car door unlocking, compound and polishing, headlight restoration, and engine cleaning services.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned along my journey is to take care of the people who helped my dream of being a business owner come true.
Without these people in my life, I would not have been as successful as I have been and I am thankful for their support and assistance over the years. I would also like to thank my lovely wife Emilie, who has been there for me through the ups and downs and assisted me when I needed it most.
Without her Grease Police, Auto Detailing LLC would just be an idea and I can’t thank her enough for her continued support.
Pricing:
- An interior detail starts at $25 – $475.
- Headlight restoration can range from $75-100.
- An engine detail can range from $50 – $125+
- Hand washes are $90 – $175
- Car door unlocking service ranges from $45 – $125
Contact Info:
- Email: GreasePoliceAutoDetailing@Gmail.com
- Website: https://grease-police-auto-detailing.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grease__police/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070794315831
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPk6nEgJnXz6vUlTVXQeqjA
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/grease-police-auto-detailing-halethorpe
