Today we’d like to introduce you to Joey Wallace.
Hi Joey, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I first developed a passion for car detailing at a very young age, around 5 to 8 years old, when I would help my dad clean his cars. It was always something that was fun for me to take your time and make something look like new again and it was good bonding time also with my dad. That early exposure stuck with me over the years. In 2013, while working as a mechanic, I realized there was real demand for professional detailing services, so I started doing it on the side to earn extra money.
As I gained experience, I expanded my skills into paint correction and ceramic coatings by practicing on friends’ vehicles for free. The work began to grow, and for a period of time I was working long hours—often from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday at my regular job. Then, heading to another shop from 7 p.m. until early morning (5-6am) during the week. Then, all my free time on the weekends was spent detailing also. That grind taught me discipline, time management, and commitment to my craft.
In 2017, I decided to take a leap of faith and go full-time, opening my first business, Rise and Shine Detailing. I’ll admit I wasn’t fully prepared for the financial realities of running a business—I had just $85 left in my bank account after paying rent and security deposits—but I stayed focused and continued pushing forward.
Later that year, I expanded into window tinting, which challenged me in new ways due to the precision required. It was frustrating at times, but also very rewarding. In 2023, after experiencing burnout and losing some of my passion, I made the decision to sell the business.
I then spent about a year and a half working at a local shop, where I realized I missed the fulfillment and creativity that come with owning a business. That led me to open my current company, Tint Near Me, in early 2025. This time, I’ve been more focused—shifting away from heavy detailing and concentrating more on tinting—and the transition has been much smoother thanks to the lessons I learned from my first business.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely wasn’t smooth road. I feel no business ever is even if you’re prepared for everything you can think of. There’s always something new thrown your way. But, like Ive always said if running your own business was easy everyone would do it .
Some of the biggest struggles I’ve faced have been around capital and sustainability, especially early on. There were times when simply keeping the lights on required careful financial decisions , missing family events and still working long/ late hours to get whatever money in that you could. That period taught me the importance of cash flow management and operating lean.
Another challenge was navigating relationships with other business owners. I invested heavily in training and gained experience through years of hands-on work, and at times others took advantage of that by befriending me to get free information to better themselves and then once they felt they were in a position where they didn’t need my help they would burn the bridge and disappear . In some cases, I also learned hard lessons about boundaries—such as allowing others to use my shop space, use my equipment, or always offering helping hand. only to have clients taken afterward. Those experiences taught me to protect my peace, and That not everyone is your friend or has your best interest in mind. Also, to be more selective with who I work/associate with. .
On a personal level, entrepreneurship required real sacrifices. Building a business meant missing family events, vacations, and personal time in order to stay focused on growth. Finding work-life balance has been an ongoing challenge, but it’s also helped me become more intentional about how I run my business today and how I define long-term success.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Tint Near Me ?
We specialize in Window tint, ceramic coatings and Paint Protection film.
What sets us apart from other businesses is we always stand behind our work and will do the right thing for our customers and not try and upsell them on something if it isn’t something they need.
I’m most proud of the reputation in the community this business has gained. Hearing people’s feedback of how their friends or family raved about their experience and recommended us is truly a great feeling and lets you know you’re doing the right thing . In this digital world it still shows word of mouth is still a huge factor in business growth.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I don’t know anything that may be shock / surprise. But, I like to collect tattoos and guitars/ music gear and recently I’ve been trying my hand at Golf.
Also, as much as I talk to people and have to be the face of the company . I secretly hate it and would rather be behind the scenes and no one know who I am and that I owned the business and would just wanna be the guy in the back with my headphones on doing the work on customers cars.
Pricing:
- Window tint Starts at $240 and can go up to $700
- Ceramic coating prices start at $1200 and goes up to $3000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tintnearme.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tintnearmeinc?igsh=MTVrc3BtNTduOWZobw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CiwwXbZwq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Keston De Coteau and Lukas Stankevicius
