Image of a teen holding cleaning tools with yellow sponge and cleaning van in background

Shutterstock.com (Background, Sponge); Courtesy of Randy Roblero (All Other Images)

CCSS

R.1, R.3, R.4, L.2

Randy’s Clean Machine

How this 22-year-old turned his side hustle into a successful full-time job

May 2024

by Alex Lim-Chua Wee

Courtesy of Randy Roblero

Randy Roblero

Randy Roblero, 22, remembers getting his first car in high school. He was surprised and excited. But it wasn’t exactly his dream model.

For starters, it was used. The seats had stains. The floor was dirty. But Randy didn’t get discouraged. He knew he could make it look as good as new.

Randy researched the best car-cleaning products and learned how to use them. He bought towels, brushes, and a special vacuum.

Soon Randy realized he actually enjoyed car detailing, or cleaning a car from the inside out. After graduating, he wondered: Could I turn this into a business?

In 2020, Randy started detailing cars as a side job, mostly for friends and family. A year later, business started booming. Now cleaning cars is his full-time job, and he makes about $77,000 a year. We asked Randy about his work.

What’s a typical day like?

Right now, I’m a mobile business. I take my van to the customer’s location. So I start by prepping my van. I fill my water tank and make sure cleaning supplies are stocked. Then I drive to my first job. I clean three to four cars a day. I also answer phone calls from new customers.

What was the hardest thing about starting your business?

I had to learn things like pricing and customer service. I also had to save up to get a van and better supplies. Working another job at an aircraft repair company helped me do it.

How do you use social media in your job?

I use Instagram to post before-and-after photos of the cars I work on. On YouTube, I share my journey as a young person with a business. I also do product reviews and how-to’s. Supportive comments encourage me to keep going. The posts draw attention to my business too.

Do you like being your own boss?

Some days are better than others, but that keeps me on my toes. I’m proud of myself, and I’m always thinking, How can I be better? One day I would love to open up a shop where I can offer more services, like window tinting.

You were finally able to buy your dream car! How did that feel?

Awesome! It’s proof that anything is possible if you really believe in yourself.