Founded by Anthony Santiago at the early age of 19 purely out of passion, it’s now become his lifestyle. Anthony knew he would work on cars since he was a kid reading through the DuPont registry in awe of the exotic vehicles displayed.
One by one, he collected 1:18 exotic model cars. One DuPont magazine after another, he collected every issue. Little did he know that one day he’d be in that same magazine presenting his detail company working on those very cars he had collected.
To be better everyday. I know day by day I’m able to improve by 1% and for me, that’s a big motivating factor. I don’t think I’ll ever be as good as I can be, the journey is too fun to set an end mark. I just know for now I need to enjoy what I’m doing and lead my team appropriately. The continuing cohesion of my small team day by day, 1% by 1% returns 10 fold. My family and team need me to be 1% more of a man daily.
At the moment, my kids are. I’m a new dad! I’ve always been motivated. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve wanted to close up shop multiple times out of frustration over the last 15 years. But I knew I had to stay motivated and stay the course to see what I was capable of. What’s funny to think is that I had no clue what motivation was until I looked into my daughters’ eyes.
Lol! Sadly, detailing. If you said there was an art to vacuuming a car, spraying products, or laying stickers you’d sound crazy. But in fact I really think there is. The way One moves with equipment / machinery, pulls and stretches film, or applies coatings / chemicals can really look fluid. The articulation and dexterity one has to posses in order to do this effortlessly 15 years later with no physical pain is incredible. One day I wish to be as good of a husband / father as I’ve become a detailer.
My wife, bar none! Without her, I wouldn’t be the man I am today. I wouldn’t be able to have the introspection and awareness I have. Over the last nine years, she’s really brought things to my attention that I would never have evaluated. She’s contributed greatly to helping me further develop myself.
Well, I love cars, lol. The detail/film industry is hard on you. A lot of people come and go. It’s an over-saturated market. I think the auto industry as a whole is a day late and a dollar short. Many of us struggle to run our shops, and many of us undercharge. But I think over the last 5 years, or so there’s been more of a shift toward professionalism which is good to see. I think most of us let our passion and ego get in the way. We love what we do, we want to be the best at what we do. But we all often forget that we run a business and business is tough! I wouldn’t change it though. 15 years has flown by, why? Because I love cool cars and the relationships you build in this type of community.