How Employees-Turned-Franchisees Became Multi-Unit Detail Garage Owners

Hector De Gante was ready for a career change. Looking for something different from his role with the City of Irvine, California, he took a part-time position with Detail Garage, the 75-plus unit retail store for auto care enthusiasts, passionate car owners and detailing professionals offering the Chemical Guys product line. His wife, Adriana, was already with the brand as a retail associate.

As he learned about the products offered by the brand and experienced the Detail Garage culture, his love for the business model grew, and he knew he had to be a bigger part of the company. He reached out to his own store manager and did his due diligence in learning about the possibilities of entrepreneurship with Detail Garage. As the Great Resignation took hold, Hector knew becoming a franchisee with the brand was his next move.

“Detail Garage had the structure and the business model, and the way the brand is like a family and focuses on growing each location rather than competing against each other really sealed the deal for me,” said Hector.

Meanwhile, Adriana was already working at Detail Garage’s Buena Park location, and learning the ins and outs of the business there fueled her own desire to open a unit. Despite being a traditionally male-dominated industry, Adriana was ready to take on business ownership alongside her husband.

The duo opened their first Detail Garage unit in October 2020 in Orange County and plan to open a second.

Why Franchisee Support From Detail Garage Inspired the De Gantes to Open a Second Location

The De Gantes decided to open a second Detail Garage location because of the support that the brand offers its franchisees, as well as its family-like atmosphere among franchise owners. Hector admits that putting all his stock in  Detail Garage can be scary, but that fear is alleviated by the training and support offered by the brand.

“Detail Garage provides me with such good training and support that I know putting all of my eggs in this one basket was the right choice,” he said. “I was scared at first thinking there was no way I would be able to open a second store, but as soon as I invested the money for the new location, I was able to make all of my money right back from the first location.”

Whenever the De Gantes have questions about Detail Garage, they are able to reach out to corporate and get answers. “The support from corporate never goes away,” said Hector. “I still talk to Chad Zani, our director of business development, about social media, and I’m constantly in contact with Jose Rosales, our Retail Operations Coordinator, about shipping. And if my items are damaged or broken or if the chemical didn’t blend well, they are there to help us with what we need and are always just a phone call away.”

The De Gantes said that the road to success is paved not just by them, but by the corporate leadership team as well as the employees in the store who help customers find the products they need to take care of their cars. They are excited about opening another location and becoming multi-unit owners, and said they are devoted to the growth of the stores.

ABOUT DETAIL GARAGE  

Started in 2008 by professional auto detailers, Detail Garage was born out of a need for the ultimate playground and community for car care enthusiasts. It is the country's go-to retail car care store for passionate car owners and detailing professionals. With over 80 locations already in operation around the world, the Detail Garage team is looking to reach 100 units open this year, followed by 50 locations added to the system each year following.

ABOUT CHEMICAL GUYS

Driven by adventure, a passion for shine, and a love for the road ahead, Chemical Guys is a worldwide leader in automotive detailing products for car care enthusiasts and professionals. From exclusive small-batch waxes to cutting-edge ceramic coatings and specialty cleaners for exteriors and interiors, Chemical Guys sets the industry standard when it comes to product innovation, technological advancement and education. Based in Southern California, Chemical Guys has evolved from a handful of passionate car fanatics to a global lifestyle brand with the largest digital library of automotive detailing "how-to" content available. Learn more and join the Chemical Guys family at ChemicalGuys.com.