The Great Franchisee: Jake Weigel, Detail Garage, Nashville

Last year, Detail Garage franchisee Jake Weigel saw his revenue double with the fast-growing car retail brand, which has recently grown to more than 70 locations across the country. By the end of 2021, Weigel was one of the brand’s first franchisees to surpass $1 million in sales for the year. Now, after moving from California to Tennessee with his wife, Weigel is hoping to replicate last year’s success with a new Detail Garage location in Nashville — the city’s first.

1851 Franchise: Tell us your story – what did you do before franchising?

Jake Wiegel: I was born and raised in California. Early on in my career, I was hired by San Bernardino County as a probation officer, and I worked in that role for 15 years before becoming a Sheriff’s Deputy. I was, unfortunately, injured on the job, and while I was in the process of retiring from being a deputy, I rediscovered my passion for cars. 

Back in the 1980s, when I was growing up, Mini Trucks were everywhere. My friends and I would do work on them in our front yards all the time, and I loved it. After I was injured, I refused to sit around the house feeling sorry about myself, so I threw myself into the car community in California. I found a club with other residents with a passion for cars and started going to their meetings and events, and I eventually became the vice president. 

1851: Why did you pick franchising over starting your own business?

Wiegel: Well, franchising is a business. It just has a framework for success and extensive support. If I had started my own business, I would have to fight to create brand awareness and become an expert in localized marketing. But franchising provides the recipe for success and, as long as you follow it, you will see success. 

1851: What types of brands did you look at?

Wiegel: I never looked at any other opportunities. I found the opportunity with Detail Garage and fell into it. I haven’t looked back since.

1851: Why did you pick Detail Garage? What excited you most about the potential?

Wiegel: After I reignited my passion for cars after my medical retirement, I began traveling to car shows across California. That’s where I met Hector Gomez, another medically retired sheriff’s deputy. We found that we had a great deal in common and began talking, which is how I first discovered Detail Garage. He managed a store with the brand and was Director of Training and filled me in that they were looking to expand their presence in the California market. I used the products and was extremely impressed, so I reached out to Chad Zani, Detail Garage’s director of business development, and we discussed in more depth their expectations of a franchisee to see if it was a good match. And it was. I know what my strengths are, and what I found in Detail Garage was a franchise that could help me with my weaknesses when it comes to business ownership.

1851: What are your dreams with the business? What does the future look like?

Wiegel: The first year the Colton location was open we did about $500,000 in sales. The following year, we more than doubled that, with revenue exceeding $1.1 million. We’re one of the fastest stores to ever hit revenue like that in the history of Detail Garage.

That’s my dream for the Nashville location. We moved to Nashville due to its pro-business environment and look forward to becoming integrated into the community. We take the approach with our business to teach, inform and demonstrate how customers can maintain their vehicles. We don’t overly push products but want to be a resource for the community. My son is about to be 17 years old, and he has already expressed an interest in the family business. My goal is to open multiple locations throughout the Tennessee market and eventually have my son take them over. 

1851: What value do you see your business providing to Nashville?

Wiegel: Based on what I’ve seen, the local Nashville community doesn’t have a dedicated car retail store where they can go for advice and demonstrations on how to maintain their vehicles. We’ll be the first nationwide automotive brand in Nashville, which is exciting. 

1851: What advice would you have for others looking at buying a franchise?

Wiegel: Be fiscally responsible. There are unforeseen delays and expenses that pop up, so it’s important to have a cushion.

1851: What do you do in your personal time?

Wiegel: My family loves cars just as much as I do. My son and I are currently working on a project car together.

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 70 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.