The Great Franchisee | Local Car Expert Follows Passion for Cars and Opens Third Detail Garage in Missouri City

Christopher Corl loves to take risks and follow his passions in the process, and he is continuing to do that with the recent expansion of his business. When he first learned about franchising with Detail Garage and Chemical Guys, Corl never expected his business to continue to grow this fast. He looks forward to sharing his love for cars with the community in Missouri City, all while providing excellent customer service.

On October 1, Corl celebrated the grand opening of his newest Detail Garage location in Missouri City. 

1851 Franchise spoke with Corl to learn more about his franchising journey with Detail Garage.

1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?

Christopher Corl: Before working with Detail Garage, I was in the car industry for companies like BMW and Audi. I was a service manager at Audi. I realized that I loved customer service and knew that was a path I wanted to continue. As much as I loved cars and working with people, I realized that the dealership wasn’t for me anymore. One day I was ordering a part from Chemical Guys, and I noticed their website had a tab for potential franchisees. When I clicked on it, I saw how affordable it was, and I immediately signed up to talk with them about franchising.

1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?

Corl: Before franchising, I had no perception of the concept. When I started the buying process, I committed to keep learning as I went.

1851: What makes you stand out as business owners in your local community?

Corl: I try to focus on social media being fun and less robotic. I want to be relatable to my customers and Chemical Guys fans. I want them to know that at my stores they can shop and have a good time too. I also focus on being very involved in charities and community events. For example, we collaborate with Trae the Truth and his organization called Angel By Nature. We help provide toys and necessities to children in the Houston area. I want to be a business that gives back.

1851: What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?

Corl: I have been buying Chemical Guys products since I was in high school. When I participated in Discovery Day, I absolutely loved the vibes that corporate gave off. I could tell that their main focus was also customer service. 

I’m most excited about opening the Missouri City location to bring Chemical Guys to more and more fans and people. The car community is so great to be a part of, and I’m excited to bring the brand to a new area of car fans and share that passion.

1851: What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth? 

Corl: I hope that I can start expanding to other states in the future. I want to have a significant effect on the customer service of the brand and be an example. I also just want to set a personal example for my daughter. I want her to see that you can be entrepreneurial and follow your passions. She sees how excited I am to go to work, and that’s one of my biggest accomplishments with this business.

1851: What is the one thing about your story you want us to know?

Corl: I’m from a blue-collar family who isn’t necessarily known for taking risks in their careers. I wanted to jump and do something I loved. Now I’m doing that, and I get to share my passion with my customers on a daily basis.

1851: What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming a franchise owner?

Corl: Do your research and never stop trying to learn more about your brand, the industry and the markets you are in.