We’re looking forward to introducing you to Mitchell Webb. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Mitchell, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
While I love to detail cars, something that brings me joy is sports. Sports play a big part in my life as I played soccer and tennis growing up. As an N.C State fan I love to watch Wolfpack football and basketball. In my downtime I play pickleball and pickup basketball.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Mitchell Webb, owner of Midtown Detailing. Midtown detailing is a premium detailing service in the Triangle area. We detail anything from cars to boats, atv’s, motorcycles and more. You name it we can detail it! Midtown Detailing was founded in 2023 as a way to make some extra cash. But I soon realized this is more than that. Detailing can be a way for me to connect with my community. I love the client relationship part of detailing as much as I love the detailing itself. It means so much to me to know that my clients are invested in me just as much as I invest my time and effort into their vehicle. One of my favorite things about detailing is when I am through, I enjoy just sitting and talking with my clients. This can be clients I already know or new customers. Business these days is a lot of hustle and bustle, just trying to get the job done and leave. I do not believe that is what it should be about. Yes you are still providing a product or service, but it should also be about connection and relationships within your community. What sets Midtown Detailing apart from the thousands of other detailers is how much we care. I take so much pride in what I do and want to seriously make an impact in my clients lives.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
One thing I believed as a child, or my younger self was that I could do it all by myself. As a child I never liked others helping me, still don’t. I would push people away and tell them no. I have come to the realization that you cannot do life alone. You need others pushing you along and guiding you. Yes I think some things you can do alone, but you will need help eventually. This could be getting help from your mom on your homework, or getting a business loan from the bank. People are there to assist you and I truly believe you need to surround yourself with those who want to see you succeed. Find mentors and create relationships with business professionals. It can be hard to ask for help but it is harder to push away the help than to accept it.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Although I have struggled as a business owner suffering is not the word I would use. In order to succeed you need to struggle. Struggling teaches us how to push through and how to have critical thinking skills. One thing I have struggled with as a business owner is finding clients early on. Marketing is a big part of any business and should be taken seriously. You need to teach yourself parts of the business, and the one I focused more on was marketing. Steve Jobs said it best, “I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance” I believe more than talent and ideas, the resiliency of a business owner will separate themselves from others.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One belief I have always believed in is respecting others. I was raised with saying “Yes Sir” and “No Ma’am”, having a firm handshake, making eye contact, and taking your hat off to greet someone. These things have been around for centuries and I feel they have been escaping today’s culture. Taking off one’s hat is a sign of respect peacefulness, coming from medieval times when knights removed their helmets to show that they were unarmed. A firm handshake shows trust and goodwill. When I arrive to a clients house I always try to be early, speak to them, and keep my area clean. These small things have taken me very far. Respect is a basic trait I think one should learn and teach others.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I love this question because it brings back the theme I mentioned earlier about customer relationships. What I believe my customers/clients will miss about Midtown Detailing is the personal connection that we strive to have with each and every person we interact with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://midtowndetailing.org
- Instagram: midtowndetailing919
- Facebook: Midtown Detailing
Image Credits
Ward DeHart (Employe) pictured scrubbing car.
