Meet Michael Pappas | Automotive Specialist & Detailer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Pappas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I was a kid I always wanted to do something I enjoyed for work. I think we all think that way. But once I went to college and had to “pick a degree” I didn’t see anything that really interested me. But, I went ahead and got a bachelors degree and did that whole corporate job thing for a little while and quickly realized this was not what I want to do, or meant to be. I didn’t like the lack of opportunity for advancement and inability to play to my strengths. So I got involved at my fathers automotive business and really enjoyed it. However, without the capital to open a full scale operating business I felt car detailing was a low start up cost business that could potentially grow into something much larger and it has! I could play to the strengths and ability to sell in particular to create something much larger for myself than any company could offer me.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Car detailing is not really a new idea right. It has been around a very long time. Also, there are plenty of people who operate car detailing shops and even mobile operations. There is plenty of competition out there including on my own block. There is three detail shops within a two block radius! When people don’t like one persons price they drive to the next place and I see this on almost a daily basis. What easily sets Deluxe Detailing apart from a lot of other shops is the fact that its a personal touch in everything done at my shop. I make sure I know my customers, I know their name, I know a few facts about them and maybe even some current life events like if they are expecting a baby, etc. Early on when I was starting out I thought about what are some places and businesses I go to and why do I like them. It was easy to figure out that people do business with people they like.

The biggest lesson I learned early on is always be honest. People will do business with you if you own up to your mistakes but they wont do business with you if they feel lied to or if you are being dishonest. We also always put the customer first and their best interest. I get calls all the time people telling me they need these crazy expensive services on their car because thats what reddit said. Usually they bring in their car and we go over it together to customize their service to their needs. Sure we can quote you for a seven thousand dollar job to protect your car for ten years. But, if its a three year lease that does not really make sense. Our goal has always been to deliver to the best service for the needs of the customer.

When I started out this was just a small time thing to make some extra money. That was my only goal. Now, I detail for Aston Martins showroom in Manhattan where in certain instances I have to sign NDA’s for cars that have not been released to press or public. I also work with a picture car company sourcing cars for commercial film and photography, and I travel to LA to service clients out there. You never know where your business will take you but if you work hard on yourself and your service it will take you anywhere you want it to! (Hopefully Europe next!)

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I feel like I am the guy in my group of friends that always gets this question asked so IM READY! Astoria has so many great places and I could write a dissertation on all the great places here so Im going to limit myself! First and foremost im Greek. So im the Greek food plug for the non Greek friends. Most people have probably heard of Taverna Kyclades and that place is pretty good but I would take them to Bahari. Its by far not the fanciest place but the aesthetic brings me back to my childhood experiences with my family in Greece so im a huge fan. I think if you ask anyone who is my friend, they have gone with me to Bahari at least once.

I am probably one of the biggest coffee fanatics you will meet. But you gotta stay fueled to work right? So for Coffee it has to be Under Pressure if we are continuing with the Greek theme. If we are not, Mighty Oak coffee Roasters has a different take on flavor that wood roasting beans has. Otherwise Gian Piero Bakery. I go there probably four times a week and the staff always know my order and remember my name (remember what I said prior about the customer experience).

For entertainment we have a lot typically going on. Right now Ditmars Blvd is gearing up for the street fair that we have at the end of June every year. We have street fairs happening on every major avenue all summer long. Also, we just had a carnival in Astoria park and we are having fireworks there later this before the forth of July fireworks that happen on the east river.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There is a lot of people who helped me grow this business into what it is Today. Definitely have to thank my family and friends. However, the first person to say to me “hey if you want to learn, come over and I will teach you” was my good friend Kevin Sterling. He runs a detail shop out in Long Island called KS detailing and I would go over there after work and he would take time from his day and spend time going over different techniques and tools of the trade. I definitely skipped making a lot of mistakes from his mentorship early on which has continued today.

Instagram: @Deluxedetailingnyc

Image Credits
Tyler Rose
Aston Martin