Person featured: Matt Durand
Business:Durand’s Auto Detailing

Address: 310 E. Mills St., Columbus
Phone number: 828-817-1568
Operating hours: Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Website: www.durandsautodetail.com
Nature of business: Auto detailing
Principal Owner/Manager and title: Matt Durand
Year founded: 2001
Prior location: Mobile detailing business, 1999
Number of employees: 2
How’s business? Business is good. Very steady considering these economic times. We still have some of our original customers from 10 years ago.
One thing you wish everyone knew about your business: That I, the owner, still wash and detail the cars. A lot of people don’t know that.
Something you offer that a customer won’t find elsewhere: Prices are low and you receive personalized service. It’s all about relationships, and I have built relationships with all of my customers. Even my assistant has been here five years, so he knows everybody and has detailed thousands of vehicles. I’m a car guy – that’s why I’m here. I love this work.
Advice to young entrepreneurs: Find the need and fill it. Build relationships with consistent customer service.
My first job: Cutting grass in south Florida as a teenager.
Your role model (in business or in life generally): In business, my mentor is Chip Foose, who is a car designer. I always looked up to John Wayne as well.
The key to a successful business: Relationships. Treat your customers like family.