The transformation is astounding: Tired, filthy vehicles drive into the bay and emerge as pristine, sparkling gems. “They look as good as new,” said Adán Candela, owner of AD Car Detail.
They sure do. Candela recently opened his detailing center in Hopkins, just off of busy Excelsior Boulevard. His service bay has two lanes: One for express, a la carte services, and a second for deep cleans. “We can tackle individual issues a driver might have, like dirty carpets or a leather seats that need to be reconditioned,” he said.
The deep cleans start at $130 (although there is currently a promotion for $50 off any premium service) and might take between one and two hours, depending on how large and/or dirty your vehicle is. But if you have to wait, you’ll be comfortable: “Our lobby is designed so our customers can have coffee or soft drinks and high-speed internet while they wait,” Candela said. And he’s right: The lobby is bright, cheerful and comfortable.
Trilingual Detail Shop
Currently, three languages are spoken at AD Car Detail: English, Spanish and Somali. “We want to include the entire community, to make everyone feel welcome here,” Candela said. And as his customer base grows, Candela is making inroads into the local community. “We’re working with local car dealerships, employers, the police department, churches and schools in the area,” he said. Candela is also about to start a membership service.
Candela himself has worked his way up in the industry. He began in the detailing world 20 years ago, when he arrived in Minnesota from his native Guerrero, Mexico. “I started wiping down cars,” he said. “Then I learned the entire detailing process. After that, I began opening stores for a local chain,” he continued. Now, the latest store he’s opened is his own.
A Loan Helped Get Things Moving
He had a little help along the way, too. Candela received a loan from LEDC to help with expenses in getting up and running. “There are so many expenses associated with opening a business,” Candela said. “Rent, remodeling, overhead, equipment. It’s a lot. But thanks to LEDC, I am where I am today.”
Even though his first shop has only been open for a month, Candela has lofty goals. “Over the nest year or two, I hope to hire between 10 and 15 employees and open two more branches,” he said. It’s exciting, and I’m looking forward to growing in the community.”
If you’re looking to support Candela in his new venture – and get an unbelievable detailing job on your vehicle at the same time – you can stop by his shop or schedule an appointment online or by phone.
AD Car Detailing
www.adcardetail.com
952-666-5022
10540 Excelsior Blvd.
Hopkins, MN 5343
