Two teenagers from Barnsley have started their own car detailing business, despite one barely being old enough to drive at the time.
Tom Murphy started TM Detailing at 17, inviting his long-term good friend McKenzie Paisley, 18 at the time, to join him shortly after.
Since starting the company in August last year, the pair have quickly established a wide client base across Barnsley and Sheffield.
Mr Paisley explained that traditional paths for young people, such as University or an apprenticeship, weren’t for him.
He said: “I didn’t want to go just for the sake of it. Unless you know what you want to do I don’t see the point. Why not instead put our entrepreneurial skills to the test in the real world.
“We started by washing our families and friends’ cars, getting that experience and getting our name out. Door knocking I think was the best for us.”
He also expressed his appreciation for their parents’ ongoing support. He explained: “They are so supportive, they’re well keen about it all. It’s brought our families close together, I love Tom’s family.”
“Both of us living at home also means there’s no pressure to make loads of money and instead we can focus on the journey.”
They work on a range of cars, from “your average Fiesta to some really nice cars, Porches and that,” Mr Paisley said.
“It takes a lot of trust for people to give us their cars, and we obviously appreciate that. We want to give the best service possible every time.”
The company offers a range of services, including deep cleans, polishing, paint correction and ceramic coatings. They have a “great relationship” with their equipment supplier, who is also local to Barnsley.
By prioritising customer satisfaction, TM Detailing have earned the trust and partnership of German AutoCare Sheffield, the largest independent German car specialists in the UK.
Mr Paisley explained that their next step is having a unit to operate from, as well as continuing to expand their clientele. At the moment, the teenagers drive from customer to customer, which while convenient for the customer, means the average day can involve a lot of travel.
However, he emphasised: “It’s all about the journey, doing what we enjoy and taking pride in our work.”
Check out TM Detailing on Facebook.