Fast-growing vehicle retail business to launch in Springfield

A quickly growing California-based vehicle retail business is slated to open a store in Springfield.

Michael Doty, a franchisee of Los Angeles-based Detail Garage, said his store is scheduled to host its grand opening on March 7 at 3863 S. Campbell Ave., Ste. D., in the Parkcrest Center.

Detail Garage sells automotive detail supplies under its Chemical Guys brand, said Chad Zani, director of business development for the California company.

“When I started midway through 2017, it was just four stores operating,” Zani said. “Michael’s store will be store No. 63.”

Zani’s LinkedIn profile states the business in 2019 grew to 62 stores doing $27 million annually in business. The four stores in 2017 did $2.5 million.

Detailing work is not performed at the retail outlets.

Doty was a customer first, when he was working for the military on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. A friend opened a Detail Garage store in Oahu that he frequented.

“I’m a car guy. I’ve always been a car guy,” said Doty, who’s originally from the Springfield area. “I’m just excited to do something that I love now.”

Doty, who owns a specialized 2010 Chevrolet Camaro, said the Chemical Guys product lines work well for car lovers. Products include wax, brushes, applicators and detailing tools, according to Detail Garage’s website.

“It’s easy to use,” he said. “It won’t leave the microscopic scratches that an automatic car wash will. The automatic car wash over time will actually ruin your paint.”

Doty said he signed a three-year lease with the option for four extensions to occupy 1,760 square feet in the Parkcrest Center. Declining to disclose terms, he said the space previously was filled by Boardwalk clothing store.

Doty declined to disclose his investment in the venture, other than to say he’s spending “my savings and my time” to get it off the ground.

Detail Garage’s website does not list franchise terms. The company’s only current Missouri store is in St. Louis.

Zani said Detail Garage also offers classes and workshops, and once a month stores host events for customers to show off their vehicles.

“The community rallies around our stores,” he said. “Lots of people hang out and look at each other’s cars.”