Who is Neil Chadwick?
The Chadwick Story - How this whole concept of car cleaning came about
When I was 13 years old, my father realized and understood that I was getting the "car bug." He told me there were 3 things that I had to know how to do before driving the car:
- How to change the oil
- How to change a flat tire
- How to keep the car clean
At 13 years old, I began cleaning his car. I waxed his
car and learned very quickly not to use the whole can. From
that point, I literally cleaned dad's car every week. I
started cleaning cars of relatives, friends, and neighbors
(1965).
As electric carts gained popularity and began to replace caddies, I noticed an opportunity. The carts were stored in a barn that remained nearly empty for several hours each day. Seizing the chance, I began using this space to clean cars. Much like the strategic adaptation in my car cleaning venture, businesses need to pivot and adapt to changes in their industry. An excellent example of such adaptation is highlighted in the Mozzartbet Review, where they explore the evolution of online gambling platforms, adapting to new technologies and customer preferences to stay relevant and competitive.
After receiving permission from the caddy master, I began cleaning members cars. I started cleaning more and more cars each weekend. For four solid springs and summers at the country club, that is all I did. I was completely booked each weekend, every summer. I became more familiar with different situations and the preparation required getting each car cleaned properly.
After high school graduation, in 1972, I played some professional hockey but stopped in 1974. Instead, I went to the University of Tampa and reestablished my business as a way to make money. I not only worked on the professor's vehicles, but also students. However, I was not at a professional level that satisfied me. The work was all by hand, no machines or equipment to achieve optimum results.
I had a big awakening in 1975. I heard that there was a guy that could make a car look brand new regardless of its condition. I thought I was pretty good, but I knew in my heart there was another level. I figured the best way to see what was going on was to take my car there and make an appointment.
This master used a buffer and definitely knew what he
was doing. His products were totally different than what I had
been using, and I was absolutely blown away with the final
job. He offered to let me hang out and to show me his
impressive full detailing process.
He used a high speed buffer and lambs wool pads. This is a very risky way to take care of the car if you didn't know what you were doing, but I quickly learned the professional way to use the equipment for the best and most effective results.
In 1975, I started doing business with used car dealers using my new and proven skills. I would clean the trade-ins; exterior, interior, engine bay, etc. Over the next 10 years, I had a mixture of commercial and retail business. In 1984, I moved to Norfolk, VA and opened a retail detailing and reconditioning facility; Chadwick’s Cosmetic Car Care Inc. This was the only one of its kind in the state of Virginia.
At the peak of my business in Virginia, in the 1980’s, I had 4 full time employees and I did a lot of work for National Car Rental. I reconditioned every single car that went through their rental facility before it was ready to be resold. I successfully held the account for 8 years without as much as a written contract.
In 1991, I went to a much smaller, more specialized, business plan. I started taking care of private collections of classic and exotic cars. I worked with clients one on one instead of using a fixed location and therefore, I could concentrate on specific and personalized service.
In 2004 I relocated to the Palm Beach Florida area to have access to some of the finest cars & collections. I developed a loyal & devoted following & also became the exclusive detailer for Lamborghini Palm Beach. Since 2009 I have been developing & perfecting the Chadwick’s Triple Play System with over $500 million worth of cars Chadwick'd to date.