Clark College students start mobile detailing business, offer quality services

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When 17-year-old Benjamin Holmgren and 17-year-old Nik Storm were talking about finding jobs that would fit with their school schedule at Clark College, the two realized that starting their own business would be a great way to make some money and gain experience.

So, Eclipse Mobile Detail was established.

The two said the business didn’t have an actual launch date, but evolved over the course of a few months. Storm, who graduated from CAM High School in Battle Ground, and Holmgren, who was home-schooled until he started Clark in 2010, provide a variety of car-detailing services. They said they use high-quality products that ensure a good finish and protection for a vehicle’s paint.

Aside from the standard wash and interior cleaning, Holmgren and Storm said they use a clay bar on the paint surface to remove often invisible particles that stick to the car’s surface and are not removed with a wash. They also use several polishes and a wax/sealant that gives a smooth, shiny finish and protects paint for 4-6 months, depending on conditions.

Storm and Holmgren said they decided to start this business because they wanted to prove they could be different than the "typical" teenagers.

"We believe in today’s America," they said. "Young people like ourselves are stereotyped as kids that we are ready to party and generally mess around in the later teen years. We wanted to be different. To set an example. To be prepared when we graduate and real life is upon us. Our business is a business, but we also want it to be an example to other young people that, with some motivation, hard work and a little risk, anyone can make something like this happen."

Eclipse Mobile Detail is set apart from other car-detailing companies, according to Storm and Holmgren, because of their customer service. They said they take pride in knowing names and faces, firm handshakes, professionalism and friendliness. Also, they said the fact that they are mobile and will go to the location of their customers also sets them apart from competitors.



"Also, we specialize in high-end cars," they said. "The BMWs, Lexus, classic cars and the like. The top-shelf products we use are fully endorsed by the best and we’ve learned the trade from very experienced detailers."

In addition to running their business, both boys are attending school. Holmgren is finishing up some prerequisites at Clark and then plans to transfer to Washington State University Vancouver to complete a degree in business. Storm is planning on finishing this school year at Clark and then wants to transfer to Michigan Technological University where he will finish his four-year degree in Mechanical Engineering.

As they continue with their business, Storm and Holmgren said they want to continue building their customer base, see other young people join their team and be an inspiration to other teens in the community, that entrepreneurship at a young age is possible.

For more information on Eclipse Mobile Detail’s services, contact Holmgren and Storm at (360) 901-3689 or by email at eclipsemobiledetailing@gmail.com. Interested people can also visit their Facebook page by searching for Eclipse Mobile Detail.