Today we’d like to introduce you to Russell Tibbits.
Russell, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was three, my dad brought home a ’65 Mustang. I’ve been addicted to cars ever since. In high school and college, I had two old cars, a ’77 GMC Sierra and an ’89 Pontiac Firebird, and on weekends and during the summer, I’d wash them any day it was sunny. I’d use dish soap, wash rags and towels, and I’d wash the cars in direct sunlight. Literally all the wrong ways to detail a car, I did it. I probably did more harm than good, but I loved it and that’s where my passion for detailing began.
Like a lot of detailers out there, I have a four-year degree and had a successful career, but I never felt passionate about working in an office all day. I had always done a lot of detail work on the side, but a few years ago an old boss of mine had an amazing car collection; probably 50 cars and everything from an original Mini to vintage Porsches to Ferraris and Lamborghinis. And he kept several of them at our offices. One night, I stayed at work until 4AM and detailed one of his cars (without asking him). He showed up the next day, and his car had been detailed and paint-corrected. Later that week, he pulled me into his office and asked me if I wanted to be his personal detailer. Professionally, that’s how I got my first big break.
Has it been a smooth road?
No, it definitely has not been a smooth road. An expert detailer simply cannot compete with the car wash down the street who can “detail” a car faster and for less money, or a car wash that spits out car after car after car using the same tools and same soap for each one. For a new detailer, a big struggle is having the willingness to stick to your guns when a customer says they can get a detail at the car wash down the street for half the price or in a third of the time. You have to be willing to walk away sometimes knowing that you tried to do what’s best for that customer’s car. So I’d say that the value proposition is the biggest struggle. Fortunately, most reputable detailers have Instagram or a website to showcase their work. A lot of times, that includes correcting the “detail” done by that car wash down the street.
One story that comes to mind is a shop owner in Austin who wanted me to be his go-to detailer, but was only willing to pay a quarter of my normal rate for a full interior/exterior and paint correction — something that easily costs around $400-$500. I stuck to my guns and had to walk away knowing that there would be customers who realize the value, who want to get rid of the scratches, swirl-marks, etc. and who trust me to do an incredible job. And there are!
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Like Butter Detailing – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I’ve had multiple customers tell me “I knew you’d make the outside look great. But I’m amazed what you did with the inside.” I love all of it, from a simple wash to leather conditioning to paint correction where you’re taking out scratches and swirl marks. I love taking something dirty or in need of TLC and making it beautiful. I love giving a car back to a customer and seeing their eyes light up.
My goal has always been to provide exceptional service from start to finish. And I’m proud to say that I’ve never had anyone tell me they’ve been less than thrilled with their results. While I have some great reviews on Yelp, the bulk of my business has come from referrals. And those referrals keep growing — even extending from Austin to Dallas!
With the recent move to Dallas, we took a look at the market and instantly wanted to be able to set ourselves apart, while continuing to provide exceptional service. This is why we now offer airport drop off and pickup. One of the negatives of getting your car detailed is being without a car. Which is why we now provide round-trip transport to DFW or Lovefield Airport, no matter the day or time. This way, you can avoid the $20+ per day airport parking fee, escape the taxis and rideshares altogether and come back to a perfect, spotless car. We’ll even have your favorite snacks, coffee and/or bottled water available when you arrive.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
My wife and I were born and raised in Dallas, and are excited to be back after 10 years in Austin! We are t-shirt and flops kind of people. Both of us are very active, running, yoga, etc. In the back of our minds we always knew we’d be back in Dallas if we could find an area where we could walk to parks, running trails, coffee shops, bars and restaurants. We’ve found that in Bishop Arts!
This city has something for everyone; that’s what I love the most. If you’re a car fanatic, there are car clubs and car shows all the time. We’ve got the Cowboys, Rangers, Mavs and Stars, incredible plays and musicals and amazing food. We couldn’t be more thrilled to be back in Big D!
Pricing:
- Level One: The Express ($100) – Remove debris from hood, trunk and door jambs, wash and dry using microfiber mit and microfiber drying towels, clean wheels and dress tires, exterior and interior window treatment, vacuum floor mats, carpets and seats, clean dash and console
- Level Two: The Detail ($250+) -The Express, plus: – Detail spray and clay all exterior painted surfaces to remove all microcontaminants, three phase wheel and tire treatment, seal and wax, vacuum trunk and interior stain removal on seats, carpets and leather, three phase interior treatment
- Level Three: The Show ($400+) -The Detail, plus: – Compounding and polishing exterior paint to remove all minor scratches, swirl marks and other paint imperfections – (Two-stage paint correction if necessary. Costs may vary.)
Contact Info:
- Address: 677 Bishop Heights Lane
- Website: https://www.likebutterdetailing.com/
- Phone: 512 968 9098
- Email: russell@likebutterdetailing.con
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/likebutterdetail
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/like-butter-detailing-dallas
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
