Business focus is in the details

Friends and employees of Golden’s Suds and Shine” participated in a Hannibal Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony. Contributed photo

MARY LOU MONTGOMERY

When T.J. Golden opened “Golden’s Suds and Shine” in January, it was in actuality an extension of his life-long passion: Returning vehicles to their show-room sheen.

“He used to clean my car when he was in high school,” said Judy Woollen, T.J.’s mother, and office manger for the new car detailing business. “He has always kept his truck super clean.”

T.J. has worn many hats during his lifetime, including  as surveyor for Crane and Fleming; then in that same capacity for Great River Engineering; Wasson Land Surveying; Poepping, Stone, Bach and Associates in Quincy; and in the surveying department for the Missouri Highway Department. Leaving that field, he worked as a security guard for the Northeast Correctional Center at Bowling Green, and currently works in security for Blessing in Quincy.

Back in Hannibal, he found himself fulfilling frequent weekend requests from his friends for car detailing.

“He was cleaning cars in his driveway,” Woollen said.

That was when the concept of opening a car detailing business came to fruition.

T.J. drove around Hannibal in search of a location. He came across the site at 3109 Market, owned by Brad Walden. “This building was empty and T.J. called him,” Woollen said.

The building was historically a gas station, and at one time it served as a used car dealership. Matt Lewton also used the building for windshield replacement,” Woollen said.

It has two stalls, and a lift that provides access for low-setting cars.

T.J. Golden and Judy Woollen both work at the business; T.J. during his time off from his job in Quincy, and Judy, who also works three days a week at Scissor’s salon on Broadway.

“He and I both work it, and we have three employees,” plus two more they can call in if needed.

“This summer we used kids from vocational rehab. They learned how to detail. One is still working part time while he’s in school.”

It is T.J.’s exacting standards that propel the detail business.

“T.J. is so picky,” Woollen said. “He’s the one who will come in and run his finger” over the vehicle’s surface to make sure all details are attended to.

A full detail includes both inside and outside the vehicle.

“We do a full power wash outside, and clean under the frame.” While that is drying, they have a big compressor they use to blow the inside out, which gets into the cracks and crevices that vacuuming can miss.

They clean the windows, inside and out, and shampoo the carpet and upholstery. “Then we wipe down the vinyl, with leather cleaner, which puts on a leather shine after it dries.”

The tires are cleaned, and the car is waxed.

It takes two people four hours, and everything is done by hand, Woollen said.

Woollen works right along side the others. “I can do it all. Even get up on ladders and do the tops of the cars. It keeps me in shape.”

The business does trucks, SUVs and boats.

“We even did a golf cart today,” she said on Monday. “I am working today, Laboring on Labor Day.

They pick up and deliver vehicles in Hannibal, Palmyra and New London. Outside of that area, there is a surcharge.

“We have insurance; we are able to pick up and deliver.”

Discounts are offered for people in the medical field, and for veterans.

In addition, “T.J. tries to give back to the community every month.” In September, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Northeast Missouri Humane Society.

Shop mascot

The business even has a mascot.

The dog’s name is Otis, part corgi and blue heeler. “He’s the cutest  thing; he’ll hop up in the car and watch us work.

“One of girls who works with me, she brings the dog to work every day; if she doesn’t bring him, we miss him.”