Many kids have dreams and hopes to start their own businesses, but most don’t ever get started. Two Trinity High School seniors are taking the plunge into business ownership. Carter Mickus and Johnny Leith have launched their own car detailing service, Pro Shine Detailing, which they originally began as part of a school project. “We’ve been doing this for about a year,” Mickus explained. Initially, the duo wasn’t running it as a full-time business, but rather as part of a class project; however, they quickly realized they had a viable business in the making. “We thought the idea was good, so we started it, and we’ve been pretty successful ever since,” Leith added.

While their business currently operates as a fun side hustle, the pair sees potential for its growth in the future. “It’s a good income, and we’re still learning skills along the way,” Mickus noted. They appreciate the opportunity to meet new people and make connections through the hard work.

Their services cater to a range of cars, with deals and prices varying based on each car’s size and condition. A complete job ranges from $180 to $230, while the premium package starts around $200. “Over the summer, we had a lot of gigs, like two every week,” Leith added. However, according to the duo, the workload has slowed since the start of the school year.

Running Pro Shine Detailing has taught Leith and Mickus essential life skills, including problem-solving and responsibility for managing a business. Both were enthusiastic about giving advice to any Trinity students considering starting a business venture. “Start it. There’s nothing that bad that can happen other than failing, and you can always restart,” Leith advised. “The business is never going to run if you don’t start.”

Both detailers had initially started with their own supplies, having enjoyed detailing their own cars before launching the business. As their service grew, they invested in more equipment, including steamers and extractors, to take it to the next level. Depending on the car, a job can take between two to four hours. Clients don’t have to meet them in person, as they drive to the customers and require minimal supplies—primarily water.

The duo has worked with a few Trinity students like senior Henry Whitty. “They showed up, did a good job, and didn’t take that long. Afterward, my car was cleaner than I’ve ever seen it, and they’re a really good duo,” Whitty said. The team has also tried marketing through an active Instagram page (@ProShineDetailing) to showcase their work.

With college approaching, Leith and Mickus are considering their plans for balancing the business with their studies. “We might go our separate ways but still make an income in different states,” Mickus noted, highlighting their determination to keep the business going. “It’s hard, absolutely, but if you have patience and the drive to stick with it, it’ll be worth it,” Leith concluded.

As these enterprising students continue to master their craft, they serve as an inspiration to other students at Trinity and beyond, showing that with passion and a strong work ethic, young people can make their mark in the business world.