Pletten begins new business venture in mobile detailing

By: 
Jill Meier, Journal editor
Jill Meier/BV Journal 
Brandon resident Mike Pletten has made a mid-life career change with the startup of his new business, Mike’s Mobile Detailing. Pletten resigned from a near 15-year career as an assistant manager and caterer at Sunshine Foods/Tony’s Catering. Pletten made the career change after his youngest son graduated from high school.
Mike Pletten’s new business, Mike’s Mobile Detailing, is bringing some of his clients to tears.
 
Happy tears, that is.
 
“I’ve had two or three husbands set up an appointment and when their wives came out to check out the car, they started crying, and I thought I did something,” shares Pletten, who parted ways with a near 15-year career at Sunshine Foods in Brandon. 
 
Earlier this year, Pletten began exploring new career opportunities.
 
“My youngest just graduated, so I was trying to find something that would pique my interest, so to speak, and I’ve always done detailing for family and friends. I’ve done body work and upholstery and figured it was time to start it out,” he said.
 
Until this past March, Pletten had steered clear of social media.
 
“When I did start it, I woke up one morning toward the end of March and opened up an account and by the time I posted it, an hour later I had four clients and after that, it just took off,” he recalls. “The next day, I had the first week booked and the following day I had the second week booked.”
 
Depending on services, he’s averaging 15 to 20 clients each week, and the bulk of his business has been with clients in Brandon, Sioux Falls and Tea.
 
“We offer everything that any other detailer would: paint chip repair, cigarette burn, vinyl/leather restoration, rock chip repair, paint correction, etc. Pricing, he said, depends on size of vehicle and type of services, which are outlined in packages he offers.
 
Pletten recently returned from training in Pittsburgh, where he learned some new techniques, was introduced to different product lines and revenue streams.
 
One of those revenue streams is commercial accounts.
 
“They were requiring certification, insurance and a disclaimer, so I took it upon myself and went and got the certification, which was out in Pittsburgh,” said Pletten, who was presented a diploma after completing the training.
 
Pletten said as his business grows, he may consider constructing a shop for his detailing services during the winter months. This year, however, Pletten said he will detail vehicles in his client’s garages or in his own garage.
 
Clients of Mike’s Mobile Detailing have been pleased the service comes to them and Pletten said he is enjoying being his own boss.
 
“I love physically doing the work,” he said. “My day flies by and I’m just fine and happy doing this and I’m pleased to hear that everybody is enjoying my services. I can’t explain what kind of feeling that is, but just seeing the reaction is the priceless part.”
 
To schedule an appointment or learn more about Mike’s Mobile Detailing, call (605) 496-6428, email mjpletten23@gmail.com, find him on Facebook, scan the QR code on the side of his trailer or visit his web page, which is currently under construction.
 

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The Brandon Valley Journal

 

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