By: Mike Su, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
At just 19 years old, Zach Chauvin has already carved out a successful path as an auto detailing professional in his hometown of Tilbury, Ontario. Inspired by his entrepreneurial father, Chauvin started his detailing business at the age of 16 and hasn’t looked back.
“Since a young age, I’ve always wanted to be my own boss,” said Chauvin, who attended École Secondaire de Pain Court in Pain Court. “Seeing my dad as a business owner my whole life really motivated me. I found something I enjoyed doing and started detailing vehicles for family and friends.”
With a name, a logo, and plenty of determination, Chauvin launched his business and relied on word of mouth to grow his clientele. His father helped him build a website and outfit a mobile detailing van, laying the foundation for the thriving venture it has become.
Transitioning from mobile detailing to a storefront in 2023 posed challenges, particularly finding a suitable location within Tilbury. After securing a space behind the new Domino’s Pizza, Chauvin faced the added hurdle of managing his business during the slow winter season. “It was stressful to ensure I had the funds to keep things running during my first off-season,” he admitted.
What keeps Chauvin motivated is his passion for transforming vehicles and interacting with customers. “I love working on cool vehicles and seeing the look on people’s faces when I’ve transformed their car from dirty to dreamy,” he said. His specialties include paint correction, polishing, and applying professional-grade ceramic coatings. “There’s something so satisfying about taking a scratched, swirled paint job and turning it into a showroom shine.”
Chauvin’s community involvement adds another layer to his success. Each December, he donates 20% of gift card sales to the Tilbury Help Centre, raising approximately $2,800 over the past two years. “The stats for food bank usage in Canada are mind-blowing,” he said. “I wanted to help in some way, and my customers have made that possible.”
Since starting in 2022, Chauvin has expanded his services significantly. “Having a shop allows me to offer more paint correction and ceramic coating services in a controlled environment,” he explained. “Before, I had to work in people’s home garages, which wasn’t ideal.”
Looking ahead, Chauvin has big plans for 2025, including new service offerings and products. He hopes to eventually own his shop rather than rent and even train others in the auto detailing industry. “I want to grow my personal brand and help young startup detailers launch and grow their businesses,” he said.
For teenagers aspiring to start their own ventures, Chauvin’s advice is simple: “If you’re truly passionate and believe in your idea, you can make it happen. People will doubt you, but don’t listen to them. Starting your own business is hard, but if you don’t quit, you can’t fail.”
Chauvin credits much of his success to seeking mentorship and professional training. He invested in five days of intensive training in California with a renowned auto detailing coach, joining an elite group called “The Detail Mafia.” “Mentors and training can shorten the time it takes to reach your goals,” he said.
Chauvin’s journey has taught him the importance of resilience and collaboration. “You can’t be a hero and do everything alone. Having people and mentors help you along the way is absolutely necessary, and I hope to be that person for others one day.”
For now, Chauvin is focused on building his business and continuing to serve his community. His story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and giving back.
