Jim - White Details
We talk to Jim White, owner of White Details, and find out what supercars he's had the pleasure of working on, get some tips, and more.
[vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_custom_heading text="Hi Jim. Tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you? What do you do for a living?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Jim White, 29, owner and operator of White Details, a vehicle detailing specialist based in the East Midlands.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="When was White Details founded? What was the hardest part about getting started?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]White Details was born April 2009. In the early days, educating potential customers that the £8 road-side car wash wasn’t the best option and that long-term, they’re doing more damage than good. Still to this day, it’s a challenge trying to convince some people! Building the brand took a couple of years; helped along the way by customer referrals, media platforms and testimonials/word of mouth.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="3663" img_size="full" css_animation="right-to-left"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width="stretch_row_content_no_spaces" css=".vc_custom_1481111196802{background-color: #212121 !important;}"][vc_column][vc_single_image image="3652" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="3673" img_size="full" alignment="right" css_animation="right-to-left"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_custom_heading text="What made you decide to make a living with cars?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]It was through interest in my own car that the passion grew. Before long, I was prepping friends’, families’ and friends’ families’ cars whilst working a 9-5 in an office based position. A Saturday/Sunday weekend warrior battling the elements operating out the back of my much loved Audi S3 at the time. The combination of excellent feedback and some success inspired me to move forward.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="On your Instagram and YouTube accounts we've seen Ferraris, Aston Martins and - our personal favourite - an Audi R8. How do you feel when you get to work with supercars like these?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Don’t get me wrong, it’s awesome and I’m lucky to get to work on these vehicles but it’s also the cars that you can really get your teeth into that make me buzz. Cars that have lived their life, been through a “hedge backwards” type thing. One where it literally is a night and day difference regardless of the marque or price tag.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width="stretch_row_content_no_spaces" full_height="yes" parallax="content-moving" parallax_image="3665" css=".vc_custom_1485175912605{background-color: #212121 !important;}"][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_custom_heading text="What would you say is the most impressive car you've been able to work on?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]The most impressive on a tech basis, a Tesla Model S (with a few more already in the diary) They’re certainly the cars of the future and look forward to seeing what Tesla are able to produce next! Over all ‘wow factor’, perhaps given to the satin grey Aventador, a Ferrari F50 or more recently an Old English White mk3 E-Type which was a thing of beauty.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Does it make you proud when you get to work on cars like this?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Absolutely, sometimes it’s good to pinch yourself and look back at where you’ve come from. As others in the trade will tell you, it’s hard graft with long hours but once established and recognised, its most rewarding which certainly makes me proud![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="3662" img_size="full" css_animation="right-to-left"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width="stretch_row_content_no_spaces" css=".vc_custom_1481111196802{background-color: #212121 !important;}"][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="3664" img_size="full" alignment="right" css_animation="right-to-left"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_custom_heading text="What do you like most about your job?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Recently answered this in a Q&A on one of my YouTube Vlogs. It’s the turnaround, the rejuvenation and satisfaction knowing you’ve restored someone’s pride and joy. Collection days are the best, not only do you get paid(!), but to hear the owner’s reaction and see them slowly take it all in. Even once had tears of joy! Naturally, it’s nice to see a full diary too![/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Can you give us some tips on how to keep our cars looking clean and tidy?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Having been constantly asked similar questions, this was one of the catalysts that made me decide to launch the White Details YouTube Channel; producing Vlogs showcasing my work flow with tips & tricks to both the end user and detailer alike.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The feedback from these episodes show me that both the DIY hobbyist and amateur detailer are able to take away and learn from their content. Paragraphs of tips could be written here, but in a nutshell, I would suggest following the vlogs and check out the White Details Instagram/Facebook pages for daily updates and insights. If I had to give just one tip, first and foremost, it would be that “any contact is bad contact” - it’s all on the Vlog.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Is there anything we're doing wrong when it comes to keeping our cars looking nice?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]This really follows on from the previous question. There are so many bad habits which owners are oblivious of. Simply things like closing the door/bonnet or boot with the paintwork rather than the door/grab handle. As above, “any contact is bad contact”, this contact will, over time, induce a series of light scratches/marring that will eventually dull the finish and look unsightly. It comes down to education. Controlling your hose is another one. Either your pressure washer hose, hoover or even at the fuel pump, just ensure no contact is made to the vehicles paintwork. Lastly, invest in a two bucket wash system with “grit guards”, a merino washmit, pH neutral shampoo and fluffy microfiber drying towel. Ditch your sponge, chamois and drying blade! Still the best advice is not to use the roadside car wash![/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="What are you currently driving?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]An 09 320D M-Sport Touring. I’m a big BMW fan – it’s smooth, refined, is a pleasure to drive and delivers mid/high 40 on the mpg. Most importantly, is silver!! A bit of a cheat colour to look after when it comes to detailing. I’m ashamed to admit however, other than a basic wash once in a blue moon, it really doesn’t get much attention due to a full diary and little/lack of time #workhorse[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width="stretch_row_content_no_spaces" css=".vc_custom_1481111196802{background-color: #212121 !important;}"][vc_column][vc_single_image image="3654" img_size="full" alignment="center"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="If money was no object, what would be your perfect car?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Hmm. I’m asked this all the time. I just, you see… Honestly..?!? I don’t know… It wouldn’t be crazy, perhaps not even exotic, As above, I’m a massive BMW fan and I’ve had a fair share of stunning M3/4/5’s through the doors recently. A 1M is booked in soon too so looking forward to that one. Then you have the Porsche’s, the Nissan GTR’s… *sigh* OK I lied, a Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Who do you look to for inspiration in your line of work?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]In the beginning, a lot of the inspiration came via car/detailing related communities and forums. There is such a wealth of information available online, and the forums provide a platform where professionals and amateurs alike can contribute and learn. Having gradually built professional relationships with other pro detailers, both in the UK and overseas, a network of inspiration is only a click away (or call, or skype, email, WhatsApp, SMS or tweet!)[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Do you have any plans for White Details in the future?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Currently, my diary is filling nicely. The vlogs will hopefully continue, as they're proving popular. Building the brand and helping to educate and inform. Expanding the business would involve hiring help, and although that would increase the vehicle throughput, I feel it might dilute the overall experience and service that my customers expect. I therefore remain committed to keeping White Details a bespoke, high quality, individual service.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Thank you for your time!" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]
A huge thanks to Jim for taking the time to speak to us. You can find White Details on Instagram and Facebook, and you can watch Jim's vlogs on the White Details YouTube Channel.
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