Today we’d like to introduce you to Devin O’Dwyer.
Devin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve always had a deep love for cars, but it really started to take shape about five years ago when I bought my first secondary vehicle, a 2000 Audi S4 finished in Nogaro Blue. That car became something more than just transportation; it was a creative outlet. I took pride in cleaning it, maintaining it, and obsessing over every detail. In fact, the logo for my business, MittenWorks, is inspired by that car, the “O” in the name is the original stock wheel from the S4, and the logo color is that same iconic Nogaro Blue.
Detailing that car is where it all started. From there, I began working on friends’ and family’s vehicles, slowly building my skills and reputation. I was working a remote job at the time, sitting at a computer all day, and while it paid the bills, I didn’t feel fulfilled. I needed something more hands-on, more connected to my passion, so I decided to take the leap. I pursued formal detailing training, left my job, and committed fully to launching MittenWorks Detailing.
None of this would’ve been possible without the support of my wife, Kendall. She’s been my rock through all of it, encouraging me, helping with everything from building the website and setting up QuickBooks to designing the logo and planning our marketing. She’s been running her own business for 10 years and brought a ton of insight and guidance to the table.
Around that same time, I was spending a lot of time with Brandon Sineway, my mechanic and good friend who owns Peninsula Automotive, a shop specializing in Audis and Volkswagens. He was in the middle of relocating his business, and I took the lead on finding us a new shared space, something I had a lot of experience with from previous roles. We landed on a spot across from the airport, and with the help of Brandon, my wife, my brother (a union organizer with the IBEW), and an amazing group of family and friends, we transformed a rough industrial building into a clean, modern detailing studio and mechanic’s garage.
I’m about two months into business now, and things are growing steadily. I’ve been doing a mix of dealership details, friends’ and family cars, and building up my own client base. Every day, I get to do something I care about with people I respect, and that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, there have been plenty of challenges, from financial constraints to logistical hurdles and even mechanical setbacks. But every time something came up, I leaned on my community. Friends and family have stepped in time and again to help me push through, whether it was lending a hand, offering advice, or just being there when I needed support.
Right now, the biggest challenge I’m facing is building brand awareness. I’m still new in the market, so getting my name out there is critical. I’ve been tackling that head-on through multiple avenues, investing in radio ads, putting up signage, and getting involved with the local car enthusiast community. It’s a work in progress, but I’m confident that with consistency and the right connections, it’ll grow.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mittenworks Detailing?
MittenWorks Detailing is built on craftsmanship, consistency, and care. We offer premium automotive detailing services, from deep interior cleaning and paint correction to long-term ceramic coating protection. But more than that, we offer personalized service that puts the car and the customer first.
What really sets us apart is the intentional size and structure of the business. A lot of local detailers have grown to a point where quality control starts to slip. They hire large, inconsistent teams, and focus on volume over results. At MittenWorks, I’ve made a conscious choice to grow differently. Every vehicle that comes in gets treated with the same care and attention as my own. I’m hands-on with every job to ensure it meets the highest standard. This isn’t a churn-and-burn operation; it’s a service built for people who expect and deserve excellence.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is doing quality work and standing behind it. I take a lot of pride in what I do, and I think that shows in how I approach each job and how I treat my clients. In a service-based business, especially detailing, reputation is everything. If you’re not consistent or you cut corners, word gets around fast.
I started MittenWorks because I wanted to build something real, something I could stand behind. I didn’t want to be just another shop pumping out as many cars as possible. I care about the results, the process, and making sure the customer actually gets what they paid for, no gimmicks or shortcuts.
That’s why I’m intentional about how I grow the business. I want to make sure the quality stays high and every customer feels taken care of. To me, that’s what builds trust, and that’s what keeps people coming back.
Pricing:
- Interior clean from $220
- Exterior clean from $220
- Siganture Package from $800
- Ceramic Coating from $800
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mitten.works/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mittenworksllc/
