Isaiah Barhoum, 20, is a sophomore at University of Washington, double majoring in accounting and informatics. He is the owner of Bigs Mobile Detailing, www.bigsmobile.com, a business he started his senior year of high school. He has one employee and hopes to add more.
Talk about yourself:
I am half Syrian and half black. I grew up in the Edmonds/Mukilteo area. I have five sisters, four of whom are younger, and the older one attends UW with me right now. I went to Meadowdale High School (Class of 2014), where I was linebacker for the football team and captain for two seasons. I logged over 100 hours of community service during each of my four years.
I learned how to detail cars by working for a local car detailing shop. After football ended, I had a lot more time on my hands, so I decided to save my money and invest in some detailing supplies. From there, my quality work and good customer service (and, honestly, Facebook) allowed word to spread quickly throughout the community. Last year I hired one employee. This spring I will be hiring one more because my old employee has joined the Air Force.
I have also been involved in multiple clubs on campus, as well as research projects and business plans. Northend Nights is a new business that I am starting with another UW student. Our mission is to provide the north Seattle community with a fun, safe dance event that is open to only high school students. Our events will be once per month and will be located at various venues north of Seattle.
What are you wearing?
Jeans, blue collared shirt, Roshes and a grey sweater.
How many cars have you detailed as your own boss?
About 250.
How much are your services?
My most basic service is an interior cleaning, exterior cleaning and a coat of wax. It is $60 for sedans and $85 for an SUV.
What does a car tell you about a person?
I can get an idea about the lifestyle they live. It may be family oriented, on the go, or very organized.
What’s the messiest car?
A work truck. The interior took a lot of time due to old food residue that was crusted to the carpet, seats and most of the center console. I was able to make it look close to new after some time and elbow grease.
If you could detail a car from anyone alive or in history whose would it be and why?
Bill Gates. I’d have a solid chance of a big tip!
What’s your biggest tip?
The biggest tip I have seen went to my employee last year. He received a $100 tip after detailing a Corvette. I showed up at the end of the detail in order to ensure it was up to standards; afterwards the client handed him a brand new $100 bill.
How spiffy is your car?
My car stays fairly clean. While at the UW I do not have a vehicle with me, but when I am home for the summers I try to keep my own vehicle as clean as possible.
What are three things in your car detailing toolkit?
Soap, clean mitts, bottled water.
What are three things in your refrigerator?
Burgers, chicken, humus (family recipe, not store bought).
Fill in the blank: People would be shocked to know…
I have five sisters.
What’s your most proud (non-car-detailing) moment?
Getting into University of Washington.
What is your pet peeve?
When people interrupt me.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Anything chocolate flavored.
What are tips for people to keep their car clean?
Try not to eat in the car. Always take out what you brought into the car. Make sure your paint has been waxed recently in order to protect it from the elements. Try to avoid parking under trees. Remove sap, bird poop, etc. from paint ASAP. Remove spills on carpets ASAP. Condition interior leather and interior/exterior plastics often.
— Andrea Brown
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