In West Palm Beach, Florida—the same place he has called home for the greater part of his life—Randy Roblero, originally from Bailey, North Carolina, committed to transforming a simple side hustle into a full-blown business. The 22-year-old channels his work passion into the operation of his mobile car detailing company, Beyond Limits of Palm Beach. Stepping outside his single-story family home, you cannot miss the company’s emblematic red and blue logo displayed on the side of Roblero’s cargo van, which also serves as his mobile office.
Roblero’s entrepreneurial journey began as a part-time car cleaner when he was just 18. Equipped with his Ford Mustang, which he acquired in 2018 for $17,000, he began earning extra money through a part-time pizza delivery job in the upscale Palm Beach area, facilitated by his flashy wheels. The fruitful tips he received were mostly stored away, boosting his savings.
In May 2020, Roblero chose to commit entirely to his entrepreneurial ambition, using his savings to invest $2,500 in a trailer and supplies to kickstart the business. He also harnessed the power of social media, setting up Instagram, Facebook, and Google My Business accounts for promotion.
His initial attempt at entrepreneurship, however, was hardly smooth sailing. Fresh in the world of business, he grappled with mastering fundamental aspects like pricing which he started at a relatively low point, but now varies from $120 for a basic cleaning to $350 for complete detailing.
The sudden death of his father in April 2021 dealt Roblero an emotional and financial blow, plunging him and his family—comprising his mother, older brother, and younger sister—into distress. Not only did he bear the $15,000 medical and funeral expenses, but due to a forced move after the family house was sold, the monthly rent became $700 higher along with utility bills now covered by his brother.
Keen to ensure stability, Roblero doubled down on his car cleaning venture amidst this heartbreak. His commitment to longer working hours, usually from 7:30 a.m. into the late afternoon six days a week, shouldered by the Floridian heat and often restricted to servicing three to four clients daily from his van, bore fruit.
His earnings grew as the number of repeat customers and referrals began to swell, along with curious passersby inquiring about his services. In 2023, a significant portion of his income also stemmed from car detailing videos on his YouTube channel, which offered insights into his detailing process. This sideline churns in ad revenue and sponsorship deals, anticipated to contribute around $18,000 by the end of the year. Overall, Roblero’s company has shot up his earnings from $41,000 at his old job to a projected $77,000 in 2023.
Yet, in spite of his encouraging business traction, Roblero has shown remarkable financial discipline. His monthly spending is circumspect, beyond necessities like $35 for a family phone plan, $189 for transportation expenses, and $549 on groceries, his individual splurges are comparatively minimal. Instead, any surplus income is rechanneled into his business, admitting a clear focus on his company’s growth over personal investments or retirement savings.
Looking ahead, Roblero envisions expanding his operation throughout Florida, potentially adding more vans and hiring employees. His ultimate aspiration is to succeed sufficiently to relieve his mother of the need to work, aiming to enhance his family’s financial stability. His passion echoes in his words: “I wake up and I go to sleep thinking about my business.” His story serves as a shining exemplar of raw entrepreneurial spirit, resilience amidst deep personal tragedy, determination, and dedication to family.
