Dexter Teens Balance School, Business, and Family Responsibilities with Mobile Detailing Venture

When they’re not in class, Dexter teens Caleb Lowe and Sam Bahnke are growing their own mobile vehicle detailing business, Diamond Detailing. The two 17-year-old friends teamed up to combine their shared entrepreneurial spirit, seeing the business as a way to support their families while honing their skills in business and customer service.

“I always wanted to start my own business and be an entrepreneur,” Sam explained. “Caleb already had experience from an online business, so I really wanted to learn from him and work together.”

Caleb started detailing cars at 15, cleaning up family vehicles before deciding to branch out. “Back then, I charged around $70 per SUV for a full interior clean. It would take me four or five hours, especially with cars packed from soccer practices—Goldfish, gum, everything,” he said. His patience and hard work paid off, and he soon had a loyal client base. When Sam joined, he bought into the business for $150, ready to help it grow.

Beyond a shared passion for entrepreneurship, Caleb and Sam support one another, even on tough days. “We try to stay positive and lift each other up. At the end of the day, we want the best for each other,” Sam said.

The business isn’t just about income—it has a deeper purpose for both teens. Caleb, whose parents are both deaf, uses his earnings to help pay his mother’s medical expenses and assist his father with gas and other costs. “One of my biggest goals is helping my parents gain financial stability,” he said. Meanwhile, Sam views the business as a way to reduce the financial burden of his future education on his family. “One of my dreams is to retire my parents someday,” he shared.

Managing Diamond Detailing, school, and other responsibilities hasn’t been easy, but the two teens have found a rhythm, mainly working on weekends. They admit they sometimes feel like they’re missing out on typical teenage activities, but they’re looking at the big picture. “If we put in the work now, there’ll be less work later,” Sam explained. “Others may be having fun now, but we’re preparing for the future.”

Diamond Detailing is open to new clients, and Caleb and Sam hope to continue expanding their reach. For those interested, their booking process is simple and accessible through their website at www.diamondetailingmi.com.