You mean you’ll let me wash your new 450SL?
Not only did he let me wash that beautiful blue SL, he trusted me to back her out of his carport and drive it next door to my house. I was only 14. After spending the entire day cleaning, polishing and dressing the car, I carefully backed the shiny beast out of my driveway and returned her to Mr. Swanser’s carport. His first words were…
She looks better than the day I picked her up at the dealership!
Those accolades made me proud and I thanked him for letting me play with his car. As I turned to walk home he said “How much do I owe you?” The question caught me off guard. “You want to pay me?” I responded. “Of course! I didn’t expect you to clean my car for free.” He laughed. Imagine my surprise. I was getting paid to do something I enjoyed so much! I ran home with a crisp $20 bill in my hands and a business was born. Over the next 10 years I detailed hundreds of cars, which helped fund everything from new surfboards, to my first car, to a college education and my first home. More importantly I learned that you can do what you love and get paid for the work.
Trust a kid and give him or her an opportunity.
Mr. Swanser took a chance with his new Mercedes Benz on a young kid who had a passion for automobiles. That was a trust I will never forget. I often wonder what ever happened to that blue 450SL. Have you trusted a kid and how did that trust inspire and enhance his or her life?
Image credit Cardomain.com
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What a great story Mark! Love that color combo too on the SL. I remember our college days when I would visit you to study art history and you would have a car in your driveway that you were detailing. They always looked brand new when you were finished.
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