A kitchen rag and dish soap on brand‑new paint—one small shock that sent Austin Menden down a path toward professional detailing and, eventually, a white‑glove mobile service built for busy owners. We sit down with the founder of Costa Lux Detailing to unpack the craft behind showroom‑level results and the systems that make it seamless to get that finish without leaving your driveway.

Austin breaks down the details that matter: safe wash methods, decontamination, paint correction, and ceramic coatings that protect shine and make cleaning easier. We talk through the hidden cost of drive‑thru washes, why wheels and tight crevices never get truly clean there, and how a simple maintenance cadence—weekly, bi‑weekly, or monthly—keeps clear coat healthy and resale value strong. He also shares the growth journey from side hustle to a structured operation with a fully equipped van, trained technicians, and an emphasis on consistency.

What makes Costa Lux different is the concierge mindset. Invoices arrive by email, payments are painless, and hands‑off service means you can get on with your day while the team restores gloss at the curb. With subscriptions and an app on the horizon, plus a backend powered by CRM and clear SOPs, Austin shows how craft scales when paired with smart systems. If you care about your car’s finish—whether it’s a daily driver or a weekend toy—you’ll find practical tips, myths debunked, and a clear picture of what premium mobile detailing should feel like. Visit: https://costa.luxe/ or call 949-792-4120.

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