Colorado-based entrepreneur Mike Wilson purchased Steamboat Detailing from founder Travis Benzing in early December and has plans to build on the company’s strong reputation by adding new services.

“Steamboat Detailing has a fantastic reputation for quality and service, thanks to Travis and his team,” said Wilson, who closed on the business the first week of December. “Our vision is to elevate the customer experience even further while investing in best-in-class products, equipment and training. I’m grateful for the opportunity to carry this brand forward, and I’m thrilled to welcome Sierra Dawn into the new leadership structure.”

Wilson, who currently lives in Denver, said he plans to be in Steamboat every couple of weeks with Dawn handling the day-to-day responsibilities and working directly with clients to meet their needs.

Wilson said he wanted to purchase a small business and started working with brokers in Steamboat Springs to find opportunities. He said his decision to purchase Steamboat Detailing was influenced by its well-maintained physical location, professional website, and Dawn’s experience and willingness to take on the general manager role.

The company was founded by Benzing in 2002, and for over two decades he brought a high level of service to Steamboat with his business that offers detailing packages for vehicles of all sizes, from cars to full-size trucks.

Wilson started his detailing career when he was just 15, working for a BMW dealership. Shortly after starting Steamboat Detailing, he expanded his education at Attention to Details — a premier detail training program — in 2005. Travis was also trained and certified to install Clear bra paint protection film and was selected to join the elite Air Force One Detailing Team in 2007.

The Air Force One Detailing Team meets annually at Seattle’s Museum of Flight to meticulously clean and preserve historic presidential aircraft, including the original jet Air Force One. 

“I wanted to have some time to enjoy all Steamboat has to offer while I’m still young enough and able enough to get outdoors and have some fun. (It also gives me) a chance to take some time off before figuring out the next chapter,” Benzing said. “It’s been a whole lot of fun. It’s been awesome to serve clients you’ve had over the decades.”

As he hands over the reins to Wilson, Benzing acknowledges the crew at Steamboat Detailing has been like family and he has kept in touch with former crew members that went on to pursue their own adventures. He is thrilled that Dawn, who joined the company six years ago, is stepping into the role as general manager.

“We talked to a few interested parties, but Mike seemed to be the best fit,” Benzing said. Mike’s background in accounting and being a CPA will really help with keeping track of the books, watching the numbers and figuring out which way to grow the business.”

He added that Dawn will be in town to take care of day-to-day operations. “She was my right-hand person whenever I was out of town or needed help with anything,” Benzing said. “She always was there to step in and take over, so I think it’ll be a great fit with having her there running the show and the day-to-day operations, since she has built the relationship with all the clients.”

Steamboat Detailing currently specializes in interior and exterior detailing, paint correction, ceramic coatings and paint protection film installations for cars, trucks and sports utility vehicles. The business is in the Copper Ridge Business Park, at 2670 Copper Ridge Circle, Unit 23. Steamboat Detailing will continue to operate under the current name, with no disruption to existing scheduled service appointments. The company plans to announce expanded services later this year.

“Travis built a highly respected business with strong systems, a loyal customer base and excellent financial performance,” said Stuart Erskine, a certified business intermediary and senior broker with Touchstone Business Advisors, which helped facilitate the sale. “Mike Wilson is an ideal successor whose vision aligns with the company’s reputation for craftsmanship and customer care.”