Austin Pruett shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Austin, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
The thing that brings me the most joy is my family.
Unfortunately, when you run a business, your focus is often consumed by it and it can be hard to be truly present with your family. The last five years have been insanely difficult. Literal blood, sweat, and tears. And my family has been there through all of it.
We adopted a little boy in December of 2024, and he’s a total Dada’s boy. He doesn’t understand P&L sheets, customer acquisition costs, or any of that he just laughs and giggles when Dada tickles him. That kind of pure, innocent joy is so refreshing, because you just don’t see it often nowadays.
At the end of the day, I’m putting myself through the pain and hardship of entrepreneurship ultimately for them.
My daughter is starting kindergarten in a few weeks. Today I asked how she felt about it. Her response was, “I am scared and not scared at the same time.” I think that’s a response wise beyond her years and honestly, a great description of what it feels like to run a business most days.
And last, but certainly not least, is my incredible, beautiful wife, who brings me joy every single day. We just hit 10 years together this year, and she continues to amaze me with her drive and how she supports me. I would not be here without her.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Austin, and I’m the founder of Fort Worth Auto Detail a high-end auto detailing studio that specializes in paint protection film (PPF), ceramic coatings, and window tint for car owners who want the absolute best. What makes us unique isn’t just the quality of our work it’s the level of care, professionalism, and long-term value we provide for our clients.
This business started humbly from my driveway, with some chemicals my wife gifted me after I was laid off during COVID and had a baby on the way. Since then, we’ve grown into one of the top-rated shops in Fort Worth, with a 5,000 sq ft, climate-controlled facility and a team I’m proud to work alongside every day.
We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what a detailing business can be offering pro-level products, transparent service, and guarantees most shops wouldn’t dream of. Right now, we’re working on expanding our premium offerings like our Apex Package a $30,000 full-vehicle protection service and building strategic partnerships with local businesses who care about quality the way we do.
At the heart of it all, we believe in treating people right, standing behind our work, and doing everything with pride. That’s what built this business and that’s what will keep pushing it forward.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The relationship that’s shaped how I see myself the most is, without question, my relationship with my wife. We met in high school, dated through college, and got married shortly after graduation we’ve now been married for over 10 years. So I’ve known her for more than half my life, and in many ways, she’s helped me see myself more clearly and with more compassion.
I’ve always struggled with people-pleasing and feeling like I’m never good enough whether that’s personally or in business. But the way she sees me her belief in me, her constant encouragement, and her genuine pride in what I’ve built has played a huge role in shifting my self-perception. And while part of me sometimes thinks, “Well, you’re my wife, you’re supposed to say that,” there’s a depth and authenticity in her words that I can’t ignore.
Her love, care, and steady presence have been an anchor for me. I still have a long way to go in terms of how I view myself, but her support has been a powerful force in helping me grow, both as a person and as a leader.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’m not sure if it qualifies as traditionally “kind,” but I wish I had understood sooner just how much more we’re capable of enduring than we think. In my teens and early 20s, I remember feeling overwhelmed and thinking, “I’m so busy,” or “this is so hard.” But looking back now, that was nothing compared to what I’d later face.
You can push yourself far beyond what you think is your breaking point and then realize you still had more in the tank. It’s painful, yes, but you’re okay. You grow. You get stronger.
Even now, I believe that ten years from today, I’ll look back and realize I was still underestimating what I could handle. If I’d learned that lesson earlier, I think I’d be even further along in life and business.
So, to my younger self: Don’t be afraid to stretch your limits. You’re capable of far more than you give yourself credit for.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
The easy answer is my wife but I’ve already spoken about her elsewhere, so I’d like to use this opportunity to highlight our sales manager, Stephen.
Stephen joined us about a year ago, but our relationship goes back further he was actually my boss at a previous company. From the early days of building this business, I knew that if we ever hired a sales lead, he was the one I wanted. At the time, he knew very little about cars but that didn’t matter to me. What stood out was his character.
Yes, his 12+ years of sales experience made him a strong candidate, but the real reason I wanted him on the team was who he is as a person. I often say this Stephen is a far better person than I am. As the company grows, I try to be kind, but I can also be intense, even harsh at times. Stephen, on the other hand, sees the best in people. He leads with empathy, he’s an incredible man of faith, and his patience and consistency through the ups and downs of the past year have been remarkable. He could have complained many times but he hasn’t. His attitude, integrity, and steadiness inspire me.
It’s not his position or power that makes me admire him it’s the depth of his character. It’s something I deeply respect and hope to grow toward myself.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Man, that’s a good question. Honestly, I think the business no matter how successful is almost irrelevant in the grand scheme of things. Even if we become “the best,” whatever that means locally or nationally, that won’t be the part that really matters.
The obvious hopes are that I was a good husband, a good father, and a good employer. But more than anything, I want people especially those closest to me to truly feel how deeply I cared for them.
Right now, we have six employees, and I would take a bullet for any one of them. I’d like to think they know that. I’ve gone to war for them. There have been long stretches where I didn’t take a paycheck so they could. In fact, for most of the last five years, the lowest-paid person in the company has made more than I have. But they come first. I want them to always feel protected, valued, and supported.
And when it comes to my family I just hope they remember me as present and loving. I’m definitely the “fun parent” right now, and that’s a role I cherish. My wife keeps us grounded, structured, and sane and she’s the most incredible human being I’ve ever known. I’ll never be entirely worthy of her, but I hope I’ve made her feel loved, supported, and safe.
At the end of the day, I hope people remember the relationships. Not the titles, the revenue, or the accolades but the way I showed up for the people who mattered. Because that’s what I care about most.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fortworthautodetail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortworthautodetail/y
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fortworthautodetail
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@fortworthautodetail
