Rising Stars: Meet James Donnelly

Today we’d like to introduce you to James Donnelly.

Hi James, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started detailing in 2016 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I originally moved to Oklahoma for a Pastor’s internship, but I needed a job that paid money when I moved, so my Pastor had told me about a company called Fine, and my roommates worked for the detail shop at Fine. It was a unique season in my life. I was 26 and I had no family around me and not many friends, so I viewed my time in Oklahoma as work and learn.

When I wasn’t at my church, I was detailing. I’d go in early and stay late. Unlike most detail shops, Fine gave me a rare opportunity since it was a 24-hour airport parking lot, I could work as long as I wanted and I spent long hours there. A year later, Fine moved me to Colorado to run their newest facilities detail shop, and another few years after that, I decided to open my own detailing business called Black Sheep Detailing.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have had my share of obstacles on this journey. I view challenges differently than many people though. I have faced the struggle of comfort – it was easy to get caught up in the simple routine and consistency of working the 9 to 5, so to speak, the security that comes from a salary in a company that’s established.

I had to overcome the obstacles of the unfairness of life, both when that unfairness was to my advantage, and when it wasn’t. I’ve been on the advantageous side of unjustified promotion, and I have been on the broken side of that and recognition as well.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a professional Auto Detailer. It’s the art of maintaining or rejuvenating a vehicle as I see it. I specialize in paint correction and protection.

I’m most proud of the experiences that have led me to start my own company. What sets me apart from others, I view Detailing as an art, not a career path I’m on for money alone but the Joy of simply loving what I do.

What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was an artist. I loved to draw and I loved to build things. I wasn’t much of an athlete so I devoted my time to creating things. I was the kid with all the Legos.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.blacksheepdetailing.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/blacksheepdetailingllc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackSheepDetailingOCD