“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”
— Marcus Aurelius

Excuse me while I step away from the usual detailing topics and take a moment to reflect on a quote that’s been quietly steering my life for years — one I hadn’t consciously thought about in a while, until I heard it again not long ago. It’s a quote by the (and I believe the word I’m looking for is revered) Marcus Aurelius that goes:

“The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane.”

Hearing it again hit me harder than expected. Because when I look at how I’ve built my life, and this business, it explains a lot.

Finding Comfort in the Uncommon

Most people seek out circles, groups, communities — places to fit in. I’ve spent much of my life working to be comfortable outside of them. Not in isolation, but in independence. In learning to trust myself, in knowing I’m on my own path, and in building something I’m proud of without needing applause to validate it.

In business, people tend to chase what they believe success looks like — fame, followers, luxury, scale, money, attention. For me, it’s never been about that. I’ve always been more interested in peace. In solitude. In doing excellent work, quietly. In showing up for my clients and getting better every day, because I care about what I put out into the world.

A Business That Reflects the Philosophy

I run Pro Auto Detailing on that same wavelength. It’s a single-owner business — no revolving staff, no hype machine. Just me, every time. That means the quality is consistent, the experience is personal, and the results are exactly what I promised — if not better.

While other shops race to high-traffic retail spots, I work from the back side of a building, at the end of a dead-end street. Not because I have to — because I want the quiet. It’s a choice. The focus isn’t foot traffic or flash. The focus is the work — and how it looks when it’s done.

You won’t see me dancing in reels or shouting about specials. Our social media shows what matters: the cars, the results, the care. We don’t pressure anyone to book. We give the information, the pricing, the expectations — clearly and honestly. Clients make decisions without the awkwardness or pushy sales tone. No-contact drop-offs, condition-based pricing, and honest evaluations — that’s the norm here.

Taken just we moved into our current location back in 2017.

Growth Without the Hype

While other businesses expand to bigger shops, bigger payrolls, bigger targets, I double down on better. Not bigger. I don’t want to grow just for growth’s sake. I want to master what we do, and when we’re ready — only then — bring something new into the mix. Like learning Paint Protection Film in-house. Not outsourcing. Not rushing. Learning it properly so it holds the same standard we’re already known for.

And while others chase the high-end market, I stay rooted in the daily drivers, the enthusiasts, the people who appreciate honest service and real transparency. Because when someone chooses to spend their hard-earned money here, I don’t take that for granted. That’s why we grow every year without flashy ads — just word of mouth and proof of work.

The Bigger Picture

As I get older, my goal is simple: I want my piece of land. My space. A home built with intention — and a life where the business is a part of it, not the whole story. The work will always matter, but it’s the life I’m building around it that drives the choices I make.

Not exactly a piece of my own land, but I think you get the idea.

So no — I don’t aim to be in the ranks of the majority. Especially not in an industry that seems to have lost its soul in the noise of likes and logos.

I’ll take consistency over spectacle. I’ll take solitude over spotlight. And I’ll take a well-earned compliment from a client over a thousand anonymous clicks.

If that resonates with you — you’re probably not in the majority either. And maybe that’s a good thing.