photos by: STEPHANIE WISEMAN
Sometimes the road to happiness weaves its own winding path – through years of corporate travel and meetings that steal precious time. That’s something lake dweller and, now, small business owner Kenyon Stanley knows for sure; but he also knows there’s no shortage of good days if you’re living lakeside and focusing on tasks close to your heart!
In April of this year, Kenyon launched Details Matter, LLC, a full service mobile car, boat, RV and aircraft detailer, known for providing the fastest quotes and even more efficient expertise. He and his family have called the Lake Norman area home for nearly 20 years, following a cross-country move from Washington State in 2006. He’ll tell you, with no hesitation, his life has never felt more on course!
“We have lived the ‘lake life’ our entire lives, so that’s why we chose this area when we relocated,” he shares. “For our family – that’s my wife, Jessica, and sons, KJ and Matthew – it’s the lake vibes, the people and the community that exists so easily between lake lovers, whether they sail, jet ski, power boat, wake surf or simply putter around on a toon.”
A self-proclaimed “recovering marketing executive,” Kenyon felt a lifestyle change on the horizon around 2023 when many companies were once again shifting priorities.
“Because I was in leadership, I had always found my passion in leading teams and empowering others, as I find more joy in the success of others than I do with my own successes. I saw these shifts before in the 1990s and, in 2008, since I was also at the beginning of my health transformation, my radar was up for new beginnings,” he explains.
During high school and college, detailing boats, cars, RVs and planes was Kenyon’s typical summer job – a passion that continued to grow.
“Because I have owned boats my whole life, I’ve always kept my vessels and cars spotless. So, exceeding my clients’ expectations scratches the same itch of using my detail-oriented nature to complete the project, using a proven process,” he adds.
The business is definitely seasonal – with boats taking up about 75% of his time during the prime boating months, followed by cars and RVs at about 20% and planes at five percent.
Kenyon won’t hesitate to share that seeing a project through to completion is simply in his genes, and he’s always game to unravel every challenge that comes his way. It’s a level of micro-focus that also transcends into Details Matter – evident with every gleaming car, boat or RV that’s returned to its grateful owner.
“I’m inspired by the people I meet, and the task to delve into any scenario they bring me. When customers think their boat is too far gone – we come in and restore it – and that look on their face is rewarding beyond measure. I can’t quantify that on a spreadsheet, nor can I duplicate that in a corporate environment. Details Matter is where I belong, and the fact that I can also write a helpful (and typically humorous) blog – in my own voice – is a bonus!”
Besides that meticulous work ethic, Kenyon is known around the lake for sharing plenty of quality time with his two pups, who love the water as much as he does. Teddy Bear, his larger goldendoodle, joined the family during Christmas of 2023, and even at 70 pounds, wholeheartedly believes he’s a lapdog. Jo-Jo, a mini goldendoodle, arrived during Covid, and loves joining Teddy Bear on the boat, by the pool and for any lakefront frolic.
While embracing a new professional path, Kenyon’s own health renewal also prompted wisdom worth sharing, and he found the perfect outlet to document his weightloss journey in a heartfelt medium to guide others. Grab a copy of his book “Wake up, Fatty” on Goodreads.com for insight and encouragement along your own travels. And, if you’re local, watch for the inspirational Kenyon running (a lot), volunteering around the community and, as always, getting to know even more of his fellow lake enthusiasts!
When your boat, car, RV or aircraft needs a refresh, call, text or email Kenyon for an immediate quote on full interior or full exterior services. Reach him at [email protected], 704.302.5873 or request a quote and consultation online at detailsmatternc.com.
