When you first meet Kenyon Stanley, read his clever blog, or talk to any of his customers, you’ll immediately sense how passionate he is about any and all things boat. 

A self-confirmed “recovering” marketing executive, Kenyon knew a lifestyle shift was needed a few years back, around the same time he realized it was hard to find top-tier boat detailing that met his standards in the Lake Norman area.

As a lifelong boat enthusiast, Kenyon detailed boats as a summer job during high school and college. Now, tapping into his extensive “life on the water” experience has created the ideal niche, comfortably away from the corporate world, and the perfect next chapter for his family, which includes wife, Jessica, and sons, KJ and Matthew. Both sons are frequent assistants to Kenyon, and a lifetime spent on the water shows in their quality work! While Jessica is a corporate executive in Charlotte, her thoughtful input can be seen throughout the Details Matter brand. She and Kenyon make the most of their travels for Matthew’s sports outings — competitive rock climbing and wrestling — but always find time for sunset cruises for two!

The Stanleys have called the Lake Norman area home for nearly 20 years, after a 2006 move from Washington State, and they have come to appreciate the community feel that comes naturally to lake dwellers. Details Matter was the natural next step!

“I’ve owned boats my whole life and I’ve always kept them spotless,” Kenyon explains. “Caring for my own boats was my escape during a hectic corporate life. That passion, blended with my decidedly detail-oriented personality, means exceeding my clients’ expectations is a given.”

Now, all of Lake Norman has the opportunity to care for their boats with the best products, from folks who truly care for their customers.

Details Matter is a full-service mobile boat detailer known for providing quick quotes and even more efficient expertise. Kenyon’s goal is to be the best detailer around Lake Norman … period. His main mission is for your time on the water to be spent in the most relaxed way possible, knowing your boat has recently left his expert care. While the future of Details Matter will likely include training crews to carry on his standards, right now he’s enjoying keeping the business a family affair.

If you’re local, and catching a glimpse of Kenyon on the water, he’s likely readying a client’s vessel or savoring a few minutes of family time on his own boat. On land, he’s probably running (even on the chilliest days!) and most often accompanied by his four-legged companions. Besides his impeccable work ethic, Kenyon is known around the lake for sharing plenty of quality time with his two goldendoodles, Teddy Bear and Jo-Jo, who love the water as much as he does.

“We love our local run clubs, and we regularly run with Hoptown Run Club on Tuesdays, and with Nightclubs Suck on Friday nights,” Kenyon adds. Always on the lookout for dog-friendly 5K and 10K races, he’d love any recommendations for upcoming events you may know about!

You’ll also find Kenyon volunteering throughout the community and meeting clients where they are, which usually means becoming fast friends.

“I’ve done the corporate growth playbook, so growth for me now is intentional, steady, and focused on relationships,” he shares. “My clients are my neighbors, and I want neighbors to become friends. Whether we’re tied up at Little Myrtle on a Saturday or restoring gelcoat in March, it’s personal.”

Kenyon realizes clients aren’t just handing over a boat to him, they’re trusting him with something they truly care about. There is a general kinship among boaters. When clients hire Details Matter, Kenyon believes trust matters more than transactions, and his values will always elevate people over process. In fact, his LinkedIn profile now says, “Not So Korporate Kenyon.”

“Their boat is an escape from reality. I get that — because I lived that reality,” he shares. “Clear communication, doing exactly what you say you’ll do, and treating every boat like it’s my own is how I roll. I’ve also learned that saying ‘no’ to work that isn’t a good fit protects both the customer and the brand.”

BRING ON SUMMER!

As we attempt to put winter behind us, what are some of the biggest challenges of preparing boats for the season?

“Mold doesn’t take the winter off,” Kenyon explains. “Bad covers, cold nights, random warm spells, and trapped moisture turn boats into Five-Star mold resorts. By spring, it’s everywhere, and completely uninvited. Dealing with mold early keeps owners from launching the season with a floating biology project instead of a clean boat. Plus, we often find some unwelcome ‘stowaways’ as in raccoons, muskrats, etc.”

His best advice for spring and summer preparedness is to start early. 

“Spring schedules fill quickly, and those early ‘details’ are essential to ensure your vessel is properly treated. Early cleaning, surface protection, and preventive care set customers up to enjoy the season instead of scrambling once the lake gets busy,” he adds. “Read our blog! We write once a month in the off-season and at least once a week beginning March 21.”

Having Starke certification also sets Details Matter apart, as they are one of only three Starke certified installers in the Lake Norman area. Considered the gold standard in marine detailing, that level of mastery ensures every product is used as intended for lasting results. Every boat is restored properly, protected longer, and treated with the same care Kenyon would expect for his own boat, and has been providing for his cove neighbors for years.

“We use professional marine compounds to properly restore gelcoat based on its condition, which is not a one-size-fits-all approach, nor is it the out-of-the-box products you’ll find at local hardware stores. For protection, we choose Hydro Guard over traditional wax, which simply doesn’t hold up in Lake Norman’s heat, due to its low melting point. Hydro Guard bonds to the surface for longer-lasting protection and easier maintenance,” he explains. “I also rely on Starke’s core detail products, including their mildew cleaners and surface treatments, because they’re highly effective and simply the best for marine environments. We’ve seen an increase in demand for the premium service of advanced gelcoat restoration, deeper oxidation removal, and specialty surface treatments in the last few months, all services that help customers protect their boats. These services are for lasting results, not short-term shine.”

Even when a particular project poses unique challenges, it’s simply in his genes to focus until there’s a shiny boat just waiting to head for home.

“We love coming in and restoring a boat the client thinks is too far gone,” he adds, knowing that level of satisfaction isn’t something found on a spreadsheet. “This is exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Call, text or email Kenyon for an immediate quote on the full interior or full exterior services your boat deserves. Reach him at [email protected], 704.302.5873 or request a quote and consultation online at detailsmatternc.com. Follow him on Instagram @detailsmatterlkn and read his blog for LKN-specific tips throughout the boating season!