Meet Andrew Neuhalfen | Owner, Flatirons Detailing

We had the good fortune of connecting with Andrew Neuhalfen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Andrew, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I decided to pursue entrepreneurship and owning a business because I wanted to create a life that aligned with my passions and priorities. My academic background in Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience at CU Boulder had me on track for a career in medicine, and I was deeply invested in the field, even working on the COVID vaccine study at The Children’s Hospital during the pandemic. However, the reality of minimum wage pay coupled with a grueling 70+ hour workweek made me realize that the traditional path I was on didn’t allow for the lifestyle I valued—one that included mountain biking, snowboarding, and spending time with my now wife and our puppy.

I’ve always been a car enthusiast, and detailing personal cars started as a hobby. Growing up, I’d visit the local Lamborghini dealership just to browse and ask questions, marveling at the craftsmanship and passion behind those vehicles. When I began detailing cars for family and friends, I discovered that my meticulous nature and perseverance translated well into delivering quality work. What started as a way to chip away at student debt quickly grew into something more profound.

I realized the importance of creating something that wasn’t just with my name on it, but in my name—something I built from the ground up. Business ownership gave me the opportunity to not only pursue my love for cars but also to build a community and create opportunities for others. Owning a business isn’t just about the work; it’s about understanding the big picture—managing employees, payroll, marketing, and even patenting our own detailing chemicals.

For me, it’s about building people first, before building a business. This journey has been challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’ve found passion in creating something meaningful, and I’m grateful for the chance to grow, both personally and professionally, every single day.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At Flatirons Detailing, we’re passionate about providing exceptional, high-quality detailing services that go beyond just cleaning cars—we aim to create lasting relationships, offer personalized experiences, and continue to grow both professionally and personally. Our fully mobile detailing service allows us to meet clients where they are, offering a wide range of services, including ceramic coatings, paint correction, interior and exterior detailing, full concierge services, and automotive styling. Whether it’s an exotic, luxury, or supercar, we take pride in giving these incredible vehicles the attention they deserve.

What truly sets us apart from others is our commitment to continual growth. I initially began my career pursuing a pre-medical route, obtaining two bachelor’s degrees in Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience from CU Boulder and later pursuing a master’s in public health. While working on the COVID vaccine study at The Children’s Hospital, I realized that the long hours, low pay, and lack of work-life balance wouldn’t allow me to lead the life I wanted—spending time with my wife, enjoying mountain biking and snowboarding, and embracing the outdoors. This realization led me to shift gears into entrepreneurship, and I’m proud to say that my transition into business has been one of constant learning and growth.

I often say that if you stop learning and growing, you stop living. That mindset has driven my passion for entrepreneurship and the way I approach my business. From the beginning, I knew that to truly stand out, we needed to offer more than just great service—we needed to innovate. That’s why I’m particularly proud of our work patenting water-based chemicals that are not only effective but also health-conscious. Our clients appreciate the alignment these products have with their values, especially in a world where health and environmental concerns are at the forefront.

The road to where we are today has certainly not been easy. There have been many obstacles and challenges along the way, from navigating the complexities of starting a business to managing the day-to-day operations of a growing company. But each challenge has provided valuable lessons. The key to overcoming those challenges has been resilience and a focus on continual improvement, whether it’s in the way we interact with clients, refine our services, or expand our skill sets.

Along the way, I’ve learned that building meaningful relationships—whether with clients, employees, or fellow business owners—is essential. That’s why I’m especially excited about the opportunities we’ve had to travel around Colorado, meeting other business owners, fostering connections, and furthering others’ growth through collaboration. Networking and creating a community of like-minded individuals is something I truly value and something that has helped propel Flatirons Detailing to where it is today.

What I want the world to know about me and Flatirons Detailing is that we are committed to excellence, continual growth, and innovation. We believe that every vehicle deserves the best care, and that’s exactly what we provide—whether it’s for a high-performance supercar or the family vehicle. We are a brand built on integrity, passion, and a drive to always be better than we were yesterday.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting Colorado for a week, I’d be sure to give them an unforgettable adventure that blends nature, thrill, and the vibrant culture of our amazing state. We’d kick things off with a hike in the Flatirons near Boulder, where the stunning views and the iconic rock formations are a perfect introduction to Colorado’s beauty. From there, we’d take my Jeep up into the Rockies to experience the exhilarating altitude and some of the best off-roading in the state. If it’s winter, snowboarding would definitely be on the agenda — hitting the slopes of Eldora or even heading to Vail for a weekend getaway. After a day of adventure, we’d head to a local sushi spot like Sushi Zanmai in Boulder for some of the freshest rolls, enjoying a fresh salmon roll and just soaking in the cozy vibe.

Throughout the week, I’d make sure we balance our adrenaline with some relaxation. A visit to Pearl Street Mall in Boulder is a must for shopping, people-watching, and grabbing a bite at some of the coolest spots, like The Kitchen or Brasserie Ten Ten. For drinks, I’d take them to one of the many craft breweries in the area, like Avery Brewing or Twisted Pine Brewing, to experience the local beer scene that Boulder is known for. We’d also make time for a day in Denver to check out the art scene, with stops at the Denver Art Museum and some of the city’s coolest spots like Union Station, where we could grab cocktails at The Cooper Lounge.

For a change of pace, I’d take them out to do something more tranquil, like fishing or a relaxing day in one of the mountain towns, where we can explore quaint boutiques and enjoy the scenic mountain views. We’d finish the week by heading to one of the area’s most scenic spots — maybe a hot spring soak in Steamboat Springs or a sunset hike to Chautauqua Park to cap off a perfect trip. Whether we’re pushing the limits on the slopes or just soaking in the stunning views, Colorado has something for everyone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When asked who I give credit to for helping me start Flatirons Detailing, two incredibly inspiring figures immediately come to mind: my grandfather, Joe, and my wife’s grandfather, Dick.

My grandfather Joe is a shining example of resilience and determination. After serving in Vietnam, he came back and built a metal machining shop in Westminster from the ground up. Over the years, he grew it into a thriving business with employees, strong relationships, and a reputation for quality and hard work. Watching him navigate the challenges of running a business and seeing the pride he took in what he built showed me what it means to create something lasting and meaningful.

My wife’s grandfather, Dick, has also played a pivotal role in my journey. His success in commercial real estate is matched only by his passion for helping others succeed. He and his wife have been incredible mentors, offering not only guidance but also encouragement as I navigated the challenges of starting my own business. Their belief in the power of entrepreneurship and their willingness to share their wisdom have been invaluable to me.

Both Joe and Dick taught me the importance of perseverance, relationships, and building something that benefits others as much as it benefits you. Their examples and mentorship gave me the confidence to start Flatirons Detailing and the inspiration to strive for excellence every day.

Website: https://www.flatironsdetailingco.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flatironsdetailing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FDCo5280

Image Credits
Andrew J Neuhalfen – Owner, Flatirons Detailing