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Writer's pictureJoe Strain

STRT(up) Spotlight: Jack TerHaar: Turning Passion into Profit

Updated: Apr 2




The Genesis of Detail Dawgs

Meet Jack TerHaar, a senior finance and real estate major at the University of Georgia, whose entrepreneurial journey is as inspiring as it is impressive. Faced with the challenge of financing his college education, Jack sought a more meaningful alternative to the late-night shifts he worked in downtown Athens.


From Concept to Creation

In September 2022, Jack took a leap of faith and founded Detail Dawgs, a car detailing service catering to the Athens community. What started as a one-man operation has now grown into a thriving business, employing three other UGA students and serving over 250 satisfied customers.



A Heritage of Hustle

Jack's entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured by his upbringing. Raised by parents who owned successful small businesses in Louisiana, he learned the value of hard work and determination from an early age.


"I saw the hustle firsthand of small business owners and what they go through on a day-to-day basis," Jack recalls. "I didn't realize it at the time growing up — I didn't even think about it like entrepreneurship — I just saw my parents working like that, and I was like, man, they really are passionate about their business."


Lessons from the Trenches

Drawing from his father's advice, "You get out there and you say what you're gonna do and you actually do what you're gonna do," Jack has applied a hands-on approach to every aspect of Detail Dawgs. He emphasizes the importance of showing up and delivering quality service, values that have set his business apart in a competitive market.


Giving Back to the Community

Detail Dawgs not only excels in business but also in giving back to the community. In September 2023, in honor of National Alopecia Areata awareness month, Jack pledged a percentage of all profits to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, a cause close to his heart as his sister battles the autoimmune disorder.




Looking Ahead

As Detail Dawgs continues to grow, Jack is transitioning from working in the business to working on it. With a team of experienced UGA students, he is focusing on expanding the business to other college towns across the country. Detail Dawgs' new website has streamlined the booking process, leading to increased customer engagement and business growth.


A Future of Innovation

Looking ahead, Jack is excited about the future of Detail Dawgs. After graduating this May, he plans to dedicate his full attention to scaling the business to new heights. "I'm just kind of a college kid who's willing to hustle and get out there and do it," Jack says. "I'm figuring it out day by day, and I have a great community and a great support system of people."


Join the STRT Community

Jack TerHaar's story is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. He embodies the values of innovation and excellence that we champion at STRT, and we're proud to have him as part of our entrepreneurial community.



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