This story is sponsored by the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.
After years of artistic exploration in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City, Owensboro native Colt Walker returned home to pursue a passion rooted in his childhood — auto detailing. Now, one year into officially operating his business, Kangen Detailing, Walker said he’s found success by offering meticulous service with an artist’s eye.
“I started my company about a year ago, but I’ve been detailing cars for over a decade,” Walker said. “My dad does body work, and I was always the one cleaning the cars afterward. Over time, people would say, ‘Wow, this looks amazing,’ and it just kind of clicked for me.”
Walker’s work is influenced by more than just elbow grease. As a creative professional who has worked as a photographer and model — shooting for artists like Nelly and working in major fashion markets — he sees detailing as another form of artistry.
“Detailing is kind of an art, so it makes sense for me to be an artist who makes cars look clean, glossy, and new again,” he said.
The name Kangen, which means “return to origin” in Japanese, was inspired both by his personal journey and one of his favorite anime shows. Walker said he wanted a name that felt meaningful and memorable — and after scrapping a fully developed brand identity, the word Kangen came to him in prayer.
Walker offers a range of services, from basic wash packages starting at $59.99 to advanced detailing jobs that can climb into the thousands. Though trained in paint work, he said repainting is still his father’s domain. The two often work together, offering customers a one-stop shop for everything from paint correction to collision repair.
“We can do body work, repaint, paint repair — all of it,” Walker said. “It really depends on what the customer needs.”
Business has been booming — so much so that Walker said he’s had to rely on occasional help to keep up with demand.
“Business has been great, a little too much to handle on my own sometimes,” he said. “But I can’t complain. I’m very blessed and excited to see what the future holds.”
Looking ahead, Walker is exploring ways to combine his background in photography and creative direction with the detailing side of his business. Though he’s not ready to reveal full plans, he hinted that some exciting projects are on the horizon.
Walker said his impact on the community might not be flashy, but it’s practical and appreciated.
“I’ve been able to help busy professionals who want to keep their vehicles looking sharp but don’t have the time to do it themselves,” he said. “Your home and your car are usually your biggest investments, and I want to help people retain that value.”
He’s also working on partnerships with local businesses — particularly in transportation, landscaping, and construction — to keep fleet vehicles clean and professional-looking.
“When your employees show up to a job, their truck is a reflection of your business,” Walker said. “You want it to look the part.”
While he doesn’t claim to be the best in the area, Walker said he takes pride in his work and is committed to delivering results customers can be proud of.
“I just know my value,” he said. “I want everyone to feel like they can succeed in this, too. I used to look at other detailers and wonder how I’d ever get to that point. I want others to know it’s possible.”
Kangen Detailing can be reached at 270-313-2255 or through Facebook and Instagram at @kangendetailing. For more information, visit kangendetailing.com.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the Chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with nearly 1,000 members, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives and serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Kitty Jones, director of membership, at 270-926-1860 or kjones@owensboro.com.
By John Kirkpatrick The Owensboro Times