From Delone Catholic to Detailing and Beyond: Wesley D. Deporter ‘17 Embraces the Entrepreneurial Journey

by Julia T. Fuhrman

As The Squire explores the diverse vocations of Delone Catholic alumni, Wesley D. Deporter ‘17, his journey stands out as a testament to entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and unwavering faith. From launching a successful auto detailing business straight out of college to strategically pivoting his career path, Wes embodies the dynamic nature of modern vocations.

Wes’s entrepreneurial roots run deep, inspired by his father’s own business ventures. “I’ve grown up around entrepreneurship and always had that knack and ideas for business,” he shares. This innate drive, coupled with a passion for the freedom that self-employment offers (even if it means working 24/7), led him to stumble upon auto detailing in 2019. What began as a mobile service from his car quickly evolved, moving into his parents’ garage for the winter months, and then into his own dedicated shop within six months.

His time at York College, where he juggled online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowed him to dedicate more time to his burgeoning business. Wes’s early foray into entrepreneurship was not without its lessons. He learned the complexities of managing employees, the seasonal challenges of the detailing industry, and the critical importance of financial preparedness. “Something I learned was the need to have a good emergency fund, being smart with your money, like that, having that rainy day or snowy months fund so you can survive through those times,” he advises, highlighting a wisdom often gained through experience.

After graduating in 2021, Wes initially worked in sales for his father’s business, a role that further honed his multifaceted skills. “When you’re an entrepreneur, you are the salesperson, you’re the marketer, you’re the finance person, you’re the accountant, you’re all those, you wear all those hats,” he explains. This period, coinciding with his marriage in June 2021, provided valuable insights but also prompted a desire for a different work-life balance. By 2022, he committed full-time to his detailing business, specializing in higher-end ceramic coatings.

However, as the business matured, Wes recognized he had tapped out the local market for his specialized services. After five years of dedicated work, he made the brave decision to step away from his auto detailing business. This pivot was not a sign of failure but a strategic move, made with careful consideration and prayer, and with the unwavering support of his wife. “It’s brave to let something go that you put so much time into, if that’s what’s right for you and your family,” Wes acknowledges, reflecting on the personal and professional growth that led to this decision.

Faith has been a guiding force throughout Wes’s journey. “Relying on God and asking him for help and guidance” has been paramount, especially when making significant decisions about starting, sustaining, and ultimately transitioning from his business. He credits God with helping him step out of his comfort zone as an introvert to engage with customers and the community, and for bringing a supportive spouse into his life.

Looking back at his time at Delone Catholic, Wes points to the foundational skills he gained. “Time management... helped me a lot,” he states, emphasizing the importance of balancing academics and extracurriculars like baseball. He also highlights the lasting impact of the school’s emphasis on faith, which provided a strong moral compass for his life and business. The accounting classes taught by Mrs. Betsy Reese ‘17 also proved invaluable, nurturing his natural affinity for numbers and enabling him to meticulously track profit margins and other key financial metrics.

For current Squires contemplating entrepreneurship, Wes offers candid advice: “Make sure that it’s something that you enjoy longterm, and make sure that it’s something that you can provide value with.” He emphasizes the importance of a long-term vision, cautioning against pursuing ventures that could lead to burnout or a feeling of being stuck.

At the same time, Wes counsels, “It is okay to start something and not get it to where you hoped. That is our life’s journey, and it is how we grow and learn. If you have to step away, that is not a failure, but a learning lesson, and there are always lessons to be learned in everything.”

Now, with his full-time career established, Wes is already exploring a new entrepreneurial avenue, this time rooted in his passion for baseball. He envisions developing an online course or subscription service for aspiring catchers, moving beyond a time-for-money service model to one that delivers long-term value.

Wes Deporter’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how a Delone Catholic education, coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit and strong faith, can lead to a fulfilling and adaptable professional life. His story reminds us that vocations are not always linear, but often involve strategic pivots, continuous learning, and a deep reliance on God’s guidance. As he aptly puts it, he hopes everyone is “doing what God’s calling them to do.”