Shane Gliem makes boats, cars and trucks sparkle.
Shane Gliem’s vehicle-detailing business has grown since its humble beginnings in his parents’ driveway, with boats accounting for about half of his work and a new sanitizing service on the way.
By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, October 2026
Shane Gliem, owner of Detailers Eye, 108 S.E. Sixth St. in Panora (across Highway 44 from Hometown Foods.).
After a humble beginning, Detailers Eye in Panora is hitting its stride.
In 2015, owner Shane Gliem started his vehicle detailing business by working in his parents’ driveway and later in his garage. A few years ago, he moved into his current location at 108 Southeast Sixth St. in Panora.
The location provides enough space to have multiple vehicles inside at once, which is helpful during seasonal busy times, such as right now. Because of the proximity to Lake Panorama, boats account for roughly half of Gliem’s work, and this is a particularly busy time as boats are being taken off the water for winter storage.
Although some boats are detailed before winter, others wait until spring. Gliem explained the reasoning.
“It’s about 50-50. It depends on how they’re stored,” he said. “If it’s stored outside or in a barn, those individuals tend to wait until the spring to have it cleaned, because it’s not going to stay clean over the winter. But for those that have their boat stored indoors, they’ll get it cleaned in the fall, typically. That way, they can rock and roll on the first nice day in the spring when they pull it out.”
Detailer’s Eye can even make old vehicles look like new again.
Gliem provided a brief explanation of the detailing he does.
“The goal here is to clean stuff the best I can while maintaining the finish,” he said. “Everything that’s manufactured on a vehicle has protective layers or coating. Even your carpet has protection on it. It’s extracting the carpets, getting all the dirt out, cleaning under the seats and between the seats.”
Gliem avoids the harsh chemicals that may damage the manufacturer’s finish. He also understands that each vehicle owner may have an individual level of clean they aim for, so Gliem offers different levels of service.
Although Gliem had considered also selling used cars at his location, that has not yet become a reality. He still intends to do so, if and when the timing is right.
“I looked into it, and I’ve held off, based on the numbers,” he said. “If you’re going to do it, it wouldn’t be a small feat because of all the licensing fees. You either do it, or you don’t.”
Even an ambulance needs to look its best.
One new service Gliem is beginning to offer is sanitizing. He explained that it aims at germ control rather than deep cleaning. He expects that those who have respiratory issues, compromised immune systems or young children may find the sanitizing service to be helpful.
Until now, Detailers Eye has primarily been a one-person business, though not entirely. As the business has grown, the need for help also has increased.
“I’ve had some part-timers. Most of that is summer help,” he said. “I haven’t found the right individual yet to take on a fulltime position. That’s my definite need.”
Gliem explained that his cleaning often turns up surprises — some good, some not. He often finds important documents or cash, which he turns back over to the vehicle owner. Other times, especially on boats, his cleaning uncovers unexpected passengers. Mice and raccoons (live or dead) have been discovered during his work. For Gliem, that is just part of the job.
Another unexpected result of his cleaning is that Gliem sometimes finds Jesus. Literally. He showed a small Lego-sized figurine of Jesus Christ.
“The amount of these little Jesuses that I’ve found in the last year or two is insane. People put them in interesting spots, so I’m cleaning and come across them,” he said. “It’s funny. They’re everywhere.”