The 2013 Fort Dodge Senior High School graduate spends her regular business hours as a crisis counselor for Eyerly Ball Community Mental Health Services. Berning also has a passion for teaching the value of cleanliness, though, so last April, she launched Berning Interior Detailing from her Farnhamville acreage.

“I officially started the business last spring when I was cleaning out my vehicle and my wife’s vehicle, and thought it would be a great idea to offer (that service) to others,” Berning said. “I’ve always had a love for cleaning and keeping things organized. I created a Facebook page and things went crazy from there. I’ve been extremely busy since then, averaging four or five details a week.

“I’ve always had an interest in starting my own business…doing something I enjoy, and something (in addition to) my full-time job. I travel around to 18 counties in Iowa as a crisis counselor, so that does keep me pretty busy, but I wanted to do something extra that I could offer to people (in an area) that no one really wants to do. The people who know me, know I enjoy getting and keeping things clean.”

Given Berning carries normal business hours with her primary job, she took a non-traditional approach to time in her new venture.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Sam Berning is the owner of Berning Interior Detailing, which has shops in Farnhamville and Fort Dodge. The 2013 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate works on vehicles in all surrounding communities.

“I detail on evenings and weekends mostly, which is convenient for a lot of people,” Berning said. “But I’m very flexible around other people’s schedules. I also offer pick-up and drop off in some locations surrounding the area, which a lot of other detailers do not have.

“I really take my time detailing people’s vehicles and getting them to be the best they can be.”

Berning’s main shop is located in Farnhamville, but she also details at a Fort Dodge location.

“The majority of my work is completed in Fort Dodge, but I cover a lot of the surrounding area as well,” Berning said. “When a person reaches out for a detail if they live in Fort Dodge, I typically work at the Fort Dodge location. If they live outside of Fort Dodge, I allow them to choose which location is closest for them.

“As far as pick up and drop-off, I will typically only offer it within 30 minutes of the location.”

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Sam Berning, a 2013 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate, opened Berning Interior Detailing last spring. Berning operates out of Farnhamville, but has a location in Fort Dodge and cleans vehicles in all surrounding communities.

Berning’s sole focus for now is on interior work, but exterior cleaning and maintenance isn’t out of the question in the future.

Another main selling point is overall affordability compared to her competitors.

“My prices vary based on the type of vehicle and the condition,” Berning said. “I do have price ranges that specifically point out what the vehicle may cost (listed on the company’s Facebook page). Typically, just knowing what type of vehicle and how it is inside, I am able to give a person a rough estimate on the cost.”

Most cars and SUVs fall into the $100-$120 price range per vehicle, with third-row SUVs and vans closer to $120-$150. Pick-up trucks are around $110-$140.

Berning also offers camper clean-up in the spring and winterizing in the fall at approximately $150-$175 per job. Semi-trucks and farm equipment are also included in packages, varying by condition and time to complete the project.

-Messenger photo by Britt Kudla
Sam Berning, a 2013 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate, opened Berning Interior Detailing last spring. Berning is shown here working on a vehicle in Fort Dodge. She operates out of Farnhamville, but has a location in Fort Dodge and cleans vehicles in all surrounding communities.

For more information on Berning Interior Detailing, visit the company’s Facebook page. Appointments are available to book by emailing berninginteriordetailing@gmail.com, or by calling or texting 515-351-4711.