Duke Detailing: How Gavin Duke, DBU Alumnus, turned Passion into Purpose

DBU Alumnus Gavin Duke, owner of Duke Detailing, is a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing graduate whose entrepreneurial journey started long before he had a degree. His passion for detailing started in high school, when his parents gifted him a 2007 Ford F150.

"I knew that I wanted it to be the best-looking F150 in the school parking lot. I would wash it on weekends, order new parts for it, and do everything in my power to make it look brand new," Gavin shares. What started as a personal passion quickly became a side hustle, then a calling.

While at DBU, he served in Beta Beta fraternity, first as marketing chair, then as vice president, eventually becoming president. Between fraternity responsibilities, business courses, and intramural sports such as softball and volleyball, Gavin still found time to launch Duke Detailing in 2022, during his sophomore year. 

Duke Detailing was made because of the love of the job. "It originally just started as a side hustle to make some extra money in college," he admits. "The moment I felt called to this was my senior year of college. Everything I learned at school showed me that I love running my business and bringing glory to God through it."

One of his most influential mentors was DBU Professor Sandra Williamson, who taught many of his marketing courses. "I could see the passion she has for marketing and teaching," Gavin reflects. "She was a huge supporter of mine." The support didn't end there. Connections through the Texas Business Hall of Fame provided additional guidance to learn from other entrepreneurs.

What started as a small venture has now grown into a full-time business with two employees and a steady stream of clients in the Dallas area. All of what Gavin has accomplished goes back to his faith, he says. "I am just a steward of what God has given me; without His guidance, none of this would be possible. Constant reliance on Him is the only reason I have gotten this far."

This journey hasn't been without challenges. "The biggest challenge I faced was learning to talk about myself and my business," he admits. "I wanted to remain humble while still getting my name out there. I knew I wanted to help people solve a problem, so there should be no shame in that."

One of Gavin's greatest sources of support is his wife, Hefzi Duke. The two met during their freshman year of college through mutual friends and began dating in the spring of 2021. When Gavin's business began gaining momentum in 2022, Hefzi was by his side, championing his efforts every step of the way. In 2024, they married, continuing their journey together, with Hefzi being his number one supporter.

Looking forward, the vision for Gavin's business is clear. "In the next 3-5 years, I see this business growing to have three vans and over eight employees detailing all over Dallas," he says. "I feel God calling me to give my all to this and to glorify Him through this."

When asked what he would tell startup entrepreneurs, Gavin answers, "Just go for it. Be brave, start small, and do what you can. The best time to start is today."