May 30, 2025 Benchmark Abrasives

Mike Paulinski (@1999_edge)

Welcome to this week's #benchmarkspotlight (formerly the #weldershowcase) - we had the opportunity to sit down with Mike from @1999_edge and talk a little shop.

If you would like to be featured in our weekly spotlight (100% FREE) and have a chance at winning one of our Grinder Hoods please send us an email to leo.benchmarkabrasives@gmail.com to get you scheduled in an upcoming week. And for those of you that take the time to share your story with us, we'd be happy to provide a free BA banner. These spotlights are intended to highlight your skill, your business, and your tips and tricks. Most of all it's to have a little fun!

Name: Mike Paulinski

Business Name: Budget Builds & Final Touch Auto Detailing

Location: SW Michigan

Socials: IG: @1999_edge IG: @finaltouchdetailmi

YouTube: Budget Builds

Specialties: Auto Detailing, Entry Level Fab Work, Project Vehicles

Tell us about yourself - what inspired you to get into your trade? And how long?

I grew up around cars, and auto Detailing. I have been around it as long as I can remember. As soon as I could drive, I was modifying vehicles. I started doing work for friends and even teachers when I was in high school. I went on to mechanic school, worked in a few shops after that. I later on decided to get more into the detailing side of things and started my own shop. After about 14 years in business I started my YouTube channel and I am starting to do more mechanical and fab work again.

What keeps you motivated throughout the day?
As the owner of my own business, I stay motivated by family first of all, but secondly I am always trying to learn new skills, try new products and build fun projects. I love going to local car shows, and SEMA. I find these really can help give me motivation to go back and push even harder.

What is your favorite shop tool and why?
Hmm, it depends on the day or even the job. You can’t beat a good die grinder, and on the detailing side it would be the Tornador.

What's your favorite piece that you've worked on?
I have had the opportunity to work on some amazing vehicles, from SEMA to Mecum, but when it really comes down to it, my favorite stuff is any clean 80s- early 2000s vehicle.

If you could have any job as it relates to question 1 what would it be and what would you do with that?
My dream position would be an automotive customizer for other people, I feel I have a great eye for putting together all the right things to make a show winner.

What BA product is your favorite and why?

Flap discs!

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What BA product surprised you in terms of quality - what about it set it apart from the competition?

I used to use another company's products for metal polishing but I was buying your abrasives, I noticed you offered some polishing products so I decided to give them a try. Your products not only save me money, but work better with less effort.

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What tips and tricks do you have for us that might be different or eye opening for others to try with BA product?

Man, I am somewhat new to the brand, but have nothing but good luck with everything I have used. Let’s be different then the normal answers and say the Scrubnutz hand, surface and tool wipes.

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If there was one person you could collaborate with - who would it be and why?

Jacob Warner from Pudins Fab Shop. He has been a huge inspiration to me, not only for starting my own YouTube, but also not being afraid to just get started, this has been my mindset for learning more on the fabrication side.

Do you have any advice for the next generation that you wish you had when you first started?

Just start, nothing is going to happen if you don’t get started, don’t be afraid to make mistakes, it’s the best way to learn.

What are your future plans for your shop?

Right now I am really trying to grow my Budget Builds YouTube channel. My goal with that is to show people that you can build fun and unique projects without having to spend a bunch of money. Also to show people that it’s ok to jump into welding, metal work, fab work etc without a background in it. My current videos show the process of importing a foreign vehicle without the need of a broker.