From Car Wash to Valet for the Stars

A teenager's journey from a local car wash to parking cars for celebrities

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:37am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a vintage car being washed, with soft, warm pools of light and color reflecting off the surface, conceptually representing the transition from a local car wash to a glamorous valet job.A nostalgic look back at the humble beginnings that can sometimes lead to unexpected career opportunities.Chico Today

In the mid-1960s, a young man named Steve Dunlap worked a series of teenage jobs, including a stint at the Glen Rock Car Wash where he was the final wipe-down guy. Years later, Dunlap's career path took an unexpected turn as he transitioned from the car wash to becoming a valet parking cars for celebrities.

Why it matters

This story provides a nostalgic look at the types of jobs teenagers often had to take on in the 1960s, while also highlighting how one person's career can take unexpected twists and turns over time. It showcases the resilience and adaptability required to go from a local car wash to rubbing elbows with the rich and famous.

The details

Dunlap worked at the Glen Rock Car Wash between the ages of 16 and 18, where his job was the final wipe-down of cars after they had been washed. Years later, Dunlap's career path led him to become a valet parking cars for celebrities, a far cry from his teenage car wash days.

  • Dunlap worked at the Glen Rock Car Wash between 1964 and 1966, when he was 16 to 18 years old.
  • Years later, Dunlap transitioned to becoming a valet parking cars for celebrities.

The players

Steve Dunlap

A man who worked at the Glen Rock Car Wash as a teenager in the 1960s, and later became a valet parking cars for celebrities.

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The takeaway

This story highlights the unpredictable nature of career paths, and how the jobs we take on as teenagers can sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities down the line. It's a reminder that even humble beginnings can pave the way for future success.