For the past 35 years, there has been a hidden gem at 24 Carman Street in Cranston, RI. It is known as Sunshine Auto Detailing. The owner, Ray Pontarelli, has been delivering that showroom shine for some time now. He started detailing at the age of 19 years old. Mainly for friends and family, and then in 2007, he took the helm as the owner of Sunshine. He runs a full service detail shop that prides itself on customer service and quality work. Over the years, his list has grown from automobiles to boats, planes, helicopters, and motorcycles. He is a certified detailer with the International Detailing Association (IDA), as well as an authorized installer for igl Coatings, the brand of ceramic coating he applies.
Pontarelli, in addition to being an installer, is also a mentor for igl Coatings, and has won multiple awards for detailing and ceramic coating projects. He is a member of SEMA, and will be in Las Vegas this year, representing and explaining the products of igl Coatings at The SEMA Show 2023, as an exhibitor. His office walls adorn multiple awards and certifications he received, over the years, that shed light on his many talents.
Pontarelli’s reputation has led people from all walks of life to his shop. Professional athletes, actors, and high profile figures have entrusted their vehicles to him. Speaking of vehicles, he has had the honor of working on the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile. He has sent cars to Barrett Jackson Auctions and Mecum events. Ray was also featured in multiple publications locally, nationally, and globally. He is a quiet and humble guy, who always reverts back to thanking his staff and community. He believes without them, there is no Sunshine, while stating that each person has two hands, one to give and one to receive. He certainly does that. Each month, his business donates to a different charity, including local schools, youth sports programs, and civic activities.
During the pandemic, he put his skills and talents to the test. Having multiple certifications, from bio hazard to bloodborne pathogens and more, he assisted law enforcement, fire departments, and various medical facilities, to help keep their personnel safe, cleaning and sanitizing vehicles, so that first responders were able to do their job to help others.
Pontarelli will tell you that he would never think that something as a hobby would turn into what it has today. Now that he has taken on the igl Coatings line, he has brought his business to a new level. He is able to apply coatings to just about anything, such as vehicles, counters, clothing, floors, and even anti- rust corrosion. His work ethic and skills are impressive on their own, and much importantly, he leads by example, working right beside his staff, daily.
Pontarelli’s clients wait 5-6 weeks for an appointment just to get their vehicle in his shop. He even has had clients come down from Canada to have him work and ceramic coat their vehicles. He has a stellar reputation and amazing character, both which have enabled him to be successful in all of his endeavors.
401-467 6585
Mon – Fri 7 AM–5 PM
Saturday – 7 AM-4PM
