‘To come from nothing … and follow your dreams’: St. George couple transforms struggle into success

Written by Jessi Bang
July 15, 2024

ST. GEORGE — A Southern Utah couple has turned their shared journey of overcoming addiction into a sparkling success story with their car detailing business.

M&M Detailing owners Marnie Abrahamson and Michael Lizotte smile together for a photo, St. George, Utah, June 17, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
M&M Detailing owners Marnie Abrahamson and Michael Lizotte smile together for a photo, St. George, Utah, June 17, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

“I love cars,” Marnie Abrahamson told St. George News. “I love playing with cars. And I get paid to play with cars. I’m kind of living the dream.”

Abrahamson and her husband, Michael Lizotte, own M&M Specialty Car Detailing, which specializes in undercarriage cleaning, hard water spot removal, engine detailing and removal of exterior scratches and swirls.

Lizotte is reportedly known for restoring cars to showroom glory. Their aim is to leave a car feeling “as smooth as a baby’s bottom.”

“We get down to the stuff that’s sitting there that nobody probably knew was there,” she said. “We don’t just wash it and wax it. We take the time to make sure it’s done right.”

The final product of a detailed truck by M&M Detailing is pictured, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Marnie Abrahamson, St. George News
The final product of a detailed truck by M&M Detailing is pictured, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Marnie Abrahamson, St. George News

But things haven’t always been easy for the couple, and they will never forget how far they have come from the people they used to be. Lizotte, a Native American Assiniboine Nakota from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in Montana, has overcome stereotypes and hopes to become an inspiring role model for others.

“There’s not too many Native American businesses out there,” Lizotte said. “We’re not all alcoholics and drug addicts. We are here to prove there’s more to life.”

The couple recalled challenging pasts marked by addiction, with periods where they found themselves on the streets. While everyone faces struggles, Abrahamson said life on the reservation often entails greater challenges with addiction and fewer resources and support systems.

The couple has built a strong network of Native friends locally and nationwide, including connections on Lizotte’s home reservation.

Reflecting on her husband’s journey, Abrahamson shared that those who know him and have followed his story are deeply impressed. They’ve witnessed his remarkable transformation from a former addict and convict living on the streets to becoming a successful business owner.

M&M Detailing owner Michael Lizotte is a proud Native American who hopes his story will inspire others, St. George, Utah, June 17, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News
M&M Detailing owner Michael Lizotte is a proud Native American who hopes his story will inspire others, St. George, Utah, June 17, 2024 | Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News

Abrahamson celebrates 14 years of sobriety from opiates, a decade free from alcohol and nine years without cigarettes.

“I lost everything,” she said, “my kids, my freedom — I almost lost my life. And somebody turned me in and it saved my life.”

The year she stopped taking pills was the year she met Lizotte, and she said his support was crucial in her journey to sobriety. Unable to consume alcohol due to probation requirements also aided her husband in steering clear of alcohol, something she said is a persistent challenge within Native communities.

Lizotte said he quit using methamphetamine two decades ago and has abstained from alcohol for a decade.

Their journey to sobriety was made possible with the support of family and many others. Now they hope to give back by showing the potential that exists on the other side of hardship. 

“I hope that maybe this would show someone it’s possible to come from nothing and get your own business or follow your dreams,” Abrahamson said. “Especially to these young kids on the reservations that still think there’s no hope. There is hope. Don’t give up.”

Abrahamson’s passion for cars runs deep, rooted in the cherished memories of working alongside her late father. From a young age, she said they were inseparable, bonding over tire work and oil changes and sharing a love for automobiles.

Before and after photos showcase the deep cleaning work of M&M Detailing, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Marnie Abrahamson, St. George News
Before and after photos showcase the deep cleaning work of M&M Detailing, St. George, Utah, date not specified | Photo courtesy of Marnie Abrahamson, St. George News

She started in the car detailing industry 25 years ago at Stinger Toyota and then Auto Trim Design. She began detailing cars at Premier Car and Truck with her husband 13 years ago, before the original owner, Ron Caplin, retired. The couple expressed gratitude, acknowledging that they wouldn’t have been able to build their business without the kindness of Caplin and his wife. As a gesture of generosity, they gifted the couple everything they needed on the detailing side to kickstart their own business journey.

Second Chance Auto, the new owners, took over the business a year ago. Although M&M Detailing had already branched off as a separate business, the new owners suggested the couple remain on board at the dealership.

Abrahamson said she deeply values their partnership and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue working together.

M&M Detailing is located at Premier Car & Truck at 116 W. St. George Boulevard. For more information, call 435-862-0509 or visit them on Facebook.

Photo Gallery

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jessi Bang was born and raised in Utah and has a passion for nature and the great outdoors. She graduated from Kaplan University in California with a degree in criminal justice. She has extensive experience in marketing, content creation, photography and copywriting. You can find her showcasing outdoor adventures through her blog, “The Rambling Raccoon.” In her free time, she enjoys climbing mountains, trail running, working out and cuddling her two lovable pups.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @STGnews

Free News Delivery by Email

Would you like to have the day's news stories delivered right to your inbox every evening? Enter your email below to start!