Make ’um Cherry is a new auto detailing company founded by Adam Purdy and Nathan Amby on the beautiful island of Lanai, Hawaii. The two met in school through musical theatre, performing together in iconic duos such as Aladdin and Genie in Aladdin and Mushnik and Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors. Their bond formed on stage, but their journey together would eventually lead them down an unexpected yet exciting path.

Adam graduated high school in 2019, a year before Nathan began his freshman year. He went on to pursue theatre and English education at Minot University in North Dakota, but his college journey was interrupted by the onset of COVID-19. After realizing that teaching wasn’t the right fit, he shifted gears, working at a hydroponic farm and earning his forklift certification. In 2022, he moved to Las Vegas to pursue a commercial pilot’s license. However, in 2024, his program was unexpectedly cut, leading him back to Lanai, where he achieved a CDL Class A license following in his grandfather’s footsteps and reconnected with his love for theatre as a director and teacher at the Lanai Academy of Performing Arts.

Nathan graduated high school in 2023 and initially worked as a pool attendant at one of the island’s hotels. However, later that year, he left the position and struggled with unemployment. Seeking guidance, he turned to his older brother, Brian, who encouraged him not only to find work but to pursue something he would genuinely enjoy. Two pieces of advice stuck with Nathan: “Work so you can help Mom and Dad with bills and the mortgage,” and “Find something you will enjoy so the work doesn’t feel like work.” Eventually, he secured a job at the local pool and became a certified lifeguard. While grateful for the opportunity, he knew it wasn’t his true passion.

During this time, Adam and Nathan were looking for a way to make an impact and build something of their own on Lanai. They turned to Adam’s father, George Purdy, the owner of Lanai Escapades, who had years of experience in auto detailing and ceramic coating. He generously took them under his wing, teaching them everything they needed to know about the craft.

To gain experience, they offered to detail vehicles for friends and family free of charge, covering the costs themselves. Over time, they worked on seven different vehicles, refining their skills and learning the intricacies of the business. Once they had honed their craft and earned George's approval, they knew they were ready to offer their services to the community.

Now, as the founders of Make ’um Cherry, Adam and Nathan are proud to bring their passion and expertise to their home island. Their mission is to beautify the vehicles of their neighbors and contribute to Lanai’s growth with top-notch auto detailing services. They look forward to building lasting relationships with their customers and creating a cleaner, shinier future for the island’s vehicles.