Driven By Details Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Ruben, someone I had the privilege of working alongside early in my career. Our story goes back to the days when we were grinding it out in the shop together, learning the ins and outs of detailing and supporting each other as we built our skills. Eventually, I was able to connect Ruben with an opportunity at a friend’s dealership, and it has been incredible to watch him thrive in that environment.Ruben has a real gift for interior detailing and carpet care—a side of the industry that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. In our conversation, we dive into what makes interior work so uniquely challenging, from dealing with stubborn stains to balancing speed and quality in high-volume environments. Ruben shares some of the tricks of the trade, but also opens up about the physical and mental demands that come with trying to make a vehicle look brand new from the inside out.We also talk about what it’s like working at a dealership, where the pace is relentless and expectations are high. Ruben’s perspective gives real insight into the day-to-day grind, but also the pride that comes with transforming a vehicle for the next customer.Whether you’re a detailer looking for tips, someone curious about the behind-the-scenes of dealership life, or just interested in hearing the story of two friends reconnecting through their craft, this episode has something for you.

“Welcome back to the Driven By Details Podcast. Today’s episode is a special one — and our longest yet. Almost two hours of unfiltered conversation packed with insights, stories, and lessons you won’t want to miss.We dive deep into Gabe Madina background in detailing! Covering everything from how he got into the industry to events that led him down the road to Entrepreneurship , and even some behind-the-scenes experiences that most people never get to hear about.If you’re passionate about detailing, business, or just love hearing real conversations from people in the industry, this episode is worth every minute. Buckle up — this one goes the distance.”

🎙 New Episode of Driven By DetailsIn this episode, I sit down with David from Oberk Car Care to recap the recent Gloss University Grand Opening. We had a fantastic turnout, and if you couldn’t make it, this episode gives you an inside look at what went down!We also dive into car culture from a detailing enthusiast’s perspective — sharing our passion for the craft and community. Later in the show, David gives us a sneak peek at some exciting new products Oberk has been developing behind the scenes.👉 Tune in, enjoy the conversation, and thanks for listening!

In this episode of Driven By Details, I sit down with Steve, the owner of Suppressed Details, based in Santa Rosa, CA.Steve isn’t new to the detailing industry, but he recently made the big jump to full-time professional detailing. He’s transformed his home garage into a high-level detailing studio, specializing in paint corrections, ceramic coatings, and top-tier detailing work.In this episode, we dive into: ✅ Steve’s journey before going full-time in detailing ✅ The highs and lows of running a small business ✅ Industry trends & challenges every detailer facesThis one is packed with valuable insights—don’t miss it! 🎧📅 Drops Thursday 3-20-25🔥 Tune in & let us know what you think!#DrivenByDetails #DetailingPodcast #GlossUniversity #AutoDetailing #SmallBusiness #PaintCorrection #CeramicCoating #DetailingCommunity

In this episode of the Driven By Details podcast, host Driven By Details welcomes Beau Mulher, a passionate detailer who shares his journey into the detailing industry. From learning the basics of car care from his father to transitioning into a professional detailer, Beau discusses the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way. The conversation delves into the importance of mentorship, the learning curve associated with mastering detailing techniques, and the significance of finding opportunities in the automotive field. Beau emphasizes the value of continuous learning and setting standards for personal growth, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring detailers and automotive enthusiasts alike. Takeaways Beau's journey into detailing began with his father's teachings. Learning to care for a vehicle can spark a passion for detailing. YouTube and online resources are valuable for learning new skills. Hands-on experience in a body shop accelerates skill development. The detailing industry requires both technical knowledge and practical skills. Finding a mentor can significantly enhance learning and growth. Continuous practice is essential for mastering detailing techniques. Setting personal standards can guide professional development. Opportunities can arise from unexpected situations, like the pandemic. Investing in training can provide reassurance and accelerate skill acquisition.

🎙️ Episode 2 of Season 3 brings you an inspiring conversation with Thad Sullivan from Endurance Auto Detailing! Thad’s passion for the detailing industry is exceptional, and he’s constantly pushing himself to learn more and take on challenging projects. From standard interior and exterior services to advanced techniques like wet sanding and show car detailing, Thad’s dedication to his craft truly sets him apart. In this episode, we dive into Thad’s journey—how he got started in the world of auto detailing, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what drives his passion for creating stunning results. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you won’t want to miss Thad’s insights and inspiring story. 🎧 Tune in now and thanks for listening!

Season 3 of Driven By Details is Here! I’m thrilled to kick off Season 3 of the Driven By Details Podcast! 🎙️ This season is loaded with new guests, live streams, and even more insights to keep you ahead in the detailing industry. New episodes drop every Thursday—mark your calendars! To start the season, I’m joined by fellow podcaster Alex Russell from The Detail Solutions Podcast. In this episode, we dive into what the detailing industry might look like in 2025—covering everything from pricing and sales to service trends and how big corporate money is reshaping the landscape. Whether you're a detailer, shop owner, or industry enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights to help you stay ahead of the curve. 🌟 We break down the challenges and opportunities coming in 2025 and share strategies to help you adapt and thrive. We’re excited for the year ahead and can’t wait to share this journey with you. Tune in now and let’s kick off Season 3! 🎧

Matt and David from Gloss University highlight the exciting training events planned 2025! With lots of planning and preparation, we’ve curated a wide range of classes designed to give our students the opportunity to choose the training that best fits their interests and goals. This year, we’re taking our hands-on learning experience to the next level. A few classes will hit the road at special locations across the country, while others will be hosted at the state-of-the-art Gloss University facility—which will soon be celebrating its one-year anniversary this March. From immersive 4-day boot camps and focused detailing classes to a flagship anniversary event and a free open house, 2025 offers something for every technician and enthusiast, no matter your skill level. In this video, we’ll break down all nine events, sharing the dates, details, and locations so you can plan ahead and join us for a year of professional growth, learning, and community. check out all the events at www.glossuniversity.com

In this deeply personal and insightful episode, my wife and I sit down to discuss the importance of mental health and how it intersects with both personal and professional growth. Through an honest and open conversation, we explore the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, relationships, and the journey toward self-discovery. Join us as we dive into these impactful topics, offering actionable insights, heartfelt reflections, and a celebration of growth through the challenges of life. Whether you're navigating entrepreneurship, prioritizing mental health, or simply looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with value and connection. Listen now on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and share your thoughts with us—we'd love to hear your journey too!

In this episode of Driven By Details, I sit down with Tony from Shine Effects Auto Spa. Tony has deep passion for this industry and his story is really inspiring. Like many entrepreneurs trying to make their business thrive, often times we struggle to get the business running smoothly and consistently. Tony has experienced many ups and downs during his six years in business. As the episode unfolds we talk about how he got stated detailing and how training really help give him the push needed to grow his small business. Tony has recently relocated his business moving from Kentucky to Arizona and I thought it would be great for him to tell his story. The audio in the beginning is a bit muffled, but it improves quickly, please hang in there. Thank for listening!

In this episode of Driven By Details, I sit down with Jason and David to talk about pricing in 2024. I am still heavily involved in the car wash industry and recently read through the new Auto Laundry magazine. The January 2024 issue released a new "Detailing Survey" that highlights some of the average price points of detailing services across the country. It was shocking to me as I read how cheap some of these a la carte services are listed at freestanding shops across the county. It had me begin to think about my own pricing for service. As prices for goods continue to climb, I am curious to see how prices for services may follow. There has always been this ongoing discussion about "how much do I charge" and it can be difficult to raise prices because of the added fear of losing business. So in this episode we talk about pricing and when might be the tipping point of turning away clients due to high priced services. 

In this episode of Driven By Details, we are joined by Craig Stewert from Rossland British Columbia. Craig's backstory and his years driving a truck, really sets the tone for how he got into metal polishing and the passion he shares for a clean truck. Craig spends lots of his time on the road traveling to his clients to offer his services. Even thought his main focus is metal polishing, he is still offers detailing services for his clients. As the episode progresses, we talk about the climate in Canada, and how Ceramic Coatings do not hold up to their durability claims in these areas. If you are into metal polishing or trucks, be sure to give Crater Service a follow on Instagram to see some of his amazing work. You hope you all enjoy this episode as we share the stories behind the shine.

** PART TWO ** On this episode of Driven By Details, Jason Killmer joins me while we sit down to talk with Gary Robinett form Motorsports Distributing. Gary shares stories from the past and present day with his more than 30 year in automotive and detailing. I was eager to have Gary on the podcast to discuss the detailing industry. Gary has a passion for his work along with his customers and is always eager to educate his clients. This industry has seen many advancements over the last 30 years. Its certainly cool to look back and see how far we have come, and also recognize how far we have yet to go! Join us on Part Two as we talk past, present and future of this industry.

On this episode of Driven By Details, Jason Killmer joins me while we sit down to talk with Gary Robinett form Motorsports Distributing. Gary shares stories from the past and present day with his more than 30 year in automotive and detailing. I was eager to have Gary on the podcast to discuss the detailing industry. Gary has a passion for his work along with his customers and is always eager to educate his clients. This industry has seen many advancements over the last 30 years. Its certainly cool to look back and see how far we have come, and also recognize how far we have yet to go! Join us on this two part episode as we talk past, present and future of this industry.

As the detailing industry has expanded over the last decade, the Long Throw DA's have made such a huge impact on how paint is being polished today. Because the DA Polisher has grown in popularity, it has also driven the advancement in new pads and liquids to accommodate this polishing system. But what about the Rotary Polisher? Does it still have a place in modern detailing? Is one really better than another? There has been lots of controversy on social media about this topic. So much that I just wanted to talk about it on the podcast. In my personal opinion, both tools have their set of characteristics and place in the world of buffing and polishing paint. In this episode of Driven By Details, I sit down with David Patterson from Oberk Car Care to talk about new products that are in the hopper for Oberk. Then we dive into the DA/Rotary topic before wrapping up this episode, we take a look into the future for Gloss University. Hope you all enjoy this episode, Thanks for listening!

Driven By Details Is Back For A Second Season! After a short break in October Driven By Details is back with new episodes this fall. On this episode I am joined by David Patterson and we talk about the Gloss University class back in September at Robby Layton's Shop in Ephraim Utah. This was our first time doing our new "Detailing 360 Course" We had a great group of students that came from near and far for this one day course. After two nights in Utah, David and I were off to California to spend the week at Beverly Hills Ferrari to work with their head detailer Ronnie Vaia. Our main goal was to help prepare some new Ferrari's for sale and see first hand overall paint condition and quality of some of these new Ferrari's coming off the boat. Working with the team at Beverly Hill Ferrari was a really amazing experience and we were honored to be there. Ronnie uses Oberk exclusively and has even help test some of the new products that are being added Oberk's line up of amazing products. You will here the full story on the podcast, thank you for listening!

In this episode of Driven By Details Mattie and Killmer sit down with the owner of On Tour Brewing Company Mark Legenza. On Tour Brewing Co. located in Chicago has such a great vibe in a cozy tap room. Along with making some really tasty beverage's you can catch live music at the brewery many nights throughout the week. This is where Mattie and Mark first had the chance to meet. This past summer at a weekend show Mattie and Mark had a really great conversation about business. Mark was being honest and vulnerable about some of the struggles that come with owning and operating a small business. Marks story was the spark to get Mattie thinking about how many small businesses have so much in common. Mark shares a brief background of how he started making beer when he lived in Colorado. As the podcast evolves, we start talking about some of the differences and similarities that our industries experience. Marks passion and dedication to his industry is infectious and it was a real pleasure to have him on the podcast. Enjoy, For more information about On Tour Brewing Co. click the link below https://ontourbrewing.com/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ontourbrewing/

In this episode we are going back in time to learn about how the idea for Gloss University was born. I am joined by Eron Knox and David Patterson as we sit down to talk about Gloss University's up coming class at the RingBrothers in Spring Green Wisconsin on July 29th and 30th 2023. For the last few years, Gloss University has held group training classes at the RingBrothers headquarters. Every class has been a experience to remember for everyone involved, and we are super excited for this years event. If you are a looking to take your skills to the next level, a Gloss University experience will help break down advanced techniques and terminologies that will help you build confidence as a technician in wet sanding and paint correction.

What a great time to be a detailer. So many awesome products, tools, accessories, to make the technicians job easier along with improving the outcome. However, it seem like in the last 5 years we have more and more new products. Along with all the new products, comes the product reviews on YouTube. It seems as though the detailing industry has a completely different industry inside itself. So many YouTube influencers pushing out content for the sake of making content, reviewing a product for likes or affiliate commission. It seems as though YouTube has helped the detailing industry while hurting it all at once. So many different peoples opinions on one product can leave some of us feeling confused. Whether you are a DIY or Professional Detailer, YouTube has been a great resource to gather information and get a temperature check on a product or a process. Has YouTube help the detailing industry or has it hurt the industry? We don't have the answer in this podcast, but its something worth talking about.

Mattie and Jason talk about some to the challenges associated with auto detailing. This is a hard topic when it comes to pricing out your services. Around the globe you will find all kinds of different pricing structures for auto detailing.  What should you charge? How do you get charge more for your service? There is no easy or perfect answer to this question. It helps to know that we are not alone when it comes to pricing.