Inside the IDA: A Podcast for Auto Detailers

Levi Gates is the Director of Automotive Appearance at Autowash and a 30-year veteran of the detailing industry. Known by many as the "Master of Shine" Levi has worked across every side of the business—from starting at a carwash at 16 to high volume production shop, to detailing cars in a two-bay garage to helping launch global detailing brands, design innovative tools, and educate thousands of professionals and DIYers alike.  Before joining Autowash, Levi spent eight years at The Rag Company as a product developer, content creator, and international educator. He's also contributed to the success and development of many brands worldwide and is a multiple-time speaker at both Mobile Tech Expo & Automechanika Frankfurt.  Now based in Denver, Levi leads the Autowash Showroom—bridging car washing and high-end detailing to create an express detailing model that actually works. He is passionate about training the next generation of detailers and turning high-quality service into scalable success. He has been a member of the IDA for nearly 10 years and holds a CD-SV,RIT. He is also a former Founders Club member, former Chair of the Certification Committee, and is the current Chair of the International Chapter Development Committee.

Host Keith Duplessie sits down with Andres LoteroHere's a bit about him:"I began my career in procurement, and later moved into the pharmaceutical industry, where I managed patient support programs across Latin America. That blend of supply chain expertise and hands-on customer care shaped everything I've built since. In 2015, I founded Mulova in Colombia to bring high-quality detailing products to the Colombian market. In 2023, I launched Mulova International in the U.S., based in Miami, to serve the broader Latino market and use the city's unique position as a gateway to reach clients across Latin America. I'm a serial entrepreneur at heart. Alongside Mulova, I also run Policrafters, an architectural solutions company serving architects, designers, and general contractors in South Florida, as well as SourceLynk and Boxamix, both focused on helping Latin American businesses access the U.S. market. I believe deeply in long-term relationships and building community. I've been an active IDA member since 2021, contributing Spanish translations of webinars and educational materials so more detailers can benefit from them, and a SEMA member since 2025. I'm married with two children."

Host Barry Theal sits down with Rob Schreufer. Rob has been a long-time member of the IDA, served 2 full terms on the board, and was the president twice- this episode is sure to be packed with great information!

Barry Theal sits down with William Graves, CEO and co-owner of Midwest Aircraft Detailers, a full-service aviation appearance company serving aircraft operators throughout the Midwest and beyond. William's road to aviation was anything but conventional. He spent years working as a professional chef, a career that instilled the discipline, precision, and composure under pressure that would later define his approach to business. He's also candid about his journey through addiction and recovery, an experience that shaped the resilience and no-excuses work ethic he brings to leadership today. That rare combination of kitchen-forged discipline and hard-won personal growth has helped him build Midwest Aircraft Detailers into a respected name in the industry. He's also the owner of AV8 Reactive Polymer Coating, a proprietary aircraft coating formula certified to both Boeing and Airbus standards, reflecting his drive to keep innovating within the detailing space. William is known for speaking his mind. He's not afraid to challenge industry norms, question inflated claims, or push back on practices that don't serve operators and customers well. Today, William is focused on evolving as a leader building out his team, sharpening his approach to growth, and staying grounded in the same honesty that's guided him from the kitchen to the hangar.

Host Keith Duplessie sits down with Jared Clasen.Jared is the founder and CEO of Upscale Detail Co., a premium automotive protection and detailing company based in Columbus, Georgia. A former U.S. Army Infantry Officer with more than 11 years of military service, Jared has built his company around the principles of discipline, integrity, leadership, and relentless attention to detail. Since founding the business in 2021, he has grown it from a small mobile detailing operation into one of the region’s leading shops specializing in Paint Protection Film (PPF), ceramic coatings, window tint, and paint correction. His passion is not only protecting vehicles but also building high-performing teams, creating scalable business systems, and raising the standard for the automotive appearance industry.