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 Barry Theal sits down with Davy Tversky, America's Chief Profit Officer.Davy has spent decades serving startup entrepreneurs to billion-dollar giants like Microsoft, Goodyear, Manpower, Master Lock, FedEx, and Disney, just to name a few. He created the Big Money Detailer community to bring his strategies from the 15-plus industries he has served to the detailing community. As a trusted advisor behind the scenes at Affluent Auto Spa, his son Dylan's rapidly growing premium detailing business, Davy walks the talk. His mission is simple: to show you how to earn more so you can serve more.

Keith Duplessie sits down with Miguel Saavedra Owner operator of Ultimate Touch Autocare LLC out of the San Francisco Bay Area. Miguel says, "Having been detailing as a professional for the past 10 years, I started with Ultimate Touch Autocare in 2018. I was previously working at a shop where I came with a small bodywork and paint refinishing background. As of this year, I started improving my skills to better my detailing career as a detail instructor teaching Spanish classes in Spanish, along with P&S detail products."

Big changes are happening Inside the IDA! In this special episode, longtime hosts Keith Duplessie and Barry Theal sit down with the newest members of the mic, Levi Gates and Josh Pierce, for an open and energetic conversation about the past, present, and future of the podcast.From their first impressions and what drew them to the IDA community, to their goals for the show and what listeners can expect moving forward, this episode is all about connection, collaboration, and a shared passion for the detailing industry.Tune in to get to know the full hosting crew, hear a few behind-the-scenes stories, and catch the vision for what’s next Inside the IDA.

Sit down with Barry Theal as he chats with 3 Mobile Detailers!We have Adam Hindman from Detailers of Sarasota, who started his career in the car industry after high school as an automotive painter at an exotic body shop. In 2017 he moved down to Sarasota Florida to start a mobile detailing business. Through the trials and errors of running a business, Adam has managed to build a detailing business that generates more than $10,000 a week with just one van. Follow along in his journey through the car industry as he says he’ll be in the car scene for the rest of his life. Daniel Pineda proud owner of Daniel's Detailing has dedicated the past three years to providing top-tier mobile detailing services directly to clients' homes. With a passion for precision and exceptional customer service, Daniel has built a reputation for delivering pristine results. Recently, Daniel's Detailing took a significant step forward by transitioning from a mobile operation to a brick-and-mortar location, offering even more convenience and expanded services.Anthony Santiago, owner of First Class Detailing, raised and rooted in Pinellas county. Opened up an operation when I was 19. Grew up parallel to detailing. Husband and father of 2. Loving life. Enjoy! And don't forget to give these guys a thumbs up!3

 Barry Theal sits down with Renny Doyle to see what he's been up to recently. Renny Doyle is a pioneer in the detailing industry, known as the “Detailer of Air Force One” for leading preservation efforts on the historic aircraft. Founder of Detailing Success and The Detail Mafia, he has trained over 500 professionals and worked on more than 4,000 aircraft. He co-developed the P&S Double Black product line and a specialized polisher with Dynabrade. A published author and IDA Hall of Fame inductee, Renny is dedicated to elevating the detailing craft through education, innovation, and leadership. He also volunteers with Search and Rescue and serves in the California National Guard.

Barry has a sit down to get to know Genevieve English from Conscious Car Care LLC!

Fasten your seat belts for this episode of Inside the IDA as Keith sits down for a candid chat with Matthew Fleshman, owner of The Detail Shop in St Louis, MO. Matthew has been through it all, sucessful home shop, social media success and a recent career fork in the road he is navigating with us and sharing his struggles and his wins. Business ownership isn't always pretty, but its what we do with the pieces.

In this episode host Barry sits down with Joe Kimball of Kimball's Hands on Detailing in Washington.

Join Barry as he has a candid discussion with Mr Chris Bence.Chris Worked his way through college at a part-time job with a body shop.  Spent 6 years after college working as a research chemist and the last 25 years working as a business consultant.  "I have always stayed active with detailing and reconditioning side jobs mostly through friends and work of mouth.  My wife and I own and operate a furniture store here locally and I decided last year to pursue my passion for detailing and reconditioning by starting Swerve Pro Detailing.  The business is really growing quickly and I am starting to be sought out for my services throughout the upstate of South Carolina."- Chris

Join Barry as he sits down with Mr. Rob Schruefer of On the Spot Detailing out of Maryland. Rob is IDA CD-SV RIT, MCSV, RVC, WC and has been in business since 2003. His Mobile business has grown to one of the largest mobile operations in the area.

In This esidode of Inside the IDA, host Barry Theal sits down with Derrick Copes "The Dopest Detailer"

In this episode Alan Medcraf chats with Dave Reed, who is the owner/operator of D.A.R Detailing, located in Cornwall, UK. He currently serves on the IDA Board, the UK Chapter Board and the Industry Standards Task Force. Join them as they chat about Inside the IDA

In this podcast we sit down with Matty Arendt and talk about overcoming personal and  professional growth over decades in the industry. Matty is the owner and operator of Matthew’s Specialized Detailing in Itasca Illinois, as well as the Director of Training for Gloss University and the host of the Driven By Details Podcast. Matt has worked in multiple sides of the detailing industry over the last 25-30 years, from doing sales in the dealership supply chain, training future detailers, working with chemical manufacturers to develop product, and actually detailing regularly to stay up to date with skills and the latest tools.

Sit down with Inside the IDA with host Barry Theal and Grant Menard Grant, a dynamic entrepreneur and Penn State University graduate, embarked on his business journey in the pharmaceutical industry, rapidly advancing to the role of Account Executive for three medical journals in the Managed Care sector. Fueled by the belief that "Relationships come first, business comes second," he transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding Menard Premium Detailing in 2018. Grant's entrepreneurial prowess extends to Power Moves Consulting, aiding small businesses in expedited growth, Car Heads Auto Group, a luxury car storage and consignment venture, and, as of 2024, his role as a National Account Manager with Urable. In this capacity, he plays a crucial role in aligning manufacturers and distributors with detailing businesses, showcasing his continued commitment to the automotive industry. Beyond business, Grant is dedicated to giving back, channeling his passion into marketing and PR initiatives for his enterprises. Personal fulfillment comes from his loving wife, Natalie, their faithful canine companion, Lucille, and the imminent arrival of their first child in June 2024, adding a new and exciting chapter to Grant's story of success and purpose. Enjoy!

In this Introduction Episode from the Hosts of the Podcast, Keith Duplessie, Barry Theal, David Patterson & Alan Medcraf discuss the vision behind the IDA Podcast: For Detailers by Detailers. They are excited to bring the inspiring journies of detailers in the industry to you each week.

Join Keith Duplessie as he sits down with Kyle Clark. For nearly 3 decades, Kyle Clark has been the meticulous force behind Xtreme Detailing, transforming vehicles across San Bernardino, Riverside, and the eastern part of Los Angeles Counties. His commitment to excellence shines through the highest quality products and cutting-edge techniques, including pioneering ceramic protective coatings.As an industry leader and certified by the International Detailing Association, Kyle’s prowess extends beyond local acclaim. He’s a distinguished member of the Gordon McCall Motorworks Revival Team and the exclusive Air Force One Detailing Team. His expertise has graced the screens of Velocity TV, positioning him as a sought-after expert in the field.Kyle’s reputation as a detailing virtuoso also earned him the esteemed title of Celebrity Guest Detailer at the prestigious SEMA Auto Show. His insights and mastery have been chronicled in Detailer’s Digest Magazine, solidifying his position as an authoritative voice within the detailing community.With an illustrious career path that includes pivotal roles at Flex scan grip, Sonax PNS, and Detailing Products as a sales representative, Kyle currently serves as a luminary figure at Auto Fiber, continuing to push boundaries and redefine the standards of automotive detailing. For Kyle Clark, each vehicle entrusted to his care receives nothing less than his signature touch of excellence.

Join Host Barry Theal as his chats with Everette Mitchum. Nestled in the heart of the Grand Strand, Lookin’ Good Auto Detailing, is dedicated to redefining excellence in auto care. Known for their high-end detailing expertise, they combine cutting-edge techniques and premium products to bring out the best in every vehicle they touch. As a proud member of the IDA, owner Everette Mitchum, CD-SV stands by their commitment to quality, community, and continuous learning. Their team believes in not just delivering flawless finishes but building lasting relationships, championing education, and sharing the art and science of detailing. Join us as we chat with Everette and dive deep into the detailing world, sharing insights on how to elevate vehicle care for clients and detailers alike.

Host Barry Theal sits down with Brian Gitzen from Summerbreeze Ceramic Coatings out of Bufort South Carolina! A past truck driver, Brian has been in his detailing business for 5 years and has absolutely blown up.

Host Keith Duplessie sits down with Mr Jamie Buchanan from Dirty Old Cars TV show highlighting the detailing industry