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 Clint Hintz sits down with THE original employee of The Rag Company, Dane Hennen. Son of Owners Jeff and Carolyn Hennen, Dane played a vital role in taking TRC from a tiny, home-based towel business to one of the world's most popular detailing brands through his focus on premium quality products, video production & service.

Barry sits down with Kyle Simpson, owner of ShineCo out of Spartanburg, South Carolina.Kyle and his team are the recent winners of the "Operation of the year" IDA Award at the 2026 Gala, voted on by his peers in the industry. Kyle is a self proclaimed "Car Guy" who turned his hobby and passion into a full time career. He has been in business for 7 years and is running a 7 figure business already.

Host Keith Duplessie sits down with Bob and Kim Cox from Next Level Detailing. Bob & Kim are Owners/operators of a part-time detailing business, Next Level Detailing, in Williamsburg, IA. Bob began his career at the age of 14 in a body shop. He then continued to care for cars and loved paint correction until opening their business 12 years ago with his wife, Kim.  They joined the IDA and became certified and professionally trained within a couple of months of opening. Continued their training and education here in Williamsburg with the help of Josh Pierce.  

Host Keith Duplessie sits down with Chris Bence of Swerve Pro Detailing out of Anderson, South Carolina. Here are some notes from Chris himself:I launched Swerve Pro Detailing in September of 2024, operating from my home garage and doing mobile work. In May of 2025, I was able to find a great location for my first shop and this created a very fundamental and positive change for the business operations and performance. Prior to starting my venture into detailing, I spent over 25 years working as a business consultant and project manager, where my area of expertise was in business process optimization, technology, and change management. Much of the knowledge I acquired in that career has served me well as an entrepreneur, and I would like to share it with our amazing detailing community. My first 'real' exposure to detailing came when I was in college, when I worked part-time at a local auto body and fabrication shop to help with tuition costs. In that role, I logged hundreds of hours doing final vehicle prep and polishing. I learned a great deal about automotive paints and how to address certain issues like orange peel, nibs, runs, etc. Detailing is not my first business endeavor. With my wife Stacy leading the charge, we owned and operated a furniture, appliances, and electronics store which saw tremendous growth and success before circumstances forced us to begin looking at other options. I am a very proud member of the IDA, and can say with certainty that it has contributed to what we've achieved thus far, as well as personal growth and relationships with some great folks in our industry.

Host Barry Theal sits down with Jonathan Michael Monson of Dirty2DreamyJonathan Michael Monson is an entrepreneur, educator, and industry leader in the professional automotive detailing space. He is the founder of Dirty2Dreamy and Polish & Punish Detailing Academy, where he helps detailers master paint correction, ceramic coatings, and scalable business systems. Known for blending high-level technical skill with 1real-world business strategy, Jonathan has trained professionals across the globe and partnered with organizations ranging from private shops to tribal fleets. His brands collectively reach over a million followers across social platforms, where he shares practical insights, no-fluff education, and behind-the-scenes business lessons. Jonathan is especially passionate about building systems, SOPs, and training paths that turn technicians into leaders. Whether teaching in a shop, on stage, or online, his mission is to help others raise standards, increase profitability, and build businesses that last.

Join host Keith Duplessie as he sits down for a candid talk with Jeremy Harding of Nasiol.Jeremy says " I Started detailing at a very young age and opened my first business in 1991. Began working for manufacturers in 2003 at Meguiar's as an Area Sales Manager for the Northeast and later the Mid-Atlantic region. National Sales Manager at RUPES USA for 7 years. National Sales Manager at Nasiol 1from 2023 to present. Heavily engaged in strategic growth initiatives for sales, marketing, and infrastructure with a passion for training and education for the detailing industry. My beliefs are rooted in "Servant Leadership" and relationship building. My passion for training comes from the lack of education that was available during the early days of my professional detailing career. Now that I have the experience, I'd like to share this and help out the industry and eliminate a lot of the painful points of my career through the help through helping others."

Host Barry Theal sits down with Marcy TranAlex and Marcy Tran are the powerhouse duo behind CleanCar Custom Detail in Brenham, Texas, a small town of 17,000between Houston and Austin. Alex brings over a decade ofhands-on expertise in paint protection, ceramic coatings, andhigh-level automotive restoration, while Marcy trains up newhires, installs PPF, and drives the brand marketing strategy,and customer experience that keeps the shop top-of-mind inWashington County and beyond. Together, they've built areputation for unmatched quality, transparency, and service -blending Alex's precision with Marcy's vision to create a detailshop where cars shine brighter, and customers feel genuinelycared for. Whether restoring a collector's dream, protecting adaily driver, or strengthening community ties, Alex and Marcyoperate with one core belief: do the right thing every time.

Host Levi Gates sits down with Marvin MiethMarvin Mieth is a professional automotive detailer andeducator based in Germany. He is the founder ofGLOSSBOSS, a platform combining high-end detailingservices, an online shop, and educational content forprofessional detailers. He serves as President of the IDAGerman Chapter and is a Recognized Independent Trainer(RIT) for the International Detailing Association, where he isactively involved in training, certifications, and industrydevelopment. Marvin works closely with premium brandssuch as Labocosmetica and Nanolex, focusing on producteducation and professional standards. With a strong mix ofhands-on experience and business insight, Marvin isdedicated to helping detailers improve quality, efficiency, andlong-term sustainability within the industry.

Host Barry Theal sits down with Willy AriasWilly has over a decade of experience in the automotivedetailing industry. He has established himself as ameticulous detailer and is highly skilled in various areas. Hispassion for automobiles and his commitment to excellencehave driven him to consistently deliver exceptional results,earning him a reputation as one of the best detailers in thefield. As a representative of Detail Hub Car Care Products,Willy plays a crucial role as a product developer and trainer.Leveraging his extensive detailing expertise, he collaborateswith the research and development team to create innovativecar care products that meet the diverse needs of bothprofessional detailers and car enthusiasts. His keen eye fordetail and deep understanding of the intricacies ofautomotive surfaces allow him to formulate products thatdeliver superior performance and long-lasting protection. Inaddition to product development, Willy has served as atrusted trainer for the past five years at Detail Hub Academy,sharing his knowledge and experience with other detailersthrough hands-on workshops and educational trainingsessions. His ability to effectively communicate complexdetailing techniques and product features has made him ahighly regarded instructor in the industry, empowering othersto enhance their skills and achieve professional success.Combining his passion for detailing with a commitment toadvancing the industry through innovation and education,Willy continues to make a significant impact as both adetailer and a representative of Detail Hub Car Care Products.

Levi Gates sits down with Sebastian Schafer of Liquid Elements, Join in and hear his amazing story of how these machines came to market in the detailing space.

Barry Theal sits down with Chris DiGiovanni from Detailer's RoadmapChristopher DiGiovanni — President, Detailers RoadmapChristopher DiGiovanni is the President of DetailersRoadmap, an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing companytransforming how detailing, PPF, tint, and ceramic coatingshops grow online. With a passion for helping small businesses 2 owners compete at the highest level, Christopher built Detailers' Roadmap into a trusted digital partner serving thousands of shops worldwide. His mission is simple: make professional websites and SEO accessible, effective, and effortless for hardworking shop owners. Known for his no-fluff, results-driven mindset, Detailers Roadmap leads with creativity, strategy, and integrity—helping detailers turn passion into profit and build businesses that last.

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.