Advertise on podcast: Road to $1 Million Detailing Podcast

On this episode, Josh interviews Kelly of Shine Detailing LLC in Anaheim, California, about his journey growing a detailing business from $800K to $2.4 million. They talk about how he got started, the steps that helped the business scale, adding PPF as a major service, and how social media supported that growth. Kelly also shares lessons on building a team, handling employee turnover, balancing family and business, and why faith plays an important role in how he runs the company. Time Stamps: 02:10 – How Shine Detailing LLC Got Started 06:29 – From $800K to $2.4M 10:03 – Going All-In on PPF 13:04 – How Social Media Helped Grow the PPF Side 19:29 – Learning to Delegate 29:14 – Morning Routine as a Business Owner 32:34 – Lessons from Employee Turnover 38:08 – Balancing Family and Business 41:27 – Letting Faith Guide the Business 45:40 – Communicating Expectations with the Team 52:58 – Leading by Example 56:45 – Evaluating Financial Growth Shine Detailing LLC: Website - https://www.shinedetailingllc.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shinedetailingllc For training inquiries, contact: 📧 [email protected] 📞 (714) 514-5956 Belk Detailing LLC:  Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eliteautocarewny/ Road to $1 Million  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmpBUJXb6dY8jnJxEDfkx5A  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

On this episode, Josh interviews Kevin and Daniel of Detail Tech in the northwest Chicago suburbs, sharing how they grew their business from $100K in 2024 to half a million in 2025 and what really helped them level up. They talk about the lessons they learned the hard way, working with contractors, improving quality standards, dialing in pricing, and continuing to invest back into the business, along with the plans they have moving forward as they keep building. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Intro 03:46 – How Detail Tech Started 07:51 – From Installers to Hiring a Subcontractor 14:47 – Challenges of Working with Contractors 22:06 – Vinyl vs PPF 25:50 – Learning From Early Mistakes 33:39 – Being Transparent with Customers 35:12 – Kevin & Daniel’s Day-to-Day Roles 37:33 – Content Creation Process 44:04 – Role of the Administrator 47:25 – Revenue Growth in 2025 48:26 – Checklists & Quality Standards 51:51 – The Impact of Discounted Services 57:26 – Detailing Packages & Pricing 1:06:53 – Investing Back Into the Business 1:13:07 – Growing The Mobile Detailing Services The Detail Tech:  Website - https://www.thedetailtech.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the_detailtech/  Belk Detailing LLC:  Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eliteautocarewny/  Road to $1 Million  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmpBUJXb6dY8jnJxEDfkx5A  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

On this podcast, Josh interviews Kevin Heist, owner of Elite Auto Care in Buffalo, NY. Kevin shares his experience as an owner-operator navigating the ups and downs of running a detailing business, including how seasonal changes affect growth, how his business has evolved over time, and the mindset it takes to scale without losing focus. The conversation touches on leadership, sales, customer relationships, and the reality that success in detailing is built just as much on people and systems as it is on the work itself. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction  02:49 How Winter Impacts the Business  04:55 Adding New Services (PPF, Tint)  06:04 His Wife’s Role in the Business  08:55 Kevin’s Day-to-Day  13:06 Marketing  16:42 Improving Customer Interaction in Sales  22:18 Sales Structure & Sales Roles  28:46 People Business  32:32 Embracing Mistakes  33:19 Role of Social Media  40:03 Managing Distractions  49:40 Setting Customer Expectations  1:00:00 What’s Been Most Helpful From the Road to $1 Million Podcast Elite Auto Care:  Website - https://www.eliteautocarewny.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dynamicdetailingsj/  Belk Detailing LLC:  Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eliteautocarewny/ Road to $1 Million  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmpBUJXb6dY8jnJxEDfkx5A  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

On this podcast, Josh interviews Daniel, owner of Dynamic Detailing located in San Jose, CA to talk about the real side of growing and running a successful detailing business. Daniel shares how Dynamic Detailing performed in 2025 and his experience working with dealerships. They dive into sales strategies, handling objections, and sales team responsibilities. The conversation also covers community engagement, hosting seminars, and the importance of visibility beyond day-to-day operations. This episode focuses on the mindset shift from being just a skilled detailer to becoming a strong business owner, including the difference between working in the business and working on the business.  Time Stamps:  00:00 – Introduction  01:41 – How Dynamic Detailing Performed in 2025  04:36 – Working With Dealerships  10:25 – Full Body PPF  21:48 – Community Engagement & Thought Events  26:30 – Engagement Through Seminars  30:26 – Sales Techniques  45:58 – Sales Team Responsibilities  50:55 – Investing in Business Assets  57:53 – The Reality of the Detailing Business  1:03:43 – Being a Good Business Owner vs. Just a Good Detailer  1:10:35 – Working On the Business vs. Working In the Business  Dynamic Detailing:  Website - https://dynamicdetailing.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dynamicdetailingsj/ elk Detailing LLC:  Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing/ Road to $1 Million  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmpBUJXb6dY8jnJxEDfkx5A Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

On this episode, Josh sits down with Chris Di Giovanni from Detailer’s Roadmap to talk about building a strong foundation for detailing businesses through websites, content, and marketing. They discuss what separates top shops from the rest, what website characteristics actually convert visitors into customers, and why having the right foundation in place matters before scaling. We’re also excited to share our partnership with Detailer’s Roadmap as we work together and document real growth using their website solutions. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Introduction 04:02 – What Separates Top Shops From the Rest 10:24 – Why Lead Success Starts With Your Foundation 15:18 – Creating Content & Getting Comfortable on Camera 24:22 – Using Gift Cards to Stay Busy 28:05 – Client Reactivation Strategies 35:09 – Detailer’s Roadmap x Road to $1 Million Podcast 40:37 – Creating a Curated Gallery 44:54 – A Look at Belk Detailing’s Website 50:24 – Homepage Visuals That Convert 54:44 – SEO Impact of Launching a New Website 1:02:07 – Optimizing Your Google Business Profile Detailers Roadmap Website: https://www.detailersroadmap.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/detailersroadmap Special offer for Road to $1 Million listeners: Chris is offering a free website audit to show where your current site can improve. If you decide to move forward, you’ll get 10% off the initial deposit or a free citation boost (valued at $700+). 👉 Click here to get the free website audit: http://Detailersroadmap.com/roadto1million Belk Detailing LLC Website: https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing Road to $1 Million Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Roadto1MillionDetailing Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

On this episode, Josh sits down again with Kyle Simpson of Shine.co, based out of Spartanburg, South Carolina for a follow-up conversation one year after their first interview. They talk about what’s changed from 2024 to 2025, the lessons learned along the way, and how those experiences shaped his approach moving forward. Kyle also shares his plans and mindset heading into 2026 and what he’s focusing on next. 00:00 – Introduction   03:40 – Switching to a Commission-Based Pay Structure   11:41 – Comparing Sales: 2024 vs. 2025   17:11 – Building and Improving Systems   24:38 – Quality Control and Check Processes   30:13 – Lessons from Winter 2025 and How He’ll Approach It Differently   39:12 – What Kyle Would Have Done Differently   47:35 – Buying Another Detailer’s Book of Business   54:54 – Hiring Sales Staff   59:59 – Payroll, Sustainability, and Growth   01:04:52 – Balancing Efficiency, Quality, and a Family-Style Team Culture   01:11:58 – Expanding and Offering Different Services   01:13:03 – Keeping Core Detailing Services While Scaling Shine Co.  Website: https://www.goshineco.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shinecospartanburg/ Belk Detailing LLC   Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing/  Road to $1 Million   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Roadto1MillionDetailing   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/  

On this episode, Josh interviews Will, General Manager of Skyway Motorspace in Palmetto, FL. Will shares what it’s like running a new car storage, detailing, PPF, and ceramic coating business just months after launch. He talks about stepping into leadership, building systems, understanding clients, growing a team, and navigating the challenges that come with scaling early, plus advice for anyone getting started in the automotive space. Time Stamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:07 – How Will Became General Manager of Skyway Motor Space 09:03 – Implementing PPF, Ceramic Coatings, and Detailing Services 11:39 – Skyway’s Social Media Strategy 16:51 – Understanding Client Needs 29:59 – Finding and Taking Care of Employees 34:28 – Working With Contractors 38:22 – Communication Between the General Manager, Owner, and CEO 45:18 – Will’s Experience as a General Manager: Unexpected Challenges 48:57 – Strategies for Business Growth 52:55 – Storage vs. PPF: Which Is Easier to Sell? 55:33 – Advice for Those Who Are Just Getting Started Skyway Motorspace Website: https://skywaymotorspacefl.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skywaymotorspace/ Belk Detailing LLC  Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing/  Road to $1 Million  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Roadto1MillionDetailing  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

On this episode of the podcast, Josh sits down with Aaron from A-Z Detailing to talk about how content and advertising helped grow the business. Aaron shares how being personable on video made a real difference, what his day-to-day operations look like, and how he balances running the shop while while still making time for family. He also talks about running ads, learning the business side of detailing, hiring help, and his plans moving forward.  Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro  05:24 How Personable Social Media Content Helped the Business  14:48 How AZ Detailing Got Started  19:39 Learning Window Tint & PPF  21:48 What Aaron Would Do Differently When Starting Tint & PPF  23:35 Offering PPF & Tint as New Services  30:06 Running Ads  39:18 Learning Business Finances  47:19 Day-to-Day Business Operations  50:36 Hiring a Salesperson  54:29 Content Ideas  59:05 Future Plans & Goals  A-Z Car Detailing and Ceramic Coatings  Website https://www.azcardetailing.com.au/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/a_z_car_detailing/  Belk Detailing LLC  Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing/  Road to $1 Million  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Roadto1MillionDetailing  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

On this episode, Josh talks with Derek, Cade, and Patrick from The Shop Auto Detailing. They share how they got started, how they transitioned from dealership work to retail, and how social media helped them grow. They also talk about what it’s like working together as family and the changes they made that shaped the business into what it is today.  Time Stamps:  Intro – 0:31  How They Started – 2:04  Switching From Dealerships to Retail – 6:48  Getting Into C-Quartz – 9:26  Power of Social Media – 16:34  Working With Family – 24:27  Hiring a Videographer vs. DIY Content – 27:58  Why Systems Matter – 35:51  Sales Process – 41:25  Staying Busy in Winter – 51:15  The Shop Automotive Detailing  Website: https://www.theshopdetails.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theshopdetails  Belk Detailing LLC  Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing/  Road to $1 Million YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Roadto1MillionDetailing  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

We’re excited to share our transition and how Jeremy of Status Auto Detailing trusted us to take over their business. Tune in for the full story, behind-the-scenes insights, and the start of our PPF journey!  Time Stamps: 00:00 – Intro 02:37 – How Jeremy Started Status Auto Detailing 11:46 – How Josh and Jeremy Met 14:08 – Stepping Out of the Industry 16:14 – Reaching Out to Belk Detailing to Take Over 19:40 – What Separates an Amateur From a Pro Detailer 22:30 – PPF vs. Coating 23:52 – Can You Go to a Car Wash With PPF? 26:42 – Can You Go to a Touchless Car Wash With Ceramic Coating? 32:11 – The Truth About PPF 42:29 – Jeremy’s Top Three Favorite Cars to Work On 50:57 – What Jeremy Thinks the Industry Will Look Like in 5 Years (Who Will Be the Top Shops?) Belk Detailing LLC Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/belkmobiledetailing Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@belkmobiledetailing Road to $1 Million   Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Roadto1MillionDetailing

On this episode of the Road to $1 Million podcast, Josh interviews Steve from TNT Glass Tinting in Denver, NC. Steve started as a technician and over the years expanded TNT into PPF and tinting services. Today, he shares his journey from technician to business owner, insights on hiring and training new team members, mastering sales, and growing the business with PPF and tinting. Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 04:21 – How TNT Started 07:40 – Introducing PPF 18:22 – From Technician to Business Owner 26:09 – Hiring New Team Members Without Experience 30:54 – Sales 38:24 – Success in Sales: Laying Your Brand Foundation & Perception 48:46 – Meta Ads 52:48 – Understanding PPF Pricing 55:10 – Content for Customer Engagement & Education 59:03 – Virtual Assistant TNT Glass Tinting Website - https://www.tntautoglassnc.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/tntglasstinting/ Belk Detailing LLC Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing/ Road to $1 Million  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Roadto1MillionDetailing Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

On this episode, get an inside look at a coaching call with Josh as he sits down with Christian, a car detailer from Dodge City, Kansas, to talk about growing his business with Meta and Google ads. They cover running ads, retargeting leads, following up, boosting sales, and connecting with the right clients. Josh also shares simple strategies and tools to make the process easier and get better results. Time Stamps: 00:00 - Intro 01:02 - Ads Framework 04:56 - Why Educational Ads Matter 07:32 - Retargeting Basics 12:41 - Connecting With Leads 16:47 - Being Prompt in Calling Leads 23:36 - Follow-Up Tips 26:46 - Evaluating If the Client Is a Fit for the Service 36:33 - How Car Washes Can Damage The Car's Paint 40:11 - Go High Level 48:09 - Using YouTube for Education 54:30 - Outro Belk Detailing LLC Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing/ Road to $1 Million   YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Roadto1MillionDetailing Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

On this episode of the Road to $1 Million podcast, Josh interviews Cody Brace, owner of Keystone Detail in Erie, Pennsylvania. Cody shares how he got started in detailing, breaks down his highest revenue month at $32,500, and talks about the mindset shifts that helped him grow the business. He also dives into handling frustrations, getting into PPF and tinting, working with friends and family, the biggest influences in his journey, and more. Time Stamps: (00:00) - Cody’s detailing beginnings (02:57) - How a virtual assistant helped his business (13:57) - Cody’s highest revenue month (16:24) - Turning passion into a business (21:50) - Visionary vs. integrator (23:35) - Handling frustrations (35:26) - Getting into PPF and tinting (45:00) - Working with friends and family (49:52) - Finding fulfillment in business (56:52) - Cody’s best investments (1:03:14) - Biggest influence on Cody’s business Key Stone Detail Website - https://www.keystonedetailpa.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/keystonedetailpa/ Belk Detailing LLC Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing/ Road to $1 Million  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Roadto1MillionDetailing Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

On this episode of the Road to $1 Million podcast Josh talks about 5 types of insurance that car detailers need to protect their business in the case of accident. Josh breaks down everything you need to know about insurance for detailing businesses — from general liability to garage keepers and commercial auto policies. Whether you’re running a mobile setup or a full shop, understanding your coverage could literally save your company from bankruptcy. Today, we’ll talk about what’s actually covered in each policy (and what isn’t), how to avoid gaps in your policy, and what type of insurance setup most six-figure detailing businesses rely on. Time Stamps: (0:00) - Intro (2:18) - General Liability (7:17) - Garage Liability (10:08) - Garage Keepers (13:23) - Worker's Comp (14:58) - Owner's Disability  Belk Detailing LLC Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/belkmobiledetailing Road to $1 Million  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Roadto1MillionDetailing Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/

On this episode of the Road to $1 Million podcast, Josh interviews Nick Roman, owner of Splash Hand Car Wash & Detail, based in Northbrook and Libertyville, IL. Across these two locations, Nick and his team service anywhere between 200–400 cars per day, with roughly 60% of the business coming from hand car washes and 80% being recurring customers. Recently, Nick has introduced PPF, ceramic coatings, and window tint as premium offerings to add more value for his clientele. On the podcast, Nick talks about how Splash started, setting clear customer expectations, leading his team, managing burnout, and building a business beyond just money. Time Stamps: (0:00) - Intro (5:12) - How Splash Hand Car Wash Started (7:47) - Expanding from Hand Wash to Premium Services (12:29) - Setting Customer Expectations (19:09) - Enhancing the Customer Experience (25:17) - Upselling Techniques (28:03) - Creating Content That Connects (32:59) - Maintaining Work-Life Balance (46:24) - Continuous Improvement and Growth (50:04) - Employee Turnover and Retention (52:07) - Nick’s Daily Responsibilities (1:03:00) - Managing Burnout (1:15:00) - Business Is More Than Just Money Splash Hand Car Wash & Detail Website - https://www.splashhandcarwash.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/splash.hand.car.wash Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/splashcarwash185 Belk Detailing LLC Website - https://www.belkmobiledetailing.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/belkmobiledetailing/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/belkmobiledetailing Road to $1 Million  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Roadto1MillionDetailing Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roadto1milliondetailing/