President's Letter - August 2018

If you have your ear to the pulse of the professional detailing industry today, especially among our members, you may have noticed that there are more and more high-profile events that gather teams of professional detailers from around the world.  Such events might involve a coordinated team of pre-selected detailers that gather at a historic museum or upscale car show to provide services.  How do you get involved in such events?  It really comes down to participating in your industry as much as possible and making connections with some of the leaders who put together these events.

So how do you get involved?  Well there are a number of ways. 

First, there is an increasing number of IDA “Meet and Greet” informal gatherings to bring both members and non-members together in support of each other.  Check out the IDA website for announcements of such events in your area.  Many professionals in our community are traveling long distances for IDA-related events.  These individuals have an understanding that connecting with fellow professionals, both in formal and informal settings, is a great way to solve problems, gather information, and energize their psyches and businesses.

Another great way to get connected and get involved is through our IDA Supplier members.  Several have forums and discussion groups.  It’s worth spending some time looking at our individual IDA Supplier websites (Manufacturers and Distributors) to see what connection resources each of them offers.  And, of course, there is the IDA member Facebook page — great conversations are taking place there everyday!

Remember that we all need to post responsibly and professionally on forums and other connection platforms.  Political rants, negative comments, and personal attacks are the kinds of things that bring down our industry and have no constructive value whatsoever.  If you see a post that you disagree with, try reaching out to the poster with a personal message rather than publicly calling out that person.  Remember that when you joined the IDA, you signed a “Code of Ethics” that included such statements as “To contribute to the elevation of standards within the industry” and “To uphold the integrity of all members”.

And, as I often mention, attend the tradeshows that have a connection with the IDA, such as SEMA in October and Mobile Tech Expo in January.

Sincerely,

Justin Labato, CD-SV, RT
2018 IDA President