Board Member Spotlight: Bob Myers

Bob Myers, CD-SV, RT, is the Midwest Sales Representative for IDA Founder's Club member BAF Industries - Pro Products.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Bob Myers (BM): I always took care of my vehicles at a young age.  My friends and neighbors always asked me to clean and wax their cars like mine and, of course, I didn’t charge them anything.  It was just fun and rewarding to make something look new again.  At this time, I never knew there was a business or people who actually did this for a living.  I did some research and decided to give up my construction career and start a detailing service,  for money. 

IDA: How has your career evolved? 
BM: Along with owning my successful detail shop for 12 years, I also found myself teaching or guiding others on detailing.  I sold my business and started detail consulting for a chain of dealerships and collision shops.  After doing this for for or five years, I had the opportunity to work for a product distributor as a route salesman.  I did this for six years and had an opportunity to go to work for the product Manufacturer (BAF Industries-PRO® Products) as a regional salesman. 

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize?
BM: BAF Industries is the maker of the PRO® Product line.  PRO® Products has the most complete reconditioning product lines in the world and has been in the reconditioning industry for 84 years. 

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA Board?
BM: I have always been around the key playmakers in the detailing industry since its birth.  I was nominated by my supervisor and VP of BAF Industries, John Bell.  I feel the need to continue teaching and giving back to an industry that has rewarded me for the last 38 years.  I’m honored to be part of the IDA and serve as a board member.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
BM: Listen with your ears, not your mouth.  Always strive to do better and never stop learning.

IDA: What detailing accomplishments are you most proud of? 
BM: Well, I’m not hung up on rewards or badges. But, it did make me feel proud to finally get my certification and RT after 35 years.  My favorite award is the appreciation I get from customers and clients that I have taught or showed them how its done right. 

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
BM: Set yourself apart from your competitor.  You will always come out on top.  

IDA: What has been your most memorable moment on the job? 
BM: There have been many but in the early years of my detail business, I had a customer stop by for a detail quote.  I took them through the entire detail service I offered, pointing out all the imperfections and corrections I would do and gave him the quote.  Yes, I was much higher priced than the other shops in my area, but he took my card and said he would let me know.  After a few weeks, I got a call from him, very angry that my detail was nothing that I assured him I would do.  I looked at my appointment book and discovered I never detailed his car!  I explained this to him and he told me he had asked his wife to bring the car to me, but instead she took it to another shop.  The next day his wife dropped it off and was told if she wanted to stay married to him, she needed to have me detail his car only.  It came out perfect, and we became really good friends for years.  And, yes, they are still married to this day.