IDA Member Spotlight: Vincent Macri, CD-SV

Each month we feature a Member Spotlight. This month we're talking with the chair of the Marketing & Communications Committee, Vincent Macri, CD-SV, owner of A1 Mobile Detailing LLC and Wrap N Shine Auto Spa in Shelton, Connecticut.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?

Vincent Macri (VM):  Well, I have always been a car guy. Early on I dreamed of owning a shop working on performance vehicles. After high school I went to automotive trade school and became a mechanic for a few years. Some real bad life choices led me astray and I ended up spending a few years in prison. While on work release I got a job at a car wash. I was originally hired to install accessories such as alarms and audio equipment but during my down time I would help out in the detailing department. I quickly fell in love with learning the trade and was promoted to management after a few short months. Years later I own my second detailing business. Detailing seriously gave me a second chance at success where other industries turned their back on me due to my criminal record.

IDA: Tell us a bit about your business.

VM: After working as an employee for two detailing shops that failed, I decided to go back to being a mechanic. After burning out working for other people I decided that I work too hard to be working for others and it was time to work for myself. I really enjoyed my time detailing so I decided to open a mobile detailing business. Before I had any product, equipment, customers or business plan, I quit my full time job as a mechanic and dove in to entrepreneurship head first. Years later I own and operate two growing businesses: one mobile and one brick and mortar location.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize?

VM: Wrap N Shine Auto Spa offers many services all under 1 roof. My history in the repair industry allows me to do things others might not be able to do such as dismantling vehicles, removing interior pieces and so on. This allows my shop to offer services such as paint protection film, window tinting, vinyl wrap, caliper painting, and even electronics/accessory installs. We also offer the conventional detailing services and are certified to install many professional level ceramic coatings.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?

VM: I believe the most important aspect for being successful at anything in life is having the proper mindset. We all have different definitions of what success looks like, to some it can be a financial goal and others it can be having a passive income stream. Regardless of what it may be, setting large goals and focusing your mindset on what you need to do to achieve them is crucial. You must remain confident, have faith in your actions and chase those desires. A negative or “scarcity” mindset full of limiting beliefs will guarantee failure.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?

VM: I Won the 2017 International Detailing Association Detailer of the year award.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?

VM: “Do it anyway.” – Andy Frisella. There is always a ton of things we don’t want to do and we usually make excuses to put them off. We sacrifice long term comfort for instant gratification and then get overloaded with things we don’t want to do. When you always tell yourself “Do it anyway” you push through temporary discomfort and complete your tasks with much less stress.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer?

VM: Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom. With social media it has become very easy to make detailing look very easy. We see detailers post pictures of high-end vehicles receiving big ticket services inside beautiful shops and think that’s the way it must be. Little do new detailers realize that it took that detailer years of hard work and sweat to reach that level of success. People today think they can buy the best equipment and products, start a business and then compete at the same level as the more experienced guys without scraping by in the trenches. Start small, start with the basics, build your name and then build your empire. Its very difficult to succeed at the top without the experience you earn during the initial climb.

IDA: What tips do you have for the experienced detailer?

VM: Stay current with new technology. You might be the greatest now but sooner or later things will change whether its paint, products or equipment. We all know the guy stuck in his routine from 20 years ago that’s too thick headed to adapt to todays standards. Don’t be that guy. Also, stay hungry. When a little bit of success comes in we generally become more comfortable and when we become comfortable we become complacent. Always keep pushing yourself to do better, earn more and provide more value.

IDA: Funniest business moment?

VM: Probably the time I fell off of a boat in to the water. Luckily it was really hot out.

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?

VM: I have always believed in pushing myself and testing myself to see how I can stand out from others. When I first started my business I was looking for certifications I could get to prove to myself and my clients that I was qualified to provide them a service. I found the IDA website and joined instantly. After attending Mobile Tech Expo later that following year and meeting many other affiliated detailers I knew I made the right choice.

IDA: How has your involvement affected your business/career?

VM: The IDA didn’t do much to further my career until I actually got more involved and started doing things for the IDA. My naivete in the beginning led me to believe that if I were an IDA member then customers would be knocking on my door. That wasn’t the case. When I first went to mobile tech expo and saw IDA members hosting classes, sharing stories, and building up the industry I realized that was what joining was really about. I started volunteering on the committee, then got more active in the association and it has led me to becoming a better business owner and leader. Many people tell me that they are inspired by me and look up to me so that has kept me always trying to level myself up and becoming the best version of myself that I can be. If it wasn’t for the network I have created through the IDA and the responsibilities I took on as a volunteer, I don’t think I would have pushed myself as hard to get to where I am today. The IDA has helped me keep myself accountable.