IDA Member Spotlight: Kyle Clark, CD-SV

Each month we feature a Member Spotlight. This month we're talking with the chair of the Certification Committee, Kyle Clark, CD-SV, owner of Xtreme Detailing in Fontana, California.

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

Kyle Clark (KC):  I found my calling of cleaning and polishing cars before I turned 12. I found so much enjoyment making paint shine. By the time I was 13, people were dropping off their cars for me to clean after school and on weekends.

As a 14-year-old I asked for a Porter Cable buffer rather than a designer dress shirt for my birthday. With that powerful machine in my hands, I realized that I could do things aesthetically with a vehicle's paint that I had never been able to do before.

IDA: Tell us a bit about your business.

KC: I thought that I would be following in the footsteps of my father and brother in law enforcement.  But my love of cleaning automobiles led me to follow one of my passions, auto detailing.  I purchased a 5’ x 8’ trailer and a 200-gallon water tank, a commercial carpet extractor, an EZ-Up speed shelter, a European steamer, some extra buffers, a supply of professional detailing products, and I took my show on the road! 

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

KC: At Xtreme Detailing we specialize in paint correction and are certified installers of a variety of paint protection products that will protect our client’s automotive investment and ensure they get a better return on that investment when they go trade or sell it!

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

KC: Training. There are too many detailers that try to cut corners when it comes to training.  YouTube has some great tips, but I see more bad information out there than good. Getting the proper training is worth the time, money, and effort.

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

KC: One of my favorite accomplishments has been being part of the team at the Seattle Museum of Flight where we detailed the original Air Force One aircraft.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?

KC: The best advice is to learn how to run a business and take pride in being a boss. Excel at being a running your business efficiently and effectively.

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

KC: Invest in quality equipment from the beginning. Polishers, generators, a van try not to skip corners and go cheap.

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

KC: Don’t forget where you came from.  Remain humble and teachable.  Always try to learn new skills. Detailing is evolving so fast that you could get left behind.

IDA: Funniest business moment?

KC: Accidently detailed a neighbor’s car instead of the correct client’s car.  Both our client and his neighbor had the same exact vehicle.  Needless to say, the neighbor was happy with his free car wash.

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

KC: Because of Renny & Diane Doyle.  We all had frustrations about the same thing and being around like-minded detailers was so appealing to me.  I got more involved because of the value of the IDA. I really wanted to see change in the industry and for it to progress to a higher standard and awareness of the good work we do. The IDA helps set me apart from other detailers.

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

KC: I have made some really great relationships and connections in the industry. My involvement has given me more opportunities than I would have had without the IDA.  It also legitimized me with the standard and quality of my work.  I believe that the IDA sets me apart from non-IDA members.