IDA Member Spotlight: John Hole

Each month we feature a Member Spotlight.This month we're talking with IDA United Kingdom Chapter President, John Hole, Founder & CEO at Clean & Shiny (UK) Std.

IDA: How did you get into the detailing industry?
John Hole: I owned and ran an IT software distribution company and was detailing in the evenings and weekends for a number of years. I was always looking for the best products to use. I was frustrated with the offerings in the UK and was always looking stateside as this seemed to be the place to get the best products! I used to spend evening and weekends on forums from Autogeek and Autopia, researching and reading about how all things in the detailing arena worked. In 2003, Meguiars arrived in the UK; however, at this time there were no other detailing products available. I was also importing some other bits from the states from companies like Autopia and Pakshak. All my buddies were fascinated by the products as they were so different from the norm available in the UK. At this point, more and more people were asking to buy this stuff from me, and I was being told I should “sell on the internet”. From there, in 2003, Clean and Shiny was born and so was the start of my journey. 

IDA: Please tell us your business.
JH: Clean and Shiny was established in 2003 selling products from Meguiars and imported products from the USA. 17 years later and we are now selling products from around the globe and from over 45 manufacturers and over 1700 sku’s. We also handle exclusive distribution for Labocosmetica, Poka Premium, The Rag Company, and Zaino.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize?
JH: We sell and distribute products from some of the most well-known brands in the Detailing World. We also provide detailing services as well as installing ceramic coatings and are accredited by Gtechniq, Gyeon and Labocosmet.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
JH: Learning - Treating every day as a school day and never believe you know everything.  Still today I love listening, learning, and taking advice from anyone who is willing to give me it! 

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?
JH: I am one of the founders and owner of Detailing World which was set up in 2005. I am also one of the founders of Waxstock, a Detailing Show based out of Coventry UK and held once a year in July.  

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
JH: Never assume you know everything about everything. Always keep listening and learning. 

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
JH: Simple, network. For the new detailer, offer to help out an experienced detailer to further your experience. Forge friendships and relationships. For the experienced detailer, pass it back and help the new guys out and help them not make the mistakes you may have. It's better to be friends than enemies. With everything I have done in my detailing career, I have always made helping others the primary objective. 
 
IDA: Funniest business moment?
JH: Once, me and a buddy went to detail a car. He got there before me and told me he would start on it. When I got to the car he wasn’t there. I called him up and he said he was just finishing the wash stage. I said, "where are you?" He replies, "in the underground car-park where the car is." To which I said, "the car isn't in an underground car park!!"  You guessed it, he had washed the wrong car! We left a note with a business card on the car apologizing for washing it. The next day the guy called and booked in to have that car done too! 

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
JH: It’s all about giving back to the industry for me. For the last 15+ years I have been trying to help others and the IDA is a great way for me to continue doing so.

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA affected your business and your career?
JH: I have had the opportunity to network and create some new relationships with other members around the world. Also, being the UK President has given me the opportunity to work with other passionate professionals in the UK industry to help form and make the UK IDA network grow.