Member Spotlight: Alan Medcraf

Each month we feature a Member Spotlight.This month we're talking with IDA Vice President, Operators, Alan Medcraf, Founder of AMDetails.

IDA: How did you get into the detailing industry?
Alan Medcraf (AM): While I was serving in the Royal Air Force, I got my driving license and crashed my first car. I had my friends in the aircraft paint shop spray the car to fix it for me. Well, the finish was not that great, so I imported a Porter cable to the UK from Autogeek and followed the Autopia forums. Fast forward nine years and I leave the air force as I have Crohn's disease. I saw a gap in the market and thought, "let's give this a go."

IDA: Please tell us your business.
AM: I started mobile, working out of a Ford Fiesta. Then I moved into a barn at the bottom of an old airfield, which had a loose stone floor that was mostly mud. From there we found Unit 5, a dusty, scabby shed in Elgin. It’s had many make overs to bring it to what we are now. A four-person, energetic, and driven team of people who deliver your car care needs, in Elgin, online, and as crazy as it sounds, around the world.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize?
AM: We specialize in detailing services, such as machine polishing, interior detailing, express and protection detailing. We also specialize in Ceramic Coatings, Car Care supplies, and Certified training.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
AM: Carrying out the service the customer requires, not the service you, as the detailer, want to do to every car. Making other detailers happy with your work will not get you more work. Solving your customers problems, providing great customer service, and the right procedure for their needs will get you more customers.

AM: AMDetails has not officially won many awards. When I first started, we were recognized as the most promising enterprise. Which is amazing as we were only 12-24 months old and the local area recognized our potential.

Some pretty amazing things have happened though. AMDetails is one of the first Rupes Authorized Training Centers and a BigFoot detailing Centre. We have a fantastic community around our brand, which is an incredible accomplishment. The spirit around AMDetails, its followers, customers, and staff is next level.

Of course, I can’t go without mentioning that one of my life goals came true this year. Once I saw what the IDA can do, I thought, "how cool would it be to be to have a European on the board?" So I applied for the board. I got accepted, and then DJ asked me to be his VP. Of course, it had to go through all the correct teams, but here I am, Vice President of the International Detailing Association. Working along side amazing people, from all walks of this industry, from all the corners of the globe, is truly inspirational.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
AM: Find out what makes you unique and sell that! Even if it's offering a cup of tea to every customer who walks in. What's different about your service?

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
AM: Your customers will love you if you fix their problems. So ask regular questions and then answer those. Questions like, “If I could fix just one thing about your car what would it be?” Some customers reply with something as simple as cleaning the alloys. “I can never get them really clean!” Then spend the extra time there rather than chasing those defects in the paint that the customer thought was glossy before you even started.

 
IDA: Funniest business moment?
AM: I record myself and the team for YouTube, basically because I’m not very good at typing out answers or typing / English in general. I have may clips of me falling over! It’s a dangerous business, this scooting around on wheelie stools.

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
AM: I would love to have some inspirational answer here. But really, I cannot remember why. I have been a member for a good amount of time. I have always strongly believed in the benefits I got from my local Chamber of Commerce so I thought I needed a trade specific one. Once you get involved in the IDA and really use its benefits; Webinars, meetings, meet and greets, and events, you just get it!

I took the plunge and flew out to MTE and wow, was it worth it. I had a whole new drive, a whole new passion, and a whole new group of friends for life. These were people whom I could relate to. They knew the struggles, they knew the positives, as we are all doing it in our own unique way around the world.

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA affected your business and your career?
AM: The IDA has had a massive impact on my career. The moment I made the trip to MTE I knew I wanted others to have the same feeling of unity, acceptance, and camaraderie. Everyone genuinely does want to help each other out. We don’t travel to these events to just stand around and think about it. We all go because we want to meet others, learn, and absorb.

I have met people who have completely changed the way I do business. They have given me new energy. It’s also allowed me to get certified and become one of the very few European Recognized Trainers.

This gives me recognition. I can deliver certified training to those who wish to learn. I have spent the past two years traveling around Europe and the world, training amazing people, from enthusiasts to those I look up to.

Seriously, if you put just a little effort in the IDA will return it a hundred times over.