IDA Member Spotlight: Lars Jensen

Each month we feature a Member Spotlight. This month we spoke with the Denmark Chapter President, Lars Jensen. He is also the owner of CarCare by Oxholm Aps.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Lars Jensen (LJ): My father used to import SONAX products along with other items when I was younger. That was my initial exposure to the industry.

IDA: Tell us more about your business. 
LJ: I worked for SONAX in Germany from 2000 to mid-2002. I learned a lot in that period regarding valeting and SMART Repair. I did some training as well. After that I returned to Denmark where I worked for a large leasing company. We made around 5000 cars a year. In 2008 the corporation stopped, and I opened a own shop in my hometown. We worked with car dealers and individuals. I built connections with some collectors, and that’s when we started to detail cars. In 2019 we moved to www.mygarage.dk. It's a fantastic place and is located in the middle of Denmark. Today, 95% of our customers are private individuals and collectors with high-end cars. We get customers from all over the country. We also do training for individuals and professionals, among other things.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
LJ: Our company specializes in detailing, training, and selling products and machines.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received? 
LJ: My father advised me to go to Germany back in 2019. That was where it all began for me, and I don't regret it. Never be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes pursuing something wild is how the best things happen.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer? 
LJ: Be true to yourself and your business, otherwise you won’t make it. Real detailing is a lifestyle, not just another job. For the experienced detailers, you've got the “know how” and the experience. Give something back to the community. It feels great!

IDA: What is your funniest business moment? 
LJ: Not funny at all, but something I will never forget happened earlier this year. I was in Portugal with SONAX. We were working for Volkswagen for their Top Management Meeting. Half-way through the 180 cars we needed to detail everything was stopped. Everything was shut down and we had to drive the long way home to Germany without being told what was going on. On a lighter note, I visited Renny Doyle back in March, where we made a podcast. We had lots of fun. We got a chance to talk, hang out, and have a great time.

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA? 
LJ: I wanted to give something back to the industry. The IDA seemed like a great way to accomplish that. At an event in Norway back in 2017, I got a chance to speak with Jason Rose, CD-SV, RT. We talked about opening a chapter in Denmark, but I didn’t have the time back then. In 2019, we hosted an event with RUPES, Jason Rose, CD-SV, RT, and Torben Vittrup. We spoke again, and here we are with a newly formed Denmark Chapter. I have to give the most credit to Helgi Halldorsson, CD-SV, the Vice President. He did the the hardest part so far. I hope we are able to give back to both the IDA and our industry through our chapter. 

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA affected your business and your career?
LJ: Not much so far, but I am very proud to be a part of it and am looking forward to putting more energy into the association and watching it grow.