Member Spotlight: Sarah Coleman-Lienhart, CD-SV

Each month we feature a Member Spotlight. This month we spoke with Sarah Coleman-Lienhart, CD-SV, of RUPES and member of the IDA Chapter Development Committee.

 

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Sarah Coleman-Lienhart (SC): I was going through a transition stage in my life between careers. During this time, I had a friend, who had a friend that needed help with his mobile detailing business. I told myself when I first started, “I’m only going to do this for a few months to stash some cash and move on.” Well, I truly fell in love with the trade, and the rest is history.

IDA: Tell us more about your business. 
SC: Prior to moving to the state of Colorado, I had my own mobile detailing business, and the entire purpose of me wanting to go independent was to give back to my community and the ocean. Every detail I did, whether It was “an express wash and wax” or a “full paint correction with a ceramic coating” I would spend AT MINIMUM half the time it took me to complete that/those detail(s) to pick up trash from our waterways and communities. About a year after moving to Colorado, I designed a pretty awesome logo that turned into a brand called “Dope Detailing”. The reasoning behind this was to make others feel “Dope” (Cool or Great for old School folks ;-D ) and for them to feel like their work is “Dope”…and it worked much better than I ever anticipated.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
SC: RUPES is globally known for innovation, technology, and design. We specialize in sanding and polishing solutions for a variety of industries; including automotive, marine, industrial, and others. The RUPES BigFoot Polishing Systems have revolutionized how detailers efficiently polish paint to meet the high-quality expectations of the most progressive detailing companies. I am part of the education and training team at RUPES. Working at the BigFoot Detailing Academy in Denver gives me the opportunity to put my passion for helping detailers to good use. It is an honor and privilege. Please do reach out to us, we sincerely want to help you get the best paint polishing results.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry? 
SC: I can’t narrow it down to just a singular MOST important factor. But my top three are creativity, patience, and perseverance.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us? 
SC: I received the “Employee of Merit Award’ from Maserati and Alfa Romeo of St. Petersburg. I completed the 3-day Mike Philips Competition-ready detailing class. I completed the 3-day Detail King Auto detailing craftsman class. I completed the 2-week Ding King Paintless Dent Repair class. I am both CD and SV certified with the IDA.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received? 
SC: I have received a ton of great advice throughout the years, but some of my favorite pieces of advice are “be ready so you don’t have to get ready” and “always maintain a PMA, ‘Positive Mental Attitude.’”

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer? 
SC: New Detailer: 1. Don’t do it for the money. Do it for the love and passion. 2. Do NOT allow anyone, not one person, to tell you your value, this includes forums. 3. This is not an easy walk in the park, but it’s a fun, beautiful, and eventful hike.

Experienced Detailer: 1. Always keep an open mind. 2. Never stop learning. 3. Never quit because things are “difficult” or “getting rough” — only quit if it’s negatively impacting your health, physically and/or mentally.

IDA: What is your funniest business moment? 
SC: The only appropriate one I have to share is, one time I was using a Rotary on a vehicle, and one of my dreadlocks got caught around the backing plate. The tool was totally wound up to my forehead. I had to get a friend to help me slowly and carefully unwind the tool to get my dreadlock out safely. The lesson, if you have longer hair anywhere on your head or face, keep it securely tucked back!

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA? 
SC: Because my entire life, all I have ever wanted to do was make a positive impact and a difference in people’s lives. The IDA is a great way to make positive changes in individual’s lives, the detailing industry, and in businesses. Not to mention, I just love meeting new people and building relationships.

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA affected your business and your career?
SC: It has connected me to some of the most amazing and dedicated industry leaders! Because of the IDA, I have interaction and relationships with some of the top trainers, business people, and leaders in our industry, including the current IDA President. I am a member of the IDA Chapter Development Committee and have the pleasure of working with a team of people dedicated to expanding the IDA mission and member benefits to other countries around the world. It is so exciting to experience the growth and development of the IDA and the detailing community in other countries. I just completed my SV testing, and my next goal is to assist Jason Rose, CD-SV, RT to increase the number and quality of the IDA CD and SV test events offered by the RUPES BigFoot Detailing Academy.