Member Spotlight: Josh Petro, CD-SV

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Josh Petro (JP): I was approached by the owner of The Rag Company in 2018 with an offer to come and work for him. At the time I was a Customer Service and Quality Assurance Manager for a large home builder in Idaho. After a few months of negotiations, I decided to make the jump into a new career that I have always been passionate about, working around cool cars and distributing products for vehicle detailing. I have been passionate about detailing since I was a young boy as I always feel better in a clean car.  As a young boy, I can remember waxing my matchbox cars and setting up car shows with them. Joining The Rag Company has given me the opportunity to further my passion for detailing as a career and I am loving it. 

IDA: Please tell us your business’ story.
JP: The Rag Company is a global distributor of premium detailing products founded in 1999. We're located in Boise, Idaho where we run operations from our nearly 60,000 square foot facility. We partner with many of the industry’s leading brands to offer some of the highest quality detailing products including our premium microfiber towels, auto detailing chemicals, pads, brushes, and much more. Our distribution network consists of our own e-commerce site (Retail / Wholesale), Amazon storefronts for our own brand as well as many of our brand partners and our global wholesale network. We support these sales channels with our state-of-the-art media facility and media team via educational videos, live-streamed training events, and interactive podcasts. Our media department's dedication to education and industry teamwork is a pride point for us and a pivotal part of our success and growth.  

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
JP: The foundational product line of The Rag Company is our quality microfiber products which can be used in many different industries. The largest market segment by far is in the automotive detailing industry. We work closely with our factories to ensure that only the highest quality raw materials are used and pride ourselves on offering some of the best products available in today's market. We partner with many other brands that share our vision for growth in the industry.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
JP: The most important thing to be successful in our industry is working together to build the industry. Collaboration is key to being successful.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?
JP: The Rag Company is an IDA Founder's Club member. We proudly sponsor several different detailing events globally to help grow our brand and positively promote the detailing industry. I am currently a member of the Certification Committee for the IDA and am CD and SV certified. In 2021, I had the privilege of working the McCall’s Detailing Team in Monterey California.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
JP: The best advice I ever received is that if you don’t have time to do it right the first time you will never find time to do it a second time.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
JP: Always be open to change. Products are constantly evolving and many of the new products can quickly save you time and money.

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
JP: Shortly after I started my career with The Rag Company, the owner of the company asked me if I would be interested in obtaining my CD and challenged me with taking the test. This was a no-brainer for me, as it would help provide a better understanding of detailing and further my passion for detailing. After passing my CD exams, I was determined to take it another step and get my SV. While participating in various tradeshows, I had the pleasure of meeting numerous IDA members who were all willing to answer questions to help me better myself as a detailer. From the start, the IDA members that I have met have made me feel like a positive part of a bigger picture in the detailing industry.