Member Spotlight: Shad Stoker, CD-SV

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Shad Stoker (SS): Like many, my introduction into this awesome industry came at a young age and out of necessity. I was 17 and needed a job. Luckily, I had a friend that worked at a dealership that was looking for a lot tech to prep the sold vehicles. Then, I blinked and woke up 24 years later selling products to the amazing people in what I consider the hardest working and most dedicated industry in the world.

IDA: Please tell us your business’ story.
SS: Buddco has been “Helping You…Shine!” as the premier supplier of the best detail products, tools, chemicals, and training for the past 30 years in Utah. We work with what I consider some of the best brands in the industry to bring local detailers in our market the products and skills to build and grow their businesses. Buddco was grown from a 5’x5’ closet to a 20,000 sq ft facility by always staying on the cutting edge of the industry, and by always evolving with the changing landscape of the detailing to ensure we are providing tremendous value for our customers. We strive to be the hub for all things detailing by offering our customers unique opportunities that no one else in our market does, like bringing in detailing legends like Renny Doyle, CD-SV, RIT, and Jason Rose, CD-SV, RIT, to teach and train Utah detailers on our home turf. But ultimately, we are a family-owned and operated business that has a true passion for providing our detailers with all the resources they need to be successful and provide an amazing life for their loved ones.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
SS: We proudly offer P&S Detail Products, Malco, Rupes, The Rag Company, Sprayway, Mytee, Buff and Shine, and many more. 

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
SS: Knowing how to make paint perfect, of course, lol. Unfortunately, I think too many people get hung up on the technical side of detailing and do not spend enough time learning the business and networking side of being a “small business owner.” One of the things I love about being a member of the IDA is the access I have to learn skills like those from some of the most successful business people our industry has ever seen.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?
SS: I am a huge advocate of education and training, and have been very fortunate to have attended many training and certification courses with some of the best in the biz. I’ve attended and obtained the intermediate, advanced, and master level sanding and polishing certification courses from Rupes, Renny Doyle’s Double Black Certified Technician course, Malco’s certified paint correction specialist, Epic certified ceramic coating specialist, P&S Inspiration Ceramic Certification, and Professional Detail Technician, and of course IDA Certified Skills Validated Detailer, and I was recently appointed to the IDA Board of Directors.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
SS: Do the thing that scares you the most every day before anything else. Fear can be something that holds you back, or it can be used as an indicator that you have something that you need to take action on and push through to level up. Growth comes on the hills of discomfort, and nothing is more uncomfortable than doing something you fear. Few things build courage and self-confidence like doing something that scares you and coming out the other end on top. And it doesn’t have to be something huge like skydiving or swimming with sharks. Start the day by making that sales call you’ve been putting off. Start that side venture you’ve been thinking about. As you check off these smaller fears every day, you build resilience that moves you towards the bigger ones that can change the game for you.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
SS: New: Attend trainings and find mentors. No need for you to reinvent the wheel, learn from people who have successfully done what you're trying to do, and it can catapult your success. 
Experienced: Never stop learning, especially when it comes to the business side of the industry, or self-development in general. Teaching is one of the best ways to learn and lock in new skills, so teaching the new people will help you accelerate and implement new, or old forgotten skills quicker. And teaching each other is a great way to strengthen this incredible industry as a whole.

IDA: Funniest Business Moment?
SS: There was this one time at band camp…….I’ll save that story for another time, lol. 

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
SS: I got involved because of the doors I knew the IDA could open for me. The IDA has given me access to some absolute monsters of this industry. In my time as a member of the IDA, I have learned and grown as a person and as a detailer immensely.