Hall of Fame Inductee: Robert Eichelberg

Robert Eichelberg has made significant and lasting contributions to the professional detailing industry in the areas of Innovation, Advancement, Education, and Leadership. He has pioneered innovation, demonstrated groundbreaking work, and contributed wisdom and leadership in his 40+ year career. For these reasons and many more, Robert was inducted into the IDA Hall of Fame Class of 2022. 
 
What does this accomplishment mean to Robert? What changes has he seen and experienced throughout his career? We spoke with Robert to find out and learn more about his detailing career. 

Robert Eichelberg (RE): Being inducted into the IDA Hall of Fame was a true honor and surprise. When Greg Swett ⁠— a former IDA President ⁠— called to inform me of my induction, it could not have come from a more respected person in the IDA. I have worked with him for years. To be a part of the prestigious group of past inductees is a true accomplishment.

The International Detailing Association (IDA): How long were you in the industry? How did you get involved?
RE: I started for Skil Power Tools in 1976, after I graduated from college. Detailing was not very large in scope then, but it was my introduction to the electric power tool industry. Down the road, I joined the Pentair Tools Group as Western Sales Manager for Porter-Cable Corporation. This was truly my introduction to the detailing market. 

As you know, Porter-Cable made a random orbit polisher for the woodworking industry that was adapted into the car polishing industry. Flex Power Tools was a division of Porter-Cable/Pentair Tools group, which I was asked to bring from Germany to the US Market. While we specialized in the grinder, wet stone polisher market, we also had several car polishers that we introduced to the market.

IDA: Who inspires you most in this industry?
RE: I have had a lot of mentors in my career. Probably the most influential was Joerg Hempfing, President of Flex Germany, who had the faith in me to become President of Flex US and set up the distribution, service, and sales network in the US. 

Prior to this, there was limited exposure to Flex Products in the US. Other influencers in my career were, Bob McKee, founder of Autogeek/Palm Beach Wholesale, Renny Doyle, CD-SV, RIT, and Mike Phillips, CD-SV, MC, RIT, who all took the time to introduce me and train me in this new industry.

IDA: What would you say was the key to your success in this industry?
RE: Integrity in yourself and the products you sell. If your product is high caliber and you believe in your product, take the time to get to know your product and its improvement to the industry. Take the time to train your distributors, end-users, and detailers. Show them how to produce the results they expect.

IDA: What would you say is your greatest accomplishment, or which one are you most proud of?
RE: Setting up Flex Power Tools in the US from basically zero sales to what they are today. Also, the number of salespeople I have trained over the years. They are key people in our industry and others. Also, the number of distributors I assisted in my years. Being a part of their success and seeing their growth and expansion has been incredible.

IDA: What is one major change you have seen in this industry? What is another change you would like to see made in the coming years?
RE: The one major change I have seen in my 40 plus years in the industry is the growth and expansion of the products and the size of this ever-expanding market. When I started in the industry, car polishing, machines, chemicals, and accessories were part of the overall category. Today, there are companies that rely on the detailing industry and only make and sell products specific to this category. There are countless manufacturers/importers of these products. Some products are of very good quality and some are copied from major manufacturers. It is our job as suppliers to educate the general public on the issues of quality. As is the case with the IDA, I would like to see education on products, services, and the training of detailers and the public on usage, expected results, and the ability to run and supply quality and rewarding results. I was very fortunate years ago when the IDA was first getting started to be invited as a Founding Member by one of the most respected individuals and a friend in the industry, Rick Goldstein. Throughout my journey, I worked with numerous members and served on the Board of Directors, Tradeshow & Education Committee, and the Founders Club. This truly was a rewarding experience.

Read Robert's full bio here

*The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IDA.