Member Spotlight: Łukasz Kordyjak

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Łukasz Kordyjak (ŁK): Like many of you, I started detailing my car. I liked it. Since I was already working in a company that provided solutions related to leather repairs, I started providing knowledge and resources to my new colleagues associated with detailing. At that time, the industry in Poland was still in its infancy period. I had the pleasure to co-create it.

IDA: Please tell us your business’s story.
ŁK: I made the decision to start my own business sitting in the car in front of the house. I had twins and decided that I needed a bigger car, house, and a salary. I was already involved in the detailing industry and the leather repair industry, but I started a marketing company because that's what I was doing at the time. I quickly found out  that if I was going to do a good job marketing for others, I'd rather do it for myself. Along the way, I learned how to do repairs and manage people.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
ŁK: We are the distributor of the Colourlock brand in Poland. We specialize in products for cleaning and repairing leather upholstery. We have a full range of products from cleaning agents to coatings, paints, putties, and top coats. We also run a service workshop and hold trainings.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
ŁK: I don't think there is only one factor. No one gamechanger does the job for me. Certainly, precision, customer orientation, good marketing, flexibility, and a constant willingness to develop are all important. And if you want to have a larger company, then the ability to create and maintain a successful relationship with people.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?
ŁK: To be honest, the only thing I care about and can be proud of are the tens of thousands of satisfied customers that we serve every year. Positive feedback is our reward.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
ŁK: There is never a perfect time to start something.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
ŁK: New detailer: Learn from the mistakes of others. Your coaches have long paid for mistakes. Learn from them so you don't commit them.
Experienced detailer: If you stop developing you will start moving backward.

IDA: Funniest Business Moment?
ŁK: At the beginning of developing our business, I was mixing paints in a leather apron and an elegant shirt with a dryer in my hand. I was behind a photocopier in the open space of a business start-up. The front desk ladies stared at me strangely till I said that I could repair all their leather coats, shoes, and handbags for them. Then they just smiled and understood what I was doing there.

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
ŁK: In Poland, we do not have any association of detailers. I would like to grow and strengthen the IDA Chapter in Poland to build a detailing community and have a positive impact on the development of our market.

*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.