Member Spotlight: Sydni Brae Gwinn, CD-SV

Welcome to the Member Spotlight Sydni Brae Gwinn, CD-SV, Chair of the IDA Tradeshow and Education Committee and Owner of iWash Auto Detailing in Boise, Idaho, United States.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Sydni Brae Gwinn (SBG): In 2011, my family moved to a planned community in the foothills of Boise, and I permanently left my career in the dental field. My oldest child was starting kindergarten, and I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and remain available to my kids through school. I came from a life full of fast cars, racing, and maybe a little OCD cleanliness. So, during the kids' afternoon naps I was outside everyday washing my black Pontiac G8. The neighbors would constantly stop and say, “Want to wash mine next?” So eventually, I threw it out on Facebook that I knew how to wash and detail cars and was thinking about offering a service. I booked seven full details in the first week. That was 12 years ago, and it’s been a whirlwind ever since!

IDA: Please tell us your business’s story.
SBG: I have a home-based shop that I have built into a lifestyle business. It has a boutique feel, with a private country club type of operating process. I work by referral only. To date, I still have yet to spend $1 on any marketing. My clients love the one-on-one attention for their car each day, and my true passion for their vehicle being the best it can be.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
SBG: I specialize in Ceramic Coatings and Interior Rejuvenation. I like every vehicle to leave my shop showroom condition or better.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
SBG: Relationships! It is important to build solid relationships with your clients so that you are not having to consistently search for new ones and work on first time details. Also, building solid relationships with other detailers and manufacturers in the industry is vital. It will keep you motivated, current in processes and equipment, and help grow your business.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?
SBG: I have a lot of ceramic certifications and other process and tool certifications, but my main accomplishment is powering through the growing pains and being alone in the industry for the first six years and not ever quitting!

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
SBG: Whether you think you can or can’t — Either way you are right!!

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
SBG: For new detailers, seek training not only for detailing but also ones about running a business. You can be good at detailing, but to be successful you need to know the business. Also, you don’t need the most expensive equipment. Use equipment that is relative to the size of your business and plan accordingly. You can upgrade later. Have a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). If you consistently do every car in the same order, you become highly efficient and save yourself several hours a week.

For experienced detailers, never stop learning. Seek out continuing education often. Every year I see processes change, new products come to market, and increased efficiency. 

IDA: Funniest business moment?
SBG: Burning through paint on a brand new Raptor, oh wait, no one was laughing and you said funny.

Probably either finding a dead raccoon under someone’s driver’s seat or the day I thought I could kill two birds with one stone and get in a workout by washing a car while on roller skates. Roller skates and water on concrete don’t play well together. 

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
SBG: I wanted to have a solid foundation to not only prove my skills but continue to learn from my peers.

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA affected your business and your career?
SBG: It has given me a higher purpose outside of my daily shop and provided an avenue to give back and volunteer in an industry I love. It has allowed me to connect in smaller circles working together to use our creativity and passion to enhance the IDA experience for members.

 

 

*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.