Member Spotlight: Marc Glautier, CD-SV, RIT

Marc Glautier, CD-SV, RIT, is the Co-Chair of the IDA Chapter Development Committee, President of the new IDA Southern Africa Chapter, and Owner of Glautier Auto Detailing (Pty) Ltd, located in Northriding, Randburg, South Africa. We had the pleasure of speaking to him and hearing about his journey to owning a detailing business.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Marc Glautier (MG): I was in a regional training role with 3M in South Africa, Norton Abrasives prior to that. Over and above supporting 3M in Africa, I was the support for Meguiars Africa too. I have been around cars as far back as I can remember and registered a part-time business in 2018 doing detailing for friends, family, and their friends. I moved on to full-time detailing with an online store on January 1, 2020.

IDA: Please tell us your business’s story.
MG: My business, Glautier Auto Detailing (Pty) Ltd, was registered in June of 2018 as a part-time passion for detailing cars, attending car shows, and selling car care products, all while working full-time. I have always loved interacting with people, learning, and sharing what I have learned with anyone willing. With corporate changes came me moving out of my full-time role and moving forward with my business permanently. I added the training that was part of my 3M role to my business, resulting in me detailing, selling detailing consumables, and training new and seasoned detailers. My business is fully mobile, and I will more than likely add another vehicle to the business before opening a shop, but time will tell what the future brings.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
MG: We detail cars, planes, and boats and have various different compounding / polishing applications, from big generators / Gensets to tables, to name some.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
MG: Four things that stand out for me are honesty, integrity, quality, and consistency.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?
MG: I am proud to be part of the IDA. In the past 6 months I have been certified, received my skills validated credentials, and am now an RIT as well.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
MG: When making a mistake, never let the mistake make you. Learn from the mistake and move on!

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
MG: For the new detailer, if you have a passion for detailing, you will never work a day in your life. You will look forward to every day, dream big, set goals and make a plan, go for it and never give up. For the experienced detailer, you’re never too old to learn new processes and procedures, and please share all the knowledge you have to grow this professional industry.

IDA: Funniest business moment?
MG: The only moment that stands out, was when sitting on a wheeled chair one day, compounding the back bumper of a car, I pushed backwards to move away from the car, the wheels got stuck in a groove on the floor, sending me over backwards onto my butt, me trying very hard not to damage the flex polisher in one hand and the bottle of compound in the other. The two guys I was working with at the time were very quiet until they realized I was laughing and wasn’t hurt and then joined in, almost wetting themselves at what they had just witnessed.

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
MG: I knew several fellow detailers in South Africa who started an association that gained no traction. I decided to fully join the IDA, not reinvent the wheel, and go with an internationally recognized association. I am proud to say as of March 17, 2023, we now have a Southern Africa Chapter of the IDA, of which I am the President, and my goal has been achieved. We presently have 16 members and will grow from strength to strength and become the go-to association for detailers and consumers alike in Southern Africa.

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA affected your business and your career?
MG: It has without a doubt helped me to network more for my business and connect a lot more to industry leaders. As far as affecting my business and career, time alone will tell. It’s early days yet.

 

 

*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.