Sponsor Spotlight: Stinger Chemical

For this month's Sponsor Spotlight, we spoke with Connor Smith and Bruno Carranza, National Reconditioning Sales Specialists at Stinger Chemical Company, an IDA Platinum Sponsor. 

International Detailing Association (IDA): How long have you been with Stinger Chemical Company? 

• Connor Smith (CS): I have been with this company for 3 months.
• Bruno Carranza (BC): I have been with Stinger for 1 year and 2 months.

IDA: Were you a detailer prior to becoming a supplier?

• CS: I started my journey in the automotive world as a chemical supplier and serviced customers in the Boise, ID, area for 10+ years. After a decade as a distributor, I opened a vinyl wrap and detail shop, which I ran for a year before moving to Texas to work as a Factory Representative for Stinger Chemical. 
• BC: I've been in the automotive industry for about 25 years, including training for the car care professional and managing mechanic, body, and reconditioning shops overseas. I've also represented other international chemical brands, which expanded my knowledge of the detail industry. I'm thrilled and grateful to work for Stinger, one of the best chemical manufacturing factories in the U.S.

IDA: What made you switch to becoming a supplier?

• CS: I wanted to share my experience and enjoy training others in the industry. My goal is to teach detailers how to improve their skills and grow their businesses.
• BC: I enjoy our industry and want to be a part of it as a manufacturer by helping other detailers learn to increase their profits. I find gratification when helping others improve their knowledge and achieve their goals.

IDA: What type of training does your business offer?

• CS: We offer ten training modules in our Houston facility in English and Spanish monthly and off-site in the field, wherever our customers need our support and help. Our training ranges from the start of the process with our Detailing by the Numbers class through the various detailing processes to our advanced knowledge classes covering Advanced Paint Correction and the Ceramic Prep, Installation, and Maintenance class.
• BC: We offer ten modules of training and classes that help beginners up to experts, from a simple wash process to advanced paint correction and ceramic coating. We help detailers tackle, clean, and polish everything from the inside to the outside of whatever vehicle they are working on.

IDA: What are some of your company’s attributes that make you stand out in the industry? 

• CS: We work hard to make strong, consistent chemicals that our customers can rely on. We also excel in customer support through training, constant communication, and hands-on visits to our distributors. 
• BC: As a manufacturer, we make our chemicals with proven formulas to provide the right tools so detailers can do the job correctly. We also put together the best sales and training team to promote and support the industry through our contributions here and overseas.

IDA: Is there any advice you would give to detailers that may be looking into transitioning to product sales, distribution, or manufacturing?

• CS: Work on building your detailing skills and mastering them. Also, become comfortable running your business as it helps you develop sales, accounting, and time management skills. 
• BC: I would tell detailers to keep learning, take training classes, and move forward with this business. It's an excellent opportunity to gain knowledge. 

IDA: Why does your company believe it is beneficial to support the IDA?

• CS: We believe that supporting the IDA helps the entire detail community. The IDA is a great way to receive support from our peers in the industry and learn from one another. 
• BC: It's essential to support the IDA because the organization allows individuals to keep learning about the detail business and various chemical products. Most importantly, it also provides national and international networking opportunities.

IDA: As a supplier, what changes would you like to see made in the detailing industry?

• CS: As a supplier, I want to see detailers supporting each other more. An attitude of "there is enough work for everyone" is vital and helps us educate people on what we do and show them how we are united as an industry. 
• BC: That everyone unites to continue to grow the industry and further the professionalism of the detailing world. 

 

Disclaimer: Stinger Chemical Company is a 2023 IDA Platinum Sponsor. The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the IDA. If you are interested in becoming an IDA Sponsor, please click here to learn more.