Member Spotlight: Cuong Le Quoc, CD-SV

Cuong Le Quoc, CD-SV, is a member of the IDA Certification Committee, part of the IDA Southeast Asia Chapter, and CEO of Maxtools Import Export Service Trading Company Limited. How did he get started on his detailing journey? We had a chance to speak to him and find out!

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Cuong Le Quoc (CLQ): I got into the detailing industry because of my passion for motorcycles. When I was younger, I owned Yamaha motorcycles and I realized one fundamental truth, "The most beautiful bike is the cleanest one." That belief stayed with me, and later in life, when I became a vehicle wrapper, it became even more apparent. During one of my PPF (Paint Protection Film) installations, I received a vehicle from a repeat customer, and my task was to prepare it by cleaning and prepping the surface for PPF application. That's when I felt a strong connection between PPF and detailing. So, I started to delve into learning and studying the art of detailing.

IDA: Please tell us your business’s story.
CLQ: "Maxtools" is a name that has been with me for five years. "Max" is my English name, and "tools" signifies the equipment. I have a slogan, "Good tools make the job better." That's the first principle I embraced when entering the tools, wrap, and detailing industry. For me, using the right tools and chemicals is essential to achieving excellence in our work. Additionally, continuous learning is the guiding principle of Maxtools.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
CLQ: My company initially started by selling tools and equipment for the wrapping industry. Over time, we have evolved with the changing trends and technologies in the detailing tools and handheld battery-powered polishing machines. I am also one of the authorized dealers for Dewalt in Vietnam. We offer a range of products, including polishing machines and heat guns, as well as various tools for both the automotive and motorcycle industries, as well as the wrapping sector.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
CLQ: The most crucial factor for success in the detailing industry is working with a genuine passion and especially, a commitment to continuous learning and sharing knowledge.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?
CLQ: I received my CD-SV credentials in March and my birthday is March 4th! 

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
CLQ: Never stop learning.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
CLQ: Here's the advice for someone new to learning detailing: Don't get discouraged by seemingly simple tasks like washing a car. These are the building blocks that will eventually make you develop a passion for the art of beautifying vehicles.

For someone with experience, the advice can be expressed as follows: Knowledge is limitless. What you learn today might seem like a firm grasp, but in reality, we are only scratching the surface. Keep learning and gaining practical experience to continuously improve yourself beyond what you were yesterday.

IDA: Funniest business moment?
CLQ: The funniest moment I remember is when I was taking the college entrance exam (CD-SV). I wasn't paying attention, and my foot got stuck between the subway train and the platform. I thought it was going to be a terrible accident, but I managed to pull my foot out. That incident turned out to be the most unforgettable and humorous memory for me.

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
CLQ: I feel that being a part of IDA is like being part of a family. It's also a place to learn, network, and seek job opportunities while enhancing myself. Everyone has different dreams, and I joined the IDA partly because I wanted to connect with various colleagues from different places and also wanted to become a part of IDA to help other detailers gain a platform, knowledge, and interact with experienced professionals in the field.

*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.