Member Spotlight: Chris Racana, CD-SV, RIT

Chris Racana, CD-SV, RIT, is Director of Success at Dr. Beasley's, Inc.. 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?
Chris Racana (CR): My family had a 68,000 sq ft building that housed our warehouse and corporate headquarters, and for many years, I had a deal with Jim Lafeber, CD-SV, RIT, to trade shipping/receiving and some space for detail services. When it came time to move on from Illinois and sell the building, I called Jim and told him he was going to have to find another warehouse. "What are you going to do?" He asked me. I told him, "I don't know, Jim. Furniture is all I have ever done except for some mobile detailing in high school and college." That one question from Jim led to a much larger conversation with him, which led to an offer letter, and voilà, here I am.

IDA: Please tell us your business’s story.
CR: Dr. Beasley's purpose is to make our clients' lives better. By utilizing the most modern chemical and abrasive technologies, we are able to deliver more efficient and more effective processes for professional detailers. This singular focus has produced revolutionary products such as our Nano Surface Primers, which virtually eliminate the possibility of coating failure as well as an IPA wipe, thus creating greater efficiency and effectiveness. This is what we do.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
CR: We specialize in not replacing what is in a professional detailer's supply cabinet, but what is missing. We have the most advanced abrasives in the industry, and our polishes, or Nano Surface Primers, are the logical progression of the ceramic era, taking that nanotechnology from the paint protection step into the paint correction step. We have just launched our next Nano Surface Primer (NSP), and this one is for glass! NSP-GL is a glass polish the likes of which this industry has never seen. Both the nanogel and the abrasive material are exclusive to Dr. Beasley's.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
CR: Honesty and confidence. Without these elements, you cannot sell. You can be the most talented person on earth with a buffer on paint. However, you ALSO need to communicate and sell your services — either to a customer or even a potential employer — or how will you provide for yourself or your family?

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?
CR: I'm super pumped to be an IDA RIT!!!

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
CR: Under-sell and over-deliver.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
CR: For new detailers, as I've already said, be honest and confident, under-sell and over-deliver.
For the experienced detailer, share. Share your experiences. Share your knowledge. Share your wisdom. Your generosity in sharing your knowledge will be revisited upon you many times over.

IDA: Funniest business moment?
CR: The Conch. 

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
CR: Jim told me I need to get involved. He said it was necessary because I needed to learn a new industry and the terms, standards, and practices that go with it. That the networking possibilities are nearly limitless. And that I needed that confidence boost that being a Certified and Skills Validated detailer brings.

*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.