Marine Detailer of the Year: Cody Umphlett, CD-SV, WC

Congratulations to the winner of the 2023 Marine Detailer of the Year Award, Cody Umphlett, CD-SV, WC, owner of Discount Detailing! This award is presented to a detailer who specializes in marine detailing (50% or more of detailing work completed), demonstrates outstanding marine-specific skills and knowledge, and lives up to the ideals indicated in the IDA Code of Ethics. Cody has gone above and beyond to demonstrate his knowledge and his commitment to professionalism, the customer, compliance, the industry, and the environment. We had a chance to speak with Cody, to learn more about what this recognition means to him and his business. 

International Detailing Association (IDA): What does this accomplishment mean to you?
Cody Umphlett (CU): This accomplishment means a lot to me. I am just a guy who dreamed of starting a detailing business because of my love of cleaning my truck when I was younger. I never in my wildest dreams would have imagined that I would be a part of something like the IDA. Nor did I ever imagine that I would win this award this early in my detailing career. I just want to be an inspiration to detailers everywhere and show what hard work and faith can do.

IDA: How long have you been in the industry? How did you get involved?
CU: I have been detailing for about 6 years, but really got serious about detailing back in 2020. I got involved in the IDA when I researched it after seeing a detail shop in Wilmington, NC was affiliated with the IDA. After researching the IDA, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. So, I joined in 2021. It was an easy decision for me. I wanted to hold myself and my business to a higher standard.

IDA: How did Discount Detailing get started? 
CU: Discount Detailing started when my wife and I were working somewhere that did not treat us fairly. I always wanted to start my own business, but did not know what business to start. I loved cleaning my truck and I thought I could get into detailing. We knew it was going to be difficult as we were wanting to start a business in the midst of the Covid pandemic. However, we were offered a spot outside behind a shop, and Discount Detailing was born.

IDA: What were some major obstacles that you and your business had to overcome?
CU: Some of the obstacles that we have had to overcome are not knowing where to start, lacking education on products and tools, getting started in a small town where there were multiple other detailers, trying to advertise and get the word out there about us, understanding how to properly price our work, dealing with starting and running a business in the midst of a pandemic, and finding an appropriate place to work out of.

IDA: What would you say is key to your ongoing growth and success in this industry?
CU: The key to growth and success in this industry is to get involved with something like the IDA, where you are constantly learning and are a part of making the industry better. In today’s world everything is forever changing. Companies come out with new products, there are new ways of doing things, new tools, etc. You have to keep learning and evolving your skills. Be someone that wants to set the standards for detailing. To me, knowledge and training are two of the biggest things to have in this ever-evolving industry.

IDA: Who inspires you most in this industry?
CU: Renny Doyle, CD-SV, RIT, and Mike Phillips, CD-SV, WC, RIT inspire me the most in this industry. I have closely watched and learned about them and their accomplishments. I truly am amazed by what they have done and continue to do for the industry. I have so much respect for them. I want to one day take both classes they offer. I hope to be as good as them and make the impact they have made in this industry.

IDA: What words of wisdom would you like to impart to your fellow detailers? Any tips for marine detailers?
CU: Some words of wisdom to my fellow detailers, marine and automotive: Do not stop learning and growing. Keep pushing forward. Some people may put you down and dismiss you. However, do not let them stop you from pursuing your dream. Have the best customer service you can possibly have. If you want it, go after it! A dream doesn’t work unless you do.

*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.