2024 Supplier of the Year: IGL Coatings USA

Congratulations to the winner of the Detail Supplier of the Year Award, IGL Coatings USA! This award is presented to a product or service supplier nominated for significantly contributing to the detailing industry by meeting at least two of the judging criteria and maintaining a superior reputation. IGL Coatings USA has introduced various new product innovations, increased awareness of the detailing industry, and regularly shares knowledge to help better the industry. We spoke with Joel LaPalme, President of IGL Coatings USA, to learn more about what this recognition means to him and his business.

International Detailing Association (IDA): What does this accomplishment mean to you?
Joel LaPalme (JL): It means a lot to me. This award shows that we have gone above and beyond to service our customers. We will now strive to do even better.

IDA: How long have you been in the industry? How did you get involved?
JL: We have been in the industry for 7 years. We were semi-retired and saw an opportunity in the detailing world that we wanted to jump on. So, that's exactly what we did!

IDA: How did IGL Coatings USA get started? 
JL: IGL was started by ChunChieh Keong in 2008. Our first product was sold in 2014. During our first 6 years, we were strictly R&D.

IDA: What were some major obstacles that you and your business had to overcome?
JL: We needed to invest in inventory and proper warehousing that would be consistent with the needs of our customers! We aim to ship all orders the same day if ordered before 2:00 PM. To accomplish this, we needed to maintain a certain level of inventory. Our job is to provide “just in time” inventory, so you can take your money and invest in marketing and promoting your company, not loading up on inventory from us that you don’t need right now. 

IDA: Who inspires you most in this industry?
JL: I have many people I look at and respect in this industry for many different reasons.

IDA: What words of wisdom would you like to impart to your fellow detailers?
JL: Work with a company that is about your growth and success, not just a company that is there to sell you a product! 

*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.