Member Spotlight: Julie Jimenez, CD, MC

Julie Jimenez, CD, MC, is a member of the IDA Membership Committee and the owner of Biketailing Specialties, Inc. We recently had a chance to speak to her and find out how she got started on her detailing journey and why she decided to specialize in motorcycle detailing.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Julie Jimenez (JJ): 34 years ago, I married a passionate motorcycle rider who's also passionate about the restoration and preservation of motorcycle finishes. Since then, I have been by his side riding motorcycles and when he was working on the bikes. At some point, he became a motorcycle collector, so the maintenance of those bikes became an important activity in our lives, along with detailing other bikes. Around 17 years ago, I started to ride my own bike, and my interest in preserving it increased. So, I went from being an observer and helper to an active and passionate motorcycle detailer. 

IDA: Please tell us your business’s story.
JJ: In 2018, my husband and I opened Biketailing, a new concept of motorcycle detailing and restoration services, turning our passion for high-end professional detailing and restoration of motorcycles into a business serving the motorcycle community. I’m dedicated full-time to our professional studio each and every day now. 

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
JJ: We are a specialized studio for motorcycle detailing and restoration. We have it all! From careful motorcycle wash to precise bike detailing and meticulous restoration. For daily riders and cross-country bikers to international collectors and show bike aficionados. From rust removal to motorcycle paint correction and ceramic coatings to extreme chrome polish, engine decontamination, white wall tire stain removal, and more. 

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
JJ: Being a passionate and dedicated person, paying attention to details, looking for new or updated knowledge that drives you to reach the best possible quality, and aiming for outstanding customer service.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?
JJ: I’m an IDA Certified Detailer and Motorcycle Certified. Because of my husband’s contribution to the industry, we were honored with the invitation to be a member of the IDA Founder’s Club.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
JJ: One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received is from the motorcycle community: “It’s not just about the destination, it's about the journey.” It sounds so simple, but if you think about it, you can apply it to every aspect of your life, and you will always be happy and positive. Even in the hardest times, you will get to your destination.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
JJ: For the new detailers – Work with passion and dedication. Look for something new to learn every day, always aiming towards excellence.
For experienced detailers – There is always something new to learn to make you a better person or professional, so be open to it. You never know who you can learn something new from. Never lose your passion for what you do.  

IDA: Funniest business moment?
JJ: We had a very hyper customer who came to pick his bike up once. He put his stuff on top of a table and grabbed a drink. We talked briefly about his last trip, and my husband put his bike outside for him. He went to the bathroom, and then walked out fast. He was out of the shop in a flash, not even saying bye, turned the bike on, and got going crazy fast. He returned two minutes later, walked back into the shop, quickly grabbed the stuff he left, including his helmet, and said, “See you!” It was like watching a movie being fast-forwarded right in front of me. Hahaha! 

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
JJ: One year before we opened the new concept of motorcycle detailing studio, we decided to participate in the association with the highest standards in the industry, the IDA. We wanted to create a network, learn and share best practices with industry professionals, and collaborate as much as possible to help advance the IDA even further. 

*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.