Member Spotlight: Steven Thompson, CD-SV

Steven Thompson, CD-SV, is a member of the IDA Marketing & Communications Committee and the owner of The Detail Doctors. We recently had a chance to speak to him and find out how he got started in detailing.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Steven Thompson (ST): My detailing career started 20 years ago at an auto auction as just another job, but unlike every other job, this would be the last job I would ever have. I fell in love with detailing, and I’ve been doing it ever since. 

IDA: Please tell us your business’s story.
ST: My wife and I started The Detail Doctors in 2010. I ran our single mobile unit as the sole operator for the first 2 years, while still working at the auction full-time. Fast forward to 2024, and we are the largest detail company in Idaho.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
ST: We offer typical detail services like paint corrections, coatings, PPF, tint, rock chip repair, and windshield repair. We plan to offer leather repair starting May 1. We service automobiles, aircraft - ADA Certified, RVs, boats, commercial, and motorcycles.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
ST: The most important factor in our success is our team. Our management team, Randy Johnson and Crystal Allen are the foundation at The Detail Doctors. Since my son, the Detail Kid, became the world's youngest certified detailer, he and I have been traveling all over the country doing events. As I'm writing, we are preparing for an IDA event in El Salvador in early April. We can do these things because of Randy and Crystal's leadership in managing our locations, mobile teams, and daily operations.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
ST: I’ll never forget one of my customers, Adam Pitale (Adam's Polishes), asked to meet with me one day. We sat in my office and he proceeded to tell me about “Personal Excellence“.

He mentioned several things that could be better, much better. He asked if we could walk through the shop so he could show me some of the issues. As we walked, I cringed as he pointed out one thing after the next. I’ve never been so embarrassed. While the purpose wasn’t meant to embarrass me, it was a humbling experience, to say the least. I am the boss, nobody—except my wife—tells me what to do. There were so many things that I had overlooked. I would say, "I’ll get to that tomorrow", day after day. At some point, procrastination turns to complacency, which leads to mediocrity.

As a business owner, I needed to hear everything Adam had to say. The fact that a man in his position in our industry took the time and cared enough to share his knowledge, experience, and concerns for business with me is something I’ll remember forever. Every business owner needs a come to Jesus moment every once in a while. 😉

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
ST: 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.  

*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.