Member Spotlight: Hugo van Dyk, CD

Hugo van Dyk, CD, is the President of the IDA Southern Africa Chapter and the owner of Hybrid Auto Detailing. 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?
Hugo van Dyk (HvD): I started my career in the automotive repair industry doing my apprenticeship in the trade. My family has been in the automotive repair trade for 55 years. You could say it was in my blood to follow. I worked as a repair technician for 15 years before opening my own detailing company. I wanted to get that extra bit of perfection that wasn’t always offered by car washes or automotive repair companies.

IDA: Please tell us your business’s story.
HvD: To be honest, I don’t have an exciting business story. I’ve been in the automotive repair industry my whole life. I wanted to learn a new skill that ties in with the automotive repair industry and improves it. I started Hybrid Detailing because of my love for seeing something transformed from dull to something extraordinary, whether it’s a wrecked vehicle being put through the process of repairs or a neglected vehicle getting the care and maintenance it needs to be perfect.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
HvD: Hybrid Detailing specializes in paint preservation and maintenance of automotive aesthetics, such as hail damage repairs, minor repairs, and minor interior and leather repairs (outsourced). We do paint protection film fitment, as well as vinyl wrapping at the customer's request. The current products we are accredited with are Labocosmetica and Gtechniq. We are working on getting accredited with Innovacar.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
HvD: The most important factor in being successful, I would have to say, is being honest and truthful in how you conduct your business. Focus on yourself and stop worrying about what the guy down the street is doing. Never see anyone as a threat in this industry; some of my closest friends are all detailers, and we learn from each other.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
HvD: The best advice I ever received was from my grandfather: “Always be ethical in whatever you do, and never think that you are more important than anyone”.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
HvD: For the new detailer, don’t be fooled by all the different brands on the market. We all make the mistake of wanting to try everything flashy that’s out there. Find a company and brand that shares your views and values that will build a lasting relationship with you. For the experienced detailer, reach out to the new guy and share what you’ve learned over the years. We all had someone we looked up to and admired when we first started.

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
HvD: I want to better the detailing industry and show other detailers, new and experienced, that we are not bigger than the industry. 

*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.