Member Spotlight: Joe Zeidler, CD, MC

Joe Zeidler, CD, MC, is Owner of C & J's Precision Auto Detailing in Bethany, Pennsylvania, United States. We recently had a chance to speak to Joe and find out more about his detailing journey.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Joe Zeidler (JZ): I always loved seeing the shiny show cars as a kid and, as I got older, I worked at a few dealerships in the recon department, which sparked my love for turning a vehicle from just clean into something the customer absolutely fell in love with. After many years at those dealerships and car washes learning what real detailing was, I eventually opened my own mobile detailing business and eventually started my own shop, which I had for many years until [the COVID pandemic] and that changed my plans.

IDA: Please tell us your business's story.
JZ: With my wife Cindy as my biggest supporter, I took the plunge and bought a 5x8 enclosed trailer and outfitted it with as much as I could afford. I made sure I had my own water and power so the customer didn’t need to supply anything, After a few years, I realized that I was missing out on a lot of extra income by not having a shop to work in any weather, so I rented a nice size building and started over six years of success until [the COVID pandemic]. Then I changed my focus to private detailing.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize?
JZ: I now specialize in private higher end detailing where the job could take days instead of hours. I also do consulting with detailing businesses struggling to find success, as well as dealerships looking to boost the quality coming out of their shops.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
JZ: The single most important factor in my opinion is this: Treat every single customer AND their vehicle exactly the same. Make sure the family minivan and its owners get the exact same treatment as the ones who own a million-dollar supercar. While the vehicles and owners may be vastly different, your process and quality control needs to stay the same every time. 

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
JZ: The best advice I have been given was to take pride in your work and make sure to remember the details because that’s what separates a car washer from a detailer.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
JZ: I would tell the new detailers to be consistent and to listen to your customers – the more you let them talk, the more you can find out their needs. To the experienced, I would say don’t get complacent. I know firsthand that it is very easy to do the work on auto pilot and end up missing something or getting hurt. Also, to never stop learning – keep up with the latest products and equipment, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

IDA: Do you have a most memorable detailing moment?
JZ: The most memorable moment came when I got complacent and didn’t move a vehicle seat forward to clean under it and reached in and got needle stuck. I went to the ER and had to sit through an hour of all the what ifs, and it was the most frightening moment of my life. Thankfully we found out the needle was not yet used and that I was in the clear, but I will never forget that moment when I felt like my life was ruined.

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
JZ: I first heard of the IDA when I was searching for some products online for my trailer outfitting. I clicked the link and really liked what I was reading and that the IDA held a code of standards that I feel is important to bring a positive light on every detailer. I also liked the fact that I could connect with fellow IDA members to discuss ideas and concerns within the industry and try to find ways to make real changes that help all detailers.

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA affected your business and your career?
JZ: I have been able to make real industry connections that help guide me to new products and techniques, as well as knowing there is a large group of people I can reach out to if I have questions about anything that comes to detailing. As far as my business? I actively and proudly tell all my customers that I am a member and what being in the IDA means; they love that there is an organization that provides the structure and guidance in the detailing industry, and they like knowing someone who is taking care of their vehicle cares enough to join an association that cares not only for its members but for those who the members detail for.

I am also a regular columnist for Auto Detailing News (For the Love of Detailing) and a former volunteer firefighter, vehicle rescue, fire-police officer and former search and rescue commander. It is vital that we find ways to give back to our community no matter how small. You don’t have to fight fires; you just need to find even the smallest needs in your area and help any way you can.

*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.