Member Spotlight: Andrew Haney, CD-SV, RVC, RIT

Andrew Haney, CD-SV, RVC, RIT, is a professor and faculty director for the automotive technology repair program at Bakersfield College in Bakersfield, California, United States. He is also the 2025 Chair of the IDA Membership Committee. We recently had a chance to speak to Andrew and find out more about his detailing journey.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Andrew Haney (AH): I owned and operated my own business in high school as a detailer 30+ years ago and then came back to it five years ago as a hobby for personal friends.

IDA: Please tell us your business's story.
AH: I teach automotive technology repair at a local community college. Many students would ask if we had a detailing class or if they could wash their cars in the wash bay at the college campus. Another professor and I decided we should investigate the opportunities of a professional detailing class/course offering. We connected with Jason Rose, CD-SV, RIT, of RUPES, and, from that point forward, we have grown our detailing program at the community college. We now have two courses for workforce development with a certificate offering from the college, and we provide the opportunity to become IDA-certified. My business in the detailing world is education about the industry. 

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize?
AH: Automotive and Marine Detailing. We’re working to expand into wrap installation and care and maintenance.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
AH: Education about business and all areas of the automobile, boat, or whatever you are working on. Always be willing to learn new skills and about new products.

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business have earned and would like to share with us?
AH: ASE Master Certified, L1 Certified, C1, P1, and many others. IDA CD-SV, RVC, and RIT.

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
AH: "Remember who you are and what God expects you to be." — Thomas S. Monson

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
AH: New detailers, jump in with all you have, learn your local, state, and Federal “National” laws. Get insurance, and don’t be afraid to get involved in committees or task forces. You will make great friends, meet amazing people, and extend your network and knowledge. "Knowledge is power; you did not know something until you learned it." Learn all you can and engage in the learning process. 

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
AH: The opportunity to network with and learn from the best in the detailing industry worldwide. 

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA affected your business and your career?
AH: Being a part of the IDA has changed how I see detailing both as a business and a hobby. It has opened my eyes to all the opportunities for education and for business. Not to mention I have met a LOT of really good people running a lot of really good companies.

*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.