Member Spotlight: Mike Ryan

Mike Ryan is the Owner/Operator of Mike's Marine Care in Harrison Township, Michigan, United States. He has been in the industry for more than 30 years and is excited to get active on an IDA committee. He is working toward becoming a Certified Detailer, with ambitions to one day become a Recognized Independent Trainer. Last year, he was an IDA Awards finalist in the Specialty Technician of the Year category.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Mike Ryan (MR): I started over 30 years ago—back when “detailing” meant grabbing a buffer and hoping for the best. One correction job led to another, and before I knew it, I was the guy getting called when everyone else gave up. I’ve always been hands-on, and I never stopped learning.

IDA: Please tell us your business’s story.
MR: Mike’s Marine Care started as a one-man operation and remains that way by choice. I'm known for bringing boats back from the dead—specializing in gelcoat correction, marine coatings, and high-gloss transformations. I don’t do fluff-and-buff; I do real correction with measurable results. I opened a new shop in Harrison Township, Michigan, where I also offer detailing for autos, RVs, and even aviation. My girlfriend Nichole and our dog Calypso are the only crew I trust.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize?
MR: Gelcoat correction, ceramic and graphene coatings, dry sanding, marine PPF, cushion and trim coatings, shrink wrapping, and pickup/delivery by land or sea. If it’s oxidized or neglected, I bring it back—and protect it right.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
MR: Consistency. Show up, do the work right, and don’t cut corners—even when no one’s watching.

IDA: Are there any awards, certifications, and/or accomplishments that you or your business have earned and would like to share with us?
MR: My best accomplishment is getting and staying sober since January 17, 2020. Business-wise, I'm certified with Starke, IGL, Angelwax, Onyx, Undrdog, and Kovalent Coatings. I’m proud to be a member of the IDA and The Detailers of the Round Table. 

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received?
MR: Build a life you don’t need to escape from.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
MR: For the new detailer: Train hard, stay humble, and don’t chase trends—chase results. For the experienced one: Keep training. There’s always something new to learn, or bad habits to unlearn.

IDA: What's your funniest business moment?
MR: A client told me the boat was at the marina—I showed up, grabbed the boat, and brought it to the shop. Turns out…wrong boat. So, yeah, I now double-check the name AND registration before launching a recovery mission.

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA?
MR: I opened my new shop and realized being part of the IDA was more than just another sticker on the door. It tells my clients I’m serious, and it gives me a seat at the table to help shape the marine side of this industry.

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA affected your business and your career?
MR: It’s added credibility, networking, and brought me into circles of pros who give a damn. That alone has pushed me to elevate everything I do—and opened doors I didn’t know existed.

*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.