Member Spotlight: Stefaan Depoorter, CD-SV, and Timo Maes, CD-SV

Stefaan Depoorter, CD-SV, is the founder and manager of SD Carcleaning in Roeselare, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Timo Maes, CD-SV, is the founder and manager of Car Detailing Maes in Meulebeke, Belgium. Keep reading to learn more about how they each got started in the profession, how they first connected, and why they decided to get involved with the IDA.

"Ons verhaal begon ongeveer twee jaar geleden, toen een vriend en klant mij vroeg of ik Timo wou opleiden tot detailer. Na enig aandringen besloot ik op de vraag in te gaan, en niet veel later hadden we onze eerste opleidingssessie ingepland.

Timo was toen een jonge student van 18 jaar, met een opleiding in de richting IT. Een echte autofanaat, die elk model en uitvoering van Porsche feilloos kende, maar nog geen ervaring had in het detailen. We begonnen dus van nul, maar al snel bleek dat Timo enorm gedreven en leergierig was.

Tijdens de vele uren opleiding en praktijkwerk samen merkte ik dat hij kennis en technieken razendsnel oppikte en prachtige resultaten behaalde. Zijn enthousiasme werkte aanstekelijk, en gaandeweg groeiden we uit tot een sterk team.

Na een jaar intensieve training stelde ik Timo voor aan het bestuur van IDA Belgium, waar ik zelf ook deel van uitmaak. Daar werd hij met open armen ontvangen en verder begeleid door onze RIT Collin Joos en in het trainingscentrum ACC Academy.

In september, tijdens onze certificatie-examens, vonden we dat Timo klaar was om de uitdaging aan te gaan. En met succes: hij slaagde met glans en werd de jongste CD-SV van Europa. Een prestatie waar we als team én als bestuur bijzonder trots op zijn.

Vandaag kunnen we met trots zeggen dat we dankzij ons sterke teamwork en gedeelde passie al aan heel wat mooie projecten hebben mogen werken. Deze samenwerking over generaties heen toont hoe kennis, ervaring en vernieuwing elkaar kunnen versterken.

We hopen in de toekomst onze samenwerking verder uit te bouwen, onze zaken nog verder te laten groeien, en vooral: Never Stop Learning!"

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"Our story began about two years ago, when a friend and client asked me to train Timo as a detailer. After some persuasion, I decided to accept, and not long after, we scheduled our first training session.

Timo was then a young 18-year-old student with a degree in IT. A true car enthusiast, he knew every Porsche model and make perfectly, but had no detailing experience. So, we started from scratch, but it soon became clear that Timo was incredibly driven and eager to learn.

During the many hours of training and hands-on work together, I noticed that he picked up knowledge and techniques incredibly quickly and achieved fantastic results. His enthusiasm was infectious, and we gradually grew into a strong team.

After a year of intensive training, I introduced Timo to the board of IDA Belgium, of which I am also a member. There, he was welcomed with open arms and further mentored by our RIT Collin Joos and at the ACC Academy training center. In September, during our certification exams, we felt Timo was ready to take on the challenge. And with success: he passed with flying colors, becoming one of the youngest CD-SV in Europe, an achievement we, as a team and as a board, are extremely proud of.

Today, we are proud to say that thanks to our strong teamwork and shared passion, we have already worked on many wonderful projects. This collaboration across generations demonstrates how knowledge, experience, and innovation can strengthen each other.

We hope to further expand our collaboration in the future, grow our business even further, and above all: Never Stop Learning!"

Stefaan Depoorter, CD-SV, and Timo Maes, CD-SV

International Detailing Association (IDA): Tell us a bit about yourselves.
Stefaan Depoorter (SD): My name is Stefaan Depoorter, CD-SV, and I founded SD Carcleaning ten years ago. Before that, I spent 25 years working in a body shop as a vehicle preparer and spray painter. That experience provided a solid foundation for my current work in detailing, where my expertise lies primarily in vehicle paint systems. I also provide professional training in sanding and paint repair techniques.
In addition, I specialize in surface restoration of leather, fabric, and plastics. Naturally, I also offer interior treatments and coating applications.

In 2022, I achieved my IDA Certified Detailer-Skills Validated (CD-SV) certifications, which I had the honor of receiving in person from one of my industry inspirations, Mike Phillips, CD-SV, WC, RIT, during his two-day visit to Belgium.

Furthermore, I am a trainer for PRS-Expert UV-Curing (BE/FR), a revolutionary UV-cured paint repair system. I also provide training at ACC Academy and am accredited by several well-known detailing brands.

Stefaan Depoorter, CD-SV, and Mike Phillips, CD-SV, WC, RIT

Timo Maes (TM): I started my business about two years ago and was introduced to Stefaan through a mutual acquaintance. Under his mentorship, I completed numerous professional training sessions to refine my skills and reach a higher level of craftsmanship. Through continuous learning and dedication, I quickly advanced within the industry. Two years later, I proudly became [one of] the youngest IDA Certified Detailers-Skills Validated (CD-SV) in Europe.

IDA: How did you get into the detailing industry?
SD: In my previous job, I spent many years polishing and finishing vehicles, though we only worked with rotary machines back then. That sparked my curiosity and motivation to learn how to achieve better, safer, and more refined results. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a passion for detailing and a drive to master the craft.

TM: From a young age, I washed my father’s company vans every week. That’s how my passion for detailing began—soon I started properly cleaning his personal car as well, and it quickly became a weekly routine. Before long, I was detailing vehicles for friends and family, and what started as a hobby naturally evolved into a professional career when I decided to register my own business.

Timo Maes, CD-SV

IDA: Tell us your company’s story.
SD: SD Carcleaning was born out of a passion for vehicles and a desire to bring out the very best in every project I touch. Over the past ten years, the company has grown into something beyond what I ever imagined. I’m my own boss, I can share my knowledge and experience through training, and I get to work on dream cars I could never afford myself. To me, this doesn’t feel like work—it’s a privilege.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize?
SD: In addition to general services such as polishing, coating, and interior cleaning, I specialize in surface damage repair on paint, leather, fabric, and plastics, as well as advanced paint correction.

TM: Our company works exclusively with premium brands such as Gtechniq, Innova Car, and 3D. We specialize in paint correction, ceramic coatings, and Paint Protection Film (PPF) installation. In addition, we offer professional mobile washing services, ensuring every vehicle receives top-tier care wherever our clients are located.

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
SD: Differentiate yourself! Offer something unique in addition to your core services—whether it’s leather repair, PPF, spot repair, or paint restoration. I also believe in the power of collaboration between detailers; by combining different areas of expertise, we can deliver a complete and professional service to our clients.

TM: For me, true success in the detailing industry means maintaining a consistently full schedule with loyal, returning clients who trust and appreciate your work. Satisfied customers are the foundation of sustainable growth.

IDA: Are there any awards, certifications, or accomplishments you’d like to share with us?
SD: Over the past twelve years, I’ve earned around twenty certifications that I’m proud of. The most meaningful ones include my IDA CD-SV certification, my PRS-Expert trainer certification, my INNOVACAR accreditation, and my role as a trainer at ACC Academy.

IDA: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
SD: Surround yourself with people who are better than you—and learn from them.

IDA: What tips do you have for new and experienced detailers?
SD: For new detailers: Stay humble, choose a specialty, follow training from experienced professionals, and aim to become the best at what you do. Investing in yourself always pays off.

For experienced detailers: You’re never too old to learn. Share your knowledge with the next generation.

IDA: Funniest business moment?
SD: Years ago, I was sanding scratches on a front bumper and suddenly realized I was sanding on the PPF instead of the paint! The customer had forgotten to mention that the front of his second-hand car had been protected with Paint Protection Film.

TM: Attending international training sessions with the Innova Car group was both educational and unforgettable. Spending the days learning new techniques, sharing good food in the evenings, and enjoying great company afterwards—it was the perfect balance of professionalism and camaraderie.

IDA: Why did you decide to join the IDA?
SD: I joined the IDA to obtain my CD-SV certification, to gain and share knowledge, and to become part of a network of professionals who share the same passion and ambition for excellence in detailing.

TM: Stefaan introduced me to the IDA, and from the moment he explained what it represented, I was immediately convinced. I recognized that joining the IDA would not only be a valuable step for my personal development, but also a strong asset for the growth and credibility of our business.

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA impacted your business and career?
SD: The IDA has definitely helped me move forward. I see it as a valuable tool—one that you get the most out of when you actively engage with it. Being a member has strengthened both my professional image and my credibility, not only with clients but also within the detailing community. The “I” in International Detailing Association carries real weight—clients recognize it as a mark of trust and quality.

Beyond that, the IDA has connected me with passionate professionals around the world. The exchange of knowledge and experiences is incredibly valuable—you keep learning, discover new techniques, and stay up to date with the latest products and trends in the industry.

On a personal level, it has motivated me to keep raising the bar, share my expertise, and contribute to the professionalization of our craft. I proudly display the IDA logo on my business cards, uniforms, social media, and company vehicle—it represents quality, expertise, and passion for the art of detailing.

*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.

**AI was used to help translate interview responses from Dutch to English.