Meet the Newest IDA RITs: Chad Emerson, Carlos Galan, Angel Moreno, and Mike Rhines!

A Recognized Independent Trainer (RIT) is an individual recognized by the IDA as qualified to offer quality detailing training and that demonstrates the needed skill set to proctor IDA certification exams. RITs have proven to industry peers that they understand multi-faceted knowledge of techniques, terminology, and chemistry and its relation to detailing. Their RIT endorsement does not make them a more competent detailer, rather someone recognized as a detailing trainer to others in the profession. An RIT is someone to whom fellow industry professionals can reach out for accurate information. They assist others in becoming the professionals that a customer would want to entrust with some of their largest investments.

RITs are held to the highest level of integrity and professionalism and are expected to support others in the detailing industry, the organization, and its certification programs. RITs must strictly adhere to the IDA Code of Conduct and be a prime example of ethical conduct to others. The role of the RIT within the IDA is to conduct certification testing for Certified Detailers (CD) and Skills Validated (SV) candidates and to be a resource for individuals seeking detailer training. Search the full RIT directory here.

Please help us welcome and congratulate the latest cohort of RITs: Chad Emerson, Carlos Galan, Angel Moreno, and Mike Rhines!

Chad Emerson, CD-SV, RIT
Owner/Detailer, CME Shine Auto Detailing
Chair, IDA Events & Education Committee (formerly Tradeshow & Education)
Springville, Iowa, United States

Click here to hear Chad's thoughts on becoming an RIT.

Carlos Galan, CD-SV, WC, RIT
Owner, Diamond in the Rough Detailing and Ceramic Coatings
Redmond, Oregon, United States

My name is Carlos Galan, and I’m proud to call Central Oregon home. I come from a background where hard work, integrity, and pride in what you do weren’t optional, they were expected. That mindset has shaped not only who I am as a person, but how I approach every vehicle, every client, and every opportunity to grow in this industry.

Detailing, to me, has never been “just washing cars.” It’s a craft. A discipline. A profession that deserves respect and standards. I joined the International Detailing Association because I believe in elevating our industry, holding ourselves accountable, continuing our education, and setting the bar higher for what professional detailing should look like. The IDA represents credibility, community, and continuous improvement, and I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself.

After obtaining my CD-SV, WC, becoming a Recognized Independent Trainer (RIT) felt like the natural next step. I’ve always believed that knowledge grows when it’s shared. Since I am bilingual in Spanish and English this would allow me to teach more students. Reaching RIT status isn’t about a title, it’s about responsibility. It’s about helping other detailers shorten their learning curve, avoid costly mistakes, and gain confidence in their skills. I’m passionate about mentoring, teaching best practices, and helping others see that this industry offers real careers, not just side hustles. My true passion is to help young adults coming out of the prison system learn a new trade.

When I’m not in the shop, you’ll usually find me spending time with my family and researching other investment opportunities as I believe in having several streams of income. I enjoy working with my hands, being outdoors, and constantly improving—whether that’s personally or professionally. Even in my downtime, I’m wired to grow. If I’m not detailing, I’m probably thinking about how to do it better tomorrow.

Angel Moreno, CD-SV, RIT
CEO/Pro Detailer, Purple Brothers Motorspace
Miami Gardens, Florida, United States

Hola a todos, por aqui Angel Moreno, Venezolano, llegue a este mundo del detailing profesional por las ganas de crecer y enfocarme en la idea de tener un negocio rentable pero sobre todo respetable, siempre me ha gustado el mundo automovilístico, todo en su estetica, en desarrollo tecnologico… pero sobre todo saber que esto es un arte no solamente tecnica y conocimiento, y justo aqui es donde converge mi otra carrera que me hizo conocer el mundo y muchisimas personas, pues yo he sido musico profesional por mas de 25 años viajando y tocando en escenarios por muchismos paises, pero a lo que voy con esto es que siento que el detailing es como la musica para mi, un trabajo que disfrutas no es un trabajo! Es un estilo de vida!! Me forme como docente de educacion musical lo cual me hizo considerar seriamente la idea de dar clases de detailing tanto asi que forme mi academia Detailing Zone Academy la cual impacto en Florida y desperto a la comunidad latina a a formarse como detailer. Tengo la dicha de haber conocido gente maravillosa como Mike Phillips, Barry Theal, Christian Rosa, quienes me apoyaron en mi meta de ser RIT, actualmente estoy super contento del crecimiento de mi compañia Purple Brothers Motorspace y la reputacion ganada con trabajo serio y el respaldo de IDA. Un dato curioso sobre mi es que soy fan de Star Wars, deberiamos hacer un evento tematico, y que la fuerza los acampañe!!!

Hello everyone, this is Angel Moreno, from Venezuela. I entered the world of professional detailing driven by a desire to grow and focus on having a profitable, but above all, respectable business. I've always loved the automotive world, everything from its aesthetics and technological development... but especially knowing that this is an art, not just technique and knowledge. And this is precisely where my other career converges, the one that allowed me to see the world and meet so many people. I've been a professional musician for over 25 years, traveling and performing on stages in many countries. But what I'm trying to say is that I feel detailing is like music for me: a job you enjoy isn't a job! It's a lifestyle! I trained as a music teacher, which made me seriously consider teaching detailing, so much so that I founded my academy, Detailing Zone Academy, which made an impact in Florida and inspired the Latino community to train as detailers. I'm fortunate to have met wonderful people like Mike Phillips, Barry Theal, and Christian Rosa, who supported me in my goal of becoming a RIT. Currently, I'm extremely happy with the growth of my company, Purple Brothers Motorspace, and the reputation I've earned through hard work and the support of IDA. A fun fact about me is that I'm a Star Wars fan. We should do a themed event, and may the Force be with you!

Mike Rhines, CD-SV, RIT
Outside Sales Director, CarCandy Automotive Detail Products
Syracuse, Indiana, United States

I have always wanted to be a trainer and becoming an RIT is now where the real works begins. I'm honored to be a part of this esteemed group of individuals to further the educational side of our community, in hopes to put us at a level of being a recognized trade and a true industry.