Slow season doesn’t have to mean slow growth. In this episode, Chris sits down with longtime Detailers Roadmap partner Kurt Felmar to talk about staying profitable when the phones get quiet—and how to use that downtime like a weapon.

From dialing in customer retention to finally getting that content strategy off the ground, this convo is packed with real talk and real tactics for detailers who want to win year-round.

Whether you're in the middle of a slump or prepping for one, this episode will help you turn “slow” into smart.

🎯 What You’ll Learn:

• Kurt’s go-to moves for staying booked when demand dips
• How to turn slow days into business-building opportunities
• Real ideas for content creation, outreach, and long-term growth

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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This is our wrap of episode from our Troubleshooting Your Business Podcast Series. We delve into the complexities of scaling businesses sustainably while achieving long-term success and maintaining a balance between work and personal life. The discussion features valuable insights from speakers like Kevin Davis, Barry Theal, Grant Menard, David Caballero, Andrew Houston, and Michael D'Andrea, who share their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies for business growth. Key themes include the importance of efficiency, quality, continuous learning, excellent customer service, and building strong relationships. The episode also addresses the challenges of managing friendships, workload, and fair hiring practices, emphasizing adaptability, open communication, and prioritizing meaningful experiences over financial gain. Ultimately, the speakers highlight the significance of finding happiness and fulfillment in one's work while enjoying life.

Key Takeaways

1. Efficiency and Quality: Prioritize efficiency and maintain high-quality standards in all aspects of your business to ensure sustainable growth.
2. Continuous Learning: Embrace continuous learning and adaptability to stay ahead in the competitive business landscape.
3. Customer Service: Excellent customer service is crucial for building strong, lasting relationships with clients.
4. Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and personal life is essential for long-term success and personal fulfillment.
5. Employee Management: Fair hiring practices and proper employee management can significantly impact business growth and employee satisfaction.
6. Meaningful Experiences: Focus on meaningful experiences and personal happiness over merely chasing financial gains.
7. Open Communication: Foster open communication within the team to address challenges and improve business operations.
8. Long-Term Strategies: Develop and continuously reevaluate long-term business growth strategies and goals.
9. Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt and make necessary changes to ensure the sustainability and success of the business.
10. Enjoy the Journey: Remember to step back and enjoy life while running a successful business, finding contentment through serving others and achieving a relaxed work-life balance.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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In this conversation, Luke Howell shares his journey to the detailing industry and emphasizes the importance of identifying and understanding your ideal customer avatar. He highlights the value of niche marketing and tailoring marketing messages to different customer avatars. Luke also discusses the benefits of testing different marketing approaches and building relationships within the community. 

He emphasizes the need to define success and invest in personal and professional development. Finally, Luke outlines a sequential approach to building a successful detailing business, focusing on marketing and scaling operations. 

They also explore marketing strategies and tactics, diversifying lead flow, managing agency relationships, and creating a sales funnel and nurturing leads. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of mitigating risk, knowing your numbers, and leveraging scalable marketing systems. 

Luke Howell discusses various strategies and opportunities for detailing business owners. He emphasizes the importance of referral channels and partnerships, such as working with car dealerships to offer additional services. Luke also highlights the potential for dealerships to finance services for customers, making it more convenient and profitable for detailing businesses. He encourages business owners to stay adaptable and innovative in the ever-changing industry, and to invest in themselves by learning business skills. Luke emphasizes the value of transferable skills and the need to focus on the business side of detailing. He concludes by urging business owners to be proactive and take advantage of expanding opportunities.

Takeaways

Identify and understand your ideal customer avatar to tailor your marketing messages and effectively reach your target audience.

Niche marketing allows you to focus on a specific market segment and provide specialized services that meet their unique needs.

Testing different marketing approaches helps you identify what resonates with your target audience and allows you to refine your strategies.

Building relationships within your community and networking with other businesses can lead to valuable partnerships and referrals.

Define your own version of success and set goals that align with your personal and professional aspirations.

Invest in yourself and continuously learn and develop new skills to stay competitive in the detailing industry.

Take a sequential approach to building a successful detailing business, starting with understanding your market and ideal customer avatar, and then focusing on marketing and scaling operations. Develop referral channels and partnerships to generate additional revenue for your detailing business.

Consider working with car dealerships to offer services and explore financing options for customers.

Stay adaptable and innovative in the detailing industry to keep up with changing trends and consumer preferences.

Invest in yourself and learn business skills to become a more successful detailing business owner.

Focus on transferable skills and the business side of detailing to differentiate yourself from the competition.

Take advantage of expanding opportunities and be proactive in growing your business.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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In this episode, Kevin sits down with Robyn Sweet—owner of The Detail Lab and Field Application Specialist at RUPES USA—for a candid conversation on how she went from 911 dispatcher to premium-level detailer and trainer. 

Robyn opens up about her journey into the detailing world, how she’s built a successful boutique business in a rural town, and why “success” isn’t always about scaling bigger or faster. With a background in emergency communications, Robyn brings a calm, grounded perspective to an often chaotic industry—and offers thoughtful insights on communication, customer service, training, and running a business that fits your life. 

This episode is full of humor, wisdom, and real-world advice for anyone looking to grow in detailing while staying true to themselves.

Key Takeaways

You Don’t Have to Dream It to Be Great at It
Robyn never imagined she’d end up in detailing—but fell in love with it after one class and turned it into a career.

Past Careers Can Be Your Secret Weapon
Her time as a 911 dispatcher shaped her communication style and calm demeanor—two major strengths in both client interactions and training sessions.

Success Doesn’t Mean Volume
Robyn runs a boutique shop that intentionally details just one car per day—focused on quality and a personal client experience.

Freedom is the Real Win
For her, success isn’t about growth for growth’s sake—it’s about the freedom to control her time, energy, and client relationships.

Connection is Her Superpower
Whether it’s over the phone during an emergency or in a training room with detailers, Robyn excels at making people feel seen and heard.

Training is About Listening, Not Just Telling
As a RUPES trainer, she prioritizes humility and clear communication, making sure people feel safe enough to ask questions and learn.

Your Social Media Should Talk to Clients, Not Competitors
She challenges detailers who post for the approval of other detailers, instead of actually engaging and educating their paying audience.

You Don’t Have to “Do It All” to Be Successful
Robyn pushes back against industry pressure to scale fast or offer every service—she proves you can grow intentionally, sustainably, and joyfully.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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In this episode of the Cruise Control Podcast, Kevin Davis sits down with business mentor, best-selling author, and 7-figure entrepreneur Michelle Jacobik. They dive deep into the messy middle of entrepreneurship, talk about how personal and business finances are married, and why building a business that serves your life — not the other way around — is critical. 

Michelle shares her journey from drowning in credit card debt at 22 to scaling and selling a successful agency, and how gratitude, planning, and mindset shifts helped her create true financial freedom. Packed with real-world advice on planning, scaling, and life alignment, this episode will leave you inspired (and ready to finally unsubscribe from those Audible credits).

Key Takeaways 

Financial Freedom Starts with the Basics
Michelle shares how simple, foundational money habits early in life set the stage for later success.

Your Business and Personal Finances Are Married
Ignoring one side eventually wrecks the other—entrepreneurs must manage both together for real stability.

Vision + Mindset + Money = Financial Mastery
She breaks down how having a crystal-clear vision, strong mindset, and solid money habits is the real path to freedom—not just chasing more sales.

Reverse Engineering Your Life Goals Creates Clarity
Start with the life you want, then build the business to fund it—not the other way around.

Small Daily Actions Build Big Results
Cutting unnecessary expenses, eliminating waste, and protecting your money wins over waiting for one “big break.”

Gratitude Changes Everything
Practicing daily gratitude can rewire your brain for abundance, reducing fear-driven decisions.

Your Business Should Serve Your Life, Not Control It
Michelle stresses that if your business feels like a cage, it’s time to redesign it—or find something new.

Real Success is Living Without Needing a Vacation
True wealth is designing a life you don’t need to escape from—not just building a revenue machine.

Get Rid of the Clutter (Physically and Mentally)
Michelle highlights how selling unused stuff, canceling wasteful subscriptions, and simplifying clears mental space for growth.

It’s Never Too Late to Pivot
Whether you’re scaling up, burnt out, or considering selling, Michelle reminds us: there’s no shame in realigning your business to your life’s next chapter.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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In this inspiring episode, Kevin Davis sits down with Giancarlo Rengifo to uncover the “superhero backstory” behind his detailing career. Giancarlo shares how becoming a father of twins at 19 and navigating jobs from construction to marketing eventually led him to discover his passion for auto detailing. 

He recounts building a detailing business from scratch in South Florida—leveraging hustle, faith, and a knack for connecting with people—ultimately becoming a trainer for RUPES USA. Listeners will hear practical insights on embracing challenges, valuing your work, and balancing personal growth with business success. This candid conversation delivers plenty of humor, heart, and real-world advice for detailers and small business owners alike.

Key Takeaways

• Every Journey Starts Somewhere: Giancarlo’s path began as a teenage father working odd jobs (from roofing to retail). His story shows that humble beginnings and early setbacks can fuel a strong drive to succeed.
• Networking is a Superpower: Being friendly and connecting with all kinds of people proved invaluable. Giancarlo’s high school habit of befriending everyone later translated into customers for his detailing business.
• Opportunities in Plain Sight: The idea to start a detailing business struck when he watched someone earn $760 in three hours washing cars. This “aha” moment taught him to recognize opportunities around him and take action.
• Learn as You Go: With no prior experience, he turned to YouTube and mentors to learn detailing. Giancarlo highlights the importance of continuous learning and adapting—whether it was mastering paint correction or figuring out social media marketing to promote his work.
• Be Proud of Your Work: Initially, he felt embarrassed cleaning friends’ cars who had “better” careers, but he remembered his parents’ advice: whatever your job is, do it with excellence. This mindset helped him turn a simple car wash into a respected premium service.
• Know Your Worth: Giancarlo learned to set fair prices for his services. After seeing clients pay top dollar at a car show, he realized he was undervaluing himself. He began charging what his quality was worth—understanding that the right customers will pay for good work and that it’s okay to turn down those who won’t.
• Pivot and Innovate: As his mobile detailing grew, he expanded into higher-end offerings like ceramic coatings, wraps, and paint protection film. When a physical shop became too costly, he wasn’t afraid to pivot—shifting focus to training other detailers, which opened new revenue streams and played to his strengths.
• Give Back and Mentor: Training became a passion for Giancarlo. He not only teaches technical skills but also stays available to students afterward. His approach underlines the value of mentorship and building others up in the industry.
• Balance Life and Values: Throughout his journey, Giancarlo’s family and faith kept him grounded. He speaks about finding peace through gratitude—appreciating what he has rather than focusing on what he lacks. This perspective helped him handle stress, make principled decisions, and bring genuine enthusiasm to his work.
• Stay Humble and Hungry: Despite social media exposure and a new role with a major company, Giancarlo remains down-to-earth. He stresses that he’s an “open book” – always learning, willing to help others, and grateful for every opportunity. 

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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In this episode of the Cruise Control Podcast, Kevin sits down with Jay Royal of Ace of Spades Auto Detailing to unpack a wild entrepreneurial journey—starting as a valet hustler in Atlanta, Jay shares how he transitioned from running parking lots to building a premium detailing brand. Hear how a brutal business loss, wise words from his wife, and a complete mindset shift turned everything around. From $25 car washes to $650 details and real business systems, Jay’s story is as raw,

Key Takeaways

• Jay started his entrepreneurial life hustling three jobs, eventually inheriting a valet business and growing it to 12 employees.
• His first introduction to detailing came through an employee detailing cars at the valet—who later quit and inspired Jay to learn on his own.
• His wife Donna became the backbone of their growth—bringing strategy, operations thinking, and accountability to the business.
• Jay transitioned from a $25 waterless car wash guy to a $650 full interior detailer with professional-grade service.
• He originally operated without business licenses, insurance, or systems—until tough lessons and lost revenue forced him to get legit.
• Losing 50–75% of his customers after raising prices turned out to be a blessing—he now works less and earns more.
• Jay learned to separate pride from progress—listening to mentors, accepting criticism, and empowering others like his stepson Chris.
• Family business dynamics were tough at first, but became a strength once roles were clearly defined and egos dropped.
• The couple embraced slow-season resilience by working in all weather and saying “yes” to odd-hour requests to rebuild their brand.
• Jay now mentors other detailers, encouraging them to think like business owners—not hustlers—and to charge their worth unapologetically.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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To celebrate the 100th episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis sits down with the wise and wildly entertaining Ray Sanders—a seasoned executive, pastor, entrepreneur, and all-around life philosopher. Together, they dive deep into purpose, legacy, burnout, faith, family, and what it really means to build a life worth remembering. Ray shares powerful insights on how to navigate transition, find fulfillment beyond hustle, and live in alignment with your true calling. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a masterclass on how to build a life that matters.

Key Takeaways

1. Legacy doesn’t start at retirement—it starts right now.
   If you're thinking about your legacy, you're already behind. Every choice you're making today builds it.
2. Busyness is often a mask for brokenness.
   Many people hide behind hustle to avoid dealing with what’s really going on inside.
3. You can’t build something lasting without anchoring to purpose.
   Business success means little if it’s not aligned with who you are and why you’re here.
4. Faith isn’t a part of your life—it’s the whole framework.
   Ray emphasizes that faith is the lens through which all decisions should be made.
5. If your calendar and your checkbook were sermons, what would they preach?
   Where you spend your time and money tells the real story of your values.
6. You don't age out of influence—you just level up.
   Whether you're 25 or 65, your wisdom and presence matter to someone coming up behind you.
7. A life well-lived leaves a ripple, not just a resume.
   The way you treat others and the relationships you build outlive any title.
8. Clarity comes from quiet, not chaos.
   You won’t find your purpose in a rush—you’ll find it in stillness and intentional reflection.
9. Men in leadership often confuse identity with role.
   You’re not just your title, your business, or your success. You’re much more—and it’s time to reconnect with that.
10. The dash between the birthdate and death date is where legacy is written.
    Ray’s final reminder: what will your dash mean to the people you love, serve, and lead?

www.raysanders.com

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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In this episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis sits down with Jamie Werner — founder of Equip Academy and AutoLab Films — to talk about creating a true trade school for the automotive aesthetics industry. Jamie shares his unfiltered entrepreneurial journey, why skills alone won't build a career, and how he’s shaping the next generation of installers with more than just hands-on training. Tune in for lessons on leadership, fulfillment, and why treating employees right isn't optional — it's everything.

Key Takeaways:

From Fitness to Film: Jamie’s Wild Career Pivot
Jamie’s journey took him from managing gym floors to leading an automotive film brand—with no background in the car industry.

Starting from Scratch in an Unknown Industry
Jamie talks about his first SEMA experience, realizing how massive the automotive world was, and diving headfirst into it.

Why Jamie Prioritized Education and Mentorship Over Sales
Instead of hoarding knowledge, Jamie focused on building open education and mentorship programs for installers.

How Equip Academy is Flipping the Industry Model
Jamie’s goal isn’t just training — it’s building a true trade school that produces workers ready for the industry from day one.

You’re Not an Installer After Four Days
Jamie emphasizes that real skill takes time and practice — a crash course doesn't make you a professional.

Beyond Cars: Huge New Opportunities in Marine and Home Markets
Installers are moving into marine, architecture, and even home appliance spaces, creating massive new income streams.

The Real Value of a Landing Page for Your Services
Businesses must focus their marketing and create simple, specific landing pages for each service instead of trying to be everything to everyone.

Why Jamie Works FOR His Staff, Not the Other Way Around
Jamie’s leadership philosophy: the owner works for the team, not the other way around — loyalty is earned through service.

The Right Way to Add PPF to Your Detailing Business
Before launching full PPF services, detailers should subcontract installs to test demand and build proof of concept.

Helping Young Entrepreneurs Build a Life, Not Just a Business
Jamie’s ultimate mission: teach young entrepreneurs to work to live—not live to work—and help them build sustainable, fulfilling careers.

https://equip-academy.com

https://autolab-us.com

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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In this laid-back but powerful episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis sits down with Roger Demaree, longtime marketing director at Kicker, to unpack the brand's journey from a garage in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to global car audio icon. Roger shares hilarious stories (yes, Sir Mix-a-Lot included), valuable lessons in faith-driven leadership, and golden insights for small business owners on staying ahead of trends, building loyalty, and fostering meaningful relationships—both in business and in life. Whether you run a detail shop or just love loud music and good people, this episode has something for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Build on Relationships, Not Transactions
   Roger highlights how real success comes from caring about people first—not what they can offer you.
2. Integrity Wins in the Long Run
   Kicker air-freighted $600K worth of amps at a loss during COVID to keep dealers afloat. Why? Because it was the right thing to do.
3. From “Ass-Kicker” to “Kicker”
   The brand name was born from a customer saying the bass felt like it “kicked him in the ass.” (Yep, really.)
4. Marketing Without Contracts
   Roger shares that almost all of his brand ambassador and influencer relationships are handshake deals—built on trust.
5. Customer Experience Is the Product
   The real product isn’t just sound—it’s the feeling customers get when their music hits right.
6. Culture Is Everything
   Kicker has 200 employees, and Roger (22 years in) is only #51 in seniority. That's a culture built on loyalty.
7. Networking: The Secret Superpower
   Roger's legendary stories of meeting Guy Fieri, Billy Gibbons, Aaron Hagar, and Sir Mix-a-Lot all stem from genuine connection—not chasing clout.
8. Stay Ahead or Become Kodak
   Kicker avoided the fate of companies like Kodak by not getting into head units and instead pivoting into OEM integration and vehicle-specific solutions.
9. Support Doesn’t End After the Sale
   A customer who bought outdated subs on eBay still got a discount and support from Kicker—just because he was a fan.
10. Small Business? Act Big by Thinking Smart
    Whether it’s faith, fairness, or feedback—small shops can adopt these same guiding principles to win big in any market.

www.kicker.com

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