In this episode, Shawn Gervais and Marshall Hill issue a clear warning to the detailing industry: 2026 is not going to be kind to businesses that are unprepared. A major shake-out is coming, and a lot of shops are about to lose their shirts — not because they’re bad detailers, but because they built fragile businesses.

They break down exactly why this wave is coming: seasonal dependency, unclear positioning, race-to-the-bottom pricing, weak customer relationships, and an overreliance on constantly chasing new leads instead of building loyalty. Shawn and Marshall draw a hard line between detailing and car washing, explaining how confusion between the two destroys margins and expectations.

More importantly, they lay out what smart operators must do now to avoid being part of the fallout — from tightening customer expectations and adapting business models, to investing in systems, data, and marketing that create stability year-round. The conversation focuses on playing the long game: nurturing existing customers, understanding your market limits, and building a brand that survives slow seasons instead of panicking through them.

If you’re heading into 2026 hoping “being busy” will save you, this episode might sting. But if you’re ready to adjust, adapt, and come out ahead while others fold, this is required listening.