Garage Grit Podcast

“Three Coaches Laughed When I Opened My Detail Shop” — Kyle Davis | GGP #042


Listen Later

When three coaches and twenty business owners told him not to open a detail shop, Kyle Davis proved them wrong. This episode dives into how Davis turned doubt into determination, growing his Virginia Beach shop beyond expectations and building a business that now fuels two thriving ventures.


After years in the Navy and bouncing between shops, Kyle discovered his passion for leadership through hard lessons in culture, management, and faith. His journey from technician to multi-shop owner started with a single decision to take control of his future—despite setbacks, skepticism, and a few hard knocks along the way.


Faced with the pressures of rapid growth and competing coaching advice, Kyle battled fear and doubt to expand Davis Car Care & Tire Center into a second operation, Davis Details. While others called it risky, Kyle trusted his instincts and market understanding to carve a new niche in high-end detailing, tinting, and ceramic coating services.


By leaning into strong coaching relationships, refining his management style, and using digital tools like TechMetric, AutoVitals, and AutoOps, Kyle scaled his business sustainably. His story offers a playbook on how to blend strategy, faith, and people-first leadership to create consistent success in the repair and detail industries.


For shop owners, this is a masterclass in building resilience, trusting your gut, and turning criticism into momentum. Kyle’s story shows what happens when you lead with faith, charge your worth, and create a shop culture technicians want to be part of.


Guests:

Kyle Davis — Davis Car Care and Tire Center — Virginia Beach, VA


What you’ll learn (shop-owner takeaways):


Why closing Saturdays can improve morale and profit


How to balance faith and business leadership


The secret to retaining top technicians long-term


How to overcome fear when launching a new venture


Using TechMetric, AutoVitals, and AutoOps together effectively


When to invest in detailing, tint, and PPF services


How to use coaching without losing your independence


What “knowing your value” really means in pricing strategy



Call-to-Actions

Got questions? Comment or post in the FB group—guests will chime in.

Subscribe for more shop-owner panels & Origin & Impact stories.

Want to be a guest? Share your story in the group.


Links

Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspx


Grid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspx


Request a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspx


Join the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspx


Partnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspx


Garage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners


Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MFNXgGMqMQzKCeDuslkkg?si=42fc7c4da4834993


YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketing


Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegrit


Keywords

auto repair marketing, shop owner leadership, Kyle Davis, Davis Car Care, Virginia Beach, shop coaching, AutoVitals, TechMetric, AutoOps, business growth, detailing shop, PPF, ceramic coating, window tinting, hiring technicians, shop management, overcoming fear, auto shop culture, pricing strategy, AA Shop Marketing


EPISODE METADATA

Episode number: 042

Guests: Kyle Davis

Shop name: Davis Car Care and Tire Center

City/State: Virginia Beach, VA

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Garage Grit PodcastBy Brad Hurlock