Are There Really Famous Detailers?

[Setec Astronomy]

I was just reading about some "famous" detailers. I think the only ones that could possibly be considered "famous" are the ones you see on TV, and the only two I know of are Mike Phillips and Paul Dalton. I don`t think having a lot of posts on detailing forums, or working on exotic cars makes you "famous", nor does being flown in for a job (if that was the case, there would be a lot of everyday service people who would be considered "famous").

What do you guys think makes a detailer "famous"?

[Bunky]

I was just reading about some "famous" detailers.

What do you guys think makes a detailer "famous"?

I know what you are referring to and I think it is a bit much. I do not like the word "famous" at all.

[C. Charles Hahn]

Depends... famous with who?

If we`re talking about someone being famous in the sense that people around the country or around the world know them by name, yeah there aren`t too many.

However I think there are a lot of "famous" detailers around the forum world that most of us who read and post frequently know about, and there are also a number of "famous" detailers we`ve never heard of before. By that I mean folks who are widely regarded in their local areas as "the best in town" by people who are frequent customers and refer others to them as well.

Point being, there are various levels and degrees of famous so it`s really hard to judge who is famous and how.

[BillRids]

To me, it boils down to either being "E-Famous", and actually Famous. Especially when it comes to the internet, anyone can have 5,000 posts on a forum and consider themselves an expert when in reality they may just have too much free time on their hands.

Don`t get me wrong though, lots of the old schoolers that still post are extremely knowledgeable and I for one do value their opinion when I read their material. When you`re on the forums, ego can certainly get in the way of opinion.

[Concours.John]

Depends... famous with who?

If we`re talking about someone being famous in the sense that people around the country or around the world know them by name, yeah there aren`t too many.

However I think there are a lot of "famous" detailers around the forum world that most of us who read and post frequently know about, and there are also a number of "famous" detailers we`ve never heard of before. By that I mean folks who are widely regarded in their local areas as "the best in town" by people who are frequent customers and refer others to them as well.

Point being, there are various levels and degrees of famous so it`s really hard to judge who is famous and how.

I can agree with this. There are a handful of detailers very well
known nationwide by collectors.
This group does not post their work for privacy reasons. They are not "ranked" either.
They do handle hundreds of millions worth of cars yearly.

[Beemerboy]

I think what we have in the detail industry are a hand full of well educated and or very experienced detailers.

I don`t think that the term famous applies to them. Or maybe they are famous to those that follow who`s, who in the detail industry.

[Paul Sparks]

I think a lot of people can market themselves and demand a higher-end clientele. You may know someone that has the same level of detailing skills but works in small town USA on daily drivers mostly. So its not just skill alone that puts a detailer into the category of "famous" as its being used here. I have had a few talented detailers tell me that paint is just paint no matter if its on a Lambo or a Pinto. I have met some very talented detailers that don`t frequent forums and some that seem to be online quite often. We recognize those online but that doesn`t make those that don`t any less talented , just not a recognizable name to the public.I saw the event that I think the OP had in mind for this post. Those detailers seem to be very talented and respected in this field but if you stopped 50 people at a car show or related event , I think a very small percentage of people would recognize them. It appears that the word famous was used in the ad for this event as sort of a marketing deal aimed at a lot of forum readers such as ourselves. Seems pretty smart to me.

[Bill D]

I think detailing in it of itself has to be popular and well known and publicly recognized enough for there to be "famous" detailers. Until it`s somewhat common place for many people`s neighbors down the street to have a PC or a Flex, even a rotary(!) stashed in their garage, much like a football or set of golf clubs, then detailing might be considered more of a popular pastime and then we might be able to identify who the Joe Namaths or Arnold Palmers are of detailing.

Otherwise, there are those who are "famous" only in their inner circle or are recognized as such as by the industry. To name another name, Renny Doyle comes to mind. He has a pretty impressive track record and a really interesting site.

[John@Autopia-Carcare.com]

Until it`s somewhat common place for many people`s neighbors down the street to have a PC or a Flex, even a rotary(!) stashed in their garage, much like a football or set of golf clubs.

With all the education and information that is becoming readily available these days, you`d be surprised how many of your neighbors own a PC or have considered buying one.

When I talk to customers, or potential customers I always make an effort to explain the benefits of something like a PC. The general feedback is, "Oh NO! A Machine on my paint!" Education is what will grow this industry to it`s potential.

[Bill D]

I`m definitely all for increased awareness and education of the passion of detailing.Once people know more of what detailing is really all about,I think they will be more interested in picking it up. People are keeping their cars longer and the used car market is really big right now, so plenty of new potential "converts" out there ready to "see the light" :D :bigups

[C. Charles Hahn]

The general feedback is, "Oh NO! A Machine on my paint!"

When you see the kind of things happening that I just saw a few minutes ago driving by a local volume shop, I can understand that mentality. There was a "detailer" standing alongside the building with a Makita rotary in tow and it took him all of about 30 seconds (I kid you not) to "buff" the entire driver`s side of what looked to be a nearly brand-new BLACK Buick LaCrosse. Right after it came out the end of a brush-equipped tunnel wash.

With hacks out there doing stuff like that to poor unsuspecting cars, of course people are going to be scared of machines.


Education is what will grow this industry to it`s potential.

Indeed. In fact I just recently hooked up with a guy who is very well known in the paint and body shop world for producing a series of training DVDs, and he is going to be producing some materials for the car care and detailing world as well in an attempt to "bridge the gap" and bring more information to both communities. He also has a popular TV show that he co-hosts and produces so I`m not sure yet if or how he plans to leverage that in his efforts -- but it should be very interesting. I`ll at the very least be moderating his forum, and hopefully he will bring me on to do some technical consulting for his DVD and whatever other projects he has in mind.

Between what PBMA is doing, what we`re doing, and what others are doing hopefully proper car care will become much more mainstream. As well it should considering the cost of vehicles keeps going up and up while people are becoming less and less able to afford to replace them as frequently as they used to.

:rockon

[Concours.John]

I think education is truly key from a service end and product end. the term "detailer" has been tainted for years because of shoddy work and someone refering to themselves as a "detailer".

There are people in shops capable of doing great work but the companies bottom line dictates how the work is done, equipment and product wise not the "detailer".

Personally I refer to myself as a Restoration Specialist to current and potential clients. There are many "detailers" out there who I feel fall into this catagory more.(Those who can fully recondtion every part of a vehicle)

The more you know how to do and do well, the more you are desired. People like one stop shopping for their cosmetic needs. The type of detailing I speak of requires a fixed location (because you are taking apart the car) but can be very profitable.

Quality work, process, and correct product useage sets the standard. People notice this and as word spreads someone may not be famous but very well known for their work. It takes the right client and before you know it, those who have the money all know who you are nation-wide

[triplejumper18]

http://991.com/newGallery/David-Bowie-Fame-171418.jpg

[Garry Dean]

Yeah, Im pretty famous!

LOL

I will be one day.

[Addicted2Bling]

I think having a reputable company with lots and lots of loyal customers built on trust respect and high quality work is what makes you famous.