Are There Really Famous Detailers?

[Garry Dean]

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.

What he said!

[Bunky]

I think biggest program of using the word "famous" associated with some detailers is that it causes some discontent with detailers of equal ability (or in their mind better) but less known or just not called "famous". You see this as sniping publicly and privately.

Why are the special to be called famous? I know from a marketing aspect when someone has event they would always promote their guests as "famous" but then I have seen some "experts" that are less than perfect human beings in terms of ability to judge cars for a car show.

[RTexasF]

Too many are famous in their own minds and it shows every time they talk or type on a forum. I read much of the expert work done here and on other forums and it shows me how little I actually know even though I`ve been at it a while. Those that can accomplish such perfectionist work, are humble, and willingly help others are famous in my book.

[jammerz101]

I`d say that while there may be many detailers that are very skilled and do excellent work, the ones that could be perceived as "famous" in the online forum world are the best at marketing themselves.

Here we are talking about them, pondering whether they are famous or not. In no way are they famous. Put them on the red carpet at any award show and people would be wondering "Who let the help cross the velvet ropes? Get security!".

What matters is, detailers with high profile exposure can be found where people would be looking for them online and that is good for their business model.

[Erock]

I think theres a lot of categories to consider. Is there a guy who vaccuums carpets better than anyone else in the world???Well who cares??? I think that famous people in this industry are people in the restoration and paint correction biz. Does that really fall into the detail category? Sure your detail guy may be able to compound and polish your car but hes not a restoration proffesional, hes a paint correction guy not Chip Foose, Just sayin....

[Mr. Clean]

I think theres a lot of categories to consider. Is there a guy who vaccuums carpets better than anyone else in the world???Well who cares??? I think that famous people in this industry are people in the restoration and paint correction biz. Does that really fall into the detail category? Sure your detail guy may be able to compound and polish your car but hes not a restoration proffesional, hes a paint correction guy not Chip Foose, Just sayin....

This illustrates a point made above...Put Chip Foose out on a red carpet in countless areas around the country and a fair majority of people couldn`t tell you who he is. I don`t watch his program and I couldn`t point him out in a crowd of three.

I also agree with RFTexas` comment. There are probably more than a few detailers who are famous and or legends, unfortunately it is likely only in their minds and a sparse number of "fans".

[Mel Craig]

Well, the one thing that pops out at me while reading most of your post is how many of you have discussed getting educated and being trained. Education is one very important component of the success of any business. There are a lot of great detailers out there. Some are well known for their marketing, some for the level of professionalism, others for the work they perform and some who have just been there since the beginning and, have seen it all happen. But, for the most part the word "famous" may be a bit over kill... I think the word that pops into my head is "Respected" and when you have created respect you have created something special..

[Bill D]

I don`t watch his program and I couldn`t point him out in a crowd of three.

I saw Chip Foose IRL in a crowd a few years ago at the Amelia Island Concours. He was looking rather "busy". I also spotted Barry Meguiar.He was approachable and seemed happy to chat for a while.

[Thomas Dekany]

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"?

Hi Setec - I think all the names mentioned here are e famous. Even Paul or Mike. Meaning that unless you are "into" detailing in some shape or form, most wouldn`t know the names. But why would they? It is just detailing after all.

[Shane731]

Yeah, Im pretty famous!

LOL

I will be one day.

Hey, I recognized you when I saw you at Detail Fest 2011! That`s got to mean something, right?

[C. Charles Hahn]

That`s got to mean something, right?

It means you`ve got way too much time and an internet connection on your hands, Shane....

(Yeah, yeah; look who`s talking )

[vitalcarcare]

I would rather be respected by my clients and my peers than famous anyday