BudA seminar ...

For two years in a row 8-10 detailers from so cal and az. met in Laughlin for an informal detailers convention. We had a great time and may do it for a third time this spring.
 
I have attended more than one training seminar on detailing over the years. Some provide a wealth of information and some are infommercials. Depending on what you hope to get out of them you must try to find out what your paying for. See if there is a written agenda that covers what subjects will be discussed, whether any hands on training will be provided and what are the qualifications of the speaker.
In Buds case he has a passion for the industry and although he may come off as a high pressure salesman, I tease him and tell him that I consider him a Carnival Barker from days past who did anything possible to get you interested in their show.
Bus truly puts on a show. Quite often he rubs folks the wrong way. He is somewhat narrow minded regarding competing products. His focus is on making you feel that you will truly benefit by using his products. He is a manufacture! That is what a manufacture does to promote sales. Bud has some good information is you listen closely. Sure he is not going to promote his competition, but why should he. In any show, convention, or seminar you will always have the (pitch), that is why the experts are there. Those events are not charity. Anyone offering their expert advise, traveling to a location, preparing for the session has a reason. It is understandable that they want to receive a benefit as well as offer one.
The value of what you receive depends on what you want. In every case you can receive some value if you listen closely. I decided years ago that I can learn how to do something either more efficiently, quicker or better no matter what the class. Quite often the detailing seminar may have very little benefit, but I always found something of value to take with me.
You can find at least a hundred offers of classes, seminars, training or just advise on any given day. You may ask the opinions of those that have attended these offerings. You will get just as many opinions of the value of any of these. You will find none that please or displease everyone. You may very well attend because you need info on removing swirl marks, another may attend to seek info on removing stains from leather seats. Whether both, one or either of you leave feeling your questions were answered depends on what your preconceptions were of the seminar to begin with and whether you were swayed during the class.
I have been at Buds and I have attended a two day class in Cincinnati taught by Ron Ketcham and Tim Brune at Automotive International. I felt that I learned more in two days than I had in over 30 years of detailing. The class was very technically oriented by looking closely at what the chemical composition of paint truly is and based on that was taught what elements can effect the finish and what procedures can repair any damage. It was also shown when and how to tell when the damage is beyond repair which very few seminars will ever admit.
If you are interested in the class I just mentioned you can find the schedule at http://www.autoint.com. Many of you will also feel that Ron is very strong in his opinions. He is but I prefer his style of quick straight answers and no dog and pony show. He may mention that he has a product that can assist in your effort but he never pushes it and has never cut me down when I mention what brand I use. He also does not cruise every forum looking to promote his product. His posts are straight and to the point, no messages that you should call him.
I will also mention that he will not tell you how to promote you business, market, or offer any advise on how to corner the market. Bud goes for the entire realm of carwashing and detailing, were Ron deals exclusively with the technical aspects.
Just wanted to express another view. I agree with Diane and her experience attending Buds offerings. I also agree that many do not like the same offerings. Just know that you usually get exactly what you expect out of most experiences. If you allow others to sway you by their bashing of others you will be disappointed too. If you go to this or any other seminar because you want to learn you will come home with something of value.
You be the judge. Don't let the negatives stop you from learning.
 
$250-$350 fo' a detail??? You have got to be kidding me......I love Detail City.....And hey am I the only one that went to Meguiar's Detail classes?? I paid $600 about 6 years ago.
 
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