IDA Member Spotlight: Mike Polosky, CD-SV, MC, RT

Member Spotlight: Mike Polosky, CD-SV, MC, RT

Each month we feature a Member Spotlight. This month we spoke with Mike Polosky, CD-SV, MC, RT, General Manager of Professional Detailing Products.

International Detailing Association (IDA): How did you get into the detailing industry?
Mike Polosky (MP): I started detailing in the mid-‘70s, working on neighborhood guy’s hot rods. I was the best Armor All salesman of all time. In the ‘80s, I learned how to wet sand and buff from a painter at a local body shop. He used 600 dry and 1500 wet paper and buffed with Parko Fast Cut (ugh) with a wool pad followed by #7 machine glaze. In 1991, I started with Mike Dickson at Ohio Auto Supply selling auto parts and detailing supplies. 

IDA: Tell us more about your business. 
MP: After five years of employment with Ohio Auto Supply, I realized the parts-end of the business was a bad part of my day and the detailing side was where my passion lay. I soon set new goals to find detail shops and dealerships in need of Professional Detailing Products. I found out that the dealership’s detail shops and car washes needed quality products and training. After 30 years of serving the detail community, we’ve grown from manufacturing five products to over 200 and supplying 25 major product lines and tools.

IDA: In what products or services does your company specialize? 
MP: We specialize in manufacturing quality products with all levels of training. 

IDA: What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry? 
MP: Not only the quality of your products but the knowledge of how to use them. 

IDA: Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us? 
MP: I earned my CD-SV and my Marine Certification from the IDA. I also became a Recognized Trainer through the IDA. Our business was the 2019 Detail Supplier of the Year! That was a huge accomplishment. 

IDA: What is the best advice you ever received? 
MP: Treat everyone as an equal.

IDA: What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer? 
MP: Join the IDA to broaden your knowledge and network. Give back to the detailing community by helping with training and testing. Always be willing to help another detailer. 

IDA: What is your funniest business moment? 
MP: I was in a detail shop, trying to get some customers to purchase some new products, one of which was an extractor. Unfortunately, he declined to buy an extractor. The following week, I stopped in again and to my surprise, he was using a pressure washer to wash the seats and a vacuum to suck the water out. That was a new one for me and it opened my eyes to the need for training. 

IDA: Why did you decide to get involved with the IDA? 
MP: I was asked to be involved by Mike Dickson and agreed that it would be a great way to meet others in the industry.  

IDA: How has your involvement with the IDA affected your business and your career?
MP: It has increased my access to industry leaders. I have taken advantage of the training the IDA has offered, increasing my knowledge and ability to teach others.