Click here to read the Interview on the International Detailing Association website

Founders Club Member Spotlight - Mike Dickson

How did you get into the detailing industry?
I joined my father in his auto parts business, Ohio Auto Supply, in 1980.  He had already brought on Pro Car Beauty as an additional line in 1970 to service dealerships and detail shops.  In 1981, our outside salesman jumped ship.  So I was thrown into his position, trying to save our accounts.  I knew nothing at all at the time about detail products, but I learned on the front lines from our customers and suppliers!!  And became passionate about it!  In 1983, we began to manufacture 5 PDP products, which since then has grown into the complete line that we offer today.

Please tell us your business’ story in 5 sentences or less
My grandfather founded the company as wrecking yard in 1933, then began to sell new auto parts, as they became available.  My father joined him in 1947, and worked the business for 50 years.  I joined him in 1980, and then he and I began manufacturing Professional Detailing Products in 1983.    In 1998, I built a new 15,000 sq ft facility for manufacturing, office, warehouse, and showroom.  In 2009, I had an opportunity to sell the auto parts side of the business, allowing us to fully concentrate on our passion: Professional Detailing Products. In 2015, we expanded further with a 4000 sq ft wing, for a state of the art Detailing Training Center.

In what products or services does your company specialize?
We manufacture and distribute the Professional Detailing Products line, along with almost every other supporting line of detailing equipment and chemicals.  Also we offer a regular curriculum of detailing classes in our Training Center.  Our levels of distribution encompass volume distributors, new and used car dealerships, detail shops, car washes, and web sales.  We have a unique 3000 sq ft showroom at our facility for walk-in sales, that has everything on display that a detailer can imagine.  We are also a repair and warranty center for all lines of carpet extractors and polishers.   We love new innovative products for the detail industry, whether we develop them or find them!

What do you think is the most important factor to being successful in the detailing industry?
To be open to new ideas, new procedures and products, that save your customers Time, Effort, and Money.   And equally as important is to be genuinely be interested in your customer’s success, and be a consultant and mentor to them.   Life’s too short to do it any other way!   

Are there any awards/certifications/accomplishments that you or your business has earned and would like to share with us?
In 2000, after erecting our new facility, we were awarded The Outstanding Business Award in our area of Ohio.  We’re one of the Founder’s Club members of the IDA, and proud to say we have 3 IDA Recognized Trainers and 2 CD/SV’s on staff.   Our National Training Center has been named the IDA’s first RTC, Recognized Training Center.   Our employees have a depth of experience in the industry, several with 10, 20, and 30 years.

What is the best advice you ever received?
If I didn’t have to sum it up in one catchphrase, I can truly say THE best advice I ever received was the total sum of influences from my father, Phil Dickson.  In a steady but firm manner, he conveyed to me that the principles and standards that you keep for yourself and for others, are what honor you, and them.   I received this advice on a daily basis, by observing how he lived.

What tips do you have for the new detailer? For the experienced detailer?
Same tip for both:  Keep an open mind to new procedures and products.  Always be in the Learning mode.  Share your Knowledge and be helpful to all, and it will come back to you, and tenfold!

Funniest business moment?
We learned a customer had used our BugMelt bug remover product to try to de-flea his dog!!  Not so funny for the dog, however…!