Training for detailing

I have read a lot here and gained a lot of knowledge. During a shopping spree (only shopping, not buying) I ran across Autogeeks ad for training. Has anyone done it and if so, was it worth it? They are not doing road shows, so that would mean travel to Florida as well as the usual expenses of the training, meals, lodging, etc. I’m not opposed to sending money to learn, it has served me well in my vocation for over 40 years. Any thoughts?

 

I've not done it.....but its something I'd like to do. They had a road show class about 2 hours from me a couple of years ago....did not have the 500.00 to do that either. His three day class, including airfare, rental car, hotel and meals would end up costing me 3k.....so, not going to be able to afford that either. I've heard tons of positive feedback from people who have taken the 3-day class, though....just out of my price range.

 

An ex member here @wareaglesteve aka @southboundsteve did the program and said it was awesome.

 

Where in Florida is the class? West palm? I should go do it. Sounds fun as hell.

 

Yes I believe so. He was the godfather here and just an all around great guy, but he unfortunately left. I could text him and try to get some info but he's been a ghost for a couple years so idk if I'll hear back

 

are you at least BLS certified?
If not, why not?
There are much more useful ways to spend your money
aside from actually taking your time to wash and detail a few times to know all the spots, watch a few YT vids
unless you plan to make a biz of detailing, I guess

 

That would be cool if you did hear back. I know there is probably a story to tell about his dismissal. It would be cool to get some of the detail guys on the forum to do a meet up and train.

 

I believe it is in Stuart maybe? Is that near West Palm?

 

Yes pretty close. I’m gonna look into it sounds like fun and hotels are cheap right now.

 

Well yes it’s in Stuart. The boot camp is $1500 I say damn. That’s a little steep for a fun meetup but would still be a hell of an experience

 

Ok, I’ll bite - what is BLS Certified? A search didn’t enlighten me.
I learned from a mentor many years ago that if I invested in myself, the returns would far outweigh the initial cost. I have found that to be very true, much like giving to a Church or other worthy endeavor. I just got back from a job in an industry that is treating me very well at a time when not long ago, I would have been sent out to pasture. That doesn’t mean that the cost is justifiable or even necessary. The old “school of hard knocks” or experience is a very valuable way of learning. I don’t know if this will turn into anything other than a nice way to keep my ride looking it’s best. When I was young, that’s about all I had going for me. My old 62 Chevy Nova station wagon wasn’t anything to get me on the pages of GQ Magazine, but it was squeaky clean and that helped me with the high school girls.

 

I'd call soon...his classes fill up quickly

 

I bet. I won’t be able to do it till spring or summer.

 

I’m going to give them a call Monday and check a few things. I’ll let you know what I find out.

 

I wondered what happened to him, hated to ask.

 

Shine Supply does a 3 day class for $1,900 in Ventura, Ca. He has a negotiated rate with a hotel for $99.00 per night. Not sure I’d ever do one of these, but I think that’s the one I’d do. I think his class sizes are much smaller than Autogeek’s, which is a plus, but I’m not positive on that. I think Autogeek allows 20 people. From pics I’ve seen, Jeremy’s classes tend to be limited to around half a dozen.

I’m also probably biased by the good interaction and relationship I’ve had with Shine Supply. They’re a much smaller business than Autogeek, so I think I’d rather spend the money with them. Not to say there’s anything better or worse between them, just how I’d personally lean. @Pudge and I have both had some good discussions with Jeremy that weren’t about detailing. He’s just a really passionate, stand up guy.

 

I follow Jermy on Instagram I would love to do his class. I lean towards autogeek just because it’s 2hrs from me. But a trip to Cali is always a good time pre Covid

 

This might be a real opportunity. My wife grew up in Illinois with a woman that lives in Ventura, so I could kill two birds with one stone. She gets to yak, yak, yak, (and I don’t have to be there) plus get some Mr. Wonderful points while I’m really indulging in something that has sparked a fire in my old a..
I’ll check into the Shine setup. Thanks for the tip.

 

Another option: There’s a Chemical Guys Detail Garage in Houston. I believe they also do classes. I’m not a big fan of many of their products, but the classes may be interesting and informative, and you wouldn’t have to travel.

 

I don’t think we ever got an explanation. He had stepped away for a while, then was back for a short time before leaving for good. He was the original guy in charge of the “Ask the Detailer” thread and stepped down. He’s definitely missed. Great guy and solely responsible for a few of us becoming so interested in the hobby. He was the one who taught us everything when we were newbies.

 

I found that the Shine class in CA has a heavy content of sales and setting up your business, not what I’m in it for right now. There is a Chemical Guys Detail Shop close to a job I’m on, so I’ll swing by there. Since I’m using my rathole money, Momma is not even barking.

 

I've looked into a few of these classes but the exorbitant price some places/people charge is unreal. I have a buddy (actually competition for business in my area) that is IDA certified and has paid for all those classes and then some. He told me the classes themselves didn't teach him much more than experience did (his business has been around for several years), but the networking more than paid for itself. So I guess if it turns into a business for you, it may be worth it. He is on the IDA board now and has been contracted for the past few years for polishing and detailing old airplanes at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum doing some pretty phenomenal, large-scale jobs.

 

Update - I signed up for the early May Boot Camp at Autogeek with Mike Phillips. We had a long talk on the phone and after that, I made the decision to invest in the training. More to come.

 

Can’t wait to hear about it!

 

We will have to talk soon. After your “the screws should be in the same direction” we may have some other things in common.

 

You an electrician?

 

Winner, winner chicken dinner!

 

Looks like not too much is going on in Stuart for my wife who is tagging along. Is Hutchinson Island worth taking a look at? She will just want a good pool and access to the beach. She has Cherokee and Comanche blood in her and will come back with a tan just to piss her girlfriends off.