Meet the 2019 IDA Awards Winners…

By Erin Reyes, IDA Communications Coordinator

 

The International Detailing Association (IDA) has developed an awards program to recognize deserving individuals and companies that have made significant contributions to the detailing profession and live up to the ideals indicated in the IDA Code of Ethics.

In October, the IDA sought nominations from the public for the IDA awards, celebrating the best detailer, detail shop, mobile detailer and detail supplier of the year.  A public vote in December—with some very close races—decided our winners.  People were also able to submit nominations for the IDA Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes an IDA member who works above and beyond to advance the detailing profession.  This deserving recipient was chosen by the IDA Board of Directors.

Winners were announced at the IDA Annual Business Meeting and Awards Presentation, held on Friday, January 11, 2019, at Mobile Tech Expo in Orlando, Florida.  Without any further ado, the winners are…

 

Detailer of the Year

This award is presented to a detailing technician who has demonstrated superior knowledge, technical skill, and professionalism.

Winner: Joab Flores, CD-SV

Platinum Plus Mobile Detailing

Costa Mesa, California

Joab Flores has been a huge ambassador for the IDA and the detailing industry by taking part in some very important events and being a positive influence on others.  He is recognized as one of the top detailers in all of Southern California, dually certified by the IDA and Detailing Success.  He is always helpful, and his professionalism is to be admired.  Knowledge is not a one-way street for Flores, however.  He likes to share information with his customers about the condition of their vehicle and the perils their automotive paint experiences in a very brutal environment.  He feels honest communication and a clear sharing of consumers’ options goes a long way to building customer confidence and loyalty. www.platinumplusmobiledetailing.com

Runners-up: Mark Elliot, Jr., CD-SV, Firehouse Auto Spa, Jacksonville, Florida; and Shayne Mayfield, CD-SV, Perfection Plus Auto Detailing, Redmond, Oregon.

 

Detail Shop of the Year

This award is presented to a detailing shop that is nominated for operating an outstanding facility.

Winner: Perfection Plus Auto Detailing

Shane Mayfield, CD-SV

Redmond, Oregon

Shane Mayfield, an IDA Certified Detailer-Skills Validated, and his team are top of the field in regard to detailing shops.  With a combined 30 years of automotive reconditioning and rejuvenation experience, the Perfection Plus staff takes tremendous pride in their work and customer service.  Additionally, Mayfield serves as a mentor to fellow detailers, providing invaluable insight and advice from his many years of experience. www.perfectionplus.biz

Runners-up: Detail Boss, Scottsdale, Arizona; and Firehouse Auto Spa, Jacksonville, Florida

 

Mobile Detailer of the Year

The award is presented to a mobile detailing professional who has been nominated as having an outstanding operation and lives up to the ideals indicated in the IDA Code of Ethics.  This award is open to both shops with mobile units and to solely mobile detail operations.

Winner: Kleen Car Wash

Pradeep Kumar

Hyderabad, India

Kleen Car Wash is the first mobile car detailing service provider of its kind in Hyderabad, India, and the first international recipient of this award.  Their work is very much appreciated by their customers, as seen in their stellar Google reviews and Facebook recommendations.  Along with detailing, they also educate consumers about the use of different cleaning agents they use.  Their mission is simple: to make their customers appreciate their work and provide a comfortable yet best car wash experience as their customers relax at home.  www.kleencarwash.com

Runners-up: Elite Auto Salon, Tampa, Florida; and Miami Luxe Detailing, Doral, Florida

 

Detail Supplier of the Year

The award is presented to a product or service supplier that has been nominated for making a significant contribution to the detailing industry by meeting at least two of the necessary criteria.  The nominee must maintain a superior reputation within the industry.

Winner: American Detailer Garage

Billy Baugus

Brandenburg, Kentucky

American Detailer Garage was founded by detailer Billy Baugus.  His goal was to use his vast knowledge of the industry to develop a brand of chemicals that are affordable and of good quality.  American Detailer Garage seeks to provide automotive detailers with products that improve efficiency as well as profitability.  Each product is designed to provide the end user with simplicity of use.  The ADG products Baugus has introduced are changing the way industry professionals detail! www.americandetailergaragellc.com

Runners-up: Lake Country Manufacturing, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin; and P&S Detail Products, Hayward, California

 

Outstanding Service

The award is presented to a detailing industry professional and IDA member who works above and beyond to advance the detailing profession.

Winner: Joe DiFiore, CD-SV

DiFiore’s Auto Detailing

Norwich, Connecticut

For Joe DiFiore, it is not about detailing cars—it is about the people and making sure he puts a smile on his customers’ faces.  He has volunteered with the detailing shop at the Center for Hope in Massachusetts, teaching the detailers how to become more efficient and use new equipment and products.  He also serves as a mentor to fellow industry professionals, offering advice beyond detailing, including handling finances, best business practices and more.  After 30 years in the industry, he is looking to share his experience with others and help people run their own detailing operations, especially new business owners.  DiFiore is the current IDA Membership Committee chair and a great ambassador for the IDA.  www.difioredetail.com

At the IDA awards ceremony, 2018 IDA President Justin Labato, CD-SV, RT, was also recognized for his superb service to the association and the industry throughout the past year.  To find out more about the IDA awards program or any of our past winners, visit the-ida.com.

(Editor’s Note: Company descriptions and achievements were submitted as part of the nomination process.  They have been edited for length and clarity.  The IDA does not endorse any specific service providers or suppliers.)

 

The IDA had a prominent presence at the 2019 Mobile Tech Expo, held recently at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The IDA awards were presented during the Show.