Latest press release on my clinics

[turbomangt]

Detailing entrepreneur has rolled out a series of lectures for the Chicago general public and has seen his business grow.

By Stephanie Russo, Managing Editor

From the December 2003 edition of Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine.


Gary Kouba, who just opened Perfect Auto Finish in Chicago last year, may be new to professional detailing, but he has had a love of this business since he was able to legally sit behind the wheel 35 years ago.



Kouba has launched a fairly revolutionary concept, rolling out a series of seminars on detailing in his local market. In the past year alone, he’s given more than 90 sessions and he says it’s helped his business greatly.



Professional Carwashing & Detailing magazine sat down with Kouba to discover how he got his program started and how he balances a thriving detailing business with a burgeoning teaching schedule.



Professional Carwashing & Detailing: Explain how you got started in the detailing business.



Gary Kouba: I opened Perfect Auto Finish a year ago and although I only detailed on the weekends prior to that, I still had the desire.



My career has been in sales and marketing, (not related to the car care industry) and I'm still employed as an outside sales consultant on a part-time basis.



My success in both professions is the result of being highly motivated, having great communication skills, and a knowledge of my business.



PC&D: How did you discover your knack for the business of detailing, not just the technical side?



GK: While working part-time at a detail shop after cutting back my hours at my regular job, I had many great ideas, most of them came from my sales background.



I would go out to other businesses and promote detailing, offer coupons, and in my down time I would make cold calls to people just to talk about car care. I was fully qualified to open my own shop, so I got the ball rolling.



PC&D: Where do you hold your classes?



GK: The hands-on (advanced) class is hosted on-site at whatever facility hires me to do so. The two I have done have been at local Park Districts.



My first basic class was at my local Library. Many people don't know that tax dollars are funded for special programs just like my class. I got paid $100 for my first class, which had a turn out of 65 people, an attendance record for a first run class.



I also teach the class at three local junior colleges for continuing education.



I have hosted 90 classes in just over a year. This has expanded and now I go to other private organizations and speak on car care, car clubs and car shows. I have also been hired to instruct people how to detail their car on a one on one level.



PC&D: Have you found it hard to balance time between owning the business and teaching classes?



GK: My goal, with this business, was to provide auto detailing and customer education. I detail during the day and I may (at the most) teach three classes a week, in the evenings for about two hours.



Auto clinics show the average person how to care for their car and explain products on the market and how they are used.



PC&D: You mentioned that you taught a class to 75 women. Do you think this market is growing?



GK: If I were not in the business and had a choice to bring my car to a man or woman for detailing, I would pick a woman hands down.



Women are more meticulous and detail orientated but, you just don't see many female professional detailers.



My first speaking engagement where I addressed an all-female audience of 75 was a success. Do I see more interest from women in this industry? No. But I wish I did.



PC&D: What is a typical class like?



GK: My class starts out talking about the car care industry as whole.



I spend some time on what consumers should know when shopping for supplies, even when buying a new car. I

[IRPT]

Nice article Gary, way to go.

[bobs turbo pt]

great write up!! congrats!!

[Herschel]

Couldn't possibly happen to a nicer guy.
Way To Go Gary!!!! Woot!!!! H.
P.S. I've got about 5" of snow on my car?
To scrape or not to??? Just Kidding.

[Hooligan]

Hey Gary, Great article, you deserve the recognition.[^]

[therents]

Gary, what you get out of this you certainly deserve. If everyone is as impressed with you and your products as I am, your on the road to success. Keep up the good work.[^]Great article!

[Gary04GT]

Great article. The very best to you and continued success in your growing business. [^]