In this episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis sits down with Ashley, Megan, and Justin from Car Candy at Mobile Tech Expo 2025 to discuss the company’s journey from raw material sales to becoming a recognized detailing brand. Ashley shares how she started in the chemical industry, responding to detailers’ needs by formulating their first product, Chocolate Thunder Wheel Cleaner. The conversation covers strategic hiring decisions, the balance between retail and professional-grade products, and the importance of distributor relationships. Megan and Justin bring their expertise in business growth, product education, and customer engagement, highlighting the role of reinvestment, calculated risk-taking, and work-life balance in scaling a successful detailing business.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start with a Need and Solve a Problem
   • Car Candy was born from listening to detailers and identifying gaps in the market, proving that understanding customer pain points leads to successful product creation.
   • The first product, Chocolate Thunder Wheel Cleaner, was designed to make wheel cleaning easier based on direct feedback from professionals.
2. Hire for Growth, Not Just for Today
   • Ashley and Megan emphasize strategic hiring—bringing in people with complementary skill sets to ensure the company grows sustainably.
   • They highlight the importance of reinvesting profits into the business to fund smart hires and essential equipment upgrades.
3. Distribution is Key to Scaling
   • While direct sales are valuable, building a strong distribution network allows for greater reach and long-term stability.
   • Supporting distributors with proper education and marketing materials ensures they successfully promote and sell the brand.
4. Education Sells More Than Hard Selling
   • Justin explains that the best way to sell a product isn’t through aggressive sales tactics but through education.
   • Demonstrating proper product use through training, social media, and content creation helps build trust and encourages repeat customers.
5. Balancing Multiple Business Verticals
   • Car Candy has expanded into retail, private labeling, and contract packaging, allowing them to diversify revenue streams.
   • The team discusses how they prioritize opportunities and avoid distractions by focusing on long-term strategies rather than chasing every new trend.
6. Work-Life Balance Matters
   • Ashley shares how taking maternity leave was a defining moment in learning to delegate and trust her team.
   • Megan emphasizes that success isn’t just about business growth—it’s about creating a company culture that supports both professional and personal well-being.

This episode provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, detailers, and business owners looking to scale smartly while maintaining brand integrity and work-life balance.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

In this episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis sits down with Anthony Fisher from The Rag Company at Mobile Tech Expo 2025 (MTE) to discuss the evolution of branding, social media, and business growth in the detailing industry. Anthony shares insights into how The Rag Company became a dominant force, not just through great products but by pioneering content creation, YouTube education, and high-quality branding. He discusses the importance of staying ahead in social media, leveraging trending audio, and creating a brand voice that resonates with audiences.

Anthony also provides practical tips for detailers and shop owners on how to build an effective brand presence, differentiate themselves, and avoid common social media mistakes.

Anthony’s insights provide a roadmap for detailers looking to grow their businesses beyond just doing great work. By focusing on branding, content strategy, and customer engagement, shops can create a lasting impact and attract high-value clients.

Key Takeaways:

1. Education Drives Sales
   • The Rag Company focused on education through YouTube, showing customers how to use their products rather than just selling them.
   • This strategy transformed their business from a small microfiber company to an industry leader.
2. Branding is More Than a Logo
   • A strong brand voice, consistency in content, and professional presentation set businesses apart.
   • Detailers should think beyond posting car pictures—showcasing themselves, their team, and their process builds trust.
3. Social Media is a Game of Strategy
   • Use trending audio and high-engagement formats like Instagram Reels and TikTok to maximize reach.
   • Being consistent in posting style and branding (colors, filters, and messaging) helps businesses become recognizable.
4. Don’t Just Copy Other Detailers
   • Many detailers post the same “three-quarter shot” of a clean car. To stand out, businesses should create content that reflects their unique personality and brand identity.
   • Looking at successful brands outside of detailing (e.g., motorcycle or sneaker brands) can offer inspiration for better marketing strategies.
5. Customer Experience Matters More Than You Think
   • Anthony shares a real-life experience of being sold bath products through an immersive in-store demonstration, proving that experience and engagement can sell a product better than features alone.
   • Detailers can apply this by educating customers about their services and providing a seamless, personalized experience.

www.theragcompany.com

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

In this episode, Kevin Davis sits down at MTE 2025 with husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Steven and Brittney Ruscoe, the dynamic duo behind Northern Lights Home and Auto Coatings and Immersion Media. They share how they balance marriage, parenthood, and a fast-growing detailing business, all while staying true to their down-to-earth Southern roots. From leveraging humor in social media to emphasizing authenticity over “keeping up with the Joneses,” this couple reveals the mindset shifts and practical steps that have fueled their impressive trajectory. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a business without sacrificing your sanity—or your family—this conversation is for you!

Key Takeaways

1. Slow, Sustainable Growth
   • Why “maxing out” each phase of your business can prevent rash decisions and create a stable foundation.
2. People Over Profits
   • How focusing on genuinely helping employees and customers ultimately leads to bigger financial wins.
3. Authenticity Sells
   • The power of fun, personal, and even goofy social media content—rather than stiff sales pitches.
4. Family as a Business Asset
   • How working together as spouses (and parents) can strengthen both your brand and your relationship—provided you share the same vision.
5. Mindset Matters
   • Why seeing a certain revenue figure (e.g. one million dollars) is often more about personal validation and inspiring those around you than purely about money.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

In this episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis hosts Tony Pando, a seasoned business leader with a diverse career spanning Nicholas Golf, detailing, and Dr. ColorChip. Tony reflects on his time at Nicholas Golf, where he honed his skills in brand building, customer engagement, and driving growth. He shares insights into leveraging emotional connections with customers and the importance of understanding your audience to create lasting loyalty. Transitioning into his current role at Dr. ColorChip, Tony discusses how detailers can use simple but high-margin add-ons like paint chip repair to boost revenue. The conversation weaves together themes of customer service, profitability, and the adaptability needed to thrive in dynamic industries.

Key Takeaways:

1. Lessons from Nicholas Golf:
   • Tony’s time at Nicholas Golf emphasized the importance of building a brand rooted in quality and trust. He explains how the emotional connection golfers had with the brand created loyalty that translated into sales.
   • Customer service was key—anticipating needs and exceeding expectations were hallmarks of success.
2. Customer Experience is Everything:
   • Whether at Nicholas Golf or Dr. ColorChip, Tony highlights the importance of creating “wow” moments for customers, such as fixing minor issues proactively without being asked.
   • Emotional connections and goodwill lead to repeat business and referrals, which are vital for long-term growth.
3. From Golf to Detailing:
   • Transitioning industries taught Tony the importance of adaptability and leveraging transferable skills, such as marketing, leadership, and customer relationship management.
4. Profitability Through Simplicity:
   • At Dr. ColorChip, Tony champions a straightforward yet effective system for paint chip repair that can add significant revenue for detailers. By investing in easy-to-learn processes, businesses can quickly scale their offerings without major costs.
5. Be a Difference Maker:
   • Reflecting on his career, Tony emphasizes the importance of focusing on small actions that can make a big impact—both in business and in life. Whether it’s providing excellent customer service or finding innovative ways to solve problems, every effort contributes to building a lasting legacy.

This episode provides a mix of high-level strategic insights and actionable advice, offering inspiration for entrepreneurs and business owners across industries.

www.drcolorchip.com

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

This engaging episode of the Cruise Control podcast features Kevin Davis hosting entrepreneur and sales expert Jordan Stupar, founder of one of the fastest-growing sales training and media creation companies in the U.S. The conversation dives deep into actionable sales strategies, personal development, and the critical role mindset plays in both personal and professional success. Jordan shares authentic insights from his own life, tracing his evolution from door-to-door salesman to a globally recognized sales trainer, and offers valuable advice for listeners looking to level up in any area of life.

Key Topics Discussed

1. The Learnable Nature of Sales

Jordan debunks the myth that great salespeople are born, not made, and emphasizes that sales skills can be acquired and refined through practice. He notes that sales is fundamentally about solving problems for others and building emotional connections, making it a skill set that anyone can develop with dedication.

2. Sales Mistakes and Insights

• Understanding the Customer's Needs
  Jordan notes a vital misstep many salespeople make—focusing too much on features and not enough on emotional benefits. He stresses the importance of identifying what matters most to the customer and tailoring communication to highlight how a product meets those needs.
• Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
  He explains how preconceptions about customers’ purchasing power or priorities can unconsciously sabotage sales opportunities and advocates for shifting the mindset to assume positivity and interest from every customer.

3. Mindset and Discipline in Life

Kevin and Jordan explore the deeply interwoven connection between personal discipline and professional success, simplifying it into four essential pillars every man should master:

• Fitness: The importance of showing up for yourself physically to build mental resilience.
• Finances: Structuring your life for financial growth and ensuring monetary responsibility.
• Faith: Developing a deeper belief system to guide your values and decisions.
• Family: Staying present and engaged in your personal relationships, with dedicated focus.

Jordan candidly reflects on how his disciplined routines—waking up at 3 a.m., maintaining peak physical health, and prioritizing time with his family—serve as a backbone for his professional productivity and personal fulfillment.

4. Sales Process Tips

Jordan provides actionable steps for a stronger sales pitch, specifically for high-ticket services such as automotive detailing or related industries. These include:

• Taking time to educate customers, explaining why premium services exist and their long-term value.
• Leveraging questions that help customers articulate what’s most important to them.
• Avoiding generic, feature-dependent sales pitches that don’t tap into emotional decision-making.
• Presenting upsells or "add-ons" in a strategic and confident manner that creates value rather than overwhelming customers.

7. Leveraging Social Proof

Jordan advises staying connected with clients beyond the initial sale, whether through social media nudges or personalized outreach. His philosophy is simple but powerful—relationships build businesses.

www.jordanstupar.com

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

In this episode of the Cruise Control Podcast, Kevin Davis chats with Nicole Donnelly, entrepreneur and AI expert, about the transformative power of artificial intelligence for small businesses. From boosting operational efficiency to optimizing email marketing and improving SEO strategies, Nicole shares actionable insights that entrepreneurs can implement today. With relatable anecdotes and professional advice, this episode is a must-listen for small business owners looking to stay ahead of the competition.

Key Takeaways

The Impact of AI on Small Businesses

• AI can streamline workflows, improve decision-making, and enhance customer experiences for small businesses.

Common Challenges for Entrepreneurs

• Solo entrepreneurs often struggle with time management, marketing, and customer communication. AI tools can tackle many of these challenges.

Email Marketing Optimization

• Use AI-powered tools to enhance email personalization, improve delivery rates, and create impactful content.

Web Development Strategies

• Professional SEO and well-designed websites are crucial for attracting qualified leads and growing revenue.

Personal Insights for Entrepreneurs

• Stories and relatable tips from Nicole highlight the importance of taking risks and leveraging innovative tools for business success.

Visit https://www.aismartinsiders.com/resources/.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

In this engaging conversation, Corey Carruth shares his transformative journey from a life of smoking and unhealthy habits to becoming a dedicated athlete and entrepreneur. The discussion covers various themes, including the impact of weather on running, the importance of fitness, and Corey's experiences with endurance events like Ultraman.

The podcast also delves into his cultural background, struggles with addiction, and the motivation behind his fitness journey, ultimately highlighting the significance of personal growth and resilience. In this conversation, Corey Carruth shares his transformative journey from a life focused on external achievements to one centered on inner contentment and health. He discusses the importance of balance in physical training, the impact of personal experiences on his outlook, and the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial journey. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of mental well-being, community support, and the value of building a team in business.

Takeaways

• Corey emphasizes the drastic changes that can occur when building new habits.
• The cultural shock Corey experienced when moving to the U.S. shaped his early life.
• Smoking was a significant struggle for Corey, which he eventually overcame.
• Fitness became a crucial part of Corey's transformation and mental health.
• Corey found joy in running, which replaced his addiction to cigarettes.
• He signed up for endurance events as a way to challenge himself.
• Corey learned the importance of a supportive community in fitness.
• The journey to Ultraman was both physically and mentally demanding for Corey.
• Corey advocates for raising awareness and funds for environmental causes.
• He reflects on the idea that personal challenges can lead to greater fulfillment. Contentment comes from within, not from achievements.
• Physical strength requires rest and recovery.
• Confidence stems from a healthy mind and body.
• Personal transformation affects all aspects of life.
• Change is often catalyzed by significant life events.
• Building a supportive community is crucial for success.
• Entrepreneurship requires hard work and resilience.
• Hobbies can become burdens when monetized.
• Health should be prioritized over financial gain.
• Teamwork enhances business growth and personal fulfillment.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube

Bringing 2024 to a close with one of our most popular and information-filled episode.

In this high-energy episode of Cruise Control, hosts Kevin Davis, Chris DiGiovanni, and Grant Menard dive deep into the strategies that can take your business from good to great. They explore how to scale your business effectively, focusing on Grant's journey of expanding his window tinting services from 15 to 60 jobs a week. The trio discusses the importance of a proactive business mindset, the role of digital marketing, and the power of knowing your numbers. With actionable advice on everything from Google Ads to email marketing, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about growing their business.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of a Proactive Mindset: Shift from being reactive to proactive in business by anticipating future needs and opportunities.
2. Maximizing Marketing Channels: Not every marketing strategy works the same; understanding which channels work best for your business is key to maximizing leads.
3. Leveraging Digital Tools: Google Ads, retargeting, and social media can dramatically increase your visibility and conversion rates when used effectively.
4. Efficiency in Operations: Scaling your business requires both marketing strategies and operational efficiency. Ensuring your team can handle increased workload is crucial.
5. Customer Engagement is King: Using email marketing, customer spotlights, and UGC (User-Generated Content) helps maintain strong relationships with existing customers while attracting new ones.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

Facebook
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube