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!

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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!

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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!

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