EP 17 – Training vs. Trial & Error: The Smart Way to Grow Your Detailing Business

Welcome back to the Suds to Success podcast blog! Episode 17, hosted by Andrew and Ercan, dives deep into a topic every ambitious detailer needs to understand: why professional training beats trial and error when it comes to business growth. This one is packed with real stories, laughs, and plenty of honest advice from the trenches of the detailing world.

🎙 Why This Episode Matters

There’s a lot of noise out there about “just figuring it out” as you go. But Andrew and Ercan are here to show that investing in proper training — especially early — can save time, money, and a ton of frustration.

In this episode, the duo reflects on their recent experience attending a professional window tint training course — a skill they’re adding to their detailing businesses. They talk through how the experience sharpened their abilities, strengthened their businesses, and even deepened their friendship.

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode

1. Training Is an Investment, Not a Cost

Forget YouTube rabbit holes and free Facebook advice — the guys spent around $5,000 for three people to get professional tint training. That money didn’t just buy a two-day workshop; it unlocked mentorship, networking, and a full WhatsApp group of support from fellow trainees and trainers.

2. In-Person > Online

If you’re serious about mastering a skill, Andrew and Ercan say in-person training is worth the travel and expense. The ability to ask questions in real time, get hands-on help, and bond with your instructors (shoutout to Adam from Tint Academy) is priceless.

3. Collaborate, Don’t Compete

Even though Andrew and Ercan run separate detailing businesses just 10 minutes apart, they split the cost of training and tools to launch tinting together. It’s a reminder that there’s power in collaboration — and that healthy business relationships don’t need to be cutthroat.

4. You’re Not Alone

One of the most powerful things Ercan said? “I felt confident that I wasn’t alone.” Training showed them that there are people at every level trying to improve — and that sense of community is fuel for long-term growth.

5. Train Your Team, Build Loyalty

Andrew shares how he’s not afraid to train employees, even knowing they might eventually go out on their own. Why? Because giving people the tools to succeed — and trusting them with those tools — builds loyalty, respect, and a stronger business culture.

😂 The Behind-the-Scenes Moments

Of course, it wouldn’t be Suds to Success without some laughs. From dropping squeegees in car doors, broken knives, and full-on tinting meltdowns, the guys share the real, raw experience of learning a new skill — and how much more fun it is when you’re surrounded by the right people.

There’s also a hilarious story about waking up groggy in a shared Airbnb, a trip to TOC Supplies (aka the “detailer's mall”), and Taylor (Excelsior’s MVP employee) keeping the boys grounded and focused.

🚀 Final Word: The Shortcut to Success Is Training

Whether you're just starting or scaling up, this episode makes it clear: trial and error might get you there eventually — but training gets you there faster, better, and with fewer broken tools. If you’re serious about leveling up your services and business operations, investing in yourself (and your team) is a no-brainer.

Want to offer tinting, ceramic coatings, PPF, or even just get more efficient with your detailing services? Don’t wait until you're overwhelmed. Get trained. Get confident. Grow smart.

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Suds to Success — where detailers grow smarter, not harder.