EP : 42❄️ What You Should Be Doing To Prepare for Winter! (START NOW!)

Winter’s coming , but it doesn’t have to mean a slowdown. In this Suds to Success episode, hosts Andrew St-Pierre and Ercan Hurmuzlu share how top detailers stay busy all winter with Smart marketing, Loyal client connections, and Creative service bundles. Listen now — because winter doesn’t freeze opportunity, it reveals who’s prepared.

Andrew St-Pierre

11/14/20253 min read

EP : 42❄️ WHAT YOU SHOULD BE DOING TO PREPARE FOR WINTER! (START NOW!)


🎙️Hosted by The Coolest Duo ~ Andrew St-Pierre & Ercan Hurmuzlu


🚗 THE CHILL IS COMING — IS YOUR DETAILING BUSINESS READY?

Winter’s creeping in fast , bringing cold winds, salted roads, and slow seasons for many detailing shops.

But for those who prepare, it’s not a downfall , it’s an opportunity.


In this must-listen episode, hosts Andrew St-Pierre and Ercan Hurmuzlu reveal exactly how to set your detailing business up for success before the snow hits. From marketing hacks to client retention tips and relationship-driven growth, they unpack what top professionals are doing right now to stay busy all winter long.


🎁 GIFTOLOGY 101: GIVING WITHOUT EXPECTING (AND WINNING BIG)

What’s the secret to building relationships that actually last?

It’s called Giftology and it’s pure gold for business owners. Andrew and Ercan dive deep into the art of giving thoughtful, unexpected gifts that show appreciation without strings attached. Whether it’s a box of donuts for your partner shops, handwritten thank-you notes, or even a bottle of whiskey for your top clients, these gestures make your business unforgettable.

“People remember how you make them feel not how much you charge.”

This isn’t just generosity ,it’s long-term marketing. The more goodwill you create, the more referrals, loyalty, and word-of-mouth momentum you build.


🧰 FLEET WORK, REFERRALS, AND RELATIONSHIP POWER MOVES

Winter doesn’t have to mean slow days. Andrew shares how his detailing business thrives during the cold months by focusing on fleet clients and commercial accounts that stay active year-round. And guess what? Many of those partnerships started from simple connections. Sometimes it’s not about the immediate “yes” it’s about planting the seed so that when leadership changes, your name is already on their radar.


💬 PRO TIP FROM THE HOSTS:

Provide so much value that when someone needs detailing help ,you’re the only name they think of.

That’s long-term business strategy, not short-term sales.



☕ DONUTS, COFFEE & GRATITUDE : THE $20 MARKETING HACK

Every Christmas season, Andrew’s team drops off coffee and donuts to local partner shops with a personalized thank-you note and a few business ca It’s simple, it’s warm, and it works.

Some shops shrug it off. Others? They light up, remember your kindness, and send work your way for months to come.


🎯 LESSON : IT’S NOT ABOUT THE GIFT’S PRICE — IT’S ABOUT THE MESSAGE :

“We appreciate you.”

That’s how you turn casual connections into loyal business partners.


📞 FOLLOW-UPS THAT FEEL GENUINE (Not Salesy)


Cold calls? Hard sell pitches? Forget it.Ercan and Andrew get real about customer outreach ,and they agree: authenticity always wins.

If your clients already get your texts, emails, and social updates, another pushy call can feel invasive. Instead, pick a handful of loyal clients and reach out genuinely:

“Hey, it’s been a while ,just wanted to check how your car’s holding up.”

That kind of sincerity sticks.You’re not chasing , you’re connecting. And that’s how you keep customers for life.


💡 SMART MARKETING MOVES FOR THE COLD SEASON

Winter is prime time for creative marketing and service bundling.The hosts share practical ways to boost business even when temperatures drop:

❄️ Offer Winter Protection Packages (ceramic coatings, PPF, salt-removal add-ons)

🎁 Sell Holiday Gift Kits and branded detailing baskets

🚙 Partner with local oil spray or mechanic shops for cross-referrals

📸 Share before-and-after winter prep content to educate your audience

Because while others hibernate, you’ll be the one staying visible and booked out.


🔧 BEHIND THE SCENES: GROWTH, BURNOUT & BALANCE

Andrew opens up about the less-glamorous side of business , financial juggling, long hours, and managing expansion. It’s honest. It’s raw. And it’s relatable. From juggling accountants to late-night PPF jobs, he reminds listeners that growth takes grit.

“The truth is, success isn’t instant. But if you keep providing value, your effort always compounds.”

Ercan echoes it perfectly:

Sometimes, you just need to keep showing up one car, one client, one connection at a time.



🧊 FINAL THOUGHTS: DON'T WAIT FOR WINTER — WIN IT!


Stop waiting for the “slow season” to strike before you act. Winter isn’t a roadblock , it’s a runway.

Start building your momentum now:

❆ Strengthen relationships

❆ Reach out with value

❆ Set up your promotion

❆ Keep your presence strong online


Because when spring hits, those who prepped early will be light-years ahead.

🔥 PREPARATION BEATS PANIC — EVERY SINGLE TIME.


Your Winter Readiness Checklist

✔️ Send appreciation gifts or notes to loyal partners

✔️ Build winter service bundles

✔️ Contact fleet & commercial clients early

✔️ Drop off coffee and donuts at partner shops

✔️ Streamline your outreach

✔️ Keep creating content — consistency wins

✔️ Take care of your team (and yourself)



💬 FINAL PUNCHLINE

“Winter doesn’t freeze opportunity ,it reveals who was prepared.”

Now’s your time to get ahead. Start today. Stay consistent. Keep shining — even when it’s snowing. ❄️


🔔 DON'T FORGET TO STAY CONNECTED!


💥 LIKE this Episode if it fired up your winter prep mindset!

💬 COMMENT below with your best winter detailing tips!

📲 SHARE this post with a friend who needs to hear it!

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