🚀 EP 57 : "THE BRAIN BEHIND OPTICLE & CSW REVEALS EVERYTHING! | FT. JASON OTTERNESS"

Hosted by ~ Andrew St-Pierre & Ercan Hurmuzlu

Featuring Jason Otterness

In Episode 57 of the Suds to Success Podcast, Andrew and Ercan sit down with one of the most influential minds in the detailing industry — Jason Otterness — the visionary behind Opticle and Car Supplies Warehouse.

This isn’t just another detailing conversation.

This is a raw, honest, behind-the-scenes look at building brands, rebuilding reputations, leading teams, and betting on yourself — even when it’s terrifying. 🎙️

🧠 FROM DETAILER TO INDUSTRY DISRUPTOR

Jason didn’t set out to launch multiple brands.

He started as a mobile detailer in Atlanta — restless, ambitious, driven. What began as washing cars turned into YouTube content. That content evolved into product distribution. Distribution evolved into launching a film brand.And just like that — opportunity met preparation.

But Jason makes one thing clear:

“I didn’t plan most of this. I followed the seed when it was planted.”

That seed mentality the obsession phase, the late-night planning, the vision mapping is what built Opticle and CSW.

🚐 THE VAN TOUR: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THE HARD WAY

Instead of flying first class and hosting luxury seminars…

Jason is living in a van.

For three months.

Training installers across 23 cities.

Why?

Because relationships matter.

He realized something powerful:

Flying people to Chicago was expensive.

Building connection in person is priceless.

People buy from people they know.

This tour isn’t about convenience.

It’s about connection.

And that mindset shift from product focus to relationship focus is shaping the next chapter of Opticle.

🎥 HONEST MARKETING WINS LONG TERM

One of the most discussed parts of the episode?

Jason’s brutally honest product testing.

No hype.

No fake reviews.

No paid praise.

Whether testing ceramic coatings or comparing APCs, he made one thing clear:

“There’s no perfect product. There are too many variables.”

That transparency built trust.And trust builds brands.

💥 WHEN OPTICLE HIT ROCK BOTTOM

Jason openly shared one of the hardest chapters in his journey. Supply chain issues.Inconsistent overseas manufacturing.

Out-of-stock inventory. Refunds. Reputation damage. He refunded customers. He took the financial hit. He rebuilt. That pain forced a pivot leading to exclusive U.S. manufacturing and the launch of their Evolution line. Sometimes setbacks aren’t failures…

They’re redirections. 🔁

🏗️ WHY HE HAD TO LET GO TO GROW

For years, Jason tried to do everything. Full service shops.

Distribution. Film brand. Retail locations. YouTube. Training. Eventually, he had to step back.

Implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), defining KPIs, weekly leadership meetings, and clearly structured roles allowed him to focus on his true strength:

Vision.

He admits it openly:

“ I’m a visionary. I’m not a manager.”

That self-awareness may be one of his greatest strengths.

🎓 THE DETAIL WISE TRAINING PHILOSOPHY

Jason’s teaching method isn’t robotic repetition. He teaches fundamentals.

Instead of: “Move your arm like this.”

He asks: “What makes a sticker stick?”

Understanding adhesive, pressure activation, heat, prep, tension, and panel awareness gives installers the ability to diagnose problems — not just memorize steps.

That mindset creates professionals.

🌊 THE BAY MODEL: A NEW ERA OF DETAILING SPACES

Jason also discusses the innovative self-service + retail + pro-equipment hybrid model known as The Bays.

Climate-controlled self-serve spaces. Professional equipment access. Retail integration.But the real challenge? Overcoming customer intimidation. Innovation always creates friction but also opportunity.

🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM EP 57

Build relationships before scaling products. Reputation is protected through integrity. Focus beats chaos. Visionaries need integrators. Fundamentals beat shortcuts. Fear is normal move anyway.

This Episode isn’t just about detailing.

It’s about Leadership, Identity, and Growth.

🔗 CHECK OUT JASON OTTERNESS / OPTICLE

🌐 Website : https://www.opticle.com/

📸 Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/jason_otterness/

📱 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/jason.otterness/

📡 STAY CONNECTED AND LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLATFORM

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If you're in the Detailing Industry or Building anything from scratch

Episode 57 is a masterclass in Vision, Resilience, and Reinvention.

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See you in the Next episode of Suds to Success. 💧