EPISODE 85: PDR EXPO + DETAIL INTENSIVE: WHY YOU NEED TO BE THERE | FT. SHELDON KAYE & DARREL WOLF

Hosted by ~ Andrew St-Pierre & Ercan Hurmuzlu
Featuring The Guest ~ Sheldon Kaye & Darrel Wolf

🤔 WHAT IF ONE WEEKEND COULD COMPLETELY CHANGE YOUR DETAILING BUSINESS?

Imagine spending less than the cost of a premium ceramic coating and walking away with new skills, industry connections, business strategies, and opportunities that could generate thousands of dollars in future revenue.

That's exactly what Episode 85 of the Suds to Success Podcast explores.

Hosts Andrew St-Pierre and Ercan Hurmuzlu sit down with Sheldon Kaye, owner and producer of Mobile Tech Expo (MTE) and PDR Expo, alongside industry veteran Darrel Wolf, a manufacturer with over three decades of experience in automotive detailing products.

Together, they reveal why PDR Expo and the newly introduced Detail Intensive are becoming must-attend events for detailers, PDR technicians, installers, and entrepreneurs looking to grow.

👥 MEET THE MINDS BEHIND THE MOVEMENT

🎙️ ANDREW ST-PIERRE & ERCAN HURMUZLU

Known for bringing authentic conversations to the automotive detailing industry, Andrew and Ercan continue their mission of connecting professionals with leaders who are shaping the future of the business.

Their relaxed yet insightful interviewing style allows guests to share real experiences, practical advice, and lessons that listeners can immediately apply.

🚀 SHELDON KAYE

Sheldon isn't just organizing another trade show. He's building an ecosystem where technicians, business owners, manufacturers, and newcomers can all learn together.

After acquiring Mobile Tech Expo, Sheldon has focused on creating an experience where networking, education, and business growth happen under one roof.

His newest addition—Detail Intensive—takes this philosophy even further by offering hands-on learning before the main expo even begins.

🛠️ DARREL WOLF

With more than 35 years in the automotive industry and over two decades manufacturing detailing products, Darrel believes success comes from helping others succeed.

Rather than simply selling products, he's passionate about teaching technicians profitable add-on services that increase revenue without significantly increasing workload.

His philosophy is simple:

Work smarter, not harder.

🎪 MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER TRADE SHOW

One of the biggest themes throughout the episode is that PDR Expo isn't designed to be another massive convention where attendees simply walk around collecting brochures. Instead, it focuses on meaningful education.

Real conversations.

Real demonstrations.

Real business growth.

Rather than overwhelming attendees with endless exhibits, the event creates opportunities to interact directly with manufacturers, educators, and industry leaders. According to the guests, these personal connections often become more valuable than any product purchased during the event.

🎓 INTRODUCING DETAIL INTENSIVE

Before PDR Expo officially begins, attendees have the opportunity to participate in Detail Intensive—a full day dedicated to hands-on education. Instead of watching demonstrations from the audience, participants can actually practice new skills alongside experienced professionals.

Training topics include:

• Paint correction

• Ceramic coating

• Windshield repair

• Rock chip repair

• Headlight restoration

• Vinyl and leather repair

• Paint Protection Film (PPF)

• Marine detailing

• Window tinting

• Business development

• Marketing and financial management

The goal isn't to make attendees experts overnight. It's to give them enough confidence and practical knowledge to begin offering profitable new services when they return home.

💰 WHY ADD-ON SERVICES MATTER

One of the strongest messages Darrel Wolf shares is that detailing businesses shouldn't rely solely on traditional detailing packages. Instead, they should increase the average ticket value by offering complementary services.

Examples include:

• Headlight restoration

• Windshield chip repair

• Trim restoration

• Rock chip repair

• Odor removal

• Interior repair

• PDR referrals

• Ceramic coatings

Rather than competing on price, businesses can create additional value for every customer that walks through the door. Small add-on services performed during an existing appointment can dramatically improve profitability while providing greater convenience for customers.

🤝 NETWORKING THAT ACTUALLY MATTERS

Trade shows often become overwhelming.

Thousands of people.

Hundreds of booths.

Very little meaningful interaction.

PDR Expo aims to be different.

Throughout the episode, both Andrew and Ercan reflect on their own experience attending Mobile Tech Expo. Instead of simply browsing products, they found themselves having genuine conversations with manufacturers, educators, and fellow business owners.

Those conversations evolved into long-term relationships, podcast guests, business collaborations, and valuable industry connections. Sometimes, the most important meeting doesn't happen inside the expo hall. It happens over dinner or while sharing ideas after the day's events conclude.

🎓 COLLEGE ISN'T THE ONLY PATH

One particularly inspiring discussion revolves around career opportunities. Sheldon explains that many young people are searching for alternatives to traditional college education.

Automotive detailing, PDR, paint protection film installation, windshield repair, and related trades offer opportunities to build rewarding careers through practical skills rather than expensive degrees.

Events like Detail Intensive allow newcomers to discover where their talents fit before making significant investments in specialized training.

📚 LEARNING BEYOND PRODUCTS

Another standout point from the conversation is that success isn't just about mastering technical skills.

Running a profitable business requires understanding:

• Pricing strategies

• Marketing

• Customer relationships

• Financial management

• Software systems

• Business operations

PDR Expo combines technical education with entrepreneurial guidance, helping attendees improve both their craftsmanship and their companies.

🤝 COLLABORATION OVER COMPETITION

One message resonates throughout the entire conversation.

The automotive detailing industry grows stronger when professionals support one another.

Manufacturers work together.

Installers refer customers.

Business owners share advice.

Competitors become collaborators.

Rather than viewing each other as rivals, the guests encourage listeners to build partnerships that ultimately benefit everyone involved. As Darrel explains, helping another business succeed often creates more opportunities for your own business as well.

🌟 WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS

Episode 85 isn't simply promoting an event. It's highlighting a shift in mindset.

Success today comes from continuous learning, expanding your skill set, building relationships, and embracing new opportunities.

Whether you're an experienced detailer, a PDR technician, someone considering entering the industry, or a business owner looking to increase profitability, this episode delivers valuable insights from professionals who have spent decades helping others succeed.

✅ KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Hands-on education accelerates learning.

• Add-on services can significantly increase average ticket value.

• Networking often creates more opportunities than products alone.

• Collaboration strengthens the automotive industry.

• Continuous education remains one of the best investments any technician can make.

• Detail Intensive provides practical skills that attendees can begin using immediately after the event.

🏁 FINAL THOUGHTS

Episode 85 showcases more than an upcoming event, it demonstrates what's possible when education, community, and entrepreneurship come together.

Andrew St-Pierre and Ercan Hurmuzlu once again deliver an engaging conversation that blends inspiration with practical business advice.

With insights from Sheldon Kaye and Darrel Wolf, listeners gain a behind-the-scenes look at how PDR Expo and Detail Intensive are helping shape the next generation of automotive professionals.

If you're serious about growing your detailing business, expanding your services, or connecting with industry leaders, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

Listen to Episode 85 and discover why PDR Expo + Detail Intensive could be the opportunity that transforms your business.

🔗 BUY YOUR TICKET FOR PDR EXPO 2026! SEPT. 25-26th

🌐 Website: https://events.american-tradeshow.com/prdexpo26

🔗PODCAST LINKS

🌐 Website: https://sudstosuccesspodcast.com/

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

📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sudstosuccesspodcast

JOIN OUR FACEBOOK GROUP: https://bit.ly/suds-facebook-group

🔗CHECK OUT PDR EXPO + DETAIL INTENSIVE

🌐 Website: https://www.pdrexpo.com/

📱 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pdrexpo

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

➠ YouTube ➠ Spotify ➠ Apple Podcast

© 2025. All rights reserved.

WEEKLY EPISODES

THURSDAYS AT 7:30 PM EST

OUR MISSION
To empower auto detailers worldwide with the tools, tips, and inspiration they need to grow successful businesses and shine in the industry.