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EP 94: BUILD A DETAILING BUSINESS THAT KEEPS EARNING THROUGH WINTER! | FT. GARY BARRELL
Join Andrew St-Pierre and Ercan Hurmuzlu as they welcome back Gary Barrell of Remedy Auto Detail to discuss keeping a detailing business profitable through winter. Discover how fleet contracts, strategic bidding, local partnerships, and relationships with fleet managers can create new revenue opportunities when retail demand slows down. Gary shares his experiences pursuing school and government vehicle contracts, pricing jobs responsibly, and preparing for business growth. Plus, hear how Sudsy CRM helps him save time. Get practical ideas to keep your business moving all year!
Andrew St-Pierre
11/13/20263 min read
EP 94: BUILD A DETAILING BUSINESS THAT KEEPS EARNING THROUGH WINTER! | FT. GARY BARRELL
Winter can expose how dependent an auto detailing business is on seasonal retail work. In Episode 94 of the SudsToSuccess Podcast, we welcome back Gary Barrell of Remedy Auto Detail to discuss building stability through fleet work, bidding on contracts, and developing business relationships that keep vehicles coming in when retail demand slows down.
❄️ TWO DETAILERS, ONE MISSION
Since his previous appearance, Gary’s business has undergone major changes. Moving from mobile detailing into a shop helped him gain traction and double his previous year’s business. But with another winter approaching, Gary began searching for new ways to maintain consistent work.
Fleet contracts can create opportunities beyond traditional retail detailing. While they require preparation, persistence, and smart pricing, they may help detailers build a more dependable business throughout the year.
🚀 START BUILDING WINTER WORK BEFORE WINTER ARRIVES
Gary began pursuing contracts to help cover winter expenses. Through a connection with a ceramic coating professional, he landed an opportunity involving school vehicles, including headlights on buses and vans, along with ceramic coating a new van.
He was also waiting for approval on a bid to service vehicles used by state canal workers. These opportunities highlight the importance of looking beyond individual customers and identifying organizations with recurring vehicle-care needs.
Schools, government departments, fleet operators, and businesses with work vehicles may all be potential customers. The key is to start reaching out before the slow season begins.
💰 BID WITH A PLAN—NOT JUST A LOW PRICE
Gary shared how his previous bidding experience helped him approach contract pricing. His strategy was to remain competitive without undervaluing his work.
For the state-worker bid, he set a minimum price of $250 per vehicle, with additional charges for particularly dirty vehicles. His approach included a minimum charge of $50 per row, as discussed in the episode.
Before submitting a bid, detailers should carefully consider labor, time, insurance, vehicle condition, and the services required. Winning a contract only makes sense when the work is profitable.
Having the appropriate business basics and insurance in place can also help detailers qualify for opportunities that others may not be prepared to pursue.
🤝 RELATIONSHIPS CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO FLEET WORK
The hosts shared how persistence helped them connect with a fleet management provider. After repeated calls and emails over approximately two weeks, one host was added to the provider’s system.
That initial opportunity eventually led to occasional calls from other fleet companies searching for detailing services in the area.
The lesson? If a fleet provider doesn’t have an approved detailer nearby, reach out and ask how to become an approved vendor.
Local mechanic shops, dealerships, and automotive businesses can also become valuable referral partners. Building relationships with companies that already work with fleets may help create opportunities for detailing services.
📈 GROW CAREFULLY AS THE WORK BECOMES MORE RELIABLE
Fleet contracts can make scheduling and business planning easier, but growth requires preparation. Detailers need to understand the expected vehicle volume, service frequency, staffing requirements, and available capacity.
The episode explores the possibility of handling a fleet of more than 20 vehicles and how consistent work could eventually support hiring.
However, it’s important to build around confirmed work rather than promising leads. Strong scheduling, clear communication, and repeatable processes help maintain quality as business grows.
Gary also shares how Sudsy CRM has helped him save time. Use promo code SUDS for a discount on the first two months.
Explore more resources through the podcast’s Auto Detailing Software Recommendations.
❄️ MAKE FLEET WORK PART OF YOUR WINTER BUSINESS PLAN
Fleet work won’t necessarily replace retail detailing, and securing contracts takes patience. But this episode highlights practical ways to pursue new opportunities: connect with local businesses, identify organizations with multiple vehicles, learn the bidding process, price your services responsibly, and follow up with fleet managers.
Winter doesn’t have to mean slowing down. With the right strategy, relationships, and preparation, detailers can create opportunities to keep their businesses moving year-round.
🎙️ THE MIC IS ON—LET’S KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING!
Hosted by the powerhouse duo: Andrew St-Pierre & Ercan Hurmuzlu
👍 LIKE THIS EPISODE if you’re ready to build a stronger detailing business!
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to the SudsToSuccess Podcast for more detailing insights and business strategies.
💬 COMMENT BELOW: What’s your plan for keeping your detailing business busy this winter?
🔗 CHECK OUT GARY BARRELL / REMEDY AUTO DETAIL
🌐 Website: https://www.remedyautodetail.com/
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