Episode 7: Detailer's Guide to Hiring & Keeping Your First Auto Detailing Employee! (PROVEN TO WORK)

Suds to Success Episode 7: Detailer's Guide to Hiring & Keeping Your First Auto Detailing Employee! (PROVEN TO WORK)

Welcome to the seventh episode of Suds to Success! In this episode, hosts Andrew and Ercan dive into a topic that many detailing business owners will face at some point: hiring employees. They cover when you know it’s time to hire, the challenges of managing employees, and the best ways to build a strong team culture.

When Do You Know It’s Time to Hire?

One of the biggest questions business owners face is knowing when to bring on an extra set of hands. For Ercan, it became clear after a workplace injury. While working on a ceramic coating job, he pulled a muscle, making it nearly impossible to finish the project alone. That moment of struggle was a wake-up call—one that many detailers ignore until they find themselves in the same position.

Andrew points out that many business owners hesitate to hire because of financial concerns. However, bringing in an employee doesn’t just double your productivity—it can triple it! Why? Because the business owner can focus on higher-level tasks like sales, customer service, and business growth instead of being stuck in the shop all day.

The Hiring Process: Friends or Strangers?

Ercan’s first hire was a friend who needed a job. While some people argue against hiring friends due to potential conflicts, Ercan’s experience was a positive one. His new employee was eager to learn, asked great questions, and was able to contribute from day one.

Andrew emphasizes that when hiring, skills matter less than attitude. You can train someone to detail a car, but you can’t train them to be a hard worker with a good personality. That’s why his interviews focus on two key qualities: being funny and having a willingness to learn. He believes that creating a positive work environment attracts employees who genuinely want to be there and take pride in their work.

Keeping Employees Happy and Motivated

The key to employee retention isn’t just a paycheck—it’s about creating a workplace where people want to stay. Andrew shares how small gestures like buying coffee, providing occasional bonuses, and allowing employees to coat their own vehicles for free go a long way in keeping morale high.

He also stresses the importance of trust and autonomy. Employees at Excelsior Auto Detailing aren’t micromanaged; they are given the responsibility to do their work independently. When employees feel trusted and valued, they perform better and stick around longer.

The Logistics of Hiring

Beyond the emotional and managerial aspects, there are legal and financial responsibilities that come with hiring an employee. Ercan is currently navigating the world of payroll, WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board), and bookkeeping. Andrew advises that hiring a bookkeeper is a smart investment, as they can handle payroll, taxes, and government remittances—freeing up even more time for business growth.

Safety First

Bringing on employees means ensuring workplace safety. Andrew highlights the importance of having essential safety equipment like fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, eyewash stations, and proper labeling for all chemicals. Having these in place not only keeps employees safe but also protects the business from potential liability issues.

Final Thoughts

Hiring employees can feel overwhelming, but as Andrew and Ercan discuss, the rewards far outweigh the risks. A good hire can boost efficiency, allow the business owner to focus on growth, and create a thriving team culture.

If you’re considering hiring your first employee, take the time to find the right person, set clear expectations, and create an environment where they’ll want to stay. And most importantly—treat them well.

Want to hear the full conversation? Check out Suds to Success on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok (@SudsToSuccessPodcast) for more insights into growing your detailing business!

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Got questions about hiring or running a detailing business? Drop a comment or message us—we might answer it in a future episode!