Episode 8: Why Networking with Other Detailers Will Skyrocket Your Business! (FT. DEAN FARANDATOS)

Suds to Success Podcast - Episode 8: Why Networking with Other Detailers Will Skyrocket Your Business! (FT. DEAN FARANDATOS)

Welcome back to another episode of the Suds to Success podcast, hosted by Andrew and Ercan! This week, we had the privilege of welcoming our very first guest, Dean Faradatos, to the show. Dean, the owner of Extreme Dream Car Cleaning, has been in the detailing industry for over 35 years, and his expertise and insights made for an incredible conversation.

Why Detailers Should Help Each Other

One of the key themes of this episode was the power of community in the detailing industry. Dean shared his perspective on why detailers should support one another rather than view each other strictly as competition.

He explained how, by working together, detailers can elevate the industry as a whole. When customers call around looking for the cheapest price, having a network of professionals who all charge fair rates and deliver high-quality work ensures that no one is undervaluing their services. As Dean put it, "At the level we're detailing at, it's not just a car wash—it's a professional service."

Building a Strong Network

Dean’s philosophy of collaboration resonated with Andrew and Ercan, both of whom have experienced firsthand the benefits of working with other detailers. When one shop is fully booked, being able to refer clients to another trusted detailer ensures customers receive top-tier service while keeping the business within the professional detailing network.

Andrew and Dean reflected on their own experiences of starting out in the industry and how lonely and challenging it can be to build a detailing business alone. Dean shared a personal story about almost losing his first shop and how that experience made him determined to always help other detailers avoid similar struggles. "There’s nothing worse than being by yourself with no one to ask for help," he said.

Strength in Numbers

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode was the idea that the more skilled professionals in the industry, the better everyone looks. Dean’s mindset is simple: if more people do quality work, it helps raise the reputation of detailing businesses as a whole.

He also emphasized the importance of knowledge-sharing. Every detailer brings their own unique experiences, tools, and techniques, and when they collaborate, they can all improve their processes. Whether it’s learning a more efficient way to remove odors from a car or discovering the best way to tackle a tough stain, the collective knowledge of the industry grows stronger through shared experiences.

The Unexpected Benefits of Community

Beyond business advantages, the friendship and camaraderie among detailers make the work more enjoyable. Dean, Andrew, and Ercan shared plenty of laughs throughout the episode, proving that while detailing is hard work, it doesn’t have to be done in isolation.

Dean also recounted stories of times when he was in a tight spot—whether running out of product at the last minute or facing an unexpected issue with a customer’s car. Because of the strong network of detailers he has built, there was always someone willing to lend a hand.

Final Thoughts

If there’s one lesson from this episode, it’s that the detailing industry is better when detailers support each other. By sharing knowledge, referring customers, and lending a hand when needed, everyone benefits.

As Andrew said, "When you have a group of people and someone burns one of you, they burn the group. We hold each other accountable, and that creates a trusted community."

We want to thank Dean for joining us on this episode and sharing his wisdom! Be sure to subscribe to the Suds to Success podcast on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and check out our website at sudstosuccesspodcast.com for business tools and resources.

Have a question or want to join us on a future episode? Drop us a message! Until next time, keep shining and keep growing!