In this laid-back but powerful episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis sits down with Roger Demaree, longtime marketing director at Kicker, to unpack the brand's journey from a garage in Stillwater, Oklahoma, to global car audio icon. Roger shares hilarious stories (yes, Sir Mix-a-Lot included), valuable lessons in faith-driven leadership, and golden insights for small business owners on staying ahead of trends, building loyalty, and fostering meaningful relationships—both in business and in life. Whether you run a detail shop or just love loud music and good people, this episode has something for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. Build on Relationships, Not Transactions
   Roger highlights how real success comes from caring about people first—not what they can offer you.
2. Integrity Wins in the Long Run
   Kicker air-freighted $600K worth of amps at a loss during COVID to keep dealers afloat. Why? Because it was the right thing to do.
3. From “Ass-Kicker” to “Kicker”
   The brand name was born from a customer saying the bass felt like it “kicked him in the ass.” (Yep, really.)
4. Marketing Without Contracts
   Roger shares that almost all of his brand ambassador and influencer relationships are handshake deals—built on trust.
5. Customer Experience Is the Product
   The real product isn’t just sound—it’s the feeling customers get when their music hits right.
6. Culture Is Everything
   Kicker has 200 employees, and Roger (22 years in) is only #51 in seniority. That's a culture built on loyalty.
7. Networking: The Secret Superpower
   Roger's legendary stories of meeting Guy Fieri, Billy Gibbons, Aaron Hagar, and Sir Mix-a-Lot all stem from genuine connection—not chasing clout.
8. Stay Ahead or Become Kodak
   Kicker avoided the fate of companies like Kodak by not getting into head units and instead pivoting into OEM integration and vehicle-specific solutions.
9. Support Doesn’t End After the Sale
   A customer who bought outdated subs on eBay still got a discount and support from Kicker—just because he was a fan.
10. Small Business? Act Big by Thinking Smart
    Whether it’s faith, fairness, or feedback—small shops can adopt these same guiding principles to win big in any market.

www.kicker.com

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In this episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis sits down with operations consultant and fractional COO Joshua Monge for a high-value conversation about building businesses that don’t depend on your sweat alone. They break down the mindset shift from technician to business owner, the importance of hiring before burnout, and how your systems (or lack thereof) are either setting you up for scale or silently killing your exit strategy. From SOPs to rebranding and even leveraging AI, this one is packed with practical insight—served up with laughs, truth bombs, and real talk.

Key Takeaways

• Most small business owners don’t own businesses—they own jobs with paperwork and stress.
• If you’re still doing every single task yourself, your business isn’t scalable—it’s fragile.
• The moment you hire someone late, you’re hiring from a place of chaos and desperation.
• Checklists and SOPs aren’t just helpful—they’re intellectual property that increases business value.
• Branding your business around yourself (your name, your identity) makes it nearly impossible to sell later.
• If you want to eventually exit, you need to start documenting and offloading NOW, not later.
• Perfection is the enemy—done and documented beats polished and stuck in your head.
• You can create systems by simply recording what you do and turning it into repeatable steps.
• Business owners often self-sabotage when things run smoothly because they feel unneeded.
• Your five-year plan to sell should start long before you actually want out.
• You can’t scale a business if it’s built entirely on your back.
• Hire for the things that drain you—because your time is better spent leading, not answering phones.

www.joshuamonge.com

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In this episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis sits down with Grant Menard and Chris DiGiovanni live from Mobile Tech Expo 2025 in Orlando to talk about team culture, hiring, leadership, and what makes a business thrive beyond the shop floor. The guys dive into how to build meaningful work relationships, the role of validation in entrepreneurship, and the power of your peer group. They share deep insights—with a lot of laughs—about mental health, business trauma, and leading with heart.

10 Key Takeaways:

1. Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast
   You spend more time at work than home—make it a place you enjoy.
2. Hire for Vibes, Train for Skills
   If someone doesn’t match the team’s energy, they're out—fast.
3. Validation is the Entrepreneur’s Drug
   Business owners often chase 5-star reviews as a stand-in for personal worth.
4. Trauma Fuels Hustle
   Many successful entrepreneurs are running from childhood pain—they just built a business on the way out.
5. Surround Yourself with Winners
   Your success is tied to the 5 people you talk to most—choose wisely.
6. Give More Than Expected
   Go 30% above what someone asks—it shows value and builds loyalty.
7. Authentic Brotherhood > Networking
   Weekly check-ins with close business friends help level you up faster than courses ever will.
8. Your Employees Are Family (but not the kind you avoid on holidays)
   Care about your team beyond what they produce.
9. Let Go of Dead Weight
   It’s okay to move on from friendships or employees that no longer align with your growth.
10. Vulnerability is a Superpower
    Real business growth comes from being honest—especially when things are hard.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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In this episode, Kevin Davis sits down with Nick McGurk to discuss entrepreneurship, personal reinvention, and taking risks to create a fulfilling life. Nick shares his journey from journalism to real estate and content creation, emphasizing the importance of taking imperfect action, overcoming self-doubt, and building a brand authentically.They also dive into the role of storytelling in business, how to create engaging content, and why mindset is the key to success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Take Action Without Overthinking – The biggest obstacle is waiting for the "right time." Nick explains how he pivoted careers by just starting and figuring things out along the way.
2. Storytelling Sells – Whether it's in journalism, real estate, or social media content, storytelling is the ultimate way to connect with an audience and build trust.
3. Leverage Content for Business Growth – Nick explains why consistent content creation (video, short-form, long-form) helps position you as an authority in any industry.
4. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome – No one has it all figured out, and taking imperfect action is the fastest way to grow and gain confidence.
5. Master the Platform You're On – Instead of spreading yourself too thin, double down on one platform, learn its ins and outs, and build a strong community.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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In this episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis chats with Steven Lee from Rogue Marketing at Mobile Tech Expo 2025 in Orlando. Steven, a former physical therapist turned marketing expert, breaks down marketing fundamentals, PPC advertising, email nurture strategies, and why most detailing businesses are doing social media all wrong.

They discuss how small businesses can optimize their marketing on a budget, the power of retargeting, and why getting a landing page is more important than boosting a Facebook post. Steven also shares his own journey from healthcare to digital marketing, emphasizing the importance of following your passion and making smart business decisions based on strategy—not guesswork.

Key Takeaways:

1. Marketing is More Than Just Posting on Facebook
   • Many business owners expect instant results from posting on social media, but organic reach is slow and requires consistency, engagement, and a long-term strategy.
   • Instead of "boosting" posts, businesses should invest in targeted PPC (pay-per-click) campaigns with specific conversion goals.
2. Google Ads > Facebook Ads (For Leads That Convert Faster)
   • Google PPC is the best place to start because it targets customers who are already searching for services.
   • Facebook and Instagram ads work better for brand awareness and retargeting but have a lower immediate conversion rate.
3. Landing Pages Convert Better Than Websites
   • Sending ad traffic to your homepage is a waste of money because visitors get distracted.
   • A dedicated landing page keeps potential customers focused on one specific service and action, increasing conversion rates.
4. Retargeting Keeps Your Brand in Front of Customers
   • Most people need 8-12 touchpoints before making a buying decision. Retargeting ads on Facebook and Google help keep your business top of mind.
   • Retargeting campaigns re-engage people who already visited your website and drive them back into your sales funnel.
5. Email & SMS Nurture Boosts Sales with Little Effort
   • Email sequences with helpful content (not just discounts) build trust and keep leads engaged over time.
   • Automated SMS follow-ups increase conversion rates by keeping businesses in direct contact with potential customers.
6. Work With Your Budget and Scale Up Over Time
   • Steven recommends starting with at least $500/month on marketing and scaling up profits to reinvest into higher-budget campaigns.
   • Many small businesses try to do everything at once, but starting with Google PPC and building from there is a smarter strategy.

Final Thoughts:

Steven Lee breaks down marketing in a way that makes sense for small business owners, showing how smart ad targeting, follow-ups, and retargeting can transform lead generation. Whether you're a one-man mobile detailer or a shop looking to scale, this episode provides actionable marketing tips that will actually help grow your business—without wasting time or money.

https://rogue-marketing.com

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In this episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis sits down with Ian Rammelkamp, founder of AutoFiber, at Mobile Tech Expo 2025 (MTE) in Orlando. Ian shares his philosophy on running a lean, innovative business and how problem-solving has driven AutoFiber’s success in the detailing industry. The conversation covers product development, continuous innovation, customer feedback, and efficiency strategies that help businesses stay ahead. Ian also discusses how AI and automation will reshape small business operations, the importance of work-life balance, and why networking at industry events like MTE is essential for long-term success.

Key Takeaways:

1. Innovation Through Problem-Solving
   • AutoFiber’s success is based on listening to customer feedback and constantly refining products to meet the evolving needs of detailers.
   • Ian treats business as a continuous problem-solving system, where every product update is a step toward optimizing efficiency and performance.
2. The "Microsoft Approach" to Product Development
   • Instead of waiting for perfection, AutoFiber releases products, gathers real-world feedback, and refines them over time.
   • This fast iteration process ensures that products evolve based on actual customer needs rather than assumptions.
3. Efficiency is the Key to Profitability
   • Saving seconds on a task adds up to hours over time, making efficiency a major driver of business growth.
   • Simple changes, such as better towels, tools, or drying methods, can significantly impact overall workflow and customer satisfaction.
4. AI and Automation Will Revolutionize Detailing
   • AI-powered tools like chatbots, automated inventory tracking, and customer service assistants will help small businesses streamline operations and reduce time-consuming tasks.
   • AI’s consistency eliminates human drift in operating procedures, making businesses more reliable and efficient.
5. Networking at Industry Events Creates Opportunities
   • While online groups have value, face-to-face networking at industry events like MTE leads to deeper connections and business opportunities.
   • Ian emphasizes that some of the best business insights come from hallway conversations, after-show dinners, and competitor discussions that can’t happen online.
6. Work-Life Balance is Crucial for Long-Term Success
   • Ian prioritizes fitness, mental clarity, and downtime to maintain creativity and avoid burnout.
   • Spending time thinking through business problems rather than constantly working allows for better decision-making and long-term sustainability.

Final Thoughts:

Ian Rammelkamp provides a refreshingly practical approach to business—embracing innovation, staying adaptable, and prioritizing efficiency. His insights into AI, problem-solving, and work-life balance offer a roadmap for detailers and business owners looking to scale without sacrificing their well-being. This episode is packed with actionable strategies for anyone looking to grow a sustainable, forward-thinking business in the detailing industry.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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In this episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis sits down with Jeremy Harding from Nasiol at Mobile Tech Expo 2025 in Orlando to discuss the challenges and strategies of launching an international brand in the U.S. market. Jeremy shares his journey in the detailing industry, from his early days at Meguiar’s and RUPES to his current role in expanding Nasiol’s presence in the U.S. The conversation dives into the importance of relationship-building, market adaptation, branding strategies, and the implementation of a third-party-backed ceramic coating warranty.

Jeremy breaks down what it takes to establish a brand’s credibility, navigate cultural and industry differences, and create a competitive edge in a crowded market.

Key Takeaways:

1. Relationships Drive Success
   • The detailing industry is built on trust and relationships. Jeremy leveraged key partnerships with companies like Car Supplies Warehouse to introduce Nasiol to the market.
   • Borrowing credibility from established brands helps a new brand gain traction faster.
2. Understanding Your Market is Critical
   • Bringing a brand into a new market isn’t just about translating product names—it requires adapting messaging, branding, and business models to meet customer expectations.
   • U.S. consumers and professionals respond differently to branding than European markets, requiring strategic adjustments.
3. The Power of a Third-Party-Backed Warranty
   • Unlike vague guarantees, Nasiol’s ceramic coatings come with an actual third-party insurance-backed warranty that covers labor and material costs for necessary repairs.
   • This provides professional detailers with a legitimate business advantage over competitors who only offer product replacement guarantees.
4. Single-Layer Coatings are the Future
   • Nasiol’s technology simplifies application by combining base layer adhesion with top-layer hydrophobic properties, eliminating the need for multiple layers.
   • This allows for a faster, more efficient application process without sacrificing quality.
5. Scaling a Brand as a One-Man Operation
   • Jeremy shares his experience wearing multiple hats—handling marketing, distribution, customer service, and product education in the early stages.
   • He emphasizes the importance of building efficient systems and automation to manage growth without getting overwhelmed.
6. Dealership Integration for Growth
   • Many dealerships offer inferior paint protection products simply because they are easy to apply. Nasiol’s premium option allows dealerships to provide a high-end service through certified detailers without losing warranty protection.
   • This creates new business opportunities for detailers to work with high-end dealerships while maintaining quality standards.

Final Thoughts:

Jeremy Harding’s insights reveal the complex but rewarding process of launching and scaling a brand in a competitive market. His experience highlights the importance of strategic partnerships, customer trust, and product innovationin building a long-term business. Whether you're a detailer, distributor, or business owner, this episode offers valuable lessons on branding, market positioning, and sustainable growth.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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In this episode of Cruise Control, Kevin Davis sits down with Ashley, Megan, and Justin from Car Candy at Mobile Tech Expo 2025 to discuss the company’s journey from raw material sales to becoming a recognized detailing brand. Ashley shares how she started in the chemical industry, responding to detailers’ needs by formulating their first product, Chocolate Thunder Wheel Cleaner. The conversation covers strategic hiring decisions, the balance between retail and professional-grade products, and the importance of distributor relationships. Megan and Justin bring their expertise in business growth, product education, and customer engagement, highlighting the role of reinvestment, calculated risk-taking, and work-life balance in scaling a successful detailing business.

Key Takeaways:

1. Start with a Need and Solve a Problem
   • Car Candy was born from listening to detailers and identifying gaps in the market, proving that understanding customer pain points leads to successful product creation.
   • The first product, Chocolate Thunder Wheel Cleaner, was designed to make wheel cleaning easier based on direct feedback from professionals.
2. Hire for Growth, Not Just for Today
   • Ashley and Megan emphasize strategic hiring—bringing in people with complementary skill sets to ensure the company grows sustainably.
   • They highlight the importance of reinvesting profits into the business to fund smart hires and essential equipment upgrades.
3. Distribution is Key to Scaling
   • While direct sales are valuable, building a strong distribution network allows for greater reach and long-term stability.
   • Supporting distributors with proper education and marketing materials ensures they successfully promote and sell the brand.
4. Education Sells More Than Hard Selling
   • Justin explains that the best way to sell a product isn’t through aggressive sales tactics but through education.
   • Demonstrating proper product use through training, social media, and content creation helps build trust and encourages repeat customers.
5. Balancing Multiple Business Verticals
   • Car Candy has expanded into retail, private labeling, and contract packaging, allowing them to diversify revenue streams.
   • The team discusses how they prioritize opportunities and avoid distractions by focusing on long-term strategies rather than chasing every new trend.
6. Work-Life Balance Matters
   • Ashley shares how taking maternity leave was a defining moment in learning to delegate and trust her team.
   • Megan emphasizes that success isn’t just about business growth—it’s about creating a company culture that supports both professional and personal well-being.

This episode provides valuable lessons for entrepreneurs, detailers, and business owners looking to scale smartly while maintaining brand integrity and work-life balance.

Get your one-stop success solution at www.detailersroadmap.com!

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