My name is Josh Pierce, I am a Certified Detailer, Skills Validated, Motorcycle Certified, Watercraft Certified and a Recognized Independent Trainer with the International Detailing Association. In addition to my certifications I am an active member of the IDA serving as the 2025 Chair for the Tradeshow & Education Committee, I am also a member of the Social Media Committee, as well as numerous task forces. I currently operate Carousel Auto Appearance in Iowa City, IA and we are a full Auto Appearance center with a state of the art Detail Shop, Collision Center, Car Wash, Retail Supply Store, Automotive Film’s and Aftermarket Accessories. I currently employ 23 technicians and service approximately 600 vehicles per month. I also serve as the President of American Detail Academy, we are a family owned auto detail training center located in Williamsburg, IA, our mission is to help reduce the learning curve for new detailers and grow the skill set and profit centers for established detailers.

Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you became involved in the detailing world?

My journey into the Automotive Industry started in the early 2000’s as a Interior Repair Technician working along side my Dad and Uncle repairing leather, vinyl and upholstery. I really loved cars but this aspect of the industry never really was a passion of mine so my wife Susan and I decided to try our hand at detailing. Shortly after we started detailing it became my passion and I never looked back!

What is it about detailing that has kept you motivated to be in this industry for so long?

I’m a car guy through and through so of course getting to work on some amazing vehicles everyday has been a dream. What keeps me motivated to stay in the industry and continue to grow my skillset is the people I surround myself with, when you surround yourself with friends, colleagues and family that push you to be the best you can be it’s easy to stay motivated.

You have detailed for some amazing clients over the years. Can you share some highlights?

I have been incredibly fortunate in my career to work on some amazing projects, being able to work on cars for Jay Leno is right up there as far as career highlights but my favorite is working the Quail and Motorlux (Hagerty) events during Monterey Car Week as part of Team P&S. Being a part of that experience for the last 4 years has been nothing short of amazing and has led to some of the closest friendships I have ever had. The cars are amazing for sure but it’s the people that truly make an experience magical!

What made you want to start the American Detail Academy to your offerings?

I have had an amazing career full of highs and lows, I’ve seen almost everything there is to see in this industry and I feel I can help propel the next generation to success quicker and with fewer speed bumps by being able to offer my experience and skillset that has taken 20+ years to achieve. My goal in the industry is really the same goal as I have being a father, help the next generation become more successful than myself by trying to make the learning curve for them easier to navigate.

You have attended many different training sessions over the years. What stands out to you about those experiences?

My biggest takeaway from every training I have ever attended has always been the chance to add to my network of people, I’ve taken away at least one new skill from every training and to me that’s well worth the price of admission but the networking is where you will make a long lasting return on your investment.

What are some of the core themes you hear at most training sessions?

I think what I’ve noticed over the last 5-10 years is that we are quickly becoming a industry that is putting a premium on efficiency. Most every training program and manufacturer program is now focusing on making detailers more efficient while still being just as effective.

What parts of training have you seen evolve in more recent years?

Like every other industry we are evolving at lightning speed, one area that we focus on at American Detail Academy and is a point of focus for other training programs is the business operations and marketing end of detailing. While we are still very skillset focused we are also offering a lot on business coaching, marketing strategies and maximizing profits through efficiencies. We are growing up as a industry and as a result there are a lot of us out there who have turned our passion for detailing into multi million dollar businesses.

Any advice for newer detailers?

My advice has always been to seek out as much knowledge and training as possible, find a business coach/mentor to bounce ideas off of. Don’t be afraid to take that leap to the next level, just make sure you take that leap with a sound strategic and business development plan and then execute your plan.