The Rag Company Podcast

It terms of detailing, kids these days have it easy! Our Pro detailers discuss the advancements in the automotive detailing industry and how much has changed over the last few decades! Just like any other market, detailing has seen many advancements in products and techniques over the years. Going from wiping a car with a baby diaper to using microfibers is among the many! Our Pro's talk about many of the old-fashioned ways that detailers use to do things and the comparison to "kids these days." Honestly, new detailers have it easy compared to people that have been in the game for years and years! Polishers have come such a long way, as well as improvements in polishes, waxes, and sealants. Having the Optimum Reps on board was a great way to see a new perspective, considering their advanced product line. However, don't let this seem like a negative thing. We are EXCITED that new detailers are able to jump into the market and see outstanding results. Heck, we have no doubt that a child could do a paint correction with the proper tools. We just wanted to pay respect to the guys that have been around the block and explain how far we have come in this industry. Have some stories of your own? Ever used baby diapers? We want to hear from you in the comments!Have a suggestion or want to ask a question? Head over to the DeTalks Facebook group and let us know.Check out the Optimum Synergy Podcast.Guests: Levi Gates, Yvan Lacroix and Dann Williams Recorded by Dane Hennen & Anthony Fisher Edited by Dane Hennen

The most POPULAR question we get asked is, "How do you wash microfiber towels?" Contrary to many recommendations we have seen on the web, we thought we would make a simple and factual video on which washing methods are best! First question we need to address is, " What is microfiber made of?" The two most common material combination is Polyamide and Polyester. Typically a towel is made of a blend between the two, which could be 80/20 or the more sought after 70/30. In a nutshell. microfiber is made of really really fine...plastic. So what happens when plastic gets too hot? It melt! Microfiber has a melting point of 140 degrees, in which most household furnaces will boil water that is hot enough to melt the towels. This is why we commend washing microfiber on a cool to warm setting. Never boil microfiber. What about detergent? Any "free and clear" detergent is what we recommend. No fabric softener or scents should be in your washing detergent. A TRICK that we recommend is putting 1/2 cup to 3/4 a cup of distilled vinegar into the bleach tray on the washer. This vinegar will provide more cleaning power, resulting in a softer feel and less stains. Yvan Lacroix recommends Optimum Power Clean as a trick to wash microfiber. However, you don't absolutely NEED specific microfiber detergent. We hope this video helps people on how to clean and wash microfiber! Have some washing tricks of your own? Let us know in the comments!Have a suggestion or want to ask a question? Head over to the DeTalks Facebook group and let us know.Check out the Optimum Synergy Podcast.Guests: Levi Gates, Yvan Lacroix and Dann Williams Recorded by Dane Hennen & Anthony Fisher Edited by Dane Hennen 

Networking is an important business tool that doesn't cost ANYTHING. Whether it's hustling on social media, or being an in-person social butterfly, it's a much needed effort for success! Today on DETALKS, our Pro Detailers discuss the importance of networking within the detailing industry. Whether it's meeting other detailers, or other people offering services within the automotive industry. Being social may not be everyone's forte, but people gravitate toward's other "well liked" people. As a business owner, you have to compose yourself well to customers, friends, and associates. As Levi states, if you're wearing a logo'd t shirt, and you're out and about...you are representing the company. You're always "ON." Social media representation is the other key factor. Public posts show all comments, and making sure you are replying to customers publicly with kindness can be seen by all. If a post get's heated with a argument, people will see that and they WILL remember that for the future. Have some networking advice of your own? We would love to hear about it in the comments!Have a suggestion or want to ask a question? Head over to the ALL-NEW DeTalks Facebook group and let us know.Check out the Optimum Synergy Podcast.Guests: Yvan Lacroix & Levi Gates Recorded by Dane Hennen & Anthony Fisher Edited by Dane Hennen

Are water spots harmless? Hardly. Our Pro Detailers discuss the presence of water spots in car detailing and the damage that mineral deposits can cause! Levi Gates is joined by the Optimum team to discuss proper water spot removal from paint, glass, and other automotive surfaces. Battling hard water can be a full time task depending on how you wash your car or if sprinklers seem to target you. The difference between hard water and rain is that hard water carries mineral deposits that dry white and can possibly etch your paint. Paint etchings caused by hard water are typically removed by a mineral deposit remover, vinegar, or by polishing the paint. The deeper water spot etchings may even require a heavier compound. Not all water is created equal and timely removal of hard water is key to keeping your car paint pristine.Have a suggestion or want to ask a question? Head over to the DeTalks Facebook group and let us know Check out the Optimum Synergy PodcastGuests: Levi Gates, Yvan Lacroix and Dann Williams Recorded by Dane Hennen & Anthony Fisher Edited by Dane Hennen

What does it mean to be a professional detailer? What set's your work or business apart from the rest of the industry? Today we talk about a key word in a SUCCESSFUL business structure: Professionalism. Quotes that fluctuate, last minute cancellations, sloppy attire, bad communication, foul language, and the list of what NOT to do can go on and on. In today's video, our pro detailers talk about professionalism in the work place. This information can be universally useful, but primarily for the auto detailing industry. Our Pro's share their stories of situations that needed to be handled to maintain a clean and professional reputation. As you probably know, reputation is extremely important in the auto industry. Nobody wants to be known for botched work or views on life that should not reflect the workplace. Have a suggestion or want to ask a question? Head over to the DeTalks Facebook group and let us know:Check out the Optimum Synergy PodcastGuests: Levi Gates, Yvan Lacroix and Dann Williams Recorded by Dane Hennen & Anthony Fisher Edited by Dane Hennen 

Anthony is out for the day, but Levi & Dane make up for it by digging into the tough stuff!Tough stuff such as why a Scangrip work light appears in an episode of Black Mirror and why some people feel the need to treat every product suggestion like a challenge that needs to argued-with.But it's not ALL dark-- Levi's Detail of the Day dives into polishing efficiently, and why quality doesn't have to suffer just because you're quick.Lastly, Dane & Levi talk IDA, (The International Detailing Association) as well as the Mobile Tech Expo in Orlando, FL. (Which you can come and meet us at this week!)Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/5wAoIMbagTw

Last Saturday, The Rag Company hosted the Silver Sage Porsche Club for a wash clinic, which was taught by our very own Levi & Anthony!Oh, and we actually livestreamed the whole thing! So, if you'd like to watch the clinic in it's entirety, you can check it out here: https://youtu.be/loh-AWsRha4Beyond the clinic, the guys discuss the need for positivity in the industry, and how that can help combat issues that come-about due to detailer's own insecurities.Then, to round it all out, the guys talk a bit about coatings, as well as what stsyles of microfiber work best for handling them.Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7QfmnrQnD38

This week, the guys go off-script and wind-up having a conversation that touches on everything from lighting fixtures to oil changes, diabetes and dentistry.Buckle up, this one's a journey!Watch this episode here: https://youtu.be/XzN8WQQrypk

It's only the second day of 2018 but Levi, Dane & Anthony are on the case! From a crazy wedding in Reno to an examination of high-end soda fountains in Utah, the guys bring plenty of New Years experiences to the table.Beyond the festivities, TRC has real plans for 2018, including new towels, new media gear & a whole lot more!While we're talking 2018 plans, what resolutions do YOU have? Share in the comments below!Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t4lsm_F7I7o

It's the day after Christmas, which means gifts, giveaways & general goodness all around!The guys recap their weekend and offer thoughts on what they look forward to in 2018.This is the last episode of 2017, so it's the perfect time to reflect on what a journey the year has been. (Especially since it was the first with a TRC Podcast!)Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/9Vse9-YbabU

Christmas is just around the corner, so you know what that means: Parties!In more detail-oriented news, the Eagle Edgeless is getting an upgrade and becoming a *family* of towels! (The first member arriving will be the beautiful new Eagle Edgeless 600)In other microfiber towel news, we felt it was important to lay out exactly how people can get wholesale cases & pricing from us, because people continue to ask us that question all the time. The answer is it's very, very easy and most-definitely worth your while!Finally, to finish today'd discussion off, we talk about the upcoming Mobile Tech Expo in Orlando, Florida and how we hope to see y'all there!Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/kDUbgbg-6dQ

The Last Cut Compounding Glaze has been spreading like wild fire across social media. Some of the biggest names in the Detailing Industry are swearing by it, and now The Rag Company is proud to offer it!  Why is it so good, and who is the man behind the cut? Listen to find out! The Last Detail is owned and operated by Jace Price in northern Las Vegas. When he's not on duty as a solider, he is correcting paint in his shop! He is the proud founder of The Last Detail Products.Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/XggXYDTbCJE

Levi's back, which means we're gonna talk about the merits of foaming and why some people may prefer it to other car wash methods. (And vice versa)Oh, and there's a new detailing towel on the block called the Minx Royale. If you're into things that are STUPID SOFT, you should really check it out.Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/S-XhsRxmBIw

Whoa. That initial batch of iK FOAM sprayers sold-out FAST. There's more coming soon, (Including the big-dog 1.3 gallon FOAM 9 version) so we talk a bit more about them, as well as a fun video we made with them!Unfortunately, Levi's not in this episode because he's got a sick child at home to attend to. Get better lil' guy!Dane & Anthony then dive into the world of social media. They focus on the rise of live content and how it compares with more edited and/or "polished" media. Which do you prefer?Lastly, Anthony discusses what happens when a price glitch on some detailing products goes viral. Yikes!Watch the video version of this episode here: https://youtu.be/ghlDfpCPfxc

Communities on the internet are every bit as much a force for good as they are for bad, and the ones focused around Auto Detailing are no exception.Have an online detailing horror-story or positive experience of your own? Tell us in the comments below!Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/zD0G2WXJLos