In May 2021 I took a trip to Chicago to attend an International Detailing Association (IDA) certification event in order to take the exams for their Certified Detailer (Phase I) and Skills Validated (Phase II) certifications. This was not only my first business trip but my first time visiting Chicago. It was also my first time traveling and getting on a plane since the start of the pandemic.
The certification event was held at Simon’s Shine Shop, a detailing shop just north of downtown which is also the headquarters of the detailing product company Dr. Beasley’s. I had no idea going into this that the presenter and proctor of the event was the owner of Dr. Beasley’s himself, Jim Lafeber. Fun fact: Dr. Beasley’s was named after the family dog, not a person.
It was pretty cool to spend time behind the scenes of the detail shop as well as a detailing product company that is known internationally. The event was all day, included lunch, and consisted of presentations on each area of detailing followed by the exams. In order to earn the Phase I designation, one must pass 10 multiple-choice exams, while Phase II requires passing a hands-on exam one-on-one with a teacher. While I was confident in my knowledge and ability as a detailer, I was still nervous about passing the exams given the money I spent and the distance I traveled.
Thankfully, I had nothing to worry about and I passed easily. I also had the opportunity to connect with another great detailer, David Moore of Quiet Storm Detailing in Cleveland, Ohio, and visit the Chicago Auto Pros detail shop. Since I had the rest of the weekend to spare, I spent it exploring the city. Things had just begun to open back up for the first time since the start of the pandemic and it seemed like the whole city was outside. The weather was perfect, Chicago is such a beautiful city! Now I understand why “summertime Chi” is so renowned.
Of course, I had to try Chicago-style deep dish pizza for the first time (delicious), visit “The Bean” and Wrigley Field, walk the Riverwalk, and experience the Skydeck atop the Sears Tower. If you haven’t been to Chicago, I 10/10 recommend it!