Driven By Details Podcast

Driven By Details
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Driven By Details podcast with your hosts Matt Arendt & Jason Killmer. Two industry veterans coming together to discuss the detailing industry and beyond, as they share some of their stories behind the shine.

  1. FEB 5

    From the Service Drive to Insurance: Tim Kearns on Career Change & Customer Trust

    In this episode of Driven By Details, I sit down with Tim Kearns to talk about career change, long-term growth, and the transferable skills that matter more than job titles. Tim spent nearly 24 years in the automotive industry, starting as a service advisor in the mid-1990s and eventually working his way up to service manager. Along the way, he built deep relationships, managed constant pressure, and learned firsthand what it takes to serve customers in high-stress environments. Eventually, Tim reached a turning point. After decades in the dealership world, he made the decision to step away and pursue a new path—ultimately finding his way into the insurance industry. Today, he runs successful insurance offices and credits much of that success to the customer service, communication, and problem-solving skills he developed in automotive. We talk about: Starting out in the service drive and climbing the dealership ladder The realities of long hours and pressure in automotive management What pushed Tim to finally make a career change How customer service skills translate across industries Why patience, trust, and communication matter in any profession This conversation is a great listen for anyone thinking about a career pivot, building long-term professional relationships, or navigating change with intention.

    1h 13m

  2. JAN 22

    Respect for the Craft.

    In this episode of Driven by Details, we sit down with David Patterson of Oberk for a wide-ranging conversation on craftsmanship, ceramic coatings, and the realities of building a business in today’s detailing industry. We reflect on how the industry has changed over the past five years, the role social media plays in shaping perception, and why local community engagement still matters. We also dive into the evolution of ceramic coatings, the influence of Japanese culture on product development, and what it means to take the work seriously—from chemistry and process to packaging and presentation. This episode also looks ahead to 2026, touching on upcoming product launches, advanced training opportunities, and the future direction of the detailing industry. A grounded conversation about growth, discipline, and why respect for the craft still matters.

    1h 6m

  3. 12/11/2025

    Detailing in 2025: New Oberk Releases, RingBrothers Highlights & Industry Outlook

    I sat down with David from Oberk Car Care for a powerhouse conversation to close out 2025. We recapped the year, broke down some of the biggest SEMA projects—including the incredible Ringbrothers Aston Martin DBS build—and reflected on how far the industry has come this year. We also dug into the culture of detailing in 2025: the shifts we’re seeing, the challenges, the growth, and how brands and technicians are evolving together. David shared insight into Oberk’s newest product releases, what inspired them, and how they fit into the way modern technicians are working. If you’re into high-level builds, industry trends, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at what’s shaping the detailing world, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in as we wrap up an amazing year and set the tone for 2026. 🎧✨

    53 min

  4. 11/27/2025

    “A Difficult Year, A Thankful Heart” S3E8

    In this special Thanksgiving episode, Matthew takes a step back from the usual interviews to reflect on one of the most challenging—and transformative—years of his entrepreneurial journey. From unexpected home renovation delays to juggling two growing businesses and battling through a sudden lapse in business insurance, this episode is a candid look at how setbacks, uncertainty, and “difficult times” can still become moments of growth. Matthew opens up about the pressure, the derailments, and the grind of staying consistent while running a micro-business that never slows down.

    18 min

  5. 09/11/2025

    Detailing From The Inside Out : Ruben's Story S3E8

    In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Ruben, someone I had the privilege of working alongside early in my career. Our story goes back to the days when we were grinding it out in the shop together, learning the ins and outs of detailing and supporting each other as we built our skills. Eventually, I was able to connect Ruben with an opportunity at a friend’s dealership, and it has been incredible to watch him thrive in that environment. Ruben has a real gift for interior detailing and carpet care—a side of the industry that often doesn’t get the spotlight it deserves. In our conversation, we dive into what makes interior work so uniquely challenging, from dealing with stubborn stains to balancing speed and quality in high-volume environments. Ruben shares some of the tricks of the trade, but also opens up about the physical and mental demands that come with trying to make a vehicle look brand new from the inside out. We also talk about what it’s like working at a dealership, where the pace is relentless and expectations are high. Ruben’s perspective gives real insight into the day-to-day grind, but also the pride that comes with transforming a vehicle for the next customer. Whether you’re a detailer looking for tips, someone curious about the behind-the-scenes of dealership life, or just interested in hearing the story of two friends reconnecting through their craft, this episode has something for you.

    1h 3m

  6. 08/21/2025

    Inside Forte Detailing: Gabe Medina’s First Year in Business

    “Welcome back to the Driven By Details Podcast. Today’s episode is a special one — and our longest yet. Almost two hours of unfiltered conversation packed with insights, stories, and lessons you won’t want to miss. We dive deep into Gabe Madina background in detailing! Covering everything from how he got into the industry to events that led him down the road to Entrepreneurship , and even some behind-the-scenes experiences that most people never get to hear about. If you’re passionate about detailing, business, or just love hearing real conversations from people in the industry, this episode is worth every minute. Buckle up — this one goes the distance.”

    2h 9m

  7. 06/30/2025

    The Passion Behind Detailing: Gloss U, Car Culture & Oberk's New Developments

    🎙 New Episode of Driven By Details In this episode, I sit down with David from Oberk Car Care to recap the recent Gloss University Grand Opening. We had a fantastic turnout, and if you couldn’t make it, this episode gives you an inside look at what went down! We also dive into car culture from a detailing enthusiast’s perspective — sharing our passion for the craft and community. Later in the show, David gives us a sneak peek at some exciting new products Oberk has been developing behind the scenes. 👉 Tune in, enjoy the conversation, and thanks for listening!

    1h 4m

  8. 05/29/2025

    A Difficult Time! S3E5

    🎙 New Episode of Driven By Details In this latest episode, I stepped outside the usual format and just spoke directly to the camera—no script, no filter. I opened up about a recent personal experience: dealing with a frustrating and drawn-out roofing project. This situation pushed me to the edge and made me question the values of some people in the trades—specifically, the difference between pride in your craft and chasing a quick buck. Through all the setbacks, I found a new level of appreciation for what real craftsmanship looks like—and how much I value integrity in the work I do every day. This episode is honest, unfiltered, and a bit personal. Give it a listen, and let me know what you think. Your feedback means more than ever.

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Driven By Details podcast with your hosts Matt Arendt & Jason Killmer. Two industry veterans coming together to discuss the detailing industry and beyond, as they share some of their stories behind the shine.

Information

  • Creator
    Driven By Details
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Driven By Details
  • Show Website
    Driven By Details Podcast