Welcome imurdanny. I too recently joined after shopping for a couple of years. The staff is great and the forum crowd is super helpful. There are both pros and novices which makes for super information.
As far as products go: My machinery consists of a PorterCable 7424XP DA polisher, Makita rotary buffer, and a Rigid 6" orbital wax applicator. I think Rigid calls it a buffer....but....I can't see it.
My chemicals (tire cleaner, wheel cleaner, engine cleaner) come from a company here in Georgia called AIM (Auto, Industrial and Marine)
I use Meguiars for waxes, polishes, swirl removers, compounds, etc.
I am only a weekender and would never consider myself a pro. There are guys here that I follow (seeing pictures, asking advice). Those guys/girls are the pros.