I am just about back home from taking this class! This was an awesome experience and was WAY more than I expected! To fully understand, I am going to post my review/ opinion as these pictures do not do justice of what happened at this class. As I am so proud of how these cars came out!
First, I am a hobbyist at auto detailing before I signed up. I did not know what to expect, before signing up I searched for other classes closer to NJ (where I live) and there are some. I found a fairly reviewed class in Ohio, and my Dad knew a guy that gives classes in Virginia (but there is no review on that) and only thing that I kept coming back to was this class.
Next Mike Phillips, for better words, is a legend in auto detailing when you search on information on him. This led to my next concern. Since he was so high profile, I was unsure if he was really going to teach the class or have an assistant do it and he just comes in and say hi. I will tell you, Mike is there 1st thing in the morning and NEVER leaves till the class is finished. The class is supposed to be from about 730 am until 430-5pm. There was not one day that we finished before 6pm!
We only sat at our desks for about 45 minutes each day. 30 minutes for a few things that needs to be explained from a desk area and 15 minute lunch. The rest of the time is all hands on learning. Mike himself demonstrates and teaches all the techniques, not an assistant. Mike walks around to make sure you understand each procedure and shows you if you made a mistake. Even if you did not realize you made a mistake. He does not yell or act superior, he wants you to do everything right! He genuinely cares!
On the cars, we worked on a couple cars that where worth 80K dollars each, some rental cars (nothing wrong with that!), and a few nice muscle cars still worth 30k or so each. You are not working on some rust bucket or just hoods from a junk yard. On these cars you learn proper polishing techniques, how to properly handle a buffer, and how to properly wax a car. This may sound stupid, but I was doing just about everything wrong and do not mind saying it! This is an issue for myself as a hobbyist learning from friends and YouTube. There is a ton of incorrect information out there! It's all internet hearsay.
We got to use multiple tools, about 6 different buffers from short stroke to long stroke units that widely vary in price. We learned ceramic coatings and used several different brands so you can see the differences of how they apply and wipe off. This helps allow you to make the choice as to which products you like to use, and you did not have to buy them! I'm not sure if all classes get to work on 1 stage paint cars (as there getting rarer to find) but we did 2 of them!
Mike also does his best to teach you how to apply your new knowledge in a business setting!
I VERY much enjoyed this class! If I had a chance to do it all again, I would take the class a 2nd time without even having to think about it! The cost comes into play as this class is not cheap. To that comment you need to sit back and think about it, the knowledge you are learning is invaluable and will allow you to get your money back fast! I have not decided if I am going to pursue a business yet or remain a hobbyist, however, I have booked a ceramic coating for my uncles Challenger, a friends cars for paint correction on a C5 Vette, fox body mustang, and a Pontiac G8. This is just from showing them what I learned and seeing the results of the cars we worked on during class! My education is paid for already and the knowledge is now with me forever!
All I can say is THANK YOU Mike!
-Andre
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