Hello everybody!

As many of you may already know, I've been working in the motorcycle business for about 22 years now...the past 9 as a Regional Sales and Marketing Manager responsible for roughly 700 dealerships, 13 District Managers, and many many millions of dollars in sales.

At the same time I have been running my rapidly expanding detailing business at nights and on weekends, and have been working extensively on writing articles for DI at the same time (about 70 so far this year).

Throw in a family with young kids, and you can imagine that it's been a 7-days a week endeavor for a long time. Something had to go to maintain my sanity.

Since I have so many years invested in the motorcycle industry...a steady (and healthy) paycheck, 401K, and a nice title, it was actually a pretty simple decision to make.

I have decided to say goodbye...to the motorcycle industry! You probably thought I was going to say goodbye to detailing, right?

The demand for my services has grown at an exponential rate, particularly in the Exotics market. I'm usually booked months in advance even during the cold Ohio winters.

The demand for articles through DI has grown at an equal pace, and I've even been asked to author some projects in a major print publication as well.

Despite the fact that I have held a "solid" job in the motorcycle industry for a long time, I will have many more opportunities and the ability to grow my own business(es) by making this change. I also have some other (very) big projects in the works for the automotive / detailing industry that I will be focusing on now that I have the time available (just 2 or 3 jobs is easier to manage than 3 to 4!).

So the moral of the story here for part-time detailers out there...don't be afraid to cut the umbilical cord and create your own futures! When you plan properly and build a strong network, you can create plenty of opportunities for yourself. If you sit back and wait for "it" to come to you, then it probably won't.

Live the dream my friends!

Best regards,
Todd Cooperider

 

congrats Todd. I would wish you luck in your new endeavors, but I have seen your work and you are capable to do amazing things within your detailing business. I have to say that I am very envious that you get to go something that you enjoy so much. Not too many ppl can say they love their jobs... and you are an inspiration for those of us who are weekend detailers...

 

Congrats man

 

Todd, thats excellent news, and a wise decision, and excellent advice as well!

 

congrats todd

 

Thank you everybody...I really appreciate the support.

And to add to that a bit, one of the biggest motivators in this is to gain more time with my family. I have been doing extensive travel for the better part of 15 years, and have missed a lot of family life and the growing up of my kids in the process. My kids are now 9 and 15, and I want to make sure that I can spend as much time as possible before they become adults and move on with their own lives.

I know a lot of people in management or positions that require them to be on the road, sleeping out of hotels, in airports, etc. They'd gladly give up some income to spend more time with their families at home. It's simply a matter of keeping things in perspective.

So in my situation, I'm winning in two ways...I'm creating my own future, and gaining time with the family.

Thanks again,
Todd

 

Congrats. I think figuring out a decision like this isn't an easy one, especially with you being in such a top position at your job.

Work/Life balance is always difficult to maintain when you only have 24 hours in a day.
I have certainly appreciated your contribution on AZ.

Now make sure your time on AZ isn't compromised =)

 

I know exactly what your're going through Todd, I was ready to let Exceldetail go, just so I could be with the family more. I actually enjoyed the final weeks as things slowed down, and was looking forward to my retail retirement. My kids are now 22-19-16, I have been at this since they were like 10-7-and 4. Premium fatherhood years, and theres no getting it back. Regrets? Yes, some.....But I also have a 40 hr work week I fill with other obligations. Time is precious, no doubt. Then came tax time, and a meeting with my accountant. I told her of my plans and she simply said "NO, no your not".....She said just tone it down, you need write offs if you wanna live in Ca........So......here I am again, albeit the same, but toned down a tad.......And I wonder, "WTH am I doing".......Well, Im setting an example for my kids about determination, hard work, effort and entrepreneurism.
Best of luck, and a tip of the hat to you sir.

 

Congrats Todd! your 100% right family life is the best and super important. Your detailing articles and pics are amazing and your detailing knowledge is great. I feel between you, Patrick and Dale there is nothing that I can't attempt to tackle with my 05TSX. thanks again for all your help and comments regarding detailing work and write ups they are greatly appreciated.

 

Congrats Todd.

You are definitely right about creating your own opportunities. Looking forward to reading more of your writeups.

 

CONGRATS!!! Always a great read and learning experience reading your writeups. I wish you the best

PS...you scared the $hit out of me in beginning of your post. I was thinking ohhhhh nooooo

 

Thanks guys!

 

Man I just starting going through this part of the forums and reading stuff like this is inspiring!!!!! Even to do detailing as a part time thing even for just the good of my own cars!!!

Stories like this just make you want to "Just do it!!" whatever it is in life.....

Congrats..

 

Todd-congratulations for sure! It sounds like you've really thought this out and are doing this for all the right reasons....family plus grow your own business.

You're truly one of the best in the business-the best of luck....but you won't really need it-you'll be doing GREAT!




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Oh man I am so late, but I definitely want to say my congrats!!!!

Very inspiring to hear that you are doing so well and I look forward to your future projects.

A big cheers to you.

 

Thanks guys, I definitely appreciate it.

So far week 1.5 has went very well. I hired DJ Mayo to travel up from VA last week to help me out with a workload. We put in 36 hours on a Rolls Royce Phantom, 25 on a Maserati QP, and 25 on a Ferrari 360 Spider. After that I had a Shelby Mustang, an Audi TT, a Porsche Cayman, another 360 Spider, and am prepping a Foose Mustang for a show this weekend.

Life is good, and the stress level is waaay down!

 

Someone's got to take pics of all those cars!

 

Congrats, Todd!

 

[... one of the biggest motivators in this is to gain more time with my family]

We should all realize he importance of this (all too soon they ae grown up and (almost) gone)

Best of luck with your future endvours.

 

Congrats Todd. Best of luck in the future.

 

Don't know how I missed this thread, but I wanted to say good for you Todd, and congrats

 

How did I miss this?!?! Must say, Todd you got my heart rate going there when I saw the title. Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors.

 

Todd,

This is exactly what I would like to be able to do down the road! Congrats, enjoy it!

 

Glad you chose the path you did. Im in a great position being in outside sales for a great company that lets me get to work from home aside from meeting clients. I get plenty of family time. I have friends who never see their kids and say they do it so their kids have a better life then they did but i tell them a life where they see their father 8 hours a week total is not what is best for them....... maybe theyll get it one day! Ive been reading a ton of your articles and as a matter of fact will be sending you an email soon before i place a large order on DI. Keep on keepin on!

 

Better late than never so...congrats on the new move. Maybe one (or both) of your young ones will pick up a few things and follow in your footsteps!