Talkin’ Paint Podcast Ep. 33: The Evolution of Detailing: From Experience to Innovation

Talkin’ Paint Podcast Ep. 33:The Evolution of Detailing: From Experience to Innovation

Experience vs Repetition: What Real Growth Looks Like in the Detailing Industry

In an industry filled with strong opinions, technical debates, and constant product innovation, it is easy to mistake time spent for actual growth. In this episode of the Talkin’ Paint Podcast, Gabe Fletcher sits down with Jeremy Harding of Nasio to explore not just products and business strategies, but something deeper that affects every detailing professional.

The conversation reveals a simple but uncomfortable truth. Not all experience is equal. Time alone does not guarantee progress. What matters is how that time is used, what is learned from it, and whether real evolution takes place along the way.

The Difference Between Experience and Repetition

One of the most striking ideas from this discussion is the distinction between true experience and repeated habits. Spending years in the industry does not automatically translate to improvement.

There are professionals who refine their process, challenge their assumptions, and continue to adapt. Then there are those who repeat the same approach year after year, without questioning whether it still works.

This difference is subtle but important. Growth requires change. Without it, time becomes repetition rather than development.

Why the Industry Creates Strong Opinions

Detailing is a field where passion runs high. People take pride in their methods, their products, and their results. This passion often leads to strong opinions, and sometimes, resistance to new ideas.

The lack of standardized processes adds another layer to this dynamic. Without a universal system, every detailer develops their own way of working. Over time, those methods become deeply ingrained.

While this independence can be valuable, it can also create barriers. When new approaches are introduced, they are often met with skepticism rather than curiosity.

The Cost of Resisting New Information

Training environments often reveal how people respond to change. Some approach it as an opportunity to learn, while others arrive with the intention of defending what they already know.

When someone is unwilling to listen, even the most valuable information becomes ineffective. The opportunity for growth is lost, not because the knowledge is unavailable, but because it is rejected.

This resistance creates a cycle. The same challenges persist, and progress remains limited. Over time, this becomes one of the biggest obstacles in the industry.

Why the Student Mindset Matters

The most consistent path to improvement comes from approaching every situation as a student. This mindset allows for adaptation, learning, and refinement.

When detailers remain open to new ideas, they expand their understanding of both process and outcome. They begin to see patterns, recognize inefficiencies, and adjust their approach accordingly.

This does not mean abandoning experience. It means building on it. The combination of past knowledge and new insight is what drives meaningful growth.

The Role of Ego in Slowing Progress

Ego is often an unseen factor that shapes decision-making. It can create confidence, but it can also create resistance.

When someone believes they already have all the answers, they stop asking questions. Without questions, there is no learning. Without learning, there is no growth.

In a field that continues to evolve, this mindset creates limitations. The industry moves forward, but those who resist change remain in the same place.

Learning Through Exposure and Conversation

One of the most valuable aspects of the industry is the ability to learn from others. Conversations, shared experiences, and real-world feedback provide insight that cannot be gained alone.

Jeremy highlights the importance of hearing from other professionals rather than relying solely on brand messaging. Real experiences, both positive and negative, create a more complete understanding of what works.

This exchange of information strengthens the industry as a whole. It encourages transparency and helps professionals make better decisions.

Why Real Growth Requires Discomfort

Growth is rarely comfortable. It often involves questioning what you thought you knew and being willing to adjust your approach.

This discomfort is not a negative signal. It is an indicator that something new is being learned. Those who embrace it tend to progress faster, while those who avoid it remain in familiar territory.

Over time, this willingness to step into discomfort becomes a competitive advantage.

Balancing Experience with Adaptation

Experience remains valuable, but only when it is paired with adaptation. The most effective professionals combine their past knowledge with a willingness to evolve.

This balance allows them to stay relevant in a changing environment. It also enables them to improve efficiency, refine their process, and deliver better results over time.

Without adaptation, experience becomes static. With it, experience becomes a foundation for continuous improvement.

Conclusion

The detailing industry is not limited by a lack of information. It is shaped by how individuals choose to use that information. The difference between growth and stagnation often comes down to mindset.

Time alone does not create expertise. Growth comes from learning, adapting, and being willing to challenge what is familiar. When professionals approach their work as students rather than experts, they open the door to continuous improvement.

In the end, the question is simple. Are you gaining years of experience, or repeating the same year over and over again?