The car wash and auto detailing sector in the United States is a significant industry, valued between $12-$14 billion. Chad Lodenstein, the Automotive Department Head at GRCC’s School of Workforce Development, is well aware of this booming market. A GRCC program graduate himself, Lodenstein earned a bachelor’s degree in Automotive Management from Ferris State and built a career in the automotive industry before returning to GRCC as an instructor in 2002. Now, he is excited to introduce GRCC’s first-ever Car Detailing Program this fall.
“The used vehicle market is currently very strong, leading individuals to invest more in their existing vehicles,” Lodenstein explains. “Especially in regions like the Midwest, protecting cars from salt and maintaining clean interiors is a wise investment. This trend fuels industry growth, presenting lucrative opportunities.”
Lodenstein’s dedication to GRCC stems from his own positive experience. “GRCC is an exceptional institution that significantly benefited me. Returning to teach here was a chance to give back, and my primary goal is student success.” He views the new car detailing program as a key component in achieving this objective.
“This car detailing program is designed to attract individuals who may not be inclined towards traditional mechanic work,” Lodenstein notes. “It could even appeal to students outside our automotive program. Business students, for example, might find it valuable if they’re considering opening a detailing business or entering the car detailing industry. It’s also an excellent option for anyone seeking a profitable side income.”
The car detailing program at GRCC is structured as a 45-contact-hour course, meeting once a week for three hours over 15 weeks. The program’s inception arose from a suggestion by a former student. “During an internship visit a couple of summers ago, a student mentioned wishing GRCC offered a detailing class,” Lodenstein recounts. “This prompted me to research the idea, and I realized the value of incorporating car detailing into our curriculum.”
To ensure the program’s quality and relevance, Lodenstein pursued further training himself. He attended an intensive week-long course at CARETECH, a specialized detailing training center in North Carolina. This hands-on experience covered a comprehensive range of detailing techniques, including interior and exterior cleaning, polishing, paint correction through sanding and leveling, and ceramic coatings application.
“The CARETECH course provided an excellent framework for our program,” Lodenstein states. “The structured approach and quality materials were impressive. Furthermore, CARETECH will serve as a valuable ongoing resource for both myself and our students.”
Reflecting on his time as a student again, Lodenstein found it both stimulating and demanding. “Being a student again was a beneficial reminder of the challenges students face in absorbing new information. It reinforced the importance of being considerate of students’ lives and academic workload.”
Despite the effort required to develop and implement the new car detailing program, Lodenstein was motivated by GRCC President Bill Pink’s guiding principle. “Dr. Pink consistently emphasizes the need for GRCC to be relevant and responsive,” Lodenstein says. “This car detailing program perfectly embodies both of these values.”
Reported by Phil de Haan.
