When three coaches and twenty business owners told him not to open a detail shop, Kyle Davis proved them wrong. This episode dives into how Davis turned doubt into determination, growing his Virginia Beach shop beyond expectations and building a business that now fuels two thriving ventures.
After years in the Navy and bouncing between shops, Kyle discovered his passion for leadership through hard lessons in culture, management, and faith. His journey from technician to multi-shop owner started with a single decision to take control of his future—despite setbacks, skepticism, and a few hard knocks along the way.
Faced with the pressures of rapid growth and competing coaching advice, Kyle battled fear and doubt to expand Davis Car Care & Tire Center into a second operation, Davis Details. While others called it risky, Kyle trusted his instincts and market understanding to carve a new niche in high-end detailing, tinting, and ceramic coating services.
By leaning into strong coaching relationships, refining his management style, and using digital tools like TechMetric, AutoVitals, and AutoOps, Kyle scaled his business sustainably. His story offers a playbook on how to blend strategy, faith, and people-first leadership to create consistent success in the repair and detail industries.
For shop owners, this is a masterclass in building resilience, trusting your gut, and turning criticism into momentum. Kyle’s story shows what happens when you lead with faith, charge your worth, and create a shop culture technicians want to be part of.
Guests:
Kyle Davis — Davis Car Care and Tire Center — Virginia Beach, VA
What you’ll learn (shop-owner takeaways):
Why closing Saturdays can improve morale and profit
How to balance faith and business leadership
The secret to retaining top technicians long-term
How to overcome fear when launching a new venture
Using TechMetric, AutoVitals, and AutoOps together effectively
When to invest in detailing, tint, and PPF services
How to use coaching without losing your independence
What “knowing your value” really means in pricing strategy
Call-to-Actions
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Links
Next Step Guide: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/next-steps.aspx
Grid Request: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/grid-request.aspx
Request a Call: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/request-a-call.aspx
Join the Podcast Panel: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/join-panel.aspx
Partnership Info: https://www.aashopmarketing.com/aashopmktg/public/partnership.aspx
Garage Grit Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/forautorepairshopowners
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1MFNXgGMqMQzKCeDuslkkg?si=42fc7c4da4834993
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aashopmarketing
Podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/garagegrit
Keywords
auto repair marketing, shop owner leadership, Kyle Davis, Davis Car Care, Virginia Beach, shop coaching, AutoVitals, TechMetric, AutoOps, business growth, detailing shop, PPF, ceramic coating, window tinting, hiring technicians, shop management, overcoming fear, auto shop culture, pricing strategy, AA Shop Marketing
EPISODE METADATA
Episode number: 042
Guests: Kyle Davis
Shop name: Davis Car Care and Tire Center
City/State: Virginia Beach, VA