MARINE SPOTLIGHT: Mike Kolb at Race City Marine
MARINE SPOTLIGHT - Race City Marine and Mike Kolb
Race City Marine, a family owned boat dealership in the Charlotte, North Carolina market, is redefining what it means to offer high-quality boats. Specializing in the sale of Nautique, Barletta, and Chris Craft boats, the dealership provides a full-service experience that includes in-house gelcoat and fiberglass repairs alongside expert detailing services.
Mike Kolb, Service Manager at Race City Marine, recently completed the Starke Certification Course with Marine Detail Supply Charleston. His experience in the program has played a major role in enhancing the dealership’s detailing practices, from improving service quality to refining customer interactions. The insights gained from the course have helped Race City Marine continue evolving to exceed customer expectations.
Specializing in High-End Detailing Services
Race City Marine offers a range of specialized detailing services, including full details, paint correction, and ceramic coatings. To ensure superior results, the company exclusively uses Starke Yacht Care Products, a trusted name in the industry. By selecting the best products available, they provide clients with long-lasting protection and a flawless finish.
The Impact of Starke Certification
Through the Starke Certification Course at MDSC, Mike Kolb and the Race City Marine team refined their approach to detailing in several key ways. One of the most valuable lessons was the importance of properly quoting services and educating customers on the necessary steps to achieve their desired results. By offering test spots and setting clear expectations, they have improved both their process and customer satisfaction.
Beyond refining their techniques, the course also boosted their confidence in pricing their services appropriately. “I would say the biggest takeaway was charging for the additional steps to quote a customer and even offer to do a test spot with a customer. We have to be more proactive on the expectations and process needed to achieve the finish desired,” says Mike. Networking was another key benefit — connecting with other professionals in the industry provided new insights and resources that extend beyond boat detailing, including automotive detailing and business strategies.
Key Lessons and Lasting Benefits
Race City Marine’s biggest takeaway from the Starke Certification Course was product knowledge and understanding when and where to use the right materials to achieve results. Since completing the course, the team has seen a clear improvement in the quality of their work and their ability to meet customer expectations. While industry credibility is difficult to measure, becoming Starke-certified reinforces their dedication to excellence. The dealership’s investment in certification underscores its commitment to providing the best possible service for its customers.
Why Other Detailers Should Consider Certification
For those in the detailing industry, Race City Marine strongly recommends the Starke Certification Course as a valuable opportunity for growth. The course offers practical training, advanced product knowledge, and access to a network of experienced professionals. When asked if he would recommend the course to others, Mike said, “100%. [It is a] small investment to grow and learn.”
His advice to other detailers considering certification? Keep an open mind. Learning never stops, and embracing new techniques and ideas is key to staying ahead in the industry. By investing in education and continuous improvement, detailers can enhance their skills, build credibility, and ultimately provide better results for their customers.
