Autogeek Flashback!

We’re getting in the time machine today! Anyone who came to our first Detail Fest may remember our small 2,000 sq. ft. space in an office complex. In looking through these pictures, I found a fun fact. The first Detail Fest was in December of 2005. There wasn’t one in 2006 because Max decided it should be held in Spring. The next one was in Spring of 2007 and they have been ever since.

You can see the Autogeek sign over the door. We also had the space to the right, but that was it!

These next photos are different views of the same office. Believe it or not, shortly after this photo was taken, a second desk was added to this room!

This was the warehouse – only about 1000 sq. ft., and we made use of every inch.

For comparison, this is our current warehouse….

Here is the back of our 2005 home. The first two garage doors were ours.

This is Autogeek’s current home.

Autogeek.net has grown a lot in the last six years. Many of our customers have been with us every step of the way (and we have the pictures to prove it!). We as a company are very fortunate to have customers who appreciate what we do and who tell us how we can do it better. It’s that relationship that helps Autogeek continue to improve and grow. Thank you!

Autogeek’s Detail Fest supports Operation Comfort and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

This weekend in Stuart, Florida, Autogeek.net held its 6th Annual Detail Fest & Car Show. The event raised money for both the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Operation Comfort’s Automotivation program.

All the vendors attending Detail Fest made contributions to the organizations. Blown Away Hair Salon gave haircuts at Detail Fest for $10, and all proceeds went to the charities as well. Additional donations were taken and raffle tickets were sold for a motorized scooter to support Operation Comfort and LLS.

Max, Autogeek’s founder and CEO, made a request for an additional $200 from the audience during the awards ceremony on Sunday and offered to match the full amount. Steven Spengler, VP of Sales at Aztec; Steve of Poorboy’s World; and Rick S., the winner of the Aztec hot water extractor raffle, all stepped forward to exceed Max’s request. The total amount raised for Operation Comfort and LLS at Detail Fest was $2500 and Max matched that with his own check for $2500, bringing the total to $5000. The money was divided equally between Operation Comfort and LLS.

On behalf of everyone at Autogeek.net, Operation Comfort, and LLS, we thank our generous donors for all your support.

We would like to thank Ken Coe, Dick Hall and Jeannie Ferrara with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Operation Comfort volunteers Robert Rodriquez, Army Specialist Alicia Shackelford, and Jacob Staples from Layin’ Color in San Antonio, TX.

The Automotivation program teaches detailing and car restoration skills to veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq wars both as job training and as rehabilitation to wounded soldiers. Visit Autogeek’s Operation Comfort page or Operationcomfort.org for more information.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raises money to support the fight against blood cancers and works to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Visit LLS.org for more information.

Autogeek sponsored Bruno Massel Race Car at Detail Fest

The official Autogeek.net race car will be at Detail Fest this weekend, March 26-27, at Autogeek headquarters in Stuart, Florida. We’re looking forward to seeing Bruno Massel, co-host of TRUCK U on SPEED TV and the head of Bruno Massel Racing. Maybe if we buy dinner, we’ll get to take a few laps in the car!

Bruno started the year off on the right foot by dominating the Pro Import division from start to finish by scoring the win from the pole position. He won with a 4.524 second run at 157.19 at the Palm Beach Shakedown, which was held at the newly renovated Palm Beach International Raceway.

Car Specs:
Body: 2009 Carbon fiber Chevrolet Cobalt
Chassis: Jerry Bickel Pro Stock Chassis modified by Bruno’s Automotive
Engine: Chevrolet ECOtec 2.2L DOHC 4-cylinder built by GM Powertrain in Wixom, MI
Engine block: Production Chevrolet ECOtec aluminum block
Cylinder head: Production cast aluminum ECOtec “SAAB” cylinder head
Power Adder: 76mm Precision Turbo billet turbocharger and intercooler
Fuel management: BigStuff3 ECU system
Fuel system: Aeromotive mechanical pump feeding Alcohol to 3-160lb. injectors per/cylinder
Transmission: Bruno’s BRT Converter drive & Liberty 4-speed clutchless transmission
Shocks: Penske electric nitrogen
Tires: Goodyear
Horsepower: 1400+ @ maximum boost
Weight: Minimum weight 2230lbs.
Performance: 6.86 @ 200 mph in the 1/4mile

Autogeek’s 6th Annual Detail Fest & Car Show

It’s that time of year again! Autogeek’s 6th Annual Detail Fest is coming up on March 26-27, 2011.

We like to celebrate the arrival of Spring in our own unique way here at Autogeek: by hosting a detailing expo and car show! Every year since 2006 we’ve hosted a gathering of leading manufacturers, enthusiasts and, of course, their cars for a day of education, detailing, and fun.

Detail Fest 2011 is being held on March 26-27 at our Stuart, Florida headquarters. There’s no better way to get your vehicle ready for Spring than to learn from the pros and from fellow hobbyists about the latest techniques and products. Meet your favorite manufacturers and see their products in action. Detail Fest is also a great opportunity to meet fellow forum members face to face and see their handiwork up close.

Detail Fest is open to anyone wanting to walk around and check out the products and demos. For a small registration fee, you can enter your car into our Detail Fest Car Show!

Detail Fest is 9 am -4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

What’s happening:

  • Autogeek.net is now sponsoring Bruno Massel Racing! Bruno, co-host of TruckU on SPEED TV, will be at Detail Fest with his race car (prototype shown at right). Come check it out!
  • Matt Steele, co-host of TruckU and Trucks Gone Wild, will have monster trucks on display!
  • Fox Sports TV will be filming Detail Fest to make a TV show.
  • World famous Craig Burnett, better known as “Mr. Chemist” in the Mother’s television commercials, will be attending Detail Fest. Craig brings a lifetime of experience in formulating appearance products and humor that only someone surrounded by chemicals for prolonged periods can truly understand and appreciate.
  • The special Max Edition Flex PE14-2-150 polisher serial number 001 will be on display.
  • UPS (our #1 carrier) will display their delivery truck, the NASCAR Flame Package UPS Truck, and the NASCAR UPS #6 racecar!
  • Meet the manufacturers and learn about their products firsthand. Mothers is bringing their big rig again and the 3M Demo Van will be here, too!
  • 3M products
  • Aztec Carpet Extractors
  • Battery Tender
  • Black Wow
  • Covercraft
  • Cyclo
  • DP
  • Diamondite
  • Dodo Juice
  • Dr Color Chip
  • Einszett
  • Flex
  • Griots Garage
  • Grit Guard
  • IAP
  • Lake Country
  • Lexol
  • Meguiars
  • Metro
  • Mothers
  • Optimum
  • P21s
  • Pinnacle
  • Poorboys
  • Premium Finish Care
  • Raggtopp
  • Rejex
  • Menzerna
  • Sonax
  • Wolfgang
  • XMT
  • More to come!
  • Steven Spengler, the VP of Sales at Aztec Products, is bringing an Aztec Hot Rod Extractor valued at $649.99 to auction off to one lucky winner!
  • Blown Away Salon will be giving $10 haircuts and 100% of the proceeds will go to charity. Get a clean new ‘do to go with your flawless vehicle!
  • The Critters – one of the great bands of the 1960s – will be playing their hits plus all your classic favorites live at Detail Fest!
  • Fill up on great food by CK Cafe and Bakery.
  • Our own Mike Phillips, host of Autogeek’s Show Car Garage segments and Autogeek’s What’s in the Garage? TV show, will be here sharing his car care wisdom.
  • Two guest detailers will be flying in from California to share their expertise:
Mike Phillips and Renny DoyleRenny Doyle (shown here with Mike Phillips) is the founder of Detailing Success.com and Attention To Details, Ltd, based at Big Bear Lake, California. Renny is a 28-year veteran of the auto and aviation appearance industries. Renny’s reputation and abilities have drawn the attention of auto and aircraft museums and private collectors alike. Read more about Renny. Jose Joe FernandezJose “Joe” Fernandez is the president and founder of Superior Shine Mobile Auto Detailing in Los Angeles, California. His clients’ vehicles consist of everything from classic, collectible, and exotic cars to RVs, not to mention thousands of daily drivers. Recently Joe was a team leader of the crew that detailed SAM970, America’s first Air Force One. Read more about Joe.

This year, we’re pleased to have two fantastic charities involved with Detail Fest:

Operation Comfort is a support organization for wounded veterans. Mike and Max had the pleasure of meeting the guys participating in Operation Comfort’s Automotivation program last fall while filming for the SPEED channel. We’re excited to bring in three individuals from Operation Comfort to join us for Detail Fest weekend!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education, and patient services.

All the vendors that will be present at Detail Fest have made donations to these two great organizations! We’ll be raising money at Detail Fest. Thank you to our vendors and to everyone who has contributed to Operation Comfort and LLS. We look forward to seeing you at Detail Fest!

Join us on March 26-27 in beautiful Stuart, Florida for Autogeek’s 6th Annual Detail Fest & Car Show!


The Detail Fest Car Show will be held on Saturday, March 26. Registration is $25 per vehicle.

1st Annual Detail Fest Truck Show!Just Announced! The 1st Annual Detail Fest TRUCK Show will be on Sunday, March 27! The Truck Show is open to all trucks. Registration is $25.

Registration for either show includes:

  • 1 Official Detail Fest 2011 T-shirt (select size below)
  • 1 Autographed Mike Phillips DVD
  • 1 Dash Plaque
  • Special Discount Code valid during Detail Fest weekend
  • Entry into drawing to win a $100 Autogeek.net gift certificate
    (3 winners will be selected!)
  • 10 raffle tickets to be eligible to win more prizes
    Available prizes include: Metro Master Blaster Flex XC3401 Polisher Grit Guard Universal Pad Washer Wolfgang Füzion Carnauba Estate Wax and more raffle prizes to be announced!

Car Show trophys will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in 5 different categories (total of 15 trophies)! Four trophies will be given in the Truck Show.

If you are not entering a vehicle, there is no need to register! Detail Fest is free to attend as a spectator. All registered participants must have a car to show.

Extra T-shirts will be available for purchase.


Travel

Hotel: We have reserved a block of rooms for special rate at a new Courtyard by Marriott less then a mile from us. Please call 1-800-869-3011 ext. 207 or email us for room rate discount information.

HOTEL INFO:
Courtyard by Marriott
7615 SW Lost River Road
Stuart, Florida 34997 USA
Phone: 1-772-781-3344

Airport: West Palm Airport (PBI) is 30 minutes south of us, Orlando (MCO) is about 2 hours north and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) is about an hour and a half south.

We will announce more information on events and travel as it becomes available in our newsletter and on AutogeekOnline.net. If you’re not already a newsletter subscriber, sign up here .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Detail Fest T-shirts!

Wear a part of Detail Fest history with the official Autogeek 5th Annual Detail Fest T-shirt. The shirts were a big hit at Detail?Fest with their Florida-inspired tropical design. Now you can get another shirt for yourself or for anyone who couldn’t attend.

The Autogeek’s 5th Annual Detail Fest T-Shirt is made of heavy grade, 100% preshrunk cotton in light gray. This year’s Detail Fest logo is screen printed on the back with the small logo featuring Ivan on the front breast.

Wear your Autogeek’s 5th Annual Detail Fest T-Shirt to detail, to relax, or wear it when you come to next year’s Detail Fest!

A limited number of medium, large, and extra large shirts are still available. Get your shirt here.

Autogeek's 5th Annual Detail Fest Wrap-Up

What a weekend! Detail Fest 2010 was definitely the biggest and best yet. Hundreds of people came out to meet the manufacturers, view the demos, try out products, and see all the fantastic vehicles on display. And there were some beauties. We’re always impressed by the fine detail work we see at Detail Fest.? This year was no exception. The lots were lined with all makes and models, polished to perfection. Everything from classics to brand new cars were here, with a couple of big rigs in the mix from Mothers and Meguiars. Inside the building, Rich Evans’? H2O Knight Mustang, a custom bike, and three race cars were on display.

For anyone looking for an opportunity to learn more about detailing, Detail Fest was the place to be. ?All of our manufacturers demonstrated their products and showed guests how to get the best results. Guests had a chance to try out products for free on Sunday. Plus, Mike Phillips held two machine detailing classes on Saturday in the new Autogeek Show Car Garage. Several people took home their own polishers and products with our hourly raffles.

We want to thank everyone involved in Detail Fest for coming out. You made it an excellent weekend. Now it’s time to start planning for next year!

See our photo gallery here.

Mike Phillips' Detail Class

The cars and trucks are rolling in!

This morning, the Mothers big rig and the Patron race car arrived at Autogeek headquarters.? We’re setting up tents, making signs and setting the stage for our 5th Annual Detail Fest & Car Show.
The Patron Race Car

The Patron Race Car

Patron Racing Car

Mothers truck

Coming to Detail Fest: Menzerna USA

Autogeek.net has carried Menzerna for a couple years now and they are among our most popular polishes. In particular, owners of vehicles with hard clear coats really enjoy the cutting power and fine finish left by Menzerna polishes. With Menzerna’s Jeff Silver coming to Detail Fest this weekend, we wanted to take this opportunity to reintroduce you to Menzerna.

Menzerna has been making polishing agents since 1888. The company was founded by Friedrich Menzer in the city of Pforzheim, Germany, to manufacture fine polishing agents for gold and other precious metals. Menzer moved his company to nearby Karlsruhe in 1899 and systematically opened branches in foreign markets starting in 1921.

In the 1950s, Menzerna came under the management of Dr. Walter Burkart, who began researching industrial polishing technology, culminating in his writing of a guide to sharpening and polishing. This guide is still recognized as the standard guide on the subject. With the 1960s came the advent of liquid polish emulsions, which is still the norm in the auto industry. Menzerna quickly adopted this new way of processing and applied to it some of the highest standards of quality that the industry has ever seen. Driven by this commitment to quality and consistency, Menzerna went on to become one of the top producers of polishes for industrial consumers.

After decades of growth and success, Menzerna was moved from Karlsruhe to Oetigheim, Germany. During this relocation, procedures were examined and modernized to transform Menzerna from a relatively small craft company to a medium size industrial manufacturer. Since then, Menzerna has seen consistent growth with new acquisitions and new subsidiaries in France and Morocco. Growth and development have been so rapid over the last few years that a third of Menzerna’s products did not exist before 5 years ago.

Today, Menzerna polishing compounds are used by some of Germany’s top automakers, including Mercedes. Many General Motors plants have begun using Menzerna.

Menzerna polishes are still manufactured in Otigheim, Germany but demand in the U.S. has caused the company to open offices and a warehouse in New York. Menzerna USA has been the factory source for the full line of Menzerna products for 30 years.

The Menzerna Advantage

  • Water-based
  • Polishes contain no fillers, silicones, or wax
  • Safe on all types of paint, including clear coat, lacquer, ceramic, and acrylic
  • Little or no loss in surface gloss
  • Uniform abrasives
  • Safe on new paint and factory cured paint
  • Clean, often one-step defect removal
  • Low or no dusting
  • Minimal (if any) polishing required to restore gloss to dark paints
Menzerna before and after
Before and after results of using Menzerna Super Intensive Polish.

Learn more about Menzerna at Autogeek’s 5th Annual Detail Fest this weekend, March 27-28, in Stuart, Florida.

Detail Fest Preparations

You might be wondering what goes into putting together Detail Fest every year. As anyone here can tell you, it’s quite a job. With Detail Fest coming up this weekend, March 27-28, here’s what’s going on around the Autogeek headquarters:

– Final touches are being put on the Autogeek Show Car Garage for the official unveiling at Detail Fest.

– Our last minute supply list is looking like this: name tags, name tag holders, lots of poster board, Sharpie markers, raffle tickets. There will be many more trips like this to the office store before the weekend!

– Making signs. Lots of signs.

– Drawing up a schedule and putting together a program for Detail Fest.

– Rounding up giveaway items for the raffle.

– Planning where all the vendors’ booths will be and where everyone will park. With Meguiars and Mothers bringing their big rigs and a full car show roster, we’re taking over the entire parking lot!

– Receiving vendor’s samples and/or equipment and booth displays. Many of our manufacturers are coming in from around the country so their stuff is being shipped ahead of time.

– Finalizing the food with the Sandy Hook Deli. Sandy Hook is our local sandwich shop and they’ve been at the last two Detail Fests. We’re glad to have them back again.

– On top of that, the day-to-day operations must go on!

On behalf of the entire Autogeek staff, we’re looking forward to seeing you this weekend at another fantastic Detail Fest!

Coming to Detail Fest: Griot's Garage

Autogeek began carrying Griot’s Garage products in 2009. The products – including everything from a 6 inch random orbital polisher to Best of Show Wax – are high quality and low effort. They are designed for car enthusiasts to get great results and, as they say, “Have fun in your garage!” Griot’s Garage was a natural choice for Autogeek. Here is their story:

Richard Griot of Griot's Garage

Richard Griot of Griot's Garage

Richard Griot, the founder of Griot’s Garage, grew up in California, an epicenter for all things automotive. A car enthusiast from the start, Richard channeled his passion into creating exceptional car care products, detailing tools, and garage accessories – anything to help you “Have fun in your garage!”

Richard Griot founded Griot’s Garage in 1991 with their first 16-page catalogue, mailed from their Vista, California warehouse. There are many catalogue companies and many car care companies, but what Richard had going for him was a commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Never content with “good enough”, Griot’s Garage develops new products every year that solve a detailing problem, make a detailing task easier or just make cars look better.

Since the inception of Griot’s Garage, the company has functioned on two equally important principles. Number one: Provide products and service that enable customers to experience our slogan “Have fun in your garage”. Number two: Create customers for life. Every Griot’s Garage product has a lifetime guarantee. Griot’s Garage used these two principles to become one of the most widely recognized brands of car care in the world.?

With a growing demand for Griot’s Garage products, the company headquarters, manufacturing, and warehouse/distribution moved from California to Tacoma, Washington in 1996. The manufacturing and order fulfillment location then relocated to Plainfield, Indiana in 2004, where the land and building are owned exclusively by Griot’s Garage as is all the production and bottling equipment. All formulas are developed in Tacoma and Plainfield and all liquid car care is made in the U.S.A. Griot’s Garage launched its website to complement its handbook in 1999.

Today the Griot’s Garage Handbook reaches millions of car care enthusiasts all over the world. It has become a source of valuable information and inspiration for car lovers looking to obtain a beautiful, concours finish. Griot’s Garage has become a staple at car shows. The company sponsors car shows every year and their products were used exclusively to detail the 2008 Pebble Beach Concours d”Elegance Best of Show winner 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B.

Steve Kovach and Rob Wood from Griot’s Garage will be at Autogeek’s 5th Annual Detail Fest this weekend, March 27-28!