Episode 1: Josh Poulson Interview
- 00:00 Ride-in-Style Podcast: Episode 1
- 00:56 Introductions & Background
- 10:17 Challenges & Triumphs
- 26:17 Evolution & Trends
- 36:42 Unique Selling Proposition & Memorable Moments
- 52:24 Business Strategies & Partnerships
- 57:54 Handling Challenges & Interaction
Introduction: A Different Kind of Car Guy
Josh Poulson never imagined he would become a leader in the auto restyling industry. Unlike many in the business, he wasn’t a car enthusiast growing up—he wasn’t into racing, lifting trucks, or customizing vehicles. But he was passionate about business, customer relationships, and problem-solving. And that’s exactly what led him to build a successful career in auto restyling through Auto Additions, where he turned his early experiences into a thriving business.
In this episode of the Ride-In-Style Podcast, Josh shares his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and how he continues to navigate an ever-changing industry.
The Accidental Start in Auto Restyling
At 16, Josh was working as a bagger at Kroger, excited about his first pay raise. When it finally came, it was a mere $0.05 bump—to $4.25 an hour. Deflated, he remembered an offer from a friend of the family, Mike, who owned an auto accessories business. Mike had casually mentioned, “If you ever need a job, let me know.” Josh decided to take him up on the offer.
On his first day, he had no idea what he was getting into. “We put on running boards, stripe cars, and install sunroofs,” Mike told him. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was better than bagging groceries. Over time, Josh became a manager, moved into sales, and eventually found himself running the entire company.
What started as a way to make better money turned into a lifelong career.
Challenges & Lessons Learned
Every entrepreneur faces challenges, and Josh was no exception. Some of the biggest hurdles he encountered included:
✅ Learning Business on the Fly – Josh had no formal business education, so he had to teach himself how to read financial reports, manage payroll, and navigate the complexities of running a company.
✅ The 2008 Recession – When the economy tanked, the auto industry was hit hard. Dealership orders dried up, and Josh had to make tough decisions, including reducing work hours and restructuring the business.
✅ The “Shiny Object” Marketing Fail – Early on, Josh invested heavily in a radio ad campaign, believing it would bring a flood of new customers. Instead, he spent $10,000 and barely saw any return. It was a painful but valuable lesson: track your marketing ROI, or you’re just guessing.
✅ COVID Shutdowns – When the pandemic hit, he had to decide whether to keep his business open or shut down. He ultimately chose to pause operations for a month, bringing his team back when demand started picking up again. The unexpected outcome? The business rebounded stronger than ever.
The Evolution of the Auto Restyling Industry
Over the years, Josh has seen significant shifts in the industry.
The Rise (and Fall) of Trim Packages
In the past, dealerships carried hundreds of identical trucks with minor variations. Today, manufacturers offer multiple trim levels, reducing the need for aftermarket customization. But Josh predicts the pendulum will swing back as manufacturers streamline their offerings.
The Impact of Online Car Buying
More people are purchasing vehicles online, bypassing the dealership experience. This poses a challenge for restylers who rely on dealers for business. Josh compares it to the Girl Scouts selling cookies outside Subway: If customers never step inside the dealership, they never see the options available.
The Future of Restyling
As trim levels consolidate and electric vehicles gain popularity, restylers will need to adapt by offering customization options that manufacturers don’t provide.
What Sets Josh Apart?
Josh attributes much of his success to his approach to customer service and business philosophy:
✅ Always Say Yes (or Find Someone Who Can) – Even if his shop doesn’t offer a specific service, Josh makes it a point to refer customers to someone who does. His goal? Become the go-to guy for anything auto-related.
✅ Take Care of Customers (Even When It Costs You) – In one infamous story, a misaligned sunroof installation led to a $12,000 repair bill. Instead of arguing, Josh owned the mistake and made it right. It was a costly lesson, but it reinforced his reputation for integrity.
✅ Invest in Relationships – Whether it’s with customers, manufacturers, or dealerships, Josh believes that strong relationships are the key to long-term success.
Final Thoughts: The Balancing Act
Running a business, navigating industry changes, and staying ahead of trends is no small feat. But Josh has managed to do it all while maintaining a personal life filled with family, volunteer work, and even a little pickleball.
His advice for fellow business owners? Learn to switch hats quickly. Whether he’s being a dad, a business owner, or a sales rep, he gives 100% to whatever role he’s in at the moment.
