Trainers
Alex Schrader (Founder)
Alex Schrader is a seasoned detailing professional and entrepreneur with over 25 years of business ownership experience across both B2B and B2C sectors. In that time he has consulted to a broad range of organisations, from small family businesses to ASX listed companies.
Alex’s first experience working as a detailer goes back to 1998 at a prestige car dealership , sparking a lifelong passion and thirst for knowledge in all aspects of automotive care at the highest level. Over the years, he has refined his craft through training with globally respected figures such as Jason Rose (Rupes USA), Eric Joseph (Chicago Auto Pros), Christian Resch (Sonax), and Sandro Stagno (Car Craft Auto Detailing), amassing many thousands of hours working on vehicles ranging from modest daily drivers to those valued at over a million-dollars. Today that same passion is expressed through his business SCHRADER Surface Protection, based in Brisbane.
In 2024, recognising the lack of unbiased, consistent, holistic, and professionally run training in the Australian detailing industry, Alex founded ADP Academy. Alex also hosts the Australian Detailing Professionals podcast, where he seeks to share insights from industry leaders to help the end consumer better understand and respect the detailing craft, and in turn raise the industry as a whole. His personal four pillar mission with ADP Academy is clear: raise standards, promote them to the public, reduce misinformation, and empower detailers to succeed.
Matthew Gibb
Matthew Gibb has earned international acclaim for his technical expertise and unwavering commitment to raising the bar in professional automotive detailing. With a career spanning three decades, he’s not only pioneered advanced techniques but also supported the growth of countless detailers and entrepreneurs along the way. Matt’s passion for enhancing industry standards is matched only by his dedication to sharing in-depth knowledge on surface care chemistry and mechanics.
Throughout his journey, Matt has consistently delivered real-world solutions that streamline workflows and boost profitability. His forward-thinking approach allowed him to predict, years in advance, the revolutionary impact of microfiber pads (widely adopted in 2011) and variable-orbit polishers (introduced in 2018). By developing innovative polishing pads and accessories, he’s helped detailers across the globe elevate their results faster and more cost-effectively.
At the core of Matt’s philosophy is the drive to empower newcomers and experienced professionals alike. By choosing to learn from Gibb, detailers invest in a future defined by superior craftsmanship, entrepreneurial success, and the confidence to excel.
