There When You Need It: The Annual Buyers’ Guide...Northeast & BRIAN WELSH Eastern [email protected] Phone 540/720-5584 x195 215/679-8826 Fax 215/679-0408 Southeast SCOTT RICKLES

Inside: Previewing the 2011 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off

Architectural - Auto - Decorative - Paint Protection - Security

Volume 14 - Issue 5 - September-October 2010

A PUBLICATION OF KEY COMMUNICATIONS INC.

There When You Need It:

The Annual Buyers’ GuideAlso Inside:One Miami Tinter’sSecrets to SuccessTop Picks for Tools

Search Archives E-Mail Subscribe

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Contents© 2010 WINDOW FILM Magazine. All rights reserved. No repro-duction of any type without expressed written permission.

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w w w . j o h n s o n w i n d o w f i l m s . c o m8 0 0 - 4 4 8 - 8 4 6 8 3 1 0 - 6 3 1 - 6 6 7 2

Johnson Window Films is committed to helping our valued dealersto excel in a challenging business climate.

Superior Customer Service – Our team of friendly and knowledgeable customerservice representatives has passed many IWFA certification tests, and they are dedicatedto helping you with your business needs. Also, our wide range of dyed, metallized, andprotective polymeric films is ideal for servicing your many customer requirements.

Superior Product Performance – Our films feature high quality multi-ply laminatedconstruction, a CSTTM scratch resistant coating, UV protection, and optical clarity. In addition,our dyed solar control films feature genuine dye impregnated construction, never cheapalternatives such as adding dyes in lamination adhesives or surface coatings.

Superior Business Fulfillment – Our logistics team is dedicated to shipping yourorder quickly, minimizing your down time. And, our production team works hard to ensurethat we have as many films and tools in stock as is possible.

Superior Promotional Support – Our comprehensive line of sales and marketingsupport products help support your business performance. We offer a wide range ofcollateral materials including brand flyers, brochures, film specification reference sheets,sample packs, sell sheets, and a variety of other promotional point-of-purchase items topromote the success of your business.

Quality+ Innovation+Performance…Johnson Window Films wants to be your partnerin success. Call today and join the Johnson family.800-448-8468

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For additional information, please visit us at www.aswf.com or contact us at any of the numbers listed below

Factory Direct 800-835-9676

California 888-511-5800

Colorado 800-476-2250

Florida 877-711-ASWF

International 702-853-4800

ASWF introducesa complete line of architectural film products

∙ Daydream (dual reflective residential)∙ Sky (dual reflective commercial)∙ Illusion (one-way mirror)∙ Reflection (reflective silver)∙ Nature (sputtered neutral)∙ Horizon (sputtered bronze)∙ Moonlight (non-reflective privacy)∙ Anti-Graffiti∙ Clear and Solar Safety∙ White Frost∙ Black Out∙ White Out

www.aswf.com

A division of Erickson International LLC.

3135 Marco Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89115Made in USA

AutomotiveArchitecturalSafetyDesignAnti-Graffiti


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4 WINDOW FILM

Key Communications Inc.385 Garrisonville Rd, #116

Stafford, VA 22554540/720-5584; 540/720-5687 (fax)

www.windowfilmmag.com

Publisher DEBRA [email protected]

Editor ELLEN [email protected]

Managing ERIN HARRISEditor [email protected] MEGAN HEADLEYEditors [email protected]

PENNY [email protected]

Assistant KATIE HODGEEditor [email protected] Directors CHRIS BUNN

[email protected] [email protected]

Exhibits TINA CZARManager [email protected] HOLLY BILLER, VICE PRESIDENTDirector [email protected] ALLY CURRANAssistant [email protected] MARSHALL STEPHENSProducer [email protected] BRYAN HOVEYDeveloper [email protected] JANEEN MULLIGANRelations [email protected]

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Phone (86) 591-838-63000

All Others Contact Publisher Directly

DEBRA LEVY540/720-5584, ext. 111;

fax: 540/[email protected]

A PUBLICATION FORTHE ENTIRE FILM INDUSTRY

Volume 14, Issue 5 • September-October 2010

A Publication for the Entire Film Industry

WINDOW FILM Magazine (USPS 020-895) ©2010 by Key Communications Inc. P.O. Box 569, Garrisonville, VA 22463-0569, 540/720-5584, fax: 540/720-5687, E-mail: [email protected], www.windowfilmmag.com. Copyright 2009, all rightsreserved. No reproduction without the express written consent of publisher. WINDOW FILM is published six times annu-ally (Bi-monthly) by Key Communications at P.O. Box 569, Garrisonville, VA 22463-0569. Periodicals postage paid atStafford, VA 22554 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Key Communications P.O.Box 569, Garrisonville, VA 22463-0569. Phone 540/720-5584, Fax. 540/720-5687. Subscriptions are free to all quali-fied recipients at U.S. addresses. Addresses outside the U.S. add $65 per year. Members of the International WindowFilm Association receive one subscription as part of their membership dues.

DEPARTMENTS & COLUMNSOn the Cover

The WINDOW FILM

magazine AnnualBuyers’ Guide beginson page 20. This one-stop source brings youall the informationyou need for theindustry’s suppliers,including films, tools,supplies and more.

Ask the Expert—Your Questions Answered..................8

Open 24/7—Expert Web Advice ..................................10

Newsworthy—Industry News ......................................14

Noteworthy—New Products and Services ..................16

Suppliers’ Guide—Directory of Industry Suppliers ....34

Advertisers Index........................................................35

Film Stars—Installer Profiles ......................................36

For Subscription RequestsBy Mail or Fax:

Subscribe by filling out the form on page 29. To change your address, mail your old label,along with your new address, to P.O. Box 569, Garrisonville, VA 22463, or fax to 540/720-5687.To unsubscribe, mail or fax your old label with a request to be removed from our mailing list.

On the Web at www.windowfilmmag.com:Under “Subscription Central,” click on: “Free e-Newsletter” to sign up for our Focus on Film

weekly publication; “Window Film Print Edition” to sign up for the magazine; “ChangeMailing Address”; or “Cancel Print Subscription.”

20 • There When You Need ItCheck out our Annual Buyers’ Guide and findeverything you need for your next project, fromfilms to tools and supplies.

24 • Keeping the FaithEven when things look down, Miami’s ConfianzaWindow Tinting maintains a positive outlook for itsown business as well as the industry’s.

30 • I Can’t Live Without It!Window film installers share what tools theycouldn’t live without and how they have developedunique tools of their own.

32 • Tint-Off and Conference to Return in 2011 The International Window Film Expo, Conferenceand Tint-Off is returning in the fall of 2011, this timein Memphis, and will showcase the best automotivetinters in the industry.

30

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8 WINDOW FILM www.windowfilmmag.com

DONNA WELLS

It has been an interesting 2010,hasn’t it? Many questions andissues have arisen over this

selling season. Some of you havehired me to help you close largedeals, while others have hired mefor individual projects. At bothends of the spectrum what I amseeing across the country is ashocking trend. Many windowfilm companies are de-valu-ing their products. It seemsto be a growing trend toprice products and servicesultra low to get the deal. Idon’t usually use this word,but window film is sellingcheap, cheap, cheap!

I try to instill into my clients thevalue of what we offer to the con-sumer. We offer a cost-effectiveway to reduce energy costs,increase comfort and add beautyto the space. Yet, many companiesfeel that the only way they can wina job is through price. I am nothere to tell you how much tocharge per square foot or per job.But I am going to point out what itcosts to win a contract.

KNOW YOUR COSTSFirst, think about what it costs

you to receive an invitation to bida project. Yellow page advertisingcan be expensive. How aboutother forms of advertising? Doyou advertise on the Internet? Doyou use door hangers, flyers,Value Pak, RSVP or your ownmailing list? How much are you

spending to design your ownadvertising? What about homeshows, trade shows, car shows,etc? You must consider all ofthese costs when your phonerings or your front door swingsopen. You invested dollars to gen-erate that lead.

What does it cost you to put thenumbers together? Think about

travel time to and from the site aswell as time spent at the actualsite with the client. What is yourtime worth? Consider how long ittakes to calculate the cost of thejob. Large commercial jobs cantake hours or days to prepare. Areyou doing cost comparisons withvarious manufacturers? Howmuch time have you spentresearching products for equip-ment costs (if needed) and addi-tional incidentals specific to thejob? Most companies do not takethe following costs into considera-tion: blades, paper towels, dropcloths, squeegees, ladders, park-ing fees, insurance, workman’scompensation insurance, liabilityinsurance, bonding, pre and postliens, salaries, commissions, renton shop space, car payments andauto insurance.

Finally let’s consider the installa-tion. Are you installing during nor-mal business hours? Does the jobrequire installation after hoursand/or long weekends? What willyour installers cost you? Is the job

a government job that requires aprevailing wage? Is the glassunusual? Does it require lifts or theremoval of pre-existing film?

BEYOND BREAKING EVENAs a business owner, you have to

decide how much profit you needto make in order to expand yourbusiness. Some companies have

decided that breakingeven is the wave of thefuture. If you are not mak-ing a profit, then youneed to ask yourself, whynot? I’m going to bet, ifyou are not making aprofit you are not going

to be in business for very long.Having been in this industry for

more than 20 years, it’s alarmingto see pricing in our industryreverting back to 1980s levels.While pricing in other industriesmay have dropped 10-20 percent,window film prices seem to havefallen by a large percentage. Byreducing your pricing significant-ly, you are pricing yourself out ofthe market. More importantly, youare de-valuing our entire industry.

As you go forward the rest of theyear, think about how you wantothers to view the window filmindustry. Do you want people tothink we are a cheap alternative ora cost-effective way to achieveenergy efficiency, meet LEEDrequirements and add beauty? Mybet is on the latter. WF

Donna Wells has worked in the windowfilm industry since the 1980s and iscurrently sole proprietor of ImageImagination in Huntington Beach, Calif. Ms.Wells’ opinions are solely her own and notnecessarily those of this magazine.

Are You De-Valuing Window Film in 2010?

Got a question for Donna?Please e-mail it to us at

[email protected]. Individual namesand company names will be withheldupon request.

“Some companies have decidedthat breaking even is the wave of the future. If you are not

making a profit, then you need to ask yourself, why not?”


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MANNY HONDROULIS

In my last column I discussed theimpact of Microsoft PowerPoint.Now we turn to Microsoft Excel,

another application included inMicrosoft Office software.

Excel is a spreadsheet applicationmade up of cells that are displayed inrows and columns. At first glance, anExcel spreadsheet can be quiteintimidating, with 256 columns and65,536 rows for a grand total of16,777,216 cells. Each cell can con-tain data, such as a user-inputtednumber or string of text, or formulathat produces a number or string oftext. What does that mean for us?

If you’re calculating an installa-tion’s square footage using pencil,paper and a calculator, then you’regoing to love what Excel can do foryou. Gone are the days when youhave to multiply a window’s heightby its width, divide by 144, andthen multiply by the quantity ofwindows and scribble the resultson note paper. A simple spread-sheet, however, can do this work ina fraction of the time.

KNOW THE DETAILSBefore we get into the specifics,

let me explain one part of Excel ter-minology. We’ve already establishedthat a spreadsheet is made of rowsand columns of cells. The cell locat-ed at the intersection of Column Aand Row 1 is referred to as Cell A1.

In this simple exercise we’regoing to input a window’s dimen-sions (height and width in inches)and the quantity of windows. Foreach window type, we’re going touse a new row in the spreadsheet.

Type the word Quantity in CellA1. Then type the words Width,Height, Square Foot and TotalProject in Cells B1, C1, D1, and E1

respectively. Columns A,B, and C will requireinputted data from youwhile Columns D and E willautomatically populatewith the window’s(Column D) or project’s(Column E) square footage(see table 1).

We’re going to askExcel to calculate thesquare footage of eachwindow set. So in Cell D2,type the following formula:=A2*B2*C2/144, and in Cell D3type =A3*B3*C3/144. In typing thisformula, we’re asking Excel to mul-tiply the window’s height bywidth, divide by 144 to convertfrom square inches to square feet,and multiply by the number of win-dows in this set. Next we need tocreate a formula that will tell usthe total square footage of theproject. So in Cell E2 enter the fol-lowing formula: =SUM(D:D). Thisformula will create a running totalof the square footage of each win-dow set for each row. Save yourspreadsheet on your desktop as“Takeoff Template.”

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHERIn Cell A2, enter 10 as the quantity

of windows and 40 and 60 as the win-dow’s width and height, respective-ly. In Cell A3, enter 35 as the quanti-ty of windows and 57 and 72 as thewindow’s width and height, respec-tively. Cell D2 will automatically cal-culate the total square footage of tenwindows that have a width of 40inches and a height of 60 inches,while Cell D3 will automatically cal-culate the total square footage of 35windows that have a width of 57inches and a height of 72 inches. The

total square footage is 1164.17 asshown in Cell E2 (see table 2).

For every different window type,enter all of the vital information(quantity, width and height) inColumns A, B, and C, beginningwith Row 2 and working your waydown. You will need to copy theformula used in Column D for eachnew row. Select Cell D2, press thedown arrow key while holdingdown the shift key until you get tothe row where you want to stop.Then press CTRL D to paste theformula in D2 to the selected area.

This is a very basic spreadsheetand Excel can do much more, suchas calculate the perimeter of yourwindows, which may be relevant ifyou’re applying an attachment sys-tem. If you have trouble creatingyour own template, download theone available here: www.window-filmmag.com/documents/takeoff_template.xls. Using Excel, you’ll spendless time calculating square footageand more time marketing. WF

Manny Hondroulis is marketing managerfor Energy Performance Distribution inBaltimore. Mr. Hondroulis’ opinions aresolely his own and not necessarily thoseof this magazine.

Using Microsoft Excel as a Sales Tool

Some Excel columns will require inputted data whileothers will automatically populate with the necessaryinformation.

Table 1

Table 2


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We arecelebrating

our one yearanniversary with

a note of thanks

Factory Direct 800-835-9676California 888-511-5800Colorado 800-476-2250Florida 877-711-ASWFInternational 702-853-4800

www.aswf.com

A division of Erickson International LLC.

3135 Marco Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89115Made in USA

AutomotiveArchitecturalSafetyDesignAnti-Graffiti

Please visit us at www.aswf.com or call us for additional info.

Colorado 800-476-2250 Safetyor call us for

Factory Direct 800-835-9676California 888-511-5800Colorado 800-476-2250

AutomotiveArchitecturalSafety

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Solutia recently received grantmoney from the AmericanRecovery and Reinvestment

Act (ARRA) and the U.S.Department of Energy (DOE). The

DOE is investing more than $76 mil-lion dollars in companies that areworking to make U.S. buildings andhomes more energy-efficient.

Solutia received $356,000 of this

for its Performance Films segment,which intends to use the grant forthe continued research, develop-ment and commercialization of high-performance, energy-efficient retro-fit window film technology for resi-dential and commercial buildings.

In addition to Solutia, other filmcompanies were awarded grantmoney including 3M, Pleotint LLC,and Southwall Technologies.

“The Department of Energy hasrecognized the value of windowfilms as a retrofit solution toimproving energy efficiency,” saidRay Kollar, president and generalmanager of Solutia’s PerformanceFilms segment. “Today’s con-sumers have also learned that, justlike changing their lighting, windowfilms are an affordable, easy-to-make choice that can add signifi-cant energy savings and real value.As a global leader in film technolo-gy, we’ll use this grant to keeppushing the technology forward.”

“A building’s energy efficiencystarts at its windows,” explainsDave Kaliser, director of productmarketing – architectural forSolutia’s Performance Films seg-ment. “This will allow technologiessimilar to those in high-perfor-mance low-E glass coatings to beadopted into retrofit window films,while keeping costs in line with themarket. The technologies we’reworking on include improved coat-ing flexibility and low infrared-transmission coatings,” Kalisercontinues. “These easy-to-installwindow films can increase energyefficiency year round, with muchfaster paybacks than traditionalwindow replacement and substan-tially better energy savings per dol-lar spent.”

COMPANY NEWS

Solutia Receives Grant to Invest inEnergy-Efficient Building Technologies

THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

INDUSTRY NEWSWindow Film Holds While Storms Brew

As much of the country experiences record temperatures and swelteringheat the southern coasts have been preparing for one of the most dangerousseasons of the year: hurricane season. Residents of the Gulf Coast in particularhave been preparing their property to withstand hurricane conditions, and forsome, this includes window film installations.

Chris Smeltz, marketing manager of ProTech Coating Services in PinellasPark, Fla., says he has noticed a sudden rush in window film sales. “As soon as astorm pops up everyone calls immediately,” says Smeltz. “Unfortunately every-one waits until there is a storm coming.”

All along the Gulf Coast window film companies are seeing a similar pattern.Abid Quraishi, general manager for Solar X Window Film Systems in Houston,adds, “We do see a lot of action being so close to the Gulf of Mexico. Wheneverthere is something developing in the Gulf, people’s awareness heightens and themedia creates a frenzy.”

In the past, coastal cities have been hit hard by hurricanes and have learned whatto do to protect their property and themselves. Quraishi remembers, “AfterHurricane Ike, there was a lot of glass replacement throughout Greater Houston andGalveston. One of our customers who had glass replaced and had safety film previ-ously applied to it, said that the film worked great in keeping the broken glass togeth-er,” says Quraishi. “We did not get one phone call from an unsatisfied customer.”

Likewise, ProTech Coating Services was involved in the post-storm work leftbehind by Hurricane Charley. “We cover 16 counties so when Charley camethrough we had a lot of clean up,” says Smeltz.

Following Hurricane Ike, Solar X Window Film Systems started to seeincreasing interest in window film. “After the effects of Hurricane Ike, cus-tomers’ concern about hurricane protection has increased,” says Quraishi.“With our marketing efforts, people are becoming more aware that windowfilm is a viable option to give increased protection to their windows.”

Hurricane season runs until November 30 and is expected to be particular-ly active this year. The National Hurricane Center tracks this year’s early hurri-cane activity as unusual compared to previous years.

Smeltz agrees that this hurricane season is likely to be a tough one. “I’ve beenin the area for quite some time and the way the weather has been acting itseems like it will be a much more active season. This area hasn’t had a direct hitin a while, but we do get the winds.”

Quraishi remains optimistic about this season for his company. “The econo-my is down. Everyone is feeling the effects of it, but no one wants to take a lossso they don’t mind spending money to protect what they have. You never knowwith mother nature…time will tell.”


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PEOPLE NEWSWindow Film Industry Mourns the Loss of Paul Panarisi

Paul Panarisi, mar-keting manager forMadico based inWoburn, Mass., passedaway Tuesday, July 7,in Boynton Beach, Fla.,at 46 years old. Pa-narisi spent 18 years inthe window film busi-ness with Madico. He joined the com-pany in 1992 in the warehouse atMadico Southeast, moved to Califor-nia in sales and branch management,returned to Florida as window filmproduct manager, and recently be-came marketing manager.

Panarisi is survived by his wife,Anelle, and his daughter, Cara. Hisfamily is accepting donations tothe American Cancer Society in hishonor.

“Please join me in taking amoment to celebrate Paul’s dynam-ic life and courage; his passion formusic and literature; thirst forknowledge; and keen sense ofhumor,” says Tom Niziolek, market-ing and sales director for Madico.

INTERNATIONAL NEWSMajor Film ProjectCompleted in Qatar

One of the largest glass contain-ment projects was completedrecently in Qatar. Building DefenceSystems WLL in conjunction withPentagon Protection PLC used 1800square meters of FT800 blast mitiga-tion film for glazing to protect theexterior glazing at an oil and gasfacility. The film was used to protectthe facility and the people who workfrom an explosion or an attack.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2010 WINDOW FILM 15

Energy Products Distribution Holds Training Events;Hires New Automotive Market Salesperson

Energy Products Distribution (EPD), a film distributor located in Baltimore,held two workshops earlier this year for its automotive and commercial deal-ers. The company’s second annual automotive workshop was held May 10-11for existing and prospective customers. EPD held a brief awards ceremony torecognize its largest paint protection film (PPF) and automotive window filmcustomers, which was followed by a presentation on branding.

Afterward, EPD held an open forum to discuss the revenue opportunity ofbundling various products and services such as automotive window film, PPF,headlight restoration, and DI-NOC™ Carbon Fiber Vinyl.

On May 24, EPD conducted its second annual commercial workshop, pre-sented by 3M technical service manager, Billy Pettit. The purpose of the trainingwas to promote industry accepted selling tools to increase a dealer’s sellingcredibility.

“We’ve always encouraged our dealers to present to a commercial prospectas an educator rather than as a salesperson,” said Manny Hondroulis, marketingmanager of EPD. “Using readily available and analytical sales tools to demon-strate the effectiveness of window film does just that.”

“One of our main company initiatives is to provide continuing education forour dealers, whether from a technical or marketing perspective,” said JimHondroulis, EPD president. “The two workshops we hosted in May strength-ened their knowledge base and were a nice addition to our regularly scheduledEPD University, which we hold online. It was also great to see our customersand enjoy the camaraderie that comes through face-to-face meetings.”

In addition to holding workshops, EPD has also hired Sebrina Wajer as itsnew automotive specialist. Wajer joins the company with 12 years of experiencein the automotive aftermarket. She began her career working for EnterpriseRent-A-Car and later worked for Koons Ford of Baltimore in the aftermarketdepartment where she sold 3M™ paint protection film. Wajer’s focus will be toexpand the company’s share of the automotive aftermarket, which includesworking with installers to promote the company’s product line. WF

EPD recently hosted workshops for its automotive and commercial dealers.

Paul Panarisi


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Solamatrix Introduces New Film and Online Marketing Tool

Two new developments are nowavailable from St. Petersburg, Fla.-based Solamatrix: a new film and anew online program.

The charcoal automotive win-dow film series is the latest addi-tion to the Sun-Gard AutomotiveWindow Film line and features 1.5mil premium-grade film in bothnon-reflective and high-perfor-mance options. HP Charcoal isavailable in five shades (4, 15, 22,32, and 38 percent visible lighttransmission (VLT)). NR Charcoalis also available in five shades (5,20, 35, 55, and 70 percent VLT).

In addition to the new automo-tive window film series Solamatrixhas announced its Sun-GardWebNet online dealer program,which is designed to allow dealers

to process business through theirown WebNet website. Dealers willhave their own website with aunique URL that they can utilize topromote their business in theirlocal market. The website managesreferrals, requests for quotes,recent traffic to the site, follow upwith leads and submitted questionsthrough a customized tracking sys-tem. As part of the program, all par-ticipants receive free hosting and afree web address (URL). ❙❙➤ www.solamatrix.com

GEOSHIELD’s Film AdditionSuperAlloy architectural film is

the most recent developmentfrom GEOSHIELD based in BatonRouge, La. The company says thefilm uses advanced metallurgy toobtain high thermal properties,corrosion resistance and a cleanlook. The three-ply, 1.5-mil film isavailable in both 15 and 25 per-cent visible light transmission.

SuperAlloy is available in a dryadhesive that the company saysallows for easy installation andadhesion to the glass. The film ismade of sputtered nichrome, anadditional layer of aluminum toincrease solar energy rejection anda color-stable dyed film thatreduces reflectivity. ❙❙➤ www.geoshieldusa.com

Cutting UpRoland has introduced what it

says is its largest and most power-ful vinyl cutter yet. The GX-640 issuited for restyling applicationsand is fully integrated with thecompany’s VersaWorks RIP soft-ware. It features advanced DCservo motor technology and tenpinch-roll slots to accommodate upto six added pinch-roll assemblies.

It also comes with the latestversion of the companies designsoftware, CutStudio.❙❙➤ www.rolanddga.com WF

NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES


Can You Hear Me Now?3M’s FX Premium automotive window film features a scratch-resistant coat-

ing and is manufactured without the use of metals, which can help eliminateinterference with cell phones or GPS devices.

The film also protects people from 99 percent of harmful UV rays and isavailable in 5, 15, 25, 30, 35, and 55 percent VLT.❙❙➤ www.3m.com/us


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A better environment inside and out.™

Solar Gard® has all the pieces of the energy puzzle.

Put them together to become the energy expert your customers want.


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Partner with Solar Gard for the full energy solution.

Carbon negative window films

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Bekaert Specialty Films, LLC4540 Viewridge Avenue San Diego, CA 92123Tel: 877 345 9478 E-mail: [email protected]

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3M 3M Center Bldg 0223-2S-24St. Paul, MN 55144-1000651/733-2222 (P)651/736-0611 (F)www.3m.com/windowfilm

A & B Films5 Kim Chuen Ter.Singapore, China 537028+65 6383 4657 (P)+65 6383 4562 (F)www.abfilm.com

Aegis Films Inc. 3135 Medlock Bridge Rd.Norcross, GA 30071770/417-1281 (P)678/333-0892 (F)www.aegisfilms.comSee our ad on pages 6-7

Applied CoatingsInternational LLC25104 South 4170 Rd.Claremore, OK 74019918/283-2938 (P)918/512-4611 (F)www.flxpaint.com

Avery Dennison8080 Norton ParkwayMentor, OH 44060440/534-4892 (P)www.averydennison.com

Bekaert Specialty Films4540 View Ridge Ave.San Diego, CA 92123858/614-1293 (P)858/571-3605 (F)www.bekaertfilms.com See our ad on pages 18-19

CommonwealthLaminating & Coating345 Beaver Creek Dr.Martinsville, VA 24112276/632-4991 (P)276/632-0173 (F)www.suntekfilms.comSee our ad on pages 12-13

CPFilms Division, SolutiaInc.575 Maryville Centre Dr.Saint Louis, MO 63141314/674-1785 (P)314/674-1950 (F)www.cpfilms.com See our ad on page 9

Decorative Film DepotLLC638 Lofstrand Ln.Unit CRockville, MD 20850877/332-6345 (P)866/620-8655 (F)www.DecorativeFilmDepot.com

Enpro Distributing Inc.1401 BritmoreHouston, TX 77043800/443-6776 (P)713/932-1151 (F)www.enprodistributing.com

Erickson International3135 Marco St.Las Vegas, NV 89115702/853-4802 (P)702/643-0509 (F)www.aswf.comSee our ads on page 1, 11

FilmFastener LLC8206 Copeland Rd.Odessa, FL 33556813/926-8721 (P)813/920-8662 (F)www.filmfastener.com

Filmstar Distribution4450 West 12th St.Houston, Texas 713/956-1165 (P)713/956-1014 (F)www.filmstardistribution.com

Geoshield8000 GSRI Ave.Building 3000Baton Rouge, LA 70820225/578-9964 (P)225/578-3975 (F)www.geoshieldusa.com

Gila Distributing Inc.145 Mountain Brook Dr.Canton, GA 30115770/345-1275 (P)770/345-2394 (F)www.gilainc.com

Global Window Films9050 Pines Blvd.Suite 415-425Pembrook Pines, FL 33024954/499-7990 (P)954/499-7992 (F)www.globalwindowfilms.comSee our ad on page 37

Haartz Corp.87 Hayward RoadActon, MA 01720 978/264-2600 (P)978/264-2601 (F)www.haartz.com

HanitaTEK220 Regency Ct.#200Brookfield, WI 53045262/754-2764 (P)262/754-3776 (F)www.hanitatek.comSee our ad on page 38

Imex21 Santa Eugenia Irvine, CA 92606949/733-3663 (P)949/733-8066 (F)

Johnson Window Films20655 Annalee Ave.Carson, CA 90746310/631-6672 (P)310/631-6628 (F)www.johnsonwindowfilms.comSee our ad on page C2

Lamin-x Protective Films21 High Park Dr.Unit 2Blue Ridge, GA 30513 866/632-6182 (P)706/258-3378 (F)www.lamin-x.com

MACtac Graphic Products4560 Darrow Rd.Stow, OH 44224866/622-8223 (P)888/321-8834 (F)www.MACtac.com/Graphics

Madico Inc.64 Industrial Pkwy.Woburn, MA 1801781/935-7850 (P)781/933-4210 (F)www.madico.com

R equests such as, “I’m looking for a company that provides this type of film. Do you know of any? I checked the web,but there are so many out there to choose from,” are not unusual. Sometimes a handy reference guide will provideall the answers, sources and more that those in need may require.

The WINDOW FILM magazine Annual Buyers’ Guide is your one-stop source for all of your tinting needs and more—ourAnnual Buyer’s Guide makes it easy to find the providers you’re looking for. Just look for the category of product or serviceyou desire and there you will find a list of providers. At the beginning of the guide, you will find the contact information foreach. Keep this nearby as a reference throughout the year.

There When You Need ItThe WINDOW FILM Magazine Annual Buyers’ Guide


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Moran IndustriesFranchises4444 W. 147th St.Midlothian, IL 60445800/377-9247 (P)708/389-9882 (F)www.moranindustries.com

Mutoh America2602 South 47th St.Suite 102Phoenix, AZ 85034480/968-7772 (P)480/968-7990 (F)www.mutoh.com

National Glass ServiceGroup400 Metro Place North Suite 300Dublin, OH 43017614/652-3607 (P)614/652-3693 (F)www.nationalglassservicegroup.com

Nexfil USA14462 S. Avalon Blvd.Gardena, CA 90248 310/516-8986 (P)310/538-1137 (F)www.nexfilusa.comSee our ad on page 23

Novacel2248 Stratingham Dr.Dublin, OH 43016413/283-3468 (P)413/283 3964 (F)www.novacelinc.com

Olfa North America5500 N. Pearl St.#400Rosemont, IL 60018847/233-8762 (P)847/233-8907 (F)www.olfa.com

Pentagon Protection USA400 Metro Place NorthSuite 300Dublin, OH 43017614/734-7240 (P)614/766-0201 (F)www.pentagonusa.com

Performance ToolsDistributing7640 Commerce Pl.Plain City, OH 43064614/873-4800 (P)614/873-4899 (F)www.44tools.com

Rightlook.com Inc.8969 Kenamar Dr. #113 San Diego, CA 92121800/883-3446 (P)858/271-4303 (F)www.rightlookclearbra.com

Roland DGA25691 Atlantic Ocean Dr. #B7Lake Forest, CA 92630888/273-8895 (P)949/727-2112 (F)www.rolanddga.com

Sharpline Converting1520 S. Tyler RoadWichita, KS 67209316/722-9080 (P)316/721-1535 (F)www.sharpline.com

Shure Manufacturing Corp1901 West Main St.Washington, MO 63090636/390-7100 (P)636/390-7171 (F)www.shureusa.com

Solamatrix Inc.2630 Fairfield Ave. S.St. Petersburg, FL 33712727/327-3544 (P)727/327-7132 (F)www.solamatrix.comSee our ad on page 5

Solar Free Window Film20280 S. Vermont Ave. Ste. #200, Room 2Torrance, CA 90502310/515-8803 (P)310/515-6893 (F)www.solarfreefilm.com

Solar Graphics12167 49th St. North, Unit 100Clearwater, FL 33762727/409-9900 (P)727/321-6004 (F)www.solargraphics.com

Teel Plastics1060 Teel Ct.Baraboo, WI 53913800/322-8335 (P)608/355-3088 (F)www.teel.com

U.S. Film CrewP.O. Box 17235Pittsburgh, PA 15235877/946-3693 (P)412/798-0900 (F)www.usfilmcrew.comSee our ad on page 17

Venture Tape Corp.P.O. Box 38430 Commerce Rd.Rockland, MA 02370781/331-5900 (P)781/871-0065 (F)www.venturetape.com

Wintech America15523 Blackburn Ave.Norwalk, CA 90650562/404-1444 (P)562/215-4472 (F)www.wintechusa.comSee our ad on pages 2-3

XPEL Technologies13750 San Pedro Avenue Suite 530San Antonio, TX 78232210/678-3700 (P)210/678-3701 (F)www.xpel.com

Zola Distributing400 Metro Pl. N.Suite 300Dublin, OH 43017866/994-7060 (P)614/652-3693 (F)www.zoladist.com

Distributors

Architectural FilmBekaert Specialty FilmsCommonwealth

Laminating & CoatingEnpro Distributing Inc.Erickson InternationalFilmstar DistributionGeoshieldHanitaTEKJohnson Window FilmsMoran Industries FranchisesNexfil USANovacelSolamatrix Inc.Wintech America

Automotive FilmBekaert Specialty FilmsCommonwealth

Laminating & CoatingEnpro Distributing Inc.Erickson InternationalFilmstar DistributionGeoshieldHanitaTEKJohnson Window FilmsMoran Industries FranchisesNexfil USANovacelSolamatrix Inc.Venture Tape Corp.Wintech America

Commercial FilmBekaert Specialty FilmsCommonwealth

Laminating & CoatingEnpro Distributing Inc.Erickson InternationalFilmstar DistributionGeoshieldHanitaTEKJohnson Window FilmsMoran Industries FranchisesNational Glass Service GroupNexfil USANovacelSolamatrix Inc.Wintech America

Decorative FilmBekaert Specialty FilmsDecorative Film Depot LLCEnpro Distributing Inc.Erickson InternationalFilmstar Distribution

NE FILUSAPREMIUM WINDOW FILMS

continued on page 22

Categories


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http://www.mutoh.com

http://www.nationalglassservicegroup.com

http://www.nexfilusa.com

http://www.novacelinc.com

http://www.olfa.com

http://www.pentagonusa.com

http://www.44tools.com

http://www.rightlookclearbra.com

http://www.rolanddga.com

http://www.sharpline.com

http://www.shureusa.com


http://www.solarfreefilm.com

http://www.solargraphics.com

http://www.teel.com

http://www.usfilmcrew.com

http://www.venturetape.com

http://www.wintechusa.com

http://www.xpel.com

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HanitaTEKMoran Industries FranchisesNational Glass Service GroupNexfil USAWintech America

Protective/Scratch Resistance Film (Paint)Bekaert Specialty FilmsEnpro Distributing Inc.Filmstar DistributionNexfil USAPerformance Tools DistributingSolamatrix Inc.Venture Tape Corp.

Residential FilmBekaert Specialty FilmsCommonwealth

Laminating & CoatingEnpro Distributing Inc.Erickson InternationalFilmstar DistributionGeoshieldHanitaTEKJohnson Window FilmsMoran Industries FranchisesNexfil USANovacelSolamatrix Inc.Wintech America

Security FilmBekaert Specialty FilmsCommonwealth

Laminating & CoatingEnpro Distributing Inc.Erickson InternationalFilmstar DistributionGeoshieldHanitaTEKJohnson Window FilmsMoran Industries FranchisesNexfil USASolamatrix Inc.Wintech America

Film Installation Services

Film Installation ServicesBekaert Specialty FilmsMoran Industries FranchisesPentagon Protection USAU.S. Film CrewVenture Tape Corp.

Manufacturers

Architectural Film3M Aegis Films Inc.

Bekaert Specialty FilmsCommonwealth

Laminating & CoatingCPFilms Division, Solutia Inc.Erickson InternationalGeoshieldGlobal Window FilmsMACtac Graphic ProductsMadico Inc.Nexfil USANovacelSolamatrix Inc.Teel PlasticsWintech America

Automotive Film3M Aegis Films Inc.Applied Coatings International LLCBekaert Specialty FilmsCommonwealth

Laminating & CoatingCPFilms Division, Solutia Inc.Erickson InternationalGeoshieldGlobal Window FilmsMACtac Graphic ProductsMadico Inc.Nexfil USANovacelSolamatrix Inc.Teel PlasticsVenture Tape Corp.Wintech America

Coatings, Water RepellantMACtac Graphic Products

Commercial Film3M Aegis Films Inc.Applied Coatings International LLCBekaert Specialty FilmsCommonwealth


Decorative Film3M

Aegis Films Inc.Applied Coatings International LLCBekaert Specialty FilmsCPFilms Division, Solutia Inc.Decorative Film Depot LLCErickson InternationalGlobal Window FilmsMACtac Graphic ProductsMadico Inc.Nexfil USATeel PlasticsWintech America

Paint Protection Film3MAvery DennisonBekaert Specialty FilmsCPFilmsHaartz Corp.Lamin-x Protective FilmsRightlook.com Inc.Sharpline ConvertingXPEL Technologies

Protective/Scratch ResistanceFilm (Paint)Aegis Films Inc.Applied Coatings International LLCBekaert Specialty FilmsCPFilms Division, Solutia Inc.MACtac Graphic ProductsNexfil USAPerformance Tools DistributingVenture Tape Corp.

Residential Film3M Aegis Films Inc.Applied Coatings International LLCBekaert Specialty FilmsCommonwealth


Security Film3M Aegis Films Inc.Bekaert Specialty Films

Commonwealth Laminating & Coating

CPFilms Division, Solutia Inc.Erickson InternationalGeoshieldMadico Inc.Nexfil USASolamatrix Inc.Teel PlasticsWintech America

Security Products

Attachment Systems3MCPFilms Division, Solutia Inc.Enpro Distributing Inc.FilmFastener LLCFilmstar DistributionHanitaTEKMadico Inc.Pentagon Protection USA

Signs and Signage

Signs and SignageBekaert Specialty FilmsMACtac Graphic ProductsMutoh America

Software

SoftwareAegis Films Inc.Bekaert Specialty FilmsEnpro Distributing Inc.Filmstar Distribution

Tools and Supplies

CuttersAegis Films Inc.Bekaert Specialty FilmsEnpro Distributing Inc.Filmstar DistributionGila Distributing Inc.Mutoh AmericaOlfa North AmericaPerformance Tools DistributingRoland DGA

Vinyl

VinylApplied Coatings International LLCCPFilms Division, Solutia Inc.Filmstar DistributionMACtac Graphic ProductsMutoh AmericaPerformance Tools DistributingRoland DGA WF

There When You Need It continued from page 21


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STOP Paying High Prices For Film

Contact Us 310.516.8986 Fax: 310.538.1137

Automotive

Commercial

Residential

Decorative

Security

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NE FILUSAPREMIUM WINDOW FILMS


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Some people make theircareer decisions by flipping acoin; for others, a game of

Rock, Paper, Scissors may be thedeciding factor. There are thosewho make lists weighing the prosand cons, and others who turn toeveryone they know asking, “Whatwould you do?” Rafael Fernandez,owner of Confianza WindowTinting in Miami, used a methodthat he does not recommend:“Bible roulette,” he says.

Fernandez harkens back to a timein his life when he had just startedattending church, yet found himselfout of a job soon after.

“I was upset and felt lied to, but Ilearned that disappointments arethe birthplace of incredibleachievements,” says Fernandezwho had been working for an auto-motive company that focused on

car alarms and stereos, and dab-bled in window tinting. “My dad,who is a very quiet man, took meout one day and said, ‘You knowson, there are a lot of windows inMiami …’ So I thought about it andprayed about it and then I didsomething that I don’t recom-mend—I played Bible roulette. Iopened the Bible and pointed tothe first verse I saw,” he says. “Andit worked that day because Ibumped into one of the most beau-tiful verses, Jeremiah 17:7, whichsays ‘But blessed is the man whotrusts in the Lord, whose confi-dence is in him.’ Confidence …and, it was a Spanish Bible, so Isaid, ‘Ah! Confianza WindowTinting” and that’s where the com-pany name came from.”

That was April 1990 and sincethen Confianza Window Tinting

has grown into one of the largestcommercial tinting companies inthe Miami area. Fernandez’sChristian faith has been a hugepart of his success. In fact, in addi-tion to the window film businesshe also has a radio ministry that isbroadcast to every Spanish-speak-ing region around the world. ForFernandez the combination of faithand giving back whenever possiblehas made all the difference.

Upward Bound“I started out of the garage of

my house with $500 and a lot offaith and enthusiasm,” saysFernandez. “And I promisedmyself we would not do cars,partly because I could not tint. Ihad a lot to learn and flat glass isa lot easier to learn than automo-tive. I would sell in the mornings

by Ellen Rogers

Keeping the Faith

Attitude, Determination and a Lot of PrayersKeep Confianza Window Tinting Moving Ahead


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and install in the afternoons.Sometimes my dad would helpme.”

As the jobs began to add up sodid the need for a full-time installer.

“That’s when Ulises Abreucame to my doorstep. He is nowour head installer; he’s been withme for 17 years,” says Fernandez.He adds the company also hastwo other installers, George andAlex Morales, a father and sonwho have been with the companyfor almost 11 years. “In our indus-try [it’s unusual] for an installerto be with you for 17 years, 11years … and they also have thekeys to the business and thecode to the alarm—the

installers,” says Fernandez. “Weare blessed that we have thatlevel of trust in our team.”

Abreu has been in the filmindustry sine 1986 when he gotstarted tinting cars. He says hewas rebuked when he first calledConfianza to see if they needed aninstaller. He tried again a year

later and that time they did.“This is not like any other com-

pany I’ve worked for,” Abreu says.“We’re more like family and we’vegrown together over the years.”

Abreu also has seen the industrychange and became concerned at


Above: Confianza applied film to 65,000square feet of this University of Miamibuilding in 1996 and again in 2002. Left:Outside of the film industry, Rafael and hiswife, Maria, also collect classic cars,including a 1960 Cadillac Fleetwood limo.

“You know what they call theiremployees at the Ritz Carlton?Ladies and gentlemen. Can youimagine if we all started callingour employees—our installers—‘ladies and gentlemen?’ Give an

installer just a little bit ofrecognition and watch him fly.”

—Rafael Fernandez


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one point that it was dying outbecause of all the new glass prod-ucts that were being introduced.

“But somehow, we keep grow-ing,” he says. “Even with the sloweconomy … we have our ups anddowns just like any business, butwe’re still growing.”

In addition to three installers,Fernadez’s wife, Maria, works inthe office and their daughter Alinais the administrative assistant (intotal they have five children, twoson-in-laws and two grandchil-dren). Enrique de la Pezuela joined

the company in April and handlesthe company’s architectural sales,working closely with architectsand developers.

de la Pezuela says it was aresult of both the market and ablessing that lead him toConfianza. Like Fernandez, he isalso involved with a ministrythrough his church and the twomet when Fernandez was a guestspeaker at one of de la Pezuela’smeetings.

“It turned out that he neededsomeone to do architectural salesand I needed a job,” says de laPezuela who had owned an archi-tectural firm for a number ofyears, and had also worked as aproject manager for two ofMiami’s condo developers, WICand the Related Group of Florida.

“I work closely with the archi-tects and developers every day,”de la Pezuela says. “It’s importantto do so because as green, LEEDcertification, tax credits and ener-gy efficiency become importantit’s imperative they use windowfilm; it’s really a no-brainer.”

Business TacticsTwenty years since the debut of

his company, Fernandez hasmoved up from working in hisgarage and now occupies 2,000square feet of office space (whichhe is proud to say is completelypaid off) in a suburban Miami officepark. Confianza Window Tintingworks primarily with 3M and in thepast has worked with others, suchas Solamatrix. Over the years thecompany has taken on some high-profile film projects in the Miamiarea. Projects include the

Fontainebleau, for which he is theexclusive film supplier, and theMiami Courthouse. The companyhas also been involved with a num-ber of international projects,including apartment and condobuildings in Santo Domingo.

“I’ve known Rafael for more thantwo years and I think he's a trueprofessional in what he does forboth his business and the indus-try,” says Charlie Calisto, nationalsales manager for 3M.

Mike Giles, 3M territory manager,adds, “Rafael and the entire team atConfianza Window Tinting havebeen a valued customer of 3M formany years, and some of the mostprestigious installations of [our]window film have been accom-plished through the efforts ofConfianza Window Tinting through-out the region. Our partnership inthe industry in the past has beenstrong, however a renewed andstronger partnership has devel-oped that has already demonstrat-ed that we will enjoy much successtogether in the years to come.”

Achievements aside, Confianza

Window Tinting is still a small busi-ness, tackling a range of projects.“We do residential jobs everyday.But when you’re involved with com-mercial projects you’re really afarmer; a farmer doesn’t just throwout a seed and wait. He knows youhave to move the soil, plant theseed and water it. The same is trueof commercial projects,” Fernandezexplains. “If you have the disciplineto do what you need to do, maybethe job won’t start for another ninemonths, but the work you did sixmonths before will fall into playthree months from now. So itbecomes a cycle.”

He continues, “in a year we do twoor three commercial projects. Hugeprojects are not as common, butwe’ve been blessed with those, too.”

With a hand in both residentialand commercial work, Fernandezadmits there are a number of differ-ences between the two

“Look at everything we’ve seen oflate, like foreclosures. When you arelosing your home you’re not think-ing about window tinting. And ontop of that we had a long, cold win-ter, which is rare in Miami,” he says.“But, as soon as the sun starts bak-ing people the phone starts ringing.”

He continues, “Commercial is lesscyclical because there are budgetsthat have been appropriated. Plus,now the trend for a lot of buildings isto go green. Owners are really look-ing at how to make their buildingsmore efficient. On the residentialside, too, we are fortunate becausewe live in [an area] where there area lot of condo buildings with a lot ofnice views. In condos the windowsare all sliding glass door type win-dows. In one apartment you canhave 1,000 square feet of glass.”

Top-Tier ServiceWhen it came to developing a

business model, Fernandez lookedto what some consider the pinna-

“I learned that disappointments are thebirthplace of incredible achievements.”

—Rafael Fernandez

Keeping the Faith continued from page 25


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cle of any business in any industry:the Ritz Carlton.

“We are big supporters of theway they do business at the RitzCarlton. So I say, be a Ritz Carltonwindow film dealer,” saysFernandez. “You know what theycall their employees at the RitzCarlton? Ladies and gentlemen.Can you imagine if we all startedcalling our employees—ourinstallers—‘ladies and gentlemen?’Give an installer just a little bit ofrecognition and watch him fly. Ourindustry doesn’t do that enough.”

He adds, “I adopted the motto ofthe Ritz Carlton for my own com-pany. I don’t want our customers tojust be happy; I want them to beproud … walking the extra milegoes so far.”

One challenge for the film indus-try, he believes, is finding ways toincrease the perceived level offprofessionalism. And in Miami, thiscan be particularly tough.

“I know there are manufacturerswho do not even want to sell insouth Florida,” says Fernandez.“Sadly enough, Miami, one of themany names it’s been given is the‘Gateways to the Americas’.” Hesays the nickname comes from allof the importing and exporting thattakes place, much of which is withcountries where high-quality mate-rial is less important than it is inthe United States.

“I really believe that if we canbring up the level of professional-ism in our industry people willnotice,” he says.

This might be easier said thandone. Fernandez says the only wayto accomplish this is simply onedealer at a time.

“It’s been said that it takes a vil-lage to raise a child; it takes anindustry to raise a dealer,” hesays. “I hope and pray that thereare dealers who read this and real-ize that they can do more and

they can be better. I have hopethat we can bring up the stan-dards of all our industry; it has tobe an industry effort.”

Reap What You SowFernandez says he is extremely

grateful for the successes he’sseen and experienced. As a result,he is committed to giving backwhenever and wherever he can. He

has donated film and installationservices to various projectsaround the Miami area. He alsocreated The Children ofLumenesse, a charity organizationwhose mission is to build and man-age an orphanage for childrenaround the world. He says the goalis to eventually build and maintain


Confianza applied safety film for stormprotection for this courthouse in MetroDade County.


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the orphanage for its first threeyears. In the meantime, every sixmonths the charity donates 10 per-cent of the funds to children’scharities until it reaches that goal.

Five percent of every roll ofLumenesse purchased by dealersgoes directly into the fund.

“After being so blessed, on our20th anniversary we decided toofficially start our children’s fundas a way to give back and leave alegacy,” says Fernandez. “Fivepercent of every sale we make,large or small, goes toward thisfund. After the job is finished wesend a thank you letter to our cus-tomer with a copy of the check tothe fund with their name on thememo and a reassurance that wenot only want them to be happy tobe our customer but proud to beone as well.”

He adds that a down economy isthe perfect time to give back.

“When things are slow, donateand give. Look for a church, a syna-

gogue, a school, Habitat forHumanity … someplace where youcan [donate],” he says.

Team EffortsOver the years Fernandez and his

team have worked diligently toestablish Confianza Window Tintingas a quality, professional organiza-tion. These efforts have includedworking closely with organizationssuch as Florida Power & Light,which has a Business BuildingEnvelope Program that providesincentives for various energy-effi-cient measures, including windowfilm installation.

“Rafael has demonstrated astrong ability to create and closelarge commercial projects througha vast network of contacts here inFlorida,” says Giles, who expectstheir partnership to continue mov-ing forward.

“One of the things that weadmire about Rafael and his teamat Confianza is how they havedeveloped long-term relationshipswith key decision makers in SouthFlorida in the commercial arena,”says Bill Stewart, North Americansales and operations manager for

Solamatrix. “Rafael understandsthe importance of building a solidreputation and has spent manyyears working to achieve thisthrough active participation in hislocal community. In this day andage, and in our industry, it is trulyimpressive when companies arestill actively involved in the samebusiness, in the same area, decadeafter decade.”

Hurricane films are also a bigpart of Confianza’s business.Fernandez says that purveyors ofthe economy have actually purgedthe industry of a lot of disreputablehurricane companies “because thefly-by-nights have flown.”

He says the issue of safety andimpact film is one of immenseimportance.

“When I was on the EthicsCommittee of the InternationalWindow Film Association one ofthe issues we had was overzealousdealers selling safety films as ‘bul-let-proof,’ yet they wouldn’t standbehind the product,” he says.“When you are going to sell safetyfilm, sell it for what it is. Theseproducts are an important part of adealer’s business but they are also

Confianza has applied film to a rangeof buildings over the years, includingUnion Planters Bank.

Keeping the Faith continued from page 27


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Blue safety film was used to match theBank Atlantic colors.


an important part of our industrybecause safety films really work;they are not a gimmick.”

He continues, “As an industry,we need to work on getting safetyfilms recognized by insurance com-panies. We are working towardthat. We should protect ourselveson the defensive by making surethat dealers are not putting out adsthat say things like ‘no need toshutter your home …’ safety filmdoes not need to be hyped; the testresults speak for themselves.”

Customer Satisfaction“You never argue with a cus-

tomer; what do you gain by doingso? You take care of the situationas quickly as you can. It doesn’tmatter what the problem is,” hesays. “We take pride in what we

do. It’s awesome to be able to goto a home and let people knowthat we do not subcontract thework; the only time we subcon-tract is if it’s a very large projectand there’s a time frame to meet.We work only with installers weknow and have worked with inthe past.”

On the HorizonAlways the optimist, Fernandez

has also coined a few words that heuses as mantras for his business.One of these words is “persa-vision.”

“It’s perseverance with a vision,”he says, explaining that once youknow what you want your success tobe, it’s easy to go after thoseachievements. Much of that ties tothe demand for energy performance.

“There are films that go hand-in-

hand with those needs,” saysFernandez. “Five years from nowwill be huge, especially as theeconomy gets better and more andmore people are concerned aboutenergy savings. Our industry isperfect for what’s coming and I amvery excited.” WF

Ellen Rogers is the editor of WINDOW FILM

magazine.

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Everyone has had one of“those days.” The kind of daywhere nothing seems to go

right and every task takes twice aslong. Thankfully, most of us have afew items or trusted sources onwhich we can always rely to helpget the job done. The world of win-dow film is no different. While jobsvary and environmental factors areuncontrollable, most installershave a few helpful tools that makethe process quicker and easier.

SidekicksThe typical technician carries

his tools with him all day and jug-gling them can be a challenge. JoelMarler, president of ArchitecturalWindow Film in Salt Lake City, isgrateful for his vest and his caddy.

“I like a tool vest instead of a toolbelt because your shoulders sup-port the vest instead of your hips.Also, I use a film caddy, a canvasfilm tote. It enables quick and easyhandling of materials, supplies andtools.”

When it comes to installers’

favorite sidekick tools some saythe “chizler,” the “bulldozer,” “tailfins,” and the “E-Z reach” areamong the top tools.

Nick Lowery, a master installerof automotive window film forQuality Glass Tinting Inc. in St.Louis praises his bulldozer.

“It can get into places that mostother tools can’t get into with a lotof pressure. It has a nice wide billon it that is angled so you canshove it behind brake lights. It hasa nice long handle so that if it’shard to reach you don’t have towork very hard to get to it,” saysLowery. “It’s allowed us to quitremoving back decks out of carsor having to remove a lot of stuffout of the car and just use thattool to get the film back behindplaces. It’s definitely made [thejob] a lot easier.”

Gordon Watson, owner of GordonWatson Window Tinting thatinstalls commercial and residentialfilm in Santa Cruz, Calif., agreeswith Lowery about bulldozers.

“The bulldozer is one of those

tools that I consider mandatory,”says Watson.

Lowery is also a big fan of chi-zlers, but tweaked with his ownpersonal touch.

“It’s a nice, hard composite soyou can get into tight spaces andget the pressure that you need.What we have done with the chi-zler is cut them in half and makethis little spock ear out of it. Weessentially cut it in half so we havea nice, long, sharp point and wecan get behind gaskets and stufflike that as well as really tiny win-dows,” says Lowery.

The EZ reach is also an installerfavorite across the board. MarkKillmer, manager/owner of Jazz ItUp in Centennial, Colo., has bene-fited from making the EZ reach apart of his automotive tinting toolkit.

“We use the EZ reach, whichcomes in gold and silver. The goldone is a medium strength tool andit reaches in a lot of corners. Youcan almost use it like a chizler,”says Killmer. “For some cars wherethe front corners are very hard toreach or to get into the EZ reachworks very well for that.”

Watson agrees, “A platinum EZreach tool can also be used as a five-way tool to give you the gap on resi-dential or commercial applications.”

Old FavoritesIn addition to specific tools,

there are components of windowfilm installation that installers sayare mandatory.

“These are things you have touse to keep warranties valid suchas distilled water, X-100, stainlesssteel razor blades, and whitenylon scrub pads,” explainsWatson, who also uses Plexus onevery single installation. “That isan incredible plastic polish and

Window Film InstallersReveal Trusted Toolsby Katie Hodge

Gordon Watson trusts a variety of tools, including his homemade pressuresystem (pictured in rear).

I Can’t LiveWithout It!


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sealant and it is also anti-static.Every singe piece of film that weinstall gets coated with Plexus andmicro fiber towels.”

Under PressureOne thing that many installers

agree on is that without a pressuresystem the job just can’t be doneproperly. Watson has created hisown system, which he considersone of his most valuable tools.

“It’s a three-gallon tank just likeeverybody else has and I havemounted a motorized pump on it,”says Watson. “In addition, in ourtank I use chainsaw filters andthose can be coupled to the pick-up tube inside the tank with asmall piece of gasoline line andthe chainsaw filter, which you canpick up at any small motorizedtool company or online,” saysWatson.

Watson says his system, whichruns 80-100 PSI, was hand-madefor a fraction of what a similar sys-tem would cost. “The pump was$89 and I probably spent another10 bucks on Ts and fittings andstuff like that. I probably was outthe door for $130 and it is the besttool I have ever used. The pres-sure tank with the hoses and thenozzles blasts everything off theglass and the edges. It saves timebecause you don’t have to pump itat all. If you are on a ladder youdon’t have to get down. It savesme more time than anything,”Watson adds.

Other companies have alsobought pressure systems or havetweaked their systems.

“We have a pressure systemwhich enables an installer to have80 pounds of constant water pres-sure using carbon dioxide paintball containers and the standardCornelius tanks,” says Marler.

Tool InnovationWhile the world of tools is con-

stantly evolving, installers are alsothinking about what they could doto make a tool work better or toolsthey wish would be manufactured.

“Over the course of the past fiveyears I have seen a lot of toolsbeing developed that are reallygood for the installer,” saysLowery. “These are mainly a lot oflong tools that will help you getbehind and down into back decksand behind brake lights.”

Killmer made a few modifica-tions to the tail fins in his shop tocreate a better tool for his team.

“We drill two holes at the top

edge and you can stick your fingerin one of those tools and drag itacross the window a lot better,”says Killmer. “Those things are sohard to hold onto when they arewet so I drilled two holes into itand that helps.”

When installers look back justten years ago to the tools availableto them, they say it’s obvious thatthe industry has changed quite abit. Ten years from now what kindof tools will installers be ravingabout and what will they say aboutthe tools that are so loved now?

Katie Hodge is an assistant editor forWINDOW FILM magazine.

Joel Marler’s installers use a tool vest rather than a tool belt to place lessstress on their hips.


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International Window FilmExpo, Conference and Tint-Off™

Tint-Off andConference

to Return in 2011


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When the upcomingInternational WindowFilm Conference and

Tint-off slides into the “River City,”Memphis, Tenn., September 15-16,2011, attendees and contestantscan expect to experience more thanjust barbeque, Elvis, and a taste ofthe blues. The event, sponsored byWINDOW FILM magazine, brings thehands-on aspect of the industryright to you when the best of thebest vie once again for braggingrights and the title of “World’s BestTinter.” With 2011 right around thecorner, mark your calendars nowfor the International Window FilmExpo, Conference and Tint-Off, tak-ing place as part of 2011 Auto GlassWeek, which runs September 15-16,2011. The Tint-Off is scheduled totake place Thursday, September 15,from 4 to 7 p.m.

Let the Games BeginThe Tint-Off will bring automotive

window film tinters from across thecountry ready to compete for thewinning title. This year the tint-offwill solely focus on automotive tint-ing while architectural installers canexpect to re-join the competition inupcoming years. Automotive tinterswill compete against other tinters ina competition that will test theirskills and their knowledge. Eventssuch as this one acknowledge quali-ty work and recognize those whoexcel at their craft.

For those unfamiliar with theevent, judges score tinters in fivedifferent sections:• Cleanliness of film;• Cleanliness of vehicle;• Light gaps and edge cuts; • Quality of application; and • Warranty card.

Judges will make deductions fordifferent criteria that are not met todetermine each contestant’s final

score. There will be one preliminaryround followed by the final round ofcompetition and the announcementof the winner. The competition willbe open for spectators who want towatch the action live and check outthe talent.

Prizes will be awarded for thethree finalists in the competition.First place will be awarded $7,500.Second place will walk away with$1,000 and third place will beawarded with $500.

Film StudiesFollowing competition day, semi-

nars will be held Friday, September16 from 10:30 a.m. through 3 p.m.With a wide array of educationaland hands-on involvement, theweek will have opportunities foreveryone to take something awayfrom the event.

In addition, since theInternational Window FilmConference and Tint-Off is happen-ing in conjunction with 2011 AutoGlass Week, attendees will haveaccess to a great selection of addi-tional seminars and programs thatwill be sponsored by other groupstaking part in the week’s events.

Home of the BluesWhile one skilled tinter definitely

won’t be singing the blues, thereare plenty of sites to see for thosefeeling bluesy. Memphis, known forits exceptional barbeque, bluesmusic and rock ‘n roll history, hasplenty of things to do when thecompetition ends. Attendees cantake a stroll down Beale Street,which honors many of Memphis’most famous and influential musi-cians, to take in the sights andsounds of this famous stretch ofrestaurants, bars and stores. Withclose proximity to both shoppingand the Mississippi River, visitors

will have the option to enjoy bothindoor and outdoor activities.Graceland, the home of the leg-endary Elvis Presley, is just a shortdrive and almost anywhere you goin Memphis you can find tradition-al Memphis barbeque.

Other local attractions includethe nearby National Civil RightsMuseum, AutoZone Park and theFedEx Forum.

Shut-Eye in MemphisThe 2011 International Window

Film Tint-Off will be taking place inthe heart of Memphis at theMemphis Marriott Downtown andthe Memphis Cook ConventionCenter. The hotel, which boasts thetitle of “largest hotel in Memphis,”has spectacular views of the sky-line and the convenience of beingjust a few steps from the competi-tion and seminars.

The 19-floor hotel and conven-tion center are attached by a shortskywalk and feature a fitness cen-ter, indoor pool, coffee shop and aUPS store for shipping needs. Thehotel is located on the Memphistrolley line, which provides atten-dees with easy transportation torestaurants, shopping and otherattractions.

Attendees can stay at the hotelfor the low room rate of $99.Reserve your room by contactingthe Memphis Marriott Downtownat 901/527-7300.

Stay TunedFor those interested in being a

part of the 2011 InternationalWindow Film Tint-Off contact HollyBiller at [email protected] or at540/720-5584 x123.

Stayed tuned to WINDOW FILM

magazine and windowfilmmag.comfor more updates as the Tint-Offapproaches. WF

Automotive Tinters Begin Prepfor September 2011Eventby: Katie Hodge


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DISTRIBUTORSArchitectural Film

Bekaert Specialty Films LLC4540 Viewridge Ave.San Diego, CA 92123877/273-4364; fax: 858/571-3605www.bekaertfilms.com

FilmTack Pte LtdNo.9, Kaki Bukit Road 2, #04-05Singapore 417842(65) 6746-3746; fax: (65) [email protected]

SAGR Products Int'l1785 Biglerville RoadGettysburg, PA 17325800/223-4385; fax: 717/334-6483 [email protected]

Solar Control Films Inc. 1499 N Post Oak Rd; 214 Houston, TX 77055 877/989-3456; fax: 713/681-3040 [email protected]

Sun-Gard Window Films2630 Fairfield Avenue S.St. Petersburg, FL 33712888/887-2022www.sun-gard.com

Automotive Film

FilmTack Pte LtdNo.9, Kaki Bukit Road 2, #04-05Singapore 417842(65) 6746-3746; fax: (65) [email protected]

Huper Optik International Pte Ltd12, Jalan Kilang Barat, #04-03Singapore 159354(65) 6276-4555; fax: (65) 6276-9917www.huperoptik.com

SAGR Products Int'l1785 Biglerville RoadGettysburg, PA 17325800/223-4385; fax: 717/334-6483 [email protected]

Solar Control Films Inc. 877/989-3456 [email protected]

Starco Distributing1441 N. Cayamaca St.El Cajon, CA 92020619/937-0367; 888/359-3456fax: 619/937-0369


Residential Film

Johnson Window Films Inc.20655 Annalee Ave.Carson, CA 90746310/631-6672; 800/448-8468fax: 310/[email protected]

Midwest Solar Control Films 1220 N Price Rd; #B St. Louis, MO 63132 866/973-3456 www.midwestsolarcontrol.com

Security Film

HanitaTEK Window Films800/[email protected]


FILM INSTALLATION SERVICESU.S. Film CrewP.O. Box 17235Pittsburgh, PA 15235877/946-3693; fax: 412/[email protected]

MANUFACTURERSArchitectural Film

3M Renewable Energy Division3M Center, Bldg. 235-2S-27St. Paul, MN 55144800/480-1704; fax: 651/636-0611www.3m.com/windowfilm

Bekaert Specialty Films LLC4540 Viewridge AvenueSan Diego, CA 92123877/273-4364; fax: 858/571-3605www.bekaertfilms.com

CPFilms Inc.P.O. Box 5068, Martinsville, VA 24115276/627-3000; 800/255-8627fax: 276/[email protected]

Hanita CoatingsKibbutz Hanita, 22885, Israel+972-4-985-9919+972-4-985-9920solar@hanitacoatings.comwww.hanitacoatings.com

Solamatrix, Inc.2630 Fairfield Avenue S.St. Petersburg, FL 33712888/[email protected]

SunTek™/Commonwealth Laminating & Coating, Inc.P.O. Box 4668345 Beaver Creek Drive Martinsville, VA 24112276/632-4991; fax: 276/632-0173www.suntekfilms.com

Automotive Film


Erickson Intl./American Standard Window Film3135 Marco St.Las Vegas, NV 89115800/835-9676; fax: 702/643-0509

Hanita CoatingsKibbutz Hanita, 22885, Israel+972-4-985-9919fax: [email protected]


Decorative Film


A DIRECTORY OF INDUSTRY SUPPLIERS


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http://www.filmtack.com



http://www.SolarControlFilmsInc.com

http://www.sun-gard.com


http://www.filmtack.com

http://www.huperoptik.com



http://www.SolarControlFilmsInc.com




http://www.midwestsolarcontrol.com









http://www.llumar.com


http://www.hanitacoatings.com















Artscape Inc.3487 N.W. Yeon Ave.Portland, OR 97219888/503-0354; fax: 503/[email protected]

Madico Inc.64 Industrial Pkwy.Woburn, MA 01801781/935-7850; 800/225-1926fax: 781/935-6841www.madico.com

Film Shades

Solar Screen Co. Inc.53-11 105th StreetCorona, NY 11368718/592-8222; fax: 718/271-0891

Security Film


Hanita CoatingsKibbutz Hanita, 22885, Israel+972-4-985-9919fax: [email protected]


SECURITY PRODUCTSAttachment Systems

FilmFastener LLC featuring BondKap™8206 Copeland Rd.Odessa, FL 33556813/926-8721; fax: 813/920-8662 www.FilmFastener.com

TOOLS AND SUPPLIESGlasWeld Systems Inc.20578 Empire BoulevardBend, OR 97701541/388-1156; fax: 541/388-1157www.glasweld.com

Performance Tools Distributing7640 Commerce PlacePlain City, OH 43064866/448-6657 or 614/873-4800Fax: 614/[email protected]

Solar Gard Filmhandler Tools4540 Viewridge Ave.San Diego, CA 92123800/336-3971; 858/614-1445fax: 858/[email protected]

WEBSITES TO VISITSolamatrix, Inc.888/887-2015www.solamatrix.com

Training School

Windowtinting.com800/580-7953 WF

ADVERTISING INDEXPage Company Phone Fax Web Address

6-7 Aegis Films 800/438-8468 678/333-0892 www.aegisfilms.com

18-19 Bekaert Specialty Films LLC 877/345-9478 858/571-3605 www.solargard.com

12-13 Commonwealth Laminating & Coating Inc. 888/321-5111 276/632-0173 www.suntekfilms.com

9 CPFilms 800/447-8468 314/674-1585 www.llumar.com

1, 11 Erickson International 800/835-9676 Not Available www..aswl.com

37 Global Window Films 866/664-5622 813/814-2080 www.globalwindowfilms.com

38 Hanita Tek Window Films 800/660-5559 262/754-3776 www.hanitatek.com

C2 Johnson Window Films 800/448-8468 310/631-6628 www.johnsonwindowfilms.com

23 Nexfil USA 310/516-8986 310/538-1137 www.nexfilusa.com

5 Solamatrix Inc. 888/887-2022 727/327-7132 www.solamatrix.com

17 U.S. Film Crew 877/946-3693 412/798-0900 www.usfilmcrew.com

2-3 Wintech America Inc. 888/983-3356 562/215-4472 www.wintechusa.com


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http://www.energy-film.com

http://www.madico.com






http://www.FilmFastener.com

http://www.glasweld.com


http://www.44tools.com


http://www.filmhandler.com


http://www.aegisfilms.com

http://www.solargard.com


http://www.llumar.com

http://www.aswf.com

http://www.globalwindowfilms.com



http://www.nexfilusa.com



http://www.wintechusa.com




Jonathan Longhurst, companydirector of Autoshades inLondon, possesses the unique

quality of not only being loved byhis customers, but by his employ-ees, too. Louise Morris, marketingexecutive at Autoshades contactedWINDOW FILM magazine to nominateher boss as a “Film Star.”

Morris says, “He leads by exam-ple and keeps the team focusedand hard working. He gives 100percent and expects no less fromothers, but is always ready to showhis gratitude for your efforts.”

Longhurst got started in the tintingbusiness more than two decades ago.

“I started by tinting my brother’scar in my Dad’s garage,” saysLonghurst. “From then on I began toget approached by people who sawhis car. My brother and I started apartnership and after two and a halfyears I started Autoshades, in 1992.”

For Longhurst, a day’s workalways comes back to satisfyingcustomers and working as a team.

“The knowledge that I’ve gainedover the years and improvementsin the film industry have spurredme into wanting to grow the busi-ness and continue in this industry.The satisfaction of seeing that mycustomers appreciate my hardwork and gaining repeat businessby word of mouth makes it allworthwhile. I’ve built up a greatteam that works alongside me andthey all care about the business asmuch as I do,” says Longhurst.

Longhurst has always focused onautomotive tinting, but is interestedin expanding.

“I would like to move more into theresidential and commercial side ofthe business,” he says. “I would even-tually like to set up a UK network oftrue professional window tintingdealers to be able to offer a nation-wide service,” says Longhurst.

Morris notes that Longhurst’sdedication to working hard for hiscustomers is the key to his success.

“His attention to detail never failsto impress his individual customersand dealerships alike. He maintains apersonal service of high quality andcustomer satisfaction,” says Morris.

Throughout his career Longhursthas worked on all kinds of projects,including tinting cars on film setswhere time is of the essence.

However, the one project that hedreams of being a part of is some-thing much different than a film set.

“Having worked closely withschools, I would like to work on aproject developing schools for thefuture where I feel window filmcould significantly improve theworking conditions for future gen-erations of students and teachersalike,” he says. “With ever increas-ing demands for the latest technol-ogy in the classroom such as inter-active whiteboards, it is alsoimportant that the classroom issuitable for these developments, sothat the schools can really benefit.”

In his free time Longhurstenjoys traveling, visiting themeparks, exploring the countrysidewith his dogs, running, and mostimportantly spending time withhis two young sons. WF

Jonathan Longhurst, Autoshades

INSTALLER PROFILES

Longhurst opened Autoshades 18 yearsago and still continues to serve as thedirector and beloved leader of his team.

Do you know someone who is a star among window film tinters? Then wewant to hear from you with your nominations for “Film Stars.” E-mail EllenRogers at [email protected] your nominations.



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Finally—A Tint Tool thatTrims Wasted Time

Your time and materials are valuable—maximize both with InfoZone™, Hanita Coatings’ new

iPhone App. InfoZone calculates how much film you need in each width for your entire job,

trimming time and increasing accuracy from the old paper and calculator method. You can

even email the results to your shop to get a start on the project. Plus the glass breakage

warranty info is right on your iPhone or iPod touch.

Trim your budget and your time spent. Get InfoZone. It’s Free.

Learn more at www.hanitatek.com/app.

And our film is pretty great too.

800.660.5559 www.hanitatek.com facebook.com/hanitatek


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Documents

There When You Need It: The Annual Buyers’ Guide...Northeast & BRIAN WELSH Eastern [email protected] Phone 540/720-5584 x195 215/679-8826 Fax 215/679-0408 Southeast SCOTT RICKLES