Event Schedule

Start the day with a presentation on the state of the window film, PPF and ceramic coatings market in the U.S., including insights on various segments and growth areas.

Speaker: Nick St. Denis is the director of research for Key Media & Research (KMR), a leading information provider to the window film and PPF industry and related markets. Nick has studied the market for much of the past decade and regularly works with industry businesses, conducting custom research projects for clients. He is currently completing the University of Connecticut’s Master of Arts in Survey Research program. He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh.

We’ve all heard the stories. You have lived them. It’s crazy difficult to find installers. You find them, train them, and they leave for the competitor down the street. Learn how to train an apprentice and embrace them into the company culture. In this session, company owners will share their strategies for finding the right person (yes, it can be a family member) who will learn and grow with your company. Also, learn who NOT to hire from those who have been burned and then emerged victorious on the other side.
Moderated by Window Film magazine editor Chris Collier.

Speakers: Kyle Fuller, the owner of Tint Pro in Bonaire, Ga., has been in the window film industry for more than 20 years. The company offers commercial, residential, and automotive film along with PPF, and his company has worked on large projects nationwide; Matthew Yelle is the owner of Palmetto Protection Films in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

It’s no surprise that PPF and ceramic coatings are on the rise and poised for exponential growth. The PPF segment is pushing shops further due to its ability to generate tall tickets, provide peace of mind for automotive enthusiasts, and its evolving technology. With the product continuing to strengthen, so will its market share. Are you in the detailing or window film business, wondering how to take advantage of these revenue opportunities? Panelists will inform attendees on the following topics:
• How to break into an emerging market if you currently offer detailing and tint;
• How to pair PPF and ceramic coatings with your existing products;
• How to perfect an install and find the little things that make a big difference;
• General tips and tricks; and
• How to find and train installers to apply PPF and ceramic coatings.
Moderated by WINDOW FILM magazine and PPFMag editor Chris Collier.

Speakers: Nick Blek is the owner at Premier Armor in Corona, Calif.; Brian Brown is principal at Exclusive Detail in Charlotte, N.C.; Jay Ka is owner at Modern Elix in West Chester, Pa.

When will supply chain delays ease? What new technology is coming down the line? What does the future hold for all film and PPF categories? This is your chance to ask manufacturers about the future and the market ahead during a special supplier roundtable.

Speakers: Adam Cote is the vice president of Ceramic Pro’s Elite Dealer Program; David Kratz is chief operating officer at Huper Optik USA; Jeffrey Plummer is senior vice president and general manager, window film for Madico; Harry Rahman is the director of architectural films for XPEL Inc.; Darrell Reed, Commercial Director, Eastman Performance Films; and Mariana Rodriguez is the vice president and GM of Avery Dennison Graphics North America.

Need motivation to take your business to the next level? Want to stop winging it and instead realize business growth? Mike Burke’s energy and enthusiasm will have you racing to power up your business. Learn how to empower your staff, stop micro-managing employees and trust the processes put in place. Know your strengths and stop having your employees wear multiple hats. If you want to learn all these principles, as well as proven marketing methods, then this is the session for you.

Speaker: Mike Burke has been in the window film industry for 33 years. His company, Sun Stoppers, has more than 63 locations in 19 states and offers residential and commercial tint and decorative film services as well as automotive tint, paint protection, and ceramic coatings.

The need for security film is strong, as retail establishments, schools and other institutions work to protect their businesses. This only continues to rise post-COVID and window film companies can help fill this need by installing safety and security film. Learn from three business owners succeeding in this market.
Moderated by WINDOW FILM magazine editor Chris Collier.

Speakers: Brad Campbell is the CEO, Campbell Corp.; Danny Maldonado is the president of Prestige Window Solutions; Peter Mott is the owner of Sunmaster.

Where did traditional frost go? Learn about the demand for custom film and its potential business impact. How do you sell it? What types of printers and equipment are needed? How do you navigate through the design process with clients? Learn what you need to get started, or if you are already offering decorative film, learn how to take it to the next level.

Speakers: Matthew Sandherr is the owner at Naples Tint Company in Naples, Fla.; Marcello Becchi is vice president of sales and marketing for Vetrilite in Coral Springs, Fla.

What do architects want out of companies they work with, such as film companies? Come to this session and learn straight from architects how you can work with architectural and design firms like theirs, realize success and form new partnerships.

Speaker: Gabriel Durand-Hollis, FAIA is principal at DHR Architects in San Antonio, Texas. Additional speakers will also be included.

Everyone from auto glass companies to collision specialists know all too well about calibration—they have been dealing with calibration and its effects for years. Film shops that work on front windshields now report this is creeping into their business as well. Learn about ADAS features, including front-facing cameras, and what this means when you work on windshields. Learn the myths surrounding calibration and the facts from those performing calibrations for years. Learn why if you don’t calibrate in states like Arizona, you will be hit with a $2,500 fine.

Speaker: Jacques Navant is the technical director of Don’s Mobile Glass/The Calibration Station, and chair of the AGSC ADAS committee.

*Not an official WFCT event. Please visit iwfa.com for more information.

*Not an official WFCT event. Please visit iwfa.com for more information.

Join us as we make our way through downtown and experience the River Walk like never before at six of the hottest bars in San Antonio. Pub Crawl attendees will receive two (2) complimentary drinks. A drink ticket will be given to be used at the first and second bar on the route. Specialty drinks have been curated especially for your group. Secure your spot today and set your networking on fire!  Click Here for more information.

2022 Pub Crawl Sponsor:

As president of Window Film Depot, Franson was responsible for some of the highest profile and challenging window film projects ever completed. He will discuss his experience in the ‘large’ project lifecycle from marketing to ‘big fish’ through successful project management and installation. Topics to be discussed will include evaluation of customer needs and wants, assessing for the proper solution, sourcing labor and materials, pricing, delivery and installation management. Jeff will share the highs and lows of large project management in order to share with the industry lessons learned and strategies for success in this evolving space.

Speaker: Jeff Franson, CEO at FutureVu Brands

What has the IWFA done to improve its services to the industry in the past year? What can the industry expect in the near future? What is the current environment for state tint laws? Why worry about regulations as much as changes in tint laws? Here you can get an overview and increase your understanding of industry efforts on behalf of the entire industry.

Speaker: Darrell Smith, executive director, IWFA

Are you looking to grow your business with another location or with additional products? If so, come to this session and hear a veteran who has grown his business in multiple areas discuss the issues you might have growing your business to the next level and beyond.

Speaker: Bill Valway, CEO, AP Corp.

Emmy-winning host, best-selling author, executive producer, and trades advocate Mike Rowe will be the keynote speaker at the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ 2022 (WFCT) at the Henry B. González Convention Center on September 15. Rowe is one of the nation’s most respected leaders of championing vocations through series such as Dirty Jobs, and Somebody’s Gotta Do It. He has held countless interviews speaking about the skills gap and the importance of trades.

During Thursday’s Keynote, Mike Rowe will discuss his insights, thoughts, and lessons learned while apprenticing on 300 “dirty” jobsites. Attendees of WFCT will have the opportunity to ask questions that Rowe will answer during his presentation.

Supported by Keynote Sponsor:

How could your business grow if you were always paid on time and could stop chasing down slow paying customers? Many construction companies just accept slow payment as an unfortunate, but
necessary cost of doing business these days. But if you take the right steps and use the right tools, you can protect your payments and get paid faster without any hassle. In this session you’ll learn:
• Why slow payment plagues the construction industry and how to avoid it
• How software solutions can help put an end to overdue invoices
• How a growing sub in Texas stopped chasing down late payments, and easily gets paid on time
• Why contracts aren’t enough to prevent non-payment
• Easy steps to protect your payments using lien rights

Speaker: Paige Centa, senior account executive, Levelset Corporation

Are you looking at how to retain and hire new employees? If so come listen to a session about overcoming the difficulties of maintaining a work force for the future.

Speaker: Jonathan Thompson, owner Sunsational Solutions

*Not an official WFCT event. Please visit iwfa.com for more information.

*Not an official WFCT event. Please visit iwfa.com for more information.

*Not an official WFCT event. Please visit iwfa.com for more information.

Not all companies occupy brick-and-mortar locations. Learn the specific challenges, and unique opportunities, for mobile-only businesses from owners who make a living on the road.

Speakers: Mike Leffler, owner/installer of Mike’s Mobile Tint of Shelbyville, Ind., has been in business for 22 years. Rob Oranges is a 30 year veteran of the window film profession. In 1992, he started installing automotive window film to supplement his competitive ski racing career. Rob currently works as the National Product manager for TubeliteDenco.

When a prominent auto glass supplier was hacked in January 2022, taking down its ordering system for weeks, it was proof that no company is immune to cyberattacks. A 20-year FBI veteran and security expert uses real-life examples of the latest hacks, security breaches, and computer scams to demonstrate how cybercrime occurs and what countermeasures we can take to combat the innovations of criminals. Auto glass businesses of all sizes can learn how to protect themselves from this new crime.

Speaker: Jeff Lanza served as an FBI Special Agent for more than 20 years, during which he investigated cybercrime, organized crime, human trafficking, and terrorism. Lanza has lectured at Harvard and Princeton Universities and written two highly reviewed books. He is featured in a Netflix documentary about the FBI, and he often appears on national television news programs where he talks about the growing threat of cybercrime.

Dealing with bankers doesn’t have to be scary. This session will help you learn how even the smallest company can develop a banking relationship to facilitate growth when you want it. You will learn how to choose the right type of bank, how to negotiate fees, how to plan for the future and what not to do as well. This is not a “banks are great” session; it’s designed to give you a realistic view of how to use your bank to your advantage.

Speaker: Lyle Hill has more than 50 years’experience in the glass and metal industry, has owned several businesses and has a wealth of experience working with banks.

Sales of residential and commercial films serve as a profitable niche for film companies. That has increased post-COVID. So why don’t more companies offer these services? Learn from two film companies why incorporating the sale of energy-efficient films into your lineup is a solid business strategy.
Moderated by Barry Atkins of WINDOW FILM magazine.

Speakers: Bill Valway is the CEO at AP Corp. in Baltimore, Md.; Josh Miller is the owner at Green Valley Tint in Henderson, Nev. Both companies are on WINDOW FILM magazine’s Annual List of Top Dealers.