I’m working, don’t get me wrong, but it’s hard to consider it “work” when you’re staying at a four-star hotel near the beach. As an aside, there is a sign posted in the lobby that you aren’t allowed to take photos or ask for autographs of any guests. This of course means I’ve been on celeb watch, with my camera and notepad handy. Just in case you’re worried I’m enjoying myself a little too much, here’s what I’ve been up to this week.

After flying in Monday to attend the National Fenestration Rating Council’s (NFRC) 2013 Spring Committee Meeting, I toured the first net-zero building in St. Petersburg and stopped by the Madico Window Films plant to catch up with everyone and take a tour.

Fun side note, Madico played a large role in helping reduce the energy expenditures of the net-zero building. Angie Leonetti, marketing manager, even shared a few exciting updates. The company was filmed for an upcoming episode of TLC’s How It’s Made (the air date hasn’t been announced) and even has plans to assist with the construction of St. Petersburg’s first area net-zero residence. I’ll have more information on both of those as soon as there are more details.

Tuesday, I attended another day of NFRC meetings where members discussed U-factor and Lisa Winkler of Eastman’s Performance Films division led the discussion about solar heat gain codes. I was even able to grab dinner with my grandparents who live in the area (such a cliché, right? My grandparents live in Florida).

After the board meeting for NFRC wraps up Wednesday I’m planning to see the sights! I’m spending my entire afternoon checking out the Tampa area just so I can make sure you guys have plenty of fun things to do while you’re in town for this year’s International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). It’s a hard life.

For my final day in Florida, Thursday, I’m heading down to Sarasota to see AntiFog Systems and Accent Distributing to get an update on the state of the industry in Bay-area Florida.

After spending a few days here I can’t wait to spend a few more with all of you at this year’s IWFC. It’s been a real stress to devote almost a whole week to researching the area for all of you, but I guess someone has to do it.

When I took over as editor of Window Film my first thought was about what I could do to make this magazine an even better resource for the industry. Throughout 2013, I hope to work on fulfilling that goal.

To kick off my quest to provide more timely coverage, Window Film’s e-newsletter will be sent weekly every Wednesday beginning January 2, 2013. Additionally, each of these newsletters will feature several new sections, including an installation highlights section called Interesting Installs and a Reader Response section aimed at answering your industry questions. Send photos and contact information for any unique installations you or your company has done for a chance to be featured in the new Interesting Installs section. E-mail me any industry questions you have regarding installation techniques, market trends or upcoming regulations; I will personally contact other members of the industry who may be able to answer these questions and feature their responses in an upcoming newsletter.

Many of you will notice changes in the January/February 2013 issue of Window Film as well. As the look and content of the magazine transforms, be sure to send me your thoughts to ensure the publication best reflects your needs.

As we approach a new year, I hope to work with many of you to make this magazine a true representation of the window film industry. Do not hesitate to e-mail me with any of your suggestions, tips or comments for how to develop the magazine into a stronger industry resource.

Have a very happy holiday; I look forward to working with each of you in the New Year!

My first prediction is a bold one. After watching the many wrap demos on the show floor and seeing the ever-increasing popularity of paint protection film (PPF) I predict that the industry will start to see a movement toward full-car vinyl wraps over paint. The vinyl wraps in solid colors offer consumers another option to both protect the original paint job on the car as well as the option to significantly change the look of the vehicle. Consumers can buy a more affordable vehicle that may not have the best looking exterior and transform the vehicle into the color and look they want. Marketing applications for this type of install are endless as it can offer a far more cost-effective option for customers and gives shops the chance to upsell by offering a tint install with the wrap.

The next big trend I’ve noticed is the importance of our East Coast industry. In light of Hurricane Sandy, many of the show exhibitors have agreed while this was an excellent show with many new innovative products, the East Coast attendees were sorely missed. Some companies noted that as a result foot-traffic had declined 30 to 40 percent. I think the reason there were initially conflicting reports on show attendance—many said at first attendance was excellent and most said later on that attendance was slow—is attributed to the varied markets for each individual exhibitor. The exhibitors who saw an increase in international sales seemed to be the ones most satisfied with attendance.

The final trend I’ve noticed is the increase in international buyers. After speaking with Joe Tesmer at Scorpion Window Films, he noted that his international sales have increased here at the show. At our own booth, we saw many international buyers who stopped by to ask for information on the American market and how they can get in contact with some of the American manufacturers. While the international market varies drastically from the American market, it’s a good sign for manufacturers that these international dealers are turning to American-made products. As I said above, companies looking to expand in the international markets seemed to be the exhibitors most satisfied with this year’s result.

Factoring in these new trends, I think that despite the mixed reviews on attendance, this year’s SEMA Show went in a new direction for the window film industry. As the products become even more innovative and the applications for these films continue to grow, the industry I think the industry is going to see more crossover applications such as more practical, consumer-friendly vehicle wraps, an appreciation of East Coast sales and an increase in international buyers.

Attending the IWFC provided me the chance to meet some of you as well as learn about the trade. Watching you all in action was such a unique experience.

As I gear up for my first SEMA Show, I’m excited to see not only who, but what will be there. One of my favorite experiences from IWFC was installing a clear PPF bra on a BMW hood at one of the vendor booths. I hope there are more experiences like this at SEMA.

When considering the differences between IWFC to SEMA, I wondered if all of you have a type of show that you prefer more: automotive or architectural? One question I keep coming back to is: what do you guys want to see at these shows? When I report on the event, what kind of coverage are you hoping to see? Be sure to answer today’s poll about what you most look forward to seeing at trade shows.

While I continue to learn about the window film industry, I invite you to share your answers with me. If you ever have any questions or comments about something that has been covered in either the newsletter or the magazine please feel free to email me at cneeley@glass.com. I enjoy reading your comments and learning about your perspectives.

Check out today’s poll and let Window Film magazine know what you most look forward to seeing at trade shows.

After watching Andrew Luck play in these past couple of preseason games, though, I know my Colts are in good hands. I was reluctant to let anyone else into the franchise, but I have to admit, even though Luck’s different I don’t mind the change. Dare I say, I even like him?

The sports world and window film industry are frequently changing. New film products are frequently introduced into the market which may replace old favorites, such as UCLA’s new transparent solar film and Heliatek’s flexible solar films (see today’s newsletter links). Peyton left Indy to pursue a new opportunity with Denver, just like former Window Film magazine editor Katie O’Mara is now leaving to pursue a new opportunity at graduate school.

As a side note and a fun fact, did you know that Luck attended Manning’s summer training camps when he was younger? This just seems so fitting since Katie has been training me these past few weeks. Despite my training, I’m still learning everything there is to know about the big leagues. Just as Luck hasn’t figured out the playing style of every team in the NFL, I am certainly not yet an expert in the window film industry. But just like Luck will learn the playing style of each of the other 31 defenses, I will learn the unique and intricate products and fields of the window film trade.

Andrew’s a little different than Peyton, just like I’m a little different than Katie. As new solar and energy-efficient innovations begin to flood the window film market, certainly those products will be different than what you may be used to. While nothing can ever entirely replace your old favorite, it doesn’t mean you can’t find something new that you like.

In my case, I now have two favorite teams to follow on Sundays. As I find myself cheering on both the Broncos and Colts this football season, I wish Katie the best of luck at grad school and thank all of you continuing to follow Window Film.

“It’s just the wind,” responded my husband.

“No seriously that sounds bad,” I argued.

“Katie, why do storms freak you out so badly?” he (offensively) questioned me.

Well, for the record, the storm that freaked me out tossed trees into houses, disrupted power for millions of people and have left neighborhoods with piles with branches. I guess there was something to freak out about. At my own house a tree snapped and broke a four foot wide hole in my fence and allowed my pups to explore the neighbor’s yard yesterday (one ran and the other one desperately tried to figure out how to get back to our yard). Besides the hole in our fence we are counting ourselves lucky because we never lost power and had no damage to our house or vehicles.

Other areas of the country have been experiencing disasters as well. Colorado has been ravaged by wildfires that are swallowing homes and ruining property. Heat waves have hit much of the country and tropical storms have beat the Gulf Coast.

The question becomes how we deal with our surroundings when “the thunder rolls.” In the world of small business that symbolic thunder rolls often and without warning. Maybe a natural disaster knocks out your power or floods your shop. Maybe you have experienced a break-in or have been understaffed unexpectedly. What about the economy? That has been a disaster for so many small businesses. How have you responded? Are you paralyzed by fear (like I was last weekend)? Or do you plan ahead for the unexpected?

Has your shop experienced any disasters this summer? How were you prepared or how did you deal with it? Have any of the nationwide disasters brought you extra business?

Far too often we have attended barbeques and gatherings on this day and the meaning behind the day is never mentioned.  I spend Memorial Day remembering my grandfather. He joined the Army as a Private and retired as a Full Colonel. Along the way he raised 12 children and fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was a kind man who always let me “do his hair” and sent me coupons in the mail when I cried because my mom refused to let me play with hers. One Christmas I cried because my brothers had more Christmas ornaments than me and my grandfather sent me all sorts of random ornaments (many of them even Easter related). I still have these ornaments on the tree every year. My grandfather passed away from Leukemia, likely related to exposure to gas while in battle. I choose to spend this day remembering him.

If your business is open on Monday you can still recognize those who have died for our country. Ask your customers who they are remembering on Memorial Day or hang a flag outside of your shop for the day. If you are off work, do something small to remember those who have gone before us. Visit a military cemetery or talk to your kids about what Memorial Day really means. Thank a soldier—chances are they are spending the day remembering the friends they have lost, which can be a very heavy burden.

Who will you be remembering on Monday and how will you be recognizing them?

Recently we made the decision to purchase a new vehicle—something that would be much more efficient. We ended up purchasing a 2012 diesel Volkswagen Passat (I know, I know—it’s not American-made like the Jeep was, but our gas bill was literally killing us). Already my husband has gone from filling up every other day to once a week and last week on a trip home from Michigan we didn’t have to stop to fill up once. When we arrived at home our average gas mileage was an impressive 49.5 mpg (something my husband was VERY proud of—there may have been a photo of the mpg gauge posted to Facebook).

Black Betty, as the Passat has been nicknamed after the Ram Jam song, needs a film makeover now. At the dealership the salesman tried to sell us on “Auto Butler,” a paint protection service for the car. We declined (after my husband proudly told the salesman that I worked for Window Film magazine and so I knew where to go), but it started the conservation about how we would like to film the car. My husband definitely wants to get film installed on the windows so the search is on.

I know plenty about dealer-manufacturer relationships, energy-efficiency, legislation and advice from expert tinters, but how do I ensure that the person who installs film on my vehicle will do a good job?

What would you tell a consumer who was unsure where to turn (besides just to come to your shop)? What are the most important factors that consumers should look at when deciding where to take their vehicle? In addition, in your opinion, should new car-owners invest in window film or paint protection film first?

Share your thoughts with me and maybe you will see a future blog on what we decided to do with Black Betty.

However, I will tell you that the highlight of my trip was hearing Peter and Gregg’s story. I was sent on assignment for another of our publications and while I was there I thought it would be a great opportunity to profile a window film shop. I ended up getting in touch with Peter Kauffman who has joined forces with Gregg Taylor to merge their companies into GT Tint.

I remember watching the footage of Hurricane Katrina and the aftermath on TV. The most distinct memory I have is feeling like this was surreal—it didn’t feel like it was happening to my country.

When Peter and Gregg began to recount the days following the storm I found myself holding my breath. They just got the job done because that is what was expected of them. They tinted police and FEMA vehicles and helped people protect their homes and cars for the future.

The story of Katrina and the city is honestly in my soul now. I can’t really explain it to you, but Peter and Gregg’s story will stay with me forever. I am honored to be able to share it with you (look to our March/April issue of Window Film magazine).

During our chat, Peter gave me an article from Fortune magazine about the city of New Orleans and he said he thought it would give me a good perspective. In the eloquent piece the rebuilding saga was explained and I found myself unable to put the magazine down. Peter told me that in Florida they sometimes refer to Hurricane Andrew as St. Andrew because of how it helped revitalize the community. The same seems to be true in Louisiana. The loss of life is, of course, tragic, but New Orleans is looking up. The city has a large amount of construction happening and there is a good deal of federal money floating around—things that were not happening prior to Katrina. Now that’s not to say that there is no need for help for the victims of the storm, but the city is looking better than it did in pre-Katrina days.

You can also find a FILM’d video report of our visit to New Orleans and GT Tint on our website.

One night this week my husband and I were watching ESPN and he turned to me and asked, “What do you think is going to happen to Peyton?”

In the spirit of confident denial I simply said, “He’ll play.”

Well I’m getting nervous, folks (and dreading that I am wrong in front of my husband). I’m now crossing my fingers that we haven’t seen the last of my favorite athlete. You can only be in denial so long before the ugly truth forces you to face the music.

We certainly know a thing or two about change here in the window film industry. Only so many acquisitions can happen before it really sinks in that the industry is shrinking. Just last Friday we broke the news that Solutia had been acquired by Eastman. Another major window film manufacturer is being brought under another company’s wings. In 2011, we saw Solar Gard Specialty Films move to Saint-Gobain and we saw Solutia acquire Southwall Technologies. I wonder if the manufacturers’ acquisitions and mergers mean something to window film dealers. Does it concern you? Are you more concerned with increasing business in-house than what the film suppliers are doing?

 However, the wonderful part about our industry is that we have a product with a lot of value. While the industry may go through bouts of shrinking and growing, there is a demand for our product and the future certainly looks bright for energy conservation products. We are forever changing and adapting and that is one thing that I know I am not in denial about.

Share your thoughts on the recent acquisition by emailing me at komara@glass.com.