“We are extremely happy to be bringing the Pentagon Window Films line to the United States. Pentagon films are well known overseas, have been installed all over the world and are very high quality,” says Steve Chambers, managing director of Pentagon Protection Plc. “We wanted to bring these films to the United States because they offer the dealer customers a line of window films of equal or better quality than the previous line of films SGD offered and at much better prices, benefitting both the dealers and their customers.”

Chambers says the timing was right to enter the U.S. market.

“This is the first time we’ve been distributed in the U.S. it’s something I’ve been wanting to do for some time,” he says. “When I took over Pentagon Protection in 2010, obviously I wanted to introduce it to the U.S. market and we’ve been looking to do that … When SGD became available, it just seemed like a good opportunity.

“They’re a good partner,” he adds. “I’m familiar with the territory that SGD covers … I know all of the players—I know it’s a solid operation that’s well managed. It just seemed like the right thing to do. There are other products we distribute through SGD as well. We wanted to have a distribution center that could handle every product.”

Earl Mangune, SGD’s manager pro tem and director, says the only changes dealers will notice are good ones. “We’ll be offering equal or better products to our dealer network,” he says.

“They’re going to get a good, quality window film … You get the synergies of all of our product lines … not just offering one type of window film, but we also offer attachment systems and solar paint. We’re offing a product base that helps them build their business,” Chambers adds.

In addition to the exclusive agreement with Pentagon, SGD will also offer several other new products.

“We’re excited that we are adding the Avery graphics and car line,” says Mangune.

“We are in negotiations with other window film manufacturers to bring in another line in addition to Pentagon,” Chambers adds. “We’re looking at some value-added things for the window film line, such as software, which we’re in negotiations with as well. There will be further changes to come.”

SGD also recently added vehicle chemical lines Errecom and BlueChem, according to Mangune.

“SGD has partnered with two great automotive-centric chemical companies,” he says. “Adding these state-of-the-art chemicals to our catalog of products is yet another way to help our dealer customers make money.”

The changes were announced at a recent open house, hosted by SGD.

“We’re looking forward to holding more open houses and training seminars for our dealer network,” says Mangune. “SGD is a small business just like the majority of the dealers out there. We understand how important it is to differentiate your business from the others in this competitive marketplace. That’s why we are expanding our product catalog to have a multitude of great products that revolve around the films industry, giving our dealers even more opportunities to grow their business. SGD having all of the different lines of quality films, along with our better pricing and more products will benefit both our dealers and their customers.”

Patric Fransko has joined Interwest Distribution Co. as its chief marketing officer.

“Last Friday, the 24^th, Patric and I sat down and started discussing the possibilities of him working on a consulting basis with marketing opportunities for Interwest … by the end of it I wanted to bring him on full time. After a little discussion Patric accepted the position and will officially start today,” says Hugh Bernardi Jr., president of Interwest.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Patric as part of the Interwest team,” adds Peter Eisenberg, 3M Window Film U.S. sales and marketing manager. “We’re huge fans of Patric and where he is with the industry and what he does … When you look at what Interwest has done over the past 20 years, they’ve invested in people and resources and they’ve invested in training. We look forward to that on the west coast and we think Patric is a great person to put in that role.”

Fransko, who will serve as the marketing brain for Interwest will also be available to the Interwest network of dealers to provide marketing assistance and support.

Interwest has opened its new Anaheim location, effective today.

“One of the things we feel we can bring to the table is … marketing,” says Fransko. “It’s just another piece of the puzzle. I originally mentioned I want to get back to something I enjoy. I was excited about the opportunity to work with dealers hand-in-hand.”

Fransko will be based out the new Anaheim office, which opens today. He also plans to travel to the other Interwest locations and provide marketing support for all 22 states the distributor serves.

Click HERE to watch the video on Youtube.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013 (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

Despite the devastation, two area tinters say they have seen little impact from the storm.

“We’re okay,” said Gary Tatum, president of D&R Pro Trim in Moore. “We work out of our house so we’re okay. I’m actually out of town right now doing a job.”

“Moore is where it was hit hardest, miles north of us,” said Terry Evans, manager of Evans Window Tinting in nearby Norman, Okla. “We’re fine; Norman is fine.  Where our shop is we got only about five minutes of rain yesterday.”

Calls to many other nearby tint shops, however, went unanswered.

Interwest Distributing will now distribute 3M window films for the west coast at its new Anaheim, Calif., location.

According to Peter Eisenberg, 3M Window Film U.S. sales and marketing manager, the split between the companies had nothing to do with the recent news that Patric Fransko was leaving SGD/Zola, though the announcement did speed up the company’s timeline for announcing the change.

“For us this was a big industry change and we’re very excited about it,” says Eisenberg, noting the switch was 3M’s choice. “We hold Patric in extremely high regards. We made this decision before he left; he was aware of the decision.”

Eisenberg says both he and 3M are thrilled with the change.

“We are very excited to have [Interwest] continue on to be a partner of ours,” he says. “We wish the distributor not handling this the best of luck, but we know this is the best thing for our us, our dealer network and the industry as a whole.”

For dealers who may be hesitant to consider the change Eisenberg says, “Look back three or four years ago at the positive changes the 3M and the distribution network has made. Not only has it made an investment in resources but an investment in programs, an investment in products, an investment in promotions and a long-term investment in the 3M brand. I would also say the resources that have been put in place have shown a large commitment to this industry and to this business. Everything we do from our website leads to our product to our advertising is done around having a consumer or a business person find one of our dealers. People trust the 3M brand, they trust 3M window film and they trust that we are going to continue to be around and in this business for the next 110 years … They now will see increased investments in inventory, increased investments in training immediately that will allow them to build their business.”

Hugh Bernardi, Jr., president of Interwest, says, “I think [the new region is] an expansion of what we currently do. 3M has a very high level of investment in this industry. Interwest has started to focus a lot more on business education in the industry and installation training. In the next 30 days we’re going to have about five open houses. Our mission within the industry is to build better businesses with 3M products. If the dealers are really interested and the entrepreneurs who run the dealerships are interested, we can help them expand their businesses and grow.”

Bernardi says for the open houses, “We invite dealers in a specific geography … and we give them a lot of exposure in how to make their business better. That can be anything from the installation of new products, to how to use new software packages or marketing purposes. It can also be education on the business side: how to price products for optimal profitability, how to manage employees and different ways to look at financing.”

Interwest, which previously had two locations in Denver and Chicago, is opening its third location in Anaheim, Calif., June 3, to distribute 3M on the west coast. Bernardi says an open house will be held the same day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PST.

“I really felt it was time for me to turn a page and look for what I really want to do for the rest of my life,” says Fransko. “It was an underlying drive of me questioning myself for the last year. I have a lot of friends who have engaged in careers who have the attitude: ‘I can’t believe they’re paying me to do this.’ I want to get back to that spot in my life.”

Fransko says he also plans to focus on his personal life, spending more time with his wife and family as well as devoting time to his church.

“One of the things I want to do in the coming years is become more involved with my ministry and my church,” says Fransko. “It was a big part of the decision. My church is involved with a lot of outreach and I’d like to get more involved with it.”

While he still holds a soft spot for the window film industry, Fransko says he’s open to a variety of opportunities.

“Right now, when I turned in my resignation I didn’t have anything locked in … I knew within the industry and out of it there would be opportunities for me,” Fransko states. “I’m not opposed to staying in the industry but I’m also exploring opportunities outside of it. I felt strongly that I wanted to take the step that I did and I knew when I re-engaged there’d be opportunities there.

The automotive industry and cars are something I’m passionate about, so the car side of the business is something I like doing even when I’m not getting paid. [I like] automotive aftermarket—and that may or may not involve window film—but I’d like to end up in the automotive segment if that’s possible,” he adds.

“Some people have asked me if it was my choice to leave and the answer is absolutely. It came down to me saying that I was re-evaluating where I was in my life and turning the chapter,” says Fransko. “This industry has been awesome to me and I’ve met so many great people. More than anything I want to thank everyone for the support and friendship they’ve shown me over the years. Who knows? I may end up back in the industry. I have a spot in my heart for the industry and the people in it. I appreciate their support.”

He adds that the reaction he has received since his announcement has been overwhelming.

“I just can’t thank everybody enough. The level of support and the number of people who have reached out to me; I couldn’t have imagined the response I’d get,” he says. “It’s definitely a blessing to be friends as many [industry members]. Even past competitors have reached out to me with well wishes.”

Fransko says he plans to continue his involvement with the Window Film Professionals group as well as stay involved with the industry in some capacity.

According to Haytham ElZayn, CEO of SGD and Zola, “Patric was going to leave the company at the end of the month but we were surprised he chose to leave now. We are going to go in a different direction and we are no longer going to be distributing 3M films and he told me he is considering other ventures … he said he wasn’t sure if he wanted to be in the window film industry. We were sorry to see him leave and I know it was on good terms.

“We are staying in the window film business and the tool business,” adds ElZayn. “We are looking for and in discussion with various manufacturers to replace the 3M distribution. We are also doing other things we will soon announce to our dealers.”

In a formal statement, ElZayn says, “I would like to thank Patric for his service as the manager of SGD and wish him well in whatever endeavors he decides to pursue in the future.”

Earl Mangune has been appointed as manager pro tem for SGD and Zola. According to ElZayn, Steve Chambers, managing director of Pentagon Protection, will assume the role of COO for SGD and Zola.

“We’re looking forward to working with our dealers and providing them the same level of service that we have before and the same quality products as before,” adds ElZayn.

“It has been my distinct pleasure to work with many of you over the years and I wanted to thank you for all of the support and business you have sent my way,” said Fransko in a statement.

“In the coming weeks, I will be taking some time to explore my options and to see what my next steps might be,” he added. “I will be sure to let all of you know my plans once they are determined.”

Stay tuned to windowfilmmag.com for more information on this story.

“We have gone through a number of positive changes recently,” says Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “For one, we have invested and continue to invest a lot of money in our manufacturing facilities to allow us to improve our efficiencies and product quality. One such change is our newly remodeled and upgraded clean room packaging department which helps eliminate exposure to contamination. We have also invested heavily in our U.S. market with increased customer relations efforts through acquisitions and branch expansion.”

North American expansion, says Plummer, is the driving force behind the multitude of improvements.

“While we have a strong global strategy which includes significant sales in the Asian markets, as well as very strong growth in Europe, Middle East and Africa, we feel that North America remains our largest opportunity for growth,” he says. “That is why we’re placing more emphasis on our customer relations efforts in this market. We want to not only offer dealers a great product but we also want to surpass their expectations with great local customer service at one of our eight distribution locations around the country. This localized approach allows us to react quickly to dealer requests and offer marketing and sales support with a one-on-one approach. Simply put, we want to be the company that our customers want to do business with, so as they grow and prosper, we will too.”

The expansion of the customer relations department, which subsequently lead to Angie Leonetti’s promotion to marketing and customer relations manager, and the appointment of Black to regional manager of North America for Madico’s sales and marketing group, are in line with this strategy, according to Plummer. Black formerly served as HanitaTek’s president and general manager.

“At Madico we recognize that our products are just part of the equation and we strive to provide tailored solutions to address individual customer needs,” Plummer says. “Good customer relations play an essential role in getting this right for each customer and our commitment to this kind of service helps differentiate the company in an increasingly competitive market.

“Sometimes it is necessary to make significant changes in an organization to ensure a cultural shift,” he adds. “We don’t just want to talk about excellent customer relations; we want everyone to live it. Both Angie and Jim exemplify the strong customer orientation we are striving for and I believe they will help us make sure we are ‘doing it right the first time.’”

In addition to the personnel changes, Madico has also started raising consumer awareness on a local level.

“We are pretty excited to announce that we have come to an agreement with one of our long-standing distribution partners in Florida to directly serve customers from our factory-owned branch,” says Plummer. “Effective May 1^st the customers in four Florida counties that have been so well served by Renvale in Sarasota, will now buy directly from Madico Window Films. Renvale has been a valued distributor and partner for the past 28 years and we look forward to continuing our relationship in a different manner.

“In addition, we recently hosted customers from 10 different countries for our Safetyshield Premier Partner Training and attracted the attention of our local news media,” adds Plummer.

Earlier this year, Madico also garnered the attention of the National Fenestration Rating Council during its Spring Committee Meeting in St. Petersburg, Fla. During the conference attendees were invited to tour a net-zero office building which features the company’s films as well as tour the plant and learn more about Madico and window film.

As for dealers, Plummer says they can expect to see a phenomenal year.

“I would say that in some respects we will continue on our current course; working continuously to improve our offering to provide our customers with the best possible chance to succeed,” says Plummer. “We believe in the strength and quality of our products and brands … Our SafetyShield security film program is picking up speed, so very likely folks will be hearing more about this as the year goes on.

“It is our sincere hope that all of the changes that we continue to make at the factory, with our new products, programs, marketing, distribution and people will all be a direct benefit to our customers,” he adds. “2012 was a record-breaking year for us and the first quarter of 2013 was fantastic … [We] are fully committed to doing our best to be an outstanding supplier and partner to our distributors and dealers.”

“What caused me to move over is the fact that Madico’s approach to the market and strategy is much more in line with my DNA … it’s what I’ve done for most of my career,” Black told Window Film magazine. “I spent 18 years doing it for Bekaert, or Solar Gard, so it’s a much better fit for me managing sales and distribution and leveraging a large group of people to get things done.”

Black will directly manage Madico’s company-owned U.S. branches in addition to overseeing the U.S. sales force and Sunscape program.

“I will be managing seven distribution locations, several sales people, the architectural program Sunscape and I’ll be managing people that sell and distribute a full range of products such as automotive, architectural and safety films,” said Black. “Madico wants to go through business by helping [its] dealer base grow. Hanita’s focus was much more energy-related … Madico has a much broader approach.”

Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Madico, said the addition of Black is in line with the company’s development plans for 2013.

“Growth in the North American marketplace is of the upmost importance to our growth strategy. Jim’s experience, understanding of the window film market landscape and his leadership position in the industry combined to make him the right person to lead the next phase of growth for Madico in 2013 and beyond,” said Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Madico. “Adding a sales management professional of his caliber and expertise to our roster is further proof that we are committed to our mission as an internationally respected leader in the production and distribution of ‘best-in-class’ window film products and solutions.”

“I believe that I have joined a very successful window film company,” added Black. “Many of the team members have a lot of experience. Madico really concentrates on maintaining [its] employees for a long period of time as well as bringing on people who can help the dealers be successful at what they do.”

Black brings 24 years of experience to the position, having began his career in 1988 as a window film shop owner before serving as regional manager for the Americas for Bekaert Specialty Films before it was sold to Saint-Gobain. Black then moved on to HanitaTek, where he served as president and general manager for three years. He has also served on the AIMCAL window film committee and is currently vice president of the International Window Film Association. Black has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing.

HanitaTek recently appointed Pam Preston as general manager of its window films distribution operations, effective April 1. A representative for the company had not responded to request for comment at press time.

Black will directly manage Madico’s seven company-owned U.S. branches in addition to overseeing the U.S. sales force and Sunscape program.

“Growth in the North American marketplace is of the upmost importance to our growth strategy. Jim’s experience, understanding of the window film market landscape and his leadership position in the industry combined to make him the right person to lead the next phase of growth for Madico in 2013 and beyond,” says Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Madico. “Adding a sales management professional of his caliber and expertise to our roster is further proof that we are committed to our mission as an internationally respected leader in the production and distribution of ‘best-in-class’ window film products and solutions.”

Black brings 24 years of experience to the position, starting his career in 1988 as a window film shop owner before eventually moving on to HanitaTek. He has managed company owned branches and sales organizations with great success. Jim has also served on the AIMCAL window film committee and is currently vice president of the International Window Film Association. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing.

Stay tuned to windowfilmmag.com for more information.