The latest edition of the Film’d video newscast, sponsored by Window Film magazine, is now available. Recently, the Film’d crew visited Andrew Hellier of AH Window Tinting in Fredericksburg, Va., to learn how this entrepreneur is transforming his young window film company into a successful business.

The Riverside Co. in Cleveland, which purchased SunTek Holding Co. (Commonwealth Laminating & Coating Inc. [CLC]) in 2006, has sold its interest in the company. Jennifer Phillips Shorr, CLC vice president of sales and marketing, told WINDOW FILM magazine that the company has now partnered with two new investors, Transportation Resource Partners, which is associated with the Penske Automotive Group, and Fenway Partners.

“These two firms will replace Riverside and put CLC in a financial position to double in size over the next three to five years,” says Shorr. “CLC/SunTek’s current management team, including Steve Phillips our president/chief executive officer, will all remain in place. This is a very exciting time for all employees and we will continue to focus on providing the trade with innovative and competitive products, as well as exceptional customer service.”

“Riverside played a crucial role in a remarkable expansion at CLC that allowed us to take market share and prepare for the future in the midst of one of the worst economic downturns in modern history,” says Steve Phillips. “Riverside’s capital, support and appetite for growth allowed us to expand our production capacity while increasing our number of distribution centers and broadening our manufacturing capabilities. Riverside has been an exceptional partner.”

Shorr adds, “The Riverside Company has been the principle investor in CLC/SunTek for the past four and half years. They have done a terrific job supporting our strong growth and expansion in both North America and other parts of the world.”

Stephen Dyke, Riverside partner, adds, “CLC was a great company when we invested in it in 2006, and we’re leaving it in an even better position today. Our efforts to increase revenues by investing in growth at CLC have paid off. Today, CLC offers more products to more markets while still retaining its hard-earned reputation for exceptional quality and value. The company is very well positioned to continue its strong growth trajectory for years to come.”

The announcement notes that under Riverside’s stewardship, CLC made capital investments that significantly boosted the company’s production capacity and invested in a new dyed film line that improved product quality and strengthened its competitive position. The company expanded its international presence during Riverside’s ownership period by opening three new international distribution centers and relocating a fourth. During this time, CLC also expanded its product line, including flat glass applications in residential and commercial buildings.

Morris says, “He leads by example and keeps the team focused and hard working. He gives 100 percent and expects no less from others, but is always ready to show his gratitude for your efforts.” 

Morris continues, “Jonathan is a really exciting boss to work for. He is always coming up with new ideas and manages to make everyone smile.” 

“The knowledge that I’ve gained over the years and improvements in the film industry have spurred me into wanting to grow the business and continue in this industry. The satisfaction of seeing that my customers appreciate my hard work and gaining repeat business by word of mouth makes it all worthwhile. I’ve built up a great team that works alongside me and they all care about the business as much as I do,” says Longhurst.

Since starting his own company Longhurst has focused on automotive tinting, but is interested in expanding his business in the future.  

“I would like to move more into the residential and commercial side of the business as Autoshades has predominantly focused on the auto tinting side,” he says. “I would eventually like to set up a UK network of true professional window tinting dealers to be able to offer a nationwide service,” says Longhurst.

Morris notes that Longhurst’s dedication to working hard for his customers is the key to his success.

 “His attention to detail never fails to impress his individual customers and dealerships alike. He maintains a personal service of high quality and customer satisfaction. He really is excellent at his work and is passionate about the benefits it brings to his clients,” says Morris.

Throughout his career Longhurst has worked on all kinds of projects, including tinting cars on film sets where time is of the essence. However, the one project that he dreams of being a part of is something much different than a film set.

“Having worked closely with schools, I would like to work on a project developing schools for the future where I feel window film could significantly improve the working conditions for future generations of students and teachers alike,” he says. “With ever increasing demands for the latest technology in the classroom such as interactive whiteboards, it is also important that the classroom is suitable for these developments, so that the schools can really benefit.”

In his free time Longhurst enjoys traveling, visiting theme parts, exploring the countryside with his dogs, running, and most importantly spending time with his two young sons.

Do you know someone whose efforts stand out above the rest? Then we want to hear from you with your nominations for “Tinter of the Week.” E-mail Ellen Rogers at erogers@glass.com your nominations.

In order for homeowners to qualify for the rebates they must have window film installed

on at least eight exterior doors, windows or skylights, or 75 percent of the total exterior square footage of glass in a home, whichever is more. The films must be certified by the National Fenestration Rating Council and have a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.43 or less with a visible light-to-solar heat gain coefficient of at least 1.1 for installations in 2009 International Energy Conservation Code climate zones 1-3; or a solar heat gain coefficient of 0.43 or less with a visible light light-to-solar heat gain coefficient of at least 1.1 and a U-factor of 0.40 or less as installed in 2009 International Energy Conservation Code climate zones 4-8.

Homeowners can receive $1,000 per measure and the maximum rebate for a home is $3,000 or 50 percent of the total cost of the installed measures.

If this bill passes in the Senate it will likely go to a congressional conference committee work out the differences between the House and Senate versions for joint agreement.

The International Window Film Association (IWFA) was heavily involved in getting window film included in the bill. IWFA president John Parker and executive director Darrell Smith responded to the Senate’s plans to discuss the legislation. “As the U.S. House of Representatives has already recognized the benefits of window film and passed Home Star legislation (H.R. 5019), it is more important than ever for the Senate to embrace measures that allow homeowners to receive rebates for the installation of high performance window film products.”

The statement continues, “The window film industry stands ready to work with Congress to continue to advance common sense, responsible policies that recognize highly efficient window film as a critical and effective energy savings measure.”

Recently, Kevin Koval of Solaris Film in Carmel, Ind., reported to Window Film magazine his discovery on the DIY Life website. The webpage gives advice and tips to consumers who are doing their own home repairs and in this specific article gives tips to keep consumers’ homes cool over the summer months.

The page says, “Thinking about window film as a way to buff up your windows’ efficiency? If your windows are already Low emissivity (low-e), then don’t waste your time, window film won’t make much of a difference…And remember this: films are hard to remove, and because they can heat up the glass they may damage your dual-pane windows.”

The information is sourced as “courtesy of the U.S. Green Building Council.” After contacting the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) we received a statement about the origin of the article.

“The information came from USGBC’s GreenHomeGuide.com’s ‘Ask a Pro’ section.  The Ask a Pro section is really just a blog where home professionals post answers to questions that come in.  The responses are not the opinion of USGBC and do not reflect any position of USGBC. As far as USGBC’s position on window film, we don’t have an official one but I can tell you that window film is a valid strategy to achieve various LEED credits and points,” says the statement.

The IWFA responded to the article and their full response can be found HERE.

Chris Smeltz, marketing manager of ProTech Coating Services in Pinellas Park, Fla., says he has noticed a sudden rush in window film sales. “As soon as a storm pops up everyone calls immediately,” says Smeltz. “Unfortunately everyone 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. Whenever there is something developing in the Gulf, people’s awareness heightens and the media creates a frenzy.”

In the past, cities along the gulf coast have been hit hard by hurricanes and have learned what to do to protect their property and themselves. Quraishi remembers, “After Hurricane Ike, there was a lot of glass replacement throughout Greater Houston and Galveston. One of our customers who had glass replaced and had safety film previously applied to it, said that the film worked great in keeping the broken glass together,” says Quraishi. “We did not get one phone call from an unsatisfied customer.”

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

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

Hurricane season, which begins June 1 and runs through November 30, is expected to be particularly active this year. The National Hurricane Center tracks this year’s early hurricane activity as unusual compared to previous years (CLICK HERE to find out more).

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

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

For more information on the upcoming hurricane season follow the links below.

AM850- Weather Centers Prepare for an Active Hurricane Season

New York Times- Natural Disasters Happen. Will Your Home Be Ready?

USA Today- Early Alex Could Be Sign of Season

“If someone has a problem you do your best to satisfy it. If you do that you build up a clientele over the years and that’s where all my good work comes from. Advertising does not generate as many leads as word-of-mouth and networking does,” says Wood. “You work hard and make sure you give the customer a good product and you make sure they are happy when you are done.”

Wood has been installing window film since he was a teenager.

“I got started as a kid in high school in the late 70′s doing friends’ cars,” remembers Wood. “I guess the first time I tinted a car it was my own because I couldn’t afford to go and have someone else tint it. I just happened to have some skill at it.”

Since opening his own company Wood says the most difficult part has been finding dependable employees, which is a common issue among window film businesses. Though his staff size fluctuates, he is happy with what he has accomplished in Florida. Wood has had opportunities to work on unique and interesting projects, including the Jupiter lighthouse.

Wood recalls, “I put clear impact film on the lighthouse in Jupiter, Fla. It wasn’t the easiest project to do. It was 8-mil security film and it was used both for the ultra-violet protection and the storm protection.”

Jupiter, Fla. has provided Wood with the taste for bigger projects, too. “I did a 90,000 square-foot building of glass in Fort Lauderdale, which sort of led me to realize there is a lot of money in those [types of jobs],” says Wood. He says he would love the opportunity to do big-ticket projects like skyscrapers in New York City, but in the meantime he’s happy to see his company grow in Florida.

“I’d like to see it grow in the commercial industry and also in the decorative industry. I’m interested in projects where you do signs and designs and windows in corporate offices,” he says.

In terms of the industry, Wood hopes to see things continue to improve. “The industry needs to police itself a little better. We get a lot of people out there saying things that aren’t exactly truthful,” says Wood.

When Wood is not working he enjoys concerts, playing golf, surfing and cheering on his favorite teams, the Miami Dolphins and Florida Gators, at sporting events.

Do you know someone whose efforts stand out above the rest? Then we want to hear from you with your nominations for “Tinter of the Week.” E-mail Ellen Rogers at erogers@glass.com your nominations.

According to the announcement, Solar Gard window films are carbon negative in all 50 states and across the globe. On average, they are carbon neutral within one year of installation. Said to be “more efficient than low-E coatings at rejecting solar heat,” the window films are both carbon-effective and cost-effective, helping to reduce a building’s carbon footprint more effectively and for less money than new windows. The company notes that:

• One square meter of a low-E wood window has a carbon cost of 253 kilograms; the carbon cost of Solar Gard window film is less than 1 kilogram per square meter (according to 2009 Buildings Energy Data Book, published by the U.S. Department of Energy);

• Solar Gard window film saves 1001 times more GHG emissions from entering the atmosphere than is used and/or created during its manufacture; and

• Solar Gard window film installed between 2007 and 2008 saved 3.6 million tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, equivalent to the carbon output of 16,350 American families (with four people).

In its announcement, the company says a complete lifecycle analysis is a required component of a Climate Declaration, and for Solar Gard and Panorama architectural films it meant that the total carbon impact of the films on the environment could be measured.

“We believe companies shouldn’t claim to be green while hiding how their products are made. They’re simply greenwashing consumers if they do. Consumers deserve to know the real environmental impact of the products they buy,” says Christophe Fremont, president of BSF. “If a product claims to save energy then it should be mandatory that they publish the full impact the total life cycle of the product has on the environment, and consumers should demand to see this information.”

BSF says it invested more than $1 million measuring and certifying its carbon footprint, updating its environmental management systems and performing the lifecycle analysis required for the Climate Declaration. Two independent organizations, Alta Nova LLC and Five Winds International, reviewed and audited the data before it was registered with The International EPD Consortium®.

CLICK HERE to view the company’s Climate Declaration.

“He is one of the rocks upon which we have built our business into a success, and he has my deepest respect,” says McNutt. “Bill has worked for Solar-X for approximately 33 years, and in all that time I would bet he hasn’t missed six days of work, other than an occasional vacation.”

McNutt describes Vogel as a perfectionist; a quiet man who brings an air of total competence to every job–and a man who absolutely will not compromise his work ethic for a short cut.

“His daily work is flawless and we virtually never get call backs. Instead, the customers often call to thank us for the great service he provided, and he often goes out of his way to provide extra services, such as fixing a badly mounted blind or pointing something out to a client that needs to be done on a job to make it better – all things that clients appreciate.”

Vogel has been working in the window film industry for nearly 33 years, all with Solar X. He says he found himself in the business when he answered an ad for a tinter.

“It was either construction work or window film, and window film seemed more attractive,” says Vogel. “And over the years I’ve just gotten good at it.”

So good, in fact, that McNutt says Vogel has trained many other tinters over the years.

“Plenty of whom have also gone on to become fabulous, quality tinters and good employees,” says McNutt.

Over the years Vogel has used his window film installation skills for many residential jobs throughout Sarasota, and says having the opportunity to meet so many new people is what he enjoys the most.

“I’ve also been able to work on a lot of the beautiful, upscale homes here in Sarasota,” says Vogel.

And while he continues to enjoy these jobs, he says he would like to have the chance to one day work on a large, commercial project.

“We’ve done a few bank jobs, but there are not a lot of large buildings here in Sarasota,” says Vogel.

In the meantime, Vogel is perfectly content with where he is but, like so many, admits he does hope to see the economy pick up soon. And when he’s not at work, he prefers to spend time with his wife, kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

“Other than that, I enjoy shooting pool and playing poker,” says Vogel.

Do you know someone whose efforts stand out above the rest? Then we want to hear from you with your nominations for “Tinter of the Week.” E-mail Ellen Rogers at erogers@glass.com with your nominations.