“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.

Once again HanitaTek Window Films is one of the Supporters of the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 18-20 in Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center and Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel and Marina. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 18-20.

During the conference, attendees will be able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers, network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers and suppliers and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

We spoke with Sarah Ortiz, business manager for HanitaTek.

Window Film magazine: Sarah, why did HanitaTek choose to sponsor the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?

Ortiz: The IWFC is a unique event in our industry in which we can all get together and learn from one another. There is no other event that draws as many industry professionals into one place, with education and networking being the focus.

Window Film magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?

Ortiz: It is so important for our dealers to interact and learn from one another. Education on current trends is so valuable to make your business grow and thrive. The more we work together as an industry to be professional and cutting edge, the better the future is for our industry.

Window Film magazine: What can attendees expect to see from HanitaTek at the 2013 show?

Ortiz: HanitaTek is excited to show our new films at the show. Our E-lite 70 spectrally selective film, our XTRM exterior films offering up to a 15-year warranty and our Skylite film for both glass and poly glazing will be featured.

We also will showcase our energy-efficiency program, our suite of security solutions and our top-notch personnel.

Window Film magazine: What do you hope your dealers and distributors can obtain by attending an event like this?

Ortiz: I hope they can get the knowledge they need to continue an educated and professional front for our industry. This will help take our industry into the future.

Window Film magazine: Does HanitaTek have any advice for the 2013 Tint-Off™ Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?

Ortiz: The best advice is to have confidence in your work and not to be too psyched out by the event. Act as if this is a job for your best customer and compete against yourself, not the other competitors.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

HanitaTek is the North American distributor of Hanita Coatings SolarZone and SafetyZone, window films. With a focus on energy savings, they work hard to partner with their customers to provide solar and safety solutions for their client base.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.

HanitaTek Window Films is once again one of our Supporters of the 2012 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC). The event is set to be held this September 20-22 in Louisville, Ky., at the Kentucky International Convention Center, the Hyatt Regency Louisville and the Louisville Marriott Downtown. The Exhibition/Extravaganza will be held September 21-22.

During the conference, attendees are able to take part in educational seminars by industry leaders and expert speakers including a keynote address by Captain Richard Phillips; network on the Exhibition/Extravaganza show floor with window film manufacturers; and view the Tint-Off™ competitions.

Window Film Magazine: We are speaking with Jim Black, president of HanitaTek. Jim, why did HanitaTek Window Films choose to sponsor the 2012 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?
Black: HanitaTek is committed to the long-term success of the window film industry and we feel the IWFC is one of the best ways for us to show our support of the industry through sponsorship, participating in the Tint-Off™ competitions and training sessions, and exhibiting on the show floor. In addition, it is a great event for us to reach out to customers, old and new.  It is important as a manufacturer to stay close to your customers and be actively involved in all aspects of their business. This event is a perfect venue for us to do just that.

Window Film Magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?
Black: The IWFC is the one time each year where members of our industry can get together, attend educational seminars on topics, which are important to us all, and learn from each other through networking.

Window Film Magazine: What can attendees expect to see from HanitaTek at the 2012 show?
Black: We will be showing some of our new films, our new energy-efficiency information and, of course, spending as much time as possible speaking to our existing and potential customers about how we can support the growth and success of their business.

Window Film Magazine: Mark Carlson with HanitaTek is giving a presentation on exterior films. Can you tell attendees what they will learn from his presentation?
Black: With energy savings becoming more important to large commercial facilities, it is important to know about the best films to save energy.  Exterior films are great for energy savings, have a high ROI and can transform the look of older buildings, which can increase demand to rent space within.  New technologies and hard coats have extended the lifespan of these films and dealers who embrace the challenge of installing exterior films will be rewarded by the marketplace for years to come.

Window Film Magazine: Do you  have any advice for the 2012 Tint-Off Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?
Black: We wish the contestants the best of luck.  After watching the competitions last year, we feel that the most important thing is to not let nerves stand in the way.  Focus on what you do and do it the best you can.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ is co-sponsored by Window Film magazine and the International Window Film Association. Auto Glass Week™ also will be held concurrently. The event is managed by Window Film magazine.

HanitaTek is the North American distributor of Hanita Coatings SolarZone, SafetyZone, PolyZone and XtraZone window films. With a focus on energy savings, they work hard to partner with their customers to provide solar and safety solutions for their client base.

To register or for more information, visit the official event website, www.windowfilmmag.com/iwfc.

At HanitaTEK, his main objectives involve bringing HanitaTEK film lines, such as SolarZone, XtraZone and SafetyZone, into the green area of the industry. He will also be evaluating how much energy can be saved by using these lines on large projects.