3M was the highest-ranked company related to window film on the list, making the list at 193. Saint-Gobain, manufacturer of Solar Gard, followed closely behind at 260. Eastman Chemical Co., maker of LLumar Window Film, was ranked 982 while PPF manufacturer Avery Dennison held strong at 1,698.

According to Scott DeCarlo, Forbes staff, the Global 2000 contains “the biggest, most powerful listed companies in the world … Our ranking of the world’s biggest companies departs from lopsided lists based on a single metric, like sales. Instead we use an equal weighting of sales, profits, assets and market value to rank companies according to size.”

Chinese banking companies dominated the top of the list, though other major names, such as Exxon Mobil and General Electric helped round out the top five.

Featuring Solar Gard brand automotive and architectural films exclusively, the store was designed with the idea of changing the customer experience.

“We designed the shop around what we thought the customers would want—we designed it around the customer experience,” said Jim Bundick, co-owner.

Renovated from an old piano gallery, Bundick and co-owner Brian Sexton who bring more than a combined 60 years of automotive aftermarket retail experience, along with Solar Gard support, converted the gallery area and offices to include a custom garage bay which features picture windows and a transparent garage door, allowing customers to watch installers as they tint automobiles from the comfort of the waiting area.

“The idea these guys came up with is to change the environment—the customer experience—where customers can watch them work on their cars,” said Ari Sacal, automotive product marketing manager for Solar Gard.

Features in the waiting area help sell the products the company offers as well as offer a relaxing environment.

Branded completely in Solar Gard logos, the independently owned shop has a waiting area with a large flat-screen television, coffee bar and chairs. The waiting area also features stations explaining various product offerings. An architectural zone allows consumers to test the heat resistance certain varieties of film offer. The front panel windows of the building are also each tinted with a different level of film and labeled with an explanatory card of specs.

Decorative films are featured on various internal glass panels in the waiting area and an automotive zone allows customers to view the different levels of films offered.

“The Solar Gard retail store concept has been around for many years with great success in other countries such as China, Malaysia and the Middle East and now Brian and Jim have made it a reality in Richmond,” said Kathryn Giblin, Solar Gard’s director of global marketing and technical services.

“As seasoned management executives and business entrepreneurs they are the ideal businessmen to launch this concept and we are delighted that they chose to partner with Solar Gard,” added Giblin.

“For Brian and me, we see this as an opportunity to do something different in the industry,” said Bundick.

The grand opening was held Friday, April 5 with a community reception Saturday, April 6.

Available to download from the Google Play Store, the Solar Gard Solutions app is what the company calls an “innovative business tool designed to help dealers manage their business more successfully, all from the palm of their hand.”

Features include a quick reference guide for film-to-glass applications, instant access to Solar Gard’s technical service team to submit film-to-glass requests, a professional estimate generator, customizable settings for product selection and pricing, as well as a comprehensive searchable library of all project specifications and estimates.

“We are thrilled to offer the Solar Gard Solutions app on the Android platform, allowing even more of our valued dealers to reap the benefits that this innovative tool provides. It’s been a game changer for dealers, since its release on iOS last year, who have all provided great feedback on how much it’s helped them to manage their business and serve their customers more efficiently,” said Kathryn Giblin, Solar Gard’s global director of marketing and technical services.

The company noted that, because of the app’s success in North America, it also plans to introduce the app on a global level this year.

Solar Gard is once again one of our 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 Lawrence Constantin, director of sales, Americas for Solar Gard.

Window Film magazine: Larry, why did Solar Gard choose to sponsor the 2013 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?
Constantin: The International Window Film Conference is such an important event in the industry—growing every year in significance—and Solar Gard is proud to stand behind both the International Window Film Association (IWFA) and Key Communications (publisher of Window Film magazine) event team. Dealer/installer training and education are crucial to creating successful window film entrepreneurs and we are thrilled to have the chance to be a part of it.

Window Film magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?
Constantin: Events like the IWFC are a perfect time for everyone in the window film industry to come together and share “tips and tricks” of the trade. Training sessions help advance the progression of the industry, and the Tint-Off competition brings excitement to window film. The event showcases what the IWFA does behind-the-scenes and helps connect dealers with manufacturers, as well as fosters community between fellow dealers. You’ll find the most leading-edge technology and techniques at the IWFC and it’s a great forum for industry announcements and new product debuts.

Window Film magazine: What can attendees expect to see from Solar Gard at the 2013 show?
Constantin: We encourage attendees to stop by our booth and learn more about our comprehensive automotive and architectural film portfolios, now including Solar Gard Ecolux™ 70 Low-E (a new sustainable, all-season low-E window film for homes and commercial properties), Galaxie™ and TrueVue™ film offerings, as well as business expansion opportunities with our Clearshield® paint protection film and ComputerCut® software. Last year we also launched Solar Gard Partner Points, the industry’s first points-based loyalty program, where we say “thank you” by giving back to participating dealers. For every purchase dealers make with Solar Gard, they earn points that can be redeemed for thousands of merchandise options, event tickets or travel opportunities. We love that dealers have already been able to turn their film purchases into everything from the latest Apple and Samsung electronics, to concert tickets to see country superstars like Kenny Chesney, to sporting and outdoors equipment. We also know quite a few are saving up those valuable points to take well-deserved cruise vacations!

Window Film magazine: What do you hope your dealers and distributors can obtain by attending an event like this?
Constantin: Whenever business owners have the opportunity to step outside their environments, they get to see how others just like them operate a similar type of business. These events provide a chance to talk with other dealers, “bounce around” ideas and solutions, share installation techniques and tool preferences, etc. This forum for exchange builds new friendships with other window film professionals, and they can keep in touch with advice, successes and challenges long after the event is over.

Window Film magazine: Does Solar Gard have any advice for the 2013 Tint-Off™ Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?
Constantin: We wish all the competitors the best of luck, and are looking forward to an exciting Tint-Off! We hope you all have a very busy and profitable season and look at every installation as an opportunity to perfect your technique and improve your speed—all in preparation to take home the coveted first place title (and prize money)!

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.

Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Solar Gard makes architectural and automotive window films, photovoltaics and custom coatings and is a division of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, a leader in the habitat and construction markets. Solar Gard products are sold in more than 90 countries under the Solar Gard®, Panorama®, Quantum® and Solar Gard Armorcoat® brands.

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

Hanita Coating’s product, SolarZoneXTRM, exterior window films, is a metallized polymeric-based film designed for commercial products requiring long-term service periods and is compatible with nearly all types of glazing, according to a statement from the company.

“We have redefined the boundaries of exterior applications,” said Oved Shapira, CEO of Hanita Coatings. “XTRM’s outstanding solar heat rejection and UV block deliver performance that makes it cost effective to upgrade even sophisticated glazing units. Our XTRM films have exceptional longevity and durability, offering long-term energy efficiency to glazing systems.”

SolarZoneXTRM Silver 20 is meant for vertical architectural glass applications, while the SkyLite and SkyLite PolyZone Silver 20 will work for flat- and sloped-roofing applications—both also work for glass and plastic. The company plans to introduce XTRM versions of its Spectrally Selective and Dual Reflective exterior films later in 2013.

Solar Gard also introduced its new Ecolux 70 low-E film, which is a dual-action film that combines a low-E coating with solar control properties.

“We’re thrilled to launch our new Ecolux 70 Low-E window film to savvy home- and building owners as it represents the very best in energy-saving innovation,” Kathryn Giblin, director of global marketing and technical services at Solar Gard said.

“Ecolux window film will help home and building owners lower their annual energy bills and is an easy sustainable upgrade for any home or building, as it transforms existing windows into energy conservation systems,” added Giblin.

“All these benefits combine to provide people with what we call an increased comfort zone in their home or building. We know that saving money and being kind to the environment are both important considerations for architects, building managers and homeowners alike and the new Ecolux allows everyone to have the best of both these worlds without sacrificing on comfort,” said Giblin.

Dealers recognized include:

• Panorama Dealer of the Year: Jared Gray, Pacific Window Tinting, Portland, Ore.
• Panorama Hilite® Excellence: Scott and Judith Harlow, Visions Window Tinting, LLC, East Hampstead, N.H.
• Panorama PremierPlus Top Performer: David Capps, AAA Glass Tint, Inc., Crystal Lake, Ill.
• Outstanding New Panorama Dealer: Levon Zekian, Z Blinds Company, Inc., Fresno, Calif.
• “Make It Happen” Panorama Dealer: Steve Clark, Window Innovations, Inc., Brentwood, Calif.
• Outstanding Panorama Business Growth: Erik Geisler, A Better Tint & Accessories, Gilbert, Ariz.
• Panorama Regional Excellence: Randall K. Hutson, Five Star Window Coatings, Rockford, Mich.
• Panorama Regional Excellence: Matthew Erbrick and Robin Staveley, United Home Solutions, Alpharetta, Ga.
• Panorama Regional Excellence: Bob Zarat and Maggie Greene, Sun-Ease Window Tinting, Boulder, Colo.
• Panorama Regional Excellence: Kelly Taylor, Metropolitan West, Los Angeles, Calif.

“It was an honor to win this and be rewarded for all the passion and hard work that you put into the business,” said Gray, recipient of the dealer of the year award. “Being situated in the Northwest, it’s difficult to compete with the warmer climates generally in this industry, but I think we are starting to make a difference and raise awareness of the need for window film in colder climates. For me, success comes down to a lot of hard work, passion and always putting the customer first.”

Stéphane Nicoli has been appointed as the new general manager of Saint-Gobain’s specialty films division.

Nicoli succeeds Christophe Fremont, who is stepping down as leader of Solar Gard after 10 years to pursue other responsibilities within Saint-Gobain.

“Christophe has successfully grown Solar Gard over the last decade to become a major global player in the industry and has been instrumental in helping window film become recognized as a valid component of the building envelope and a legitimate construction product,” says Loïc Mahé, vice president of Saint-Gobain’s composites business.

Nicoli brings with him experience in operations and general management across multiple sectors of Saint-Gobain, including work with Glassolutions, focused on the next generation of glass and glazing innovation.

“I am very much looking forward to taking Solar Gard and window film to the next level of growth” says Nicoli. “Christophe built a tremendous platform and I am confident that with the dedicated team at Solar Gard and the synergies within Saint-Gobain, particularly Glassolutions, that we can reach new heights.”

The LEED Green Associate certification is a Green Building Certification Institute credential for professionals who have demonstrated a knowledge and understanding of green building practices needed to support the use of leadership in energy and environmental design, construction and operation of buildings and neighborhoods.

“This is fantastic news for Gene, Anthony and Solar Gard as a whole as we continue striving to develop innovative solutions for the home and building markets,” says Kathryn Giblin, director of global marketing and technical services. “Having two LEED Green Associates is testament to the strength of our technical services team and our ongoing commitment to environmental leadership. This knowledge will help dealers make more informed, sustainable choices when it comes to our window film products.”

To achieve certification, Kogan and Dominguez had to demonstrate a broad understanding of sustainability in areas including site sustainability, water management, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources management, indoor environmental quality, innovation in design and regional priority.

LEED certification requires ongoing education to maintain the credential.

Solar Gard 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. Today’s interview is with  Lawrence Constantin, director of sales for Solar Gard.

Window Film Magazine: Why did Solar Gard choose to sponsor the 2012 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (IWFC)?
Constantin: The International Window Film Conference is an important event for our industry, and Solar Gard is proud to stand behind the IWFA and Window Film Magazine as co-organizers. Dealer training and education is crucial in creating successful window film entrepreneurs and we are thrilled to be a part of it.

Window Film Magazine: Why is an event like the IWFC important to the film industry?
Constantin: Events like the IWFC are a perfect time for everyone in the window film industry to come together and share “tips and tricks” of the trade. Training sessions help advance the progression of the industry and the Tint-Off™ competition brings excitement to window film. The event showcases what the IWFA does behind-the-scenes and helps connect dealers with manufacturers, as well as with other dealers. It’s also a good forum for industry announcements and new product debuts. You’ll find the most leading-edge technology at the IWFC.

Window Film Magazine: What can attendees expect to see from Solar Gard at the 2012 show?
Constantin: We can’t wait to share with dealers the latest on Solar Gard Partner Points, our industry-leading rewards program. More than 1,300 dealers in the U.S. and Canada are already enrolled and earning Partner Points and we have several dealers who have already redeemed them for electronics and outdoor equipment. We also invite attendees to stop by our booth for a free welcome gift and learn more about our film offerings, dealer marketing tools and support, and architectural business resources.

Window Film Magazine: Does Solar Gard have any advice for the 2012 Tint-Off Automotive and Architectural Division competitors?
Constantin: We wish all the competitors the best of luck and are looking forward to a great Tint-Off!

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.

Headquartered in San Diego, California, Solar Gard makes architectural and automotive window films, photovoltaics and custom coatings and is a division of Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics, a subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, a leader in the habitat and construction markets. Solar Gard products are sold in more than 90 countries under the Solar Gard®, Panorama®, Quantum® and Solar Gard Armorcoat® brands.

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