During my time with Solar Gard, the company and its dealers endured all the changes resulting from two ownership changes. When I started we were Solar Gard International – we soon became MSC Specialty Films and a few years later we were acquired by Bekaert. During my eight years as the marketing director for Solar [...]

Two new items have been donated by Solar Gard to the silent auction being held during the International Window Film Tint-Off and Conference in September. The company has donated  a Filmhandler® and a heat lamp display. The 72” Filmhandler to assist in minimizing waste and improving efficiency. This slitter makes precise horizontal and vertical cuts on [...]

This month I would like to discuss the social media tool that most people have a hard time associating with business opportunity, Twitter. Most people view Twitter as a place for people to broadcast mostly meaningless posts about the nuances of their daily life. That being the case, some wonder why a business would be [...]

Five letters in three names (all ending in an “E”) is supposed to tell you all about me—Katie Marie Hodge. While I enjoy the organization of a name that is truly symmetrical and even, I am excited to take a new name. In fact, when you see me at SEMA I will be sporting a [...]

The International Window Film Tint-Off and Conference is weeks away and the deadline to sign up for accreditation is quickly approaching. Keep in mind that accreditation is valuable in many ways, but particularly because: It legitimizes your company—having the backing of the International Window Film Association (IWFA) may give you the leg up over your [...]

The International Window Film Association (IWFA) has kicked off one of its major initiatives to significantly increase membership at the Dealer level.  They are asking dealers to complete a short survey to help the association better understand the needs of its members and the industry. The survey is available on the IWFA website and will be [...]

Some within the window film industry feel a new Florida law about product misrepresentation has gone too far. Florida HB 849, which went into effect July 1, makes it a violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, to advertise, sell, offer, provide, distribute or market any product as hurricane, windstorm or impact-resistant [...]

Advanced Window Solutions of Cortlandt Manor, New York was named “National Dealer of the Year” by St. Louis-based window film manufacturer Solutia, Inc. The company was chosen from more than 350 dealers across the country that are members of Solutia’s Vista dealer program. Also receiving awards were Custom Sun Control of Marietta, Ga. who won [...]

Yes, my friends, the time is upon us. It’s that time of year where all of the hard work comes down to just a few weeks. The time when your bets are placed on the table and your paperwork is completed. I do believe March Madness has arrived. I will admit that I don’t watch [...]

Being adventurous and trying new things does not come easily to me. I have to make a conscious effort to push myself and not be afraid of the unknown. I just wouldn’t qualify as a daredevil. I consider myself more of a homebody and bask in the comfort of my spot on the couch and [...]