Laurence and Charlotte Streidel brought their expertise in two separate industries – glass and film – into one session titled the Glass/Film Interphase.

As current owners of Winners Window Tint in Rockville, Md., and former glass shop owners, the entrepreneurs have identified the two industries as an avenue of potential partnership.

Laurence and Charlotte Streidel encouraged WFCT attendees to partner with what they say should be film shops’ natural partner: glass shops.

They spoke of four ways film shops can partner with the glass industry.

• Build a network of referrals. Charlotte highly recommended looking up the closest glass shop to you, calling to get their name, and sending them a business card. She then said it’s important to follow up with phone calls, taking a break every fourth week until you’re a regular referral of theirs.Her reasons for glass shops to want to refer tint shops included if they replace tinted glass, need tempered glass and decorative film is more cost effective than etched glass and film.
• Often, glass shops will need tinters. Charlotte said subcontracting jobs out with a 15 percent upcharge is about the industry average.
• Start the glass business from scratch. The Streidels have purchased glass franchises and also started businesses. If franchising, she said to have a minimum of $20,000 available for franchise fees, training and manuals. She said franchises may loan the start-up money to you.
• Purchase an existing glass business. Charlotte mentioned purchasing an existing glass business as another option to branch into the glass industry. She said to make sure the business has over a 10 percent return on investment – enough to beat the stock market’s yearly average.

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off concludes today. Stay tuned to www.windowfilmmag.com for the latest from the event.