This week’s National Write Your Story Day calls on participants to share their journeys. Heide Mcgee, owner/operator at Tint and Tunes in Muscle Shoals, Ala., says hers started at a Madico training session in 2007.

The “Crown Vic”

Heide Mcgee, owner/operator at Tint and Tunes in Muscle Shoals, Ala., entered the industry in 2007.

“We were just doing car stereos at the time, and I thought I’d give it a shot,” Mcgee says of her start with window tinting. “It was a need in our area. I contacted Madico, went to their training, came back and went to work. I’ve been tinting ever since.”

Mcgee says Madico’s training staff laid the foundation for her career.

“They were so helpful and energetic,” she says. “They taught me so much in such a short amount of time. When I got home, I utilized the tools that they taught me. I had a couple of nervous breakdowns. When you get your first ‘Crown Vic,’ you walk away, take a breather and get right back at it.”

Mcgee’s first tinting project was a 2006 Ford F-150. The Ford Crown Victoria was second up, presenting a challenge.

“It took me a bit longer,” Mcgee adds. “It was a hard one. It was a police K-9 unit vehicle, so dog hair was everywhere. I was picky from the beginning, and I’m still super picky now. If it’s not right when it leaves the door, I will re-do it until it’s perfect.”

The Next Challenge

Mcgee has been tinting for 16 years.

“When you got done with your job, and the customer was happy, you get happy and you can’t wait for the next challenge,” Mcgee says of her industry progression. “What’s the next car? The more I grew as a business, customers would come back and say, ‘You remember when you tinted my car 10 years ago? Well, I’m back in town, and I need you.’ It’s that feeling of completing something and having a happy customer.”

Mcgee, who’s been tinting for 16 years, has witnessed a shift in the tinting segment.

“Everybody is so helpful,” she says. “If you have a question, you can ask just about anybody and they’re willing to help. If you have a concern about a vehicle or tool, everyone is so enthusiastic about helping you. It’s become more welcoming.”

Traveling For Tint

“I’ve got customers from Huntsville, Birmingham and Atlanta,” she says. “They come from all over. Knowing they’re willing to wait and drive here for me to tint their windows—I know I’ve done something right.”

Mcgee, in the middle of her peak, hopes she’s remembered for her customer service

“That I took care of every customer that walked in the door,” she says of her goal. “No matter what your vehicle looked like—how old or new it was—everyone was taken care of to the best of my abilities.”

Editor’s Note: Please contact me at ccollier@glass.com for potential coverage. I would be honored to share your industry journey.