The International Window Film Conference & Tint-Off (WFCT) 2023 is just 119 days away, and the full education program/attendee brochure is complete. I had the opportunity to help organize the full seminar slate, leaning on several sources featured in stories from the newest issue of WINDOW FILM magazine.

Glass and Glazing

“Every glass company is different,” says Chris Ritter, the owner of Performance Film LLC in Saint Cloud, Minn. “The biggest thing with getting in with glass companies successfully is being different than everybody else. When you decide you want to go get a glass company and tell them you can do frosted film and window tint, they go, ‘We have ten guys that do that.’ When I go in there, and I bring a working sample of smart film … now [I] have their interest.”

On Friday, September 22, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., at WFCT 2023, Ritter will share why connections with glass companies in your local area are so crucial. Learn how to increase your business by working with glass companies in a seminar dubbed Constructing Connections with Glass Companies. See what works and what arrangements to avoid.

Ritter has worked in sales for more than 20 years, gaining experience at car dealerships and truck accessory stores prior to entering the window film industry. Ritter works with nine different glass companies, and it’s safe to say that they’re interested in his services. He estimates 85-90% of his sales are facilitated by glass company connections.

“I’ve never thought about selling somebody,” he says. “I offer services. I am as informative as I can be about the services and explain why the service is good. They either buy it or they don’t.”

Click here to read Joining Forces and Leveling Up: The Fusion of Window Film and Glass, a WINDOW FILM magazine May/June 2023 feature analyzing the importance of constructing glass connections.

Industry Veterans

WINDOW FILM magazine May/June 2023 also features a Film Stars article in which Jody Knight, director of business development at KDX Films, shares his journey. Click here to read the full article.

“One of the things that excites me is teaching someone what I’ve learned through trial and error—stepping on the land mines,” he says. “There was an ‘Aha’ moment. A former trainee texted me and said, ‘Jody, I owe you so much. I am 23 years old; I own my own business and bought my first house; I am married and was able to provide my wife with a wedding, a ring and things I could never have imagined. I credit you because you taught me what I know.”

On Tuesday, September 19, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., at WFCT 2023, Knight hosts a seminar titled The Importance of Training Both New and Seasoned Installers:

It’s crucial to pass on the fundamentals of the film industry to novice installers during their initial deep dive. But what about training the veterans who have “mastered” the art of window tinting and paint protection film? Knight will share why you’re never too advanced to learn a thing or two.

Drawing on Connections

For me, the most gratifying part of helping build the educational program for WFCT 2023 was calling on sources that I’ve covered in the two years I’ve serviced this industry. It was inspiring to see more than a dozen industry professionals agree to speak on pertinent industry topics. Our entire team is grateful for their participation.

Further Reading

WINDOW FILM magazine May/June 2023’s digital edition just dropped. The issue covers security film’s role in school safety, the importance of constructing connections with glass companies, and a privacy product dubbed smart film.

Click here to read the full issue.

The WFCT 2023 Attendee Brochure is also available. Take a look at the educational program and Hands-On Learning Center and discover what’s new. Click here to scroll through the full program.

Editor’s Note: WFCT 2023 is yet to kickoff, but it’s never too early to plan for the next one. WFCT 2024 will be held September 19-21 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando. Please reach out to me at ccollier@glass.com for a potential spot in our seminar program.