WrapFam Unleashed - August 2024

2 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

Editorial August 2024

6/ Liner Notes

Adversity and Opportunity James “Ruggs” Kochevar shares his thoughts on understanding the difference between losing and learning.

8/ The Wrap Business Turning Negatives Into Positives

Matt Richart warns of negativity in complicated situations and how looking for a positive outcome can lift not only your team but also your company.

12 / Tips N Tricks (TNT) Navigating Material Warranties Part II

Industry veteran Shawn Warden talks about the combination of materials, printers, and ink sets.

14 / The Shop

Setting Expectations for Customers

p40 p52

Our production expert, Adam Sumner, explores the importance of holding your clients to a standard.

18 / Opinion

Identifying the Signs of a Bad Subcontracted Installer Jonathan Belkus-Blair, My Wrap Game, turns the tables in this column and helps shops understand what to look for when hiring outside help.

p54

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 3

Editorial

Ad Index

August 2024

21/ Featured Podcast Series WrapOn Podcast

Scott Decker sits down with industry mogul Justin Pate of the Wrap Institute.

22/ Inside Scoop

Cast vs. Calendared

Tyler Hull dives into buying and selling the right film for the job.

26 / Shop Profile

Digital Precision

Preston Jordan, gives us a look at his evolution to a focused and strategic business owner.

32 / The Centerfold Ice Dragon

Designed by Glarb Designs and installed by Creative Kustoms, Michael Lightfoot shares Ice Dragon.

39 / Featured Video Series Branded NOT Blanded

Dan Antonelli explains why it’s hard to assign a promise to an initial-based brand.

40 / Feature

The Wrap Wonder from Down Under

Take a look at the history, philosophy, and approach of Australia’s, Graeme Doolan.

4 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

46 / Windows, Walls & Floors (WWF)

Transforming Interiors

Explore the many uses and facets of interior films.

50 / Feature

CAMBEA Virtual Wrap “Celebration”

A competition based on creativity, fun, and celebrating the persona of wraps.

54 / Pro Tip:

Building Your Team

MoB Member, Ruben Frausto gives his insights regarding finding the right pieces for your puzzle.

56 / Featured Wraps

Digital EFX…………………………11 FESPA……………………………… 31 School of Wrap……………… 61 Wensco……………………………… 7 WWWRAP……………………… 43 WRAPIX Academy…………… 61 Wrap Glove……………………… BC Wrap Institute…………………… 5 Wrap Nation……………………… 2

63 / WrapToons

The Wrap’s Markets Dedicated Toon!

Dallas Fowler’s unique perspective and artistic gift to the wrap world.

Gallery

A visual showcase of inspiration.

61/ Trainers Spotlight Trainer Profiles A look at who’s ready to train you for success!

62 / Video Minute

Prestretching Cosmetic Corners

Industry vet and Tallest Wrapper Alive, Matthew Wolynski, shares more wrap-tip gold.

- On the Cover -

The Ice Dragon takes flight! Michael Lightfoot and a team of heavyhitters bring this dream to life for Comic Con. See more on page 32.

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 5

August 2024

Liner

Notes

Adversity and Opportunity

I

’ve always said, “I either win or I learn.”

It's a simple mindset. Even in business, my philosophy has been, "It's okay to lose the sale, just don't lose the lesson." People don't realize that it's okay to lose, to face adversity, to walk away without the win. Sometimes you're supposed to lose in order to learn. Earning your stripes is crucial in your personal and professional growth.

It's not that you suck at your job, it's that somewhere in the process, your intentions didn't meet the client's expectations.

Maybe you didn't do enough research on your client and their needs. Perhaps you didn't connect the dots between your products/ processes and their understanding of the project. We take information for granted because to us, it's like breathing. Sometimes you have to remember that not everyone knows what you know. I suggest starting with some baseline questions to see what level of understanding they have. In the end, you need to meet or exceed expectations, so educating to bring them up to speed is necessary.

With every "L" you take, your goal should be to understand why it happened. If it was price, the client didn't understand why you charge what you charge. If it was timing, perhaps you should look at your scheduling and prioritize projects better. If the client starts off with attitude, be glad you took the loss, because you probably weren't going to satisfy them anyway. Once you've gathered this information, you need to ingest it. Learn from it. And share it with your team, so you're ready for future dealings with that prospect. This mentality should filter through your entire organization. Any client-facing position must understand these expectations and communicate them throughout the project to retain customers for life.

Cheers!

-Ruggs

6 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

VOL. 1 ISSUE 8 www.thewrapfam.com Publisher, Editor-in-Chief James “Ruggs” Kochevar ruggs@thewrapfam.com

Art Director, Graphic Design Leslie Kochevar leslie@northstargraphicspromo.com

Contributors Adam Sumner adam@wrapixacademy.com Matt Richart matt@digitalefx.com Dallas Fowler dallas@digitalefx.com Guest Contributors Dan Antonelli Scott Decker Matthew Wolynski Preston Jordan Michael Lightfoot Johnathan Belkus-Blair Shawn Warden Tyler Hull Graeme Doolan Ruben Frausto

@WrapFamUnleashed WrapFam Unleashed is a registered DBA of North Star Graphics & Promotions. Reproduction in part or in full without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. WrapFam Unleashed is published in the U.S. Contents copyright 2024, WrapFam Unleashed. ©

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The Wrap Biz

Turning Negatives into Positives

By Matt Richart have always been a half-glass-empty

very challenging. I just knew in the back of my

kind of guy. I don’t know why I have

mind that being a business owner required more

been this way most of my life, but

precise leadership than positivity. I don’t think I

I think it’s to protect myself from

would follow my leader into a burning building if

disappointment. I have always looked at

they came across as negative most of the time.

the worst-case scenario of any situation

As I have mentioned in a few of my previous

and then would build back up to the

articles, fear really did hinder my growth at

positives. When we first started Digital

times. I do believe that I’m more realistic than

EFX Wraps I looked at what would

most people but also think I read that as being

happen if we went out of business.

negative or can come across that way to others.

How much debt would we be in? What

I can fully admit that my wife does not like my

would we be liable for financially? I also used this

realistic approach to life at times so maybe that’s

same approach in selling at times. I would let the

why I’m even more focused on being positive.

customer know what could go wrong and why

I’m still not a big reader at the ripe old age

if we didn’t follow certain steps and guidelines.

of 47. With that said, being in this leadership role

This is a good way to protect yourself and your

I have learned that it’s essential to pick up more

company, but I started to see more negativity

books to read and to increase my knowledge. My

in myself in a lot of social settings. When our

interest in business development, team building,

company was first created it was just Dallas and

becoming a better leader, creating culture, and

me. I’m sure at times my glass-half-empty attitude

how to communicate better has pushed me

wore Dallas out mentally. I didn’t want to portray

to read more. I was looking over some topics

myself as a Debby downer, but I continued to

recently regarding being positive and came across

look at every situation as what the worst-case

a great quote from Willie Nelson. He says, “Once

scenario in that situation would be. When we

you replace negative thoughts with positive ones,

started to slowly add new team members to

you’ll start having positive results”. This really

our crew, I started to realize that being a leader

hit home with the simplicity of his statement. I

requires more positivity than negativity. I finally

started to realize that to keep things positive I

got honest with myself and realized that I needed

need to constantly have positive thoughts that

to change. Change is very difficult and can be

replaced my negative thinking. I have said this

8 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

before, but this is common sense. But it’s not

with longevity. When the dealership picked up

common sense until it becomes common practice.

the vehicle they were impressed and happy with

So, working on staying positive became my

the work that we produced. The vehicle itself had

focus so it was common practice. My team and my business partner may disagree that I haven’t changed but I truly believe I have turned the corner and continue to work on this characteristic of myself. Our company has been through a lot of growth along with ups and downs. I think we can all agree we have all dealt with this and continue to do so today. Creating a company that has been around for twenty years now definitely has negatives and positives that come across our desks every day. It’s how we handle these issues that are most important. In order for our team to have confidence in the leadership of our company we must convey positive energy along with positive thoughts. One way I have learned to combat this is to keep a smile on your face along with not showing your emotions on your

some wiring issues and some of the sensors in

sleeve. If the leadership seems calm, relaxed,

the bumpers and fin antenna were not working

and upbeat that will permeate into your team.

properly. These issues were resolved but then

I had this topic set up for September’s issue

the dealer noticed that the antenna and headliner

but this morning we were dealt a large blow that

were damaged and needed to be replaced. I

I don’t mind sharing. Our team just completed a

won’t get into specifics of our quality control,

full wrap for a Lexus GX that just came out on the

checklists, and what we do to protect ourselves

market. We did a wonderful color change in satin

from he said she said. What I can say is basically

black for our local Lexus dealership and charged

the repair costs to what has happened erase the

adequately for what it took to install properly

entire profitability of what we produced. The August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 9

The Wrap Biz

first knee-jerk reaction would be to yell, scream,

forward. As a team, we all got together to discuss

get angry, and lash out at whoever was involved

what transpired, why it happened, and how to

in this project. What we did as a team was to

combat these issues moving forward and gave

reverse engineer what happened and how to

everyone a pat on the back. Nobody was injured

resolve this issue moving forward. As leaders

and it wasn’t a complete failure. In the past, I

we stayed positive, and we wanted to make sure

would be defeated by this occurrence, and it

this huge mistake didn’t kill the momentum,

would eat me up for days. Now it’s a relief to

attitude, and vibe of our entire shop. Let me say

stay positive during these times, learn from our

that our lead installer is devastated by what has

mistakes, and make sure our team knows we

happened. He is a seasoned wrapper that we

have their backs even when mistakes happen.

rely on every day and have for over 10 years. I

I’m just thrilled I can type out this negative story

am a little sick to my stomach as to the amount

with some positivity. Ten years ago, that would

of money it will cost to repair these issues and

never have happened. I highly recommend if

it did affect our monthly goals and revenue.

you have some of my same traits start to work

What is most important is that we look at the

on your outlook and positivity. Put a smile on

bigger picture and how we can all learn from our

your face every morning so that your team,

mistakes. I can remember my 5th grade English

clients, and family can feel your positivity.

teacher having a poster on her wall that said “If

Staying positive has allowed me to enjoy

we all learned from every mistake, we all would

life even more and to recognize when things

be perfect” I still remember this statement today.

are starting to become negative. Don’t allow

Dallas and I stayed calm, and reserved, and talked

too much negativity into your life and don’t

through this incident with our team. Staying

dwell on the negative. It requires too much

positive allowed our Install leader Darryl and

energy to be negative and angry. If you ever

our sales manager Neal to handle the situation

see me at a show or event, I will be more than

more positively. I couldn’t be prouder of how

happy to discuss the details of what transpired.

they handled this horrible situation. While they

Keep smiling and keep staying positive. It

both were upset and didn’t enjoy handling

will pay dividends more than you know!!

this situation they kept their heads high, put a smile on their faces, and put this issue to rest.

Now, the most important part of turning negatives into positives is looking at this situation and how we can learn from it. Instead of beating ourselves up and draining all our momentum we now have implemented three more procedures to protect ourselves as a company moving 10 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

Matt Richart Matt@digitalefxwraps.com Co-Owner/CFO, Digital EFX Wraps LLC. Instructor, Inside The Wrap Shop

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 11

TNT (Tips N Tricks)

Navigating Manufacturer Warranties: Part II

By Shawn Warden his is meant to be a followup to my article last month on material failures. If you haven’t read it, go check it out on page 12.

Recently, I attended the 2024 ISA trade show in Orlando, where I supported vendors, manufacturers, and start-ups in the industry.

While answering questions in a material manufacturing booth, a previous employer from years prior approached me at random and asked me questions regarding the products that I was helping out with at that booth. It felt like validation for a few moments, but based on his questions, I knew that something had to have happened with an equipment purchase.

Everyone always asks which product line is the best! You can stand at a booth at one of the largest gatherings with the product engineers at your fingertips and never find that answer. When you stand at a vendor's booth, you mainly hear about the flaws in their competitor's product and how much they've invested in researching to make theirs better. The answer I found most intriguing is that there is no right answer because of the formula; It’s not just the material and never has been. It’s the combination of 12 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

a few things that create the finished product and gratification for everyone involved.

Types of materials, once the surface has been chosen, may seem straightforward but are often overlooked more than you might think. Shops looking at the bottom line will cut corners all the time and just grab what's on the shelf to find more profit in their minds because they already purchased it and it’s sitting there not doing anything. The second is choosing materials based on the longevity of the project and the client's needs, meaning how long do you need this to last?

The most confusing part of the formula is the type of printer, but mostly the type of ink!

Now, this is going to start a massive conversation that needs to have the manufacturers involved 100%, but I am transparent with my discussions and feel that this isn’t anything anyone hasn’t said out loud hundreds of times. When you purchase your equipment, your salesperson needs to match up your volume type with the type of printer you need to purchase or add to your goals. Example: My most recent conversation was regarding a UV type with “gel” - you can do your own research because I’m not ready to call anyone out just yet! This was sold to a client of whom I have direct knowledge of the volume and type of vehicles that this large shop is producing.

This is always a discussion at a trade show, but if you ask an installer, we recommend a relief

cut to avoid any failures in recessed areas!

I’ve tested this question many times with installers, and always the same answer 8/10 times. Of course, this is based on the experience of the installer, but mostly because the owner of the shop over-sold saying it’s possible and/ or the installer's pride. My point is that the type of material and level of the installer is the smallest part of the equation. The main parts that everyone is not talking about or whispering about are the ink types and profiles.

A salesperson should be identifying the shop and clients' needs based on types of surfaces and/or vehicles. Yes, certain materials have certain attributes, but is printing and production of that material going to determine whether that install is going to last like it should and hopefully like you promised the client?

A quick question, would you purchase a printer for $150k that only had one material profile in its setup? Would you purchase a printer that could NOT be stretched around a bumper or even a rivet? The printers we have available these days do things that none of us could imagine 10 years ago. I used to sell UV flatbed printers when they first came out and most of the old-school shops kept telling me it was a trend and they’d be gone in a few years! These were the same shops that told me wrapping an entire vehicle with printed materials was a waste of time!

The level of equipment and materials we have at our disposal is mind-blowing. The technical advancements we have made should make our lives so much easier and especially profitable. We’ve had Latex for a while now, which is amazing but limited, but has its advantages.

Then we have old faithful solvent printers, my

god so many different variations these days and price points. I wouldn't know where to start.

I would love to have a live discussion about each one of these or even have a side-by-side comparison to show the difference. Most of us go by what the salesperson says or the cut sheet

telling you all the answers you want to hear.

Buying equipment should be the easiest thing based on “your” needs of the shop currently or the direction you want to grow. That’s it!

Maybe it’s time to start pushing back to the manufacturers requesting profiles that work on the materials that we want to use! As soon as a product fails, it starts from the bottom and as I mentioned in my previous article, it’s going to start with the installer first. If you don’t have your ducks in a row with the material information or how you produced it, you will be attacked next!

Just to be clear, the salesperson who sold you your printer is not going to be listed on the warranty information from the manufacturer as a responsible party.

Shawn Warden Owner/ Installer, City Sign Co, LLC Contract Installer, New England, USA gowrapdaddy@gmail.com

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 13

The Shop

Setting Customer Expectations

By Adam Sumner

spend countless hours training students on application techniques—from the proper use of a squeegee to panel alignment, trimming, finishing, and a myriad of other skills. However, one critical aspect that often goes unmentioned is how to train your customers. Additionally, it's important to recognize when it's time to say no or even fire a customer.

Growing up in a print shop and watching my father build his offset business, I learned the value of over-delivering, pulling rabbits from hats, and always exceeding customer expectations. I was raised on the saying, "The customer is always right."

Unfortunately, this mindset isn't always beneficial for your shop. It's crucial to understand that saying no is not only acceptable but often the correct answer to many requests.

Years ago, as we transitioned our print business from personal vehicles to fleets and eventually red carpet events and motion picture graphics, we quickly realized that without setting clear expectations, we became slaves to our customers. Last-minute changes in artwork, thousands of square feet of test prints to nail colors—constantly trying to meet the customer's expectations took a toll on our bottom line and left us feeling that nothing we did was good enough. We spent countless hours 14 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

off the clock, and our team put in excessive overtime. We retrained, built new workflow procedures, invested in new equipment, and tried thousands of films, but we were stuck in a vicious cycle with a perceived 50% success rate.

The turning point came when we recognized that the issue wasn't always our production or equipment. Often, it was about trying to meet expectations instead of setting them from the start. Once we began setting clear expectations from the first meeting to the final product delivery, everything changed.

The first step in setting expectations was receiving designs. Especially for our red carpet and motion picture customers, artwork from production teams was often hit or miss. We used to offer a break on pricing for print-ready art, but what we considered print-ready and what designers considered print-ready were vastly different. To address this, we created a checklist for our customers outlining exactly what we needed—from file format to embedded images and outlined text—to avoid issues with missing fonts.

Training our customers began with this checklist. It allowed us to charge for time spent fixing files or return them for correction, reducing the time spent fixing artwork and cutting out the middleman. This brought our customers directly to us for design and production, streamlining the process and

improving the quality of the final product.

Next, we set expectations around color.

While we strive to match specific colors as closely as possible, sometimes the Pantone color they want isn't achievable, and the color on a large scale can look different than expected. For example, Pantone 485 looks red in the book and on-screen, but on a large scale, it can appear orange. To mitigate this, we send a 10"x10" sample for approval along with a Delta E certification showing how close our color is to the requested one.

This has greatly reduced misunderstandings and is why we charge for color matching.

We also set expectations for installation.

We outline every inlay, seam, and relief cut so

customers know why we installed it a certain way, which might differ from the seamless photos they see on Instagram. This is crucial for color change wraps, where seams can disappear in photos. By setting these expectations, we ensure a smooth project from start to finish.

Timeline expectations are equally vital.

Every project—from wraps and wall graphics to buses and storefront windows—has a timeline.

We set clear deadlines for receiving finished artwork and production start dates. If customers change the timeline, it affects the job's price, so we always communicate this upfront.

Now, let's talk about saying no and possibly firing customers. This might sound drastic, but sometimes it's necessary to prevent a problematic August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 15

The Shop

customer from dragging the team down or draining your resources. Recently, we had a customer request a quote for an installation in Hollywood. Although the location was only 15 miles away, traffic and parking issues, combined with their after-hours request, made their budget unworkable for us. We offered alternatives that fit their budget, showing that setting expectations and saying no when necessary is crucial.

Firing a customer happens less frequently but is sometimes necessary. It's time to cut ties when a customer consistently fails to meet our expectations, especially regarding artwork and timelines. Changing install times or requiring after-hours work can be detrimental.

Often, the customers you think you can't live without are the ones holding you back.

One significant example from our 16 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

experience involved a client who regularly sent files that were not print-ready and required extensive correction. Despite repeated requests and explanations, the client continued to disregard our guidelines, leading to wasted hours and missed deadlines. This repeated behavior forced us to reconsider our relationship with the client.

After multiple attempts to resolve the issues, we ultimately decided to part ways. This decision, though difficult, allowed us to focus on clients who respected our processes and valued our time, leading to increased efficiency and morale within our team.

Setting expectations for your employees is standard, but it's equally important to set expectations for your customers. Training them from the first interaction is key to achieving the end goal: delivering the best possible product.

We are not just printers; we are marketing and branding companies. By setting expectations from day one, we work with our customers, not for them, helping each other reach new heights.

One of the most effective ways to set expectations is through clear and consistent communication. From the initial consultation to the final delivery, maintaining open lines of communication ensures that everyone is on the

same page. This approach not only builds trust but also helps to manage and align expectations.

For instance, during our initial meetings with clients, we take the time to thoroughly understand their vision and requirements. We explain our processes, timelines, and the level of involvement we expect from them. This upfront clarity helps to prevent misunderstandings and sets a positive tone for the project.

We also use detailed contracts and project briefs to formalize our agreements. These documents outline every aspect of the project, including timelines, deliverables, pricing, and any potential contingencies. By having everything in writing, we provide a reference point for both parties, ensuring that everyone is aware of their responsibilities and expectations.

Another critical aspect of setting expectations is managing revisions and feedback. We clearly define the number of revisions included in our pricing and explain the process for additional changes. This helps to avoid scope creep and ensures that the project stays on track and within budget.

Educating customers about the realities of production and installation is also essential.

Many clients have unrealistic expectations based on what they see online or from other sources. By providing them with a realistic view of what can be achieved, we help to set achievable goals and prevent disappointment.

For example, we often encounter clients who expect a vehicle wrap to be completely seamless, as seen in photos on social media. We take the time to explain

the technical aspects of the installation, including where seams and inlays will be placed and why. By setting this expectation upfront, we avoid surprises and ensure that the client is satisfied with the final product.

Lastly, we continually seek feedback from our customers to improve our processes and services. By actively listening to their concerns and suggestions, we demonstrate our commitment to their satisfaction and build stronger relationships. This ongoing dialogue helps us to refine our expectations and better serve our clients in the future.

In conclusion, setting expectations is a fundamental aspect of running a successful print and installation business. By training our customers from the outset, we create a collaborative environment where both parties work together towards a common goal.

Saying no and even firing customers when necessary ensures that we maintain a healthy and productive work environment. Through clear communication, detailed documentation, and ongoing feedback, we can manage expectations effectively and deliver exceptional results. This approach not only benefits our business but also enhances our reputation and fosters long-term client relationships.

Adam Sumner Adam@wrapixacademy.com Owner, Wrapix Academy Owner, Wrapix Imaging 3M Authorized Trainer

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 17

Opinion

Identifying the Signs of a Bad Subcontract Installer

By Jonathan Belkus-Blair, My Wrap Game ith a headline like that, you might wonder whose side I’m on. But after passionately defending subcontract installers last month against what I saw as unfair institutional attitudes, it's only fair to balance it with a hard look at the bad apples.

As a shop owner, you’ve put in the hard yards and built a solid reputation. Now, you're ready to scale your business by bringing in hired guns to tackle those lucrative big contracts. But despite the glowing references and self-assurances from the installers, you find yourself unimpressed and questioning why you bothered in the first place. Here are the signs of a bad subcontract installer, drawn from my own observations in the field.

Watch Out for Inconsistent Quality and Missed Deadlines Perhaps the most salient signal that you’re being taken advantage of is the inconsistent workmanship provided by your installer. It's confusing, embarrassing, and creates significant problems for your business if you're not constantly 18 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

monitoring the work. But who has time for that?

I certainly don’t. If you can't rely on your installer to maintain high standards and meet deadlines, it disrupts your schedule and erodes client trust.

Everyone has bad days, and I've had my share of misjudging jobs, and ending up working late into the night to meet deadlines. The key is taking ownership and keeping the customer informed during these challenging times. Most clients will accept delays if they feel valued and informed.

However, if your installer consistently takes shortcuts, arrives late, leaves work unfinished, or engages in unprofessional behavior, it's time to consider whether you're better off without them.

Negative Attitude and Unprofessional Behaviour Can Ruin Your Business It might seem obvious, but it’s worth stating: if your installer is incessantly negative, aggressive, and demanding, it poisons the workplace and lowers team morale. In extreme cases, this negativity spills over to your customers, creating serious problems for your business.

Are there situations where a firm interaction is necessary? Absolutely. I've dealt with customers who failed to prepare, withheld information and were extremely discourteous, requiring a firm response from me. These interactions are completely justified when they serve a purpose. However, when

installers are aggressive despite good conditions, appear unkempt, and dismiss customer concerns, it’s a major red flag that cannot be ignored. Such behavior not only damages your reputation but can also drive clients away.

Beware of Installers Who Over-Rely on Your Work I think you know what I mean. You probably thought you were doing them a favor, and as long as they kept asking for work, you were happy to provide it. But when does the line blur between contractor and employee? An installer who doesn’t diversify their client base might be more of a liability than an asset.

Installers who depend too heavily on your work can complicate the distinction between independent contractor and employee, leading to potential legal and financial ramifications.

Additionally, when the workflow slows down, and your installer finds themselves without work, it creates a stressful situation for both parties.

This over-reliance can also breed a sense of entitlement and familiarity that may create friction in your professional relationship. Such familiarity can lead to complacency, reduced performance, and even disagreements about responsibilities and expectations. It's essential to have an open conversation to establish clear boundaries and expectations, ensuring a healthy and sustainable working relationship.

Ensure Installers Have Adequate Insurance and Equipment How often do you catch your installers scrounging for tools and consumables for basic

tasks? Borrowing a ladder now and again is fine, but couldn’t they bring their own cleaners?

Where’s their squeegee? Why are they using your heat gun? My God, they’re not even insured. Are you dealing with a hobbyist or a professional installer? The picture paints itself.

Operating without proper insurance and lacking the necessary tools and equipment are major red flags. An installer without insurance puts both themselves and your business at risk. Similarly, an installer who frequently relies on borrowing your tools signals a lack of preparedness and professionalism, which can lead to significant liabilities. To safeguard your business, ensure that your subcontract installers have adequate insurance and come fully equipped. Make this a non-negotiable part of your vetting process before engaging them.

Installers Must Clearly Differentiate Themselves as Trade Installers Are you sure they’re just an installer? They could be a competitor. Have you checked?

Yikes, there goes your biggest customer, solicited right under your nose. It’s happened to many of us, and we wish we’d seen it coming. Often, this is unavoidable, particularly when your installer transitions into a retail business, inadvertently catching some of your customers in their net. Other times, your installer may be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

It’s perfectly acceptable to operate both as an installer and a retail competitor, provided it’s done ethically and transparently. There’s plenty of work out there, and a cooperative market thrives better than a cutthroat one.

However, if your installer is not forthcoming August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 19

Opinion

and fails to differentiate themselves clearly, you risk exposing your shop to customer poaching and intellectual property theft.

Conclusion If you’ve made it this far, I bet I’ve stirred up some forgotten or ongoing anxieties. Running a shop is incredibly challenging, and it’s easy to feel guilty when things go wrong, thinking you’re responsible for every problem. But just because these issues are happening to you doesn’t mean they are happening because of you. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you get taken advantage of and it’s up to you to learn

from that experience, as callous as that sounds.

You have more control and influence than you might realize. Even when your installers seem loosely tethered to you, your leadership remains the driving force. By staying vigilant and addressing red flags early, you can ensure My Wrap Logo [2024] - Final to Version that yourGame business continues thrive.

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Justin Pate (The Wrap Institute) Justin Pate is the founder of The Wrap Institute and Head Trainer for Avery North America. On this episode, Scott and Justin discuss the future of the wrap industry, the new Ford program, living abroad and much more. WrapOn!

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 21

The Inside Scoop

Cast Vs Calendared How to Save Time and/or Money!

By Tyler Hull, Wensco nowing the difference

of ovens to cure into a solid film. Calendared

between Cast and

vinyl starts as a dough-like material and is

Calendared vinyl could save

run through a series of hot rollers to squeeze

your shop a lot of money!

it into the desired thickness. That squeezing

At Wensco, we sell vinyl

of the material during the manufacturing

at a scale where we see

process creates a natural tension in the film

a lot of returns across all

to start, whereas cast vinyl has no inherent

manufacturers. Often, this

tension and comes out completely relaxed.

comes down to using the wrong vinyl for the job.

Why is that important to you?

This can look like a high-

When you apply vinyl to a flat substrate,

quality calendared wrap vinyl wrapped around

it is not as important which type of vinyl you

the top back corner of a Transit Connect. It may

use. However, when we start applying vinyl to

look like it worked initially, but if calendared vinyl

vehicles and walls where we need to stretch

gets too much stress, it will not work long-term.

and conform the vinyl, we can begin to run

Our goal in distribution is to make sure that

into issues with calendared vinyl. Due to the

our customers get the right product for the right

fact that calendared vinyl has been stretched

job. To do that, I will need to not just explain

and stressed in its manufacturing process,

the differences between cast and calendared

when you stretch it onto a vehicle it will have a

films but also why that is important and how it

tendency to want to return to its original form.

can save you time and money for your shop.

Calendared vinyl used in the wrong

Cast vs. Calendared Manufacturing I could write an entire article on the manufacturing of Cast and Calendared films. But,

application can show itself in a few different ways that I am sure you have seen before: Vinyl that has bubbled or popped back out of a channel on a commercial van.

for the purpose of this article, there are only a

An adhesive line on the very edge of a

few things that you need to know about how

graphic where the calendared vinyl has shrunk.

these products are made. Cast is poured over

A graphic that is faded, cracked, or

a casting sheet and then run through a series 22 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

peeling away after only a year or two.

When should you use Calendared vinyl?

As someone who makes a living from selling vinyl, you may think I would recommend cast for everything. It sounds like it works better for most applications, is more expensive, and is more reliable in all temperatures. However, I think there are more times than you might think that a calendared vinyl will do just fine and you do not need to spend the extra money on a cast film. If you are aware of the limitations of calendared vinyl, then you can find applications that do not require a cast film.

An example of this that just came up in our wrap classes is the back of a Ford Transit.

We have seen many shops opt for a calendared wrap film (such as an Arlon 4600 GLX, Avery Dennison MPI 2105, 3M IJ40C, and other “high-quality calendar wrap films) and have great success. If you aren’t wrapping around the edges or into the deep channels on these vans, you could do 80% of the van with a calendared film and have little to no issues. If you use something like the cut-and-drop method on the channel of the van and use proper post-heating procedures, a van is definitely doable with a calendared vinyl.

When should you use Cast vinyl?

With that being said, there are many benefits to using a cast film. One is you can do the entire van from front to back with one film. This would include the bumpers, inside the door handles, the channels along the van, and all edges without an issue. Although the cast wrap kit will be more expensive, it should also save you a lot of time when doing the August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 23

The Inside Scoop install. If you are a one-man operation, the savings in vinyl may not be worth it to you.

However, if you are paying an installer and have a backlog of work to do, then the savings in labor will be more than the cost to upgrade to a cast film which will save you money.

Cast vinyl also tends to last longer and has a longer warranty than calendared film. So, although you may have a job that calendared is perfect for, if the customer wants a longer warranty or plans to never remove the graphics from the vehicle, you may want to opt for a cast film. Many of the newer films that are coming into the market are coming with incredibly long warranties. Arlon Vital DPF V9700 has a 12-year vertical and a 6-year horizontal warranty (*Depending on zone). For some of your commercial jobs, they will retire the vehicle before the warranty expires on the vinyl.

What other applications does this apply to?

I have mostly been talking about vehicle graphics, but what other applications should you consider when choosing which type of vinyl you are using? If you are also doing wall graphics, many of you are probably using a calendared vinyl for that application. These are applications where the walls are flat and there is little to no stretch necessary. That may seem like the perfect application for a calendared film. What you may not be taking into consideration is how much easier and faster a cast wall film would be for this application.

24 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

Most outdoor murals are currently done with

Second, I am hoping that you can look

a high-tack calendared wall vinyl. The problem

at some jobs that you are currently using

you can run into is if it is windy or if you are

calendared vinyl for and substitute in some

short-staffed that day, that vinyl can be difficult

cast. This can be particularly helpful for

to work with. It can catch a gust of wind and

a couple of different types of shops:

stick to itself or you could mess up the alignment

If you have a shop with high labor costs,

and need to peel it back off. A cast vinyl can give

cast vinyl can speed up your installs, reducing

you a little more room for errors. This would

your total labor for the job. If you have a shop

help if you have new installers or the conditions

that is backlogged with work, the faster you

aren’t as nice as you would like them to be.

can get through your backlog, the faster you

An example of this product would be the

can take on more jobs and make more money.

new General Formulation 885AE Roughmark

Shops that want to spend more time on

product. With this product and similar products,

sales and marketing and less time on installations.

you can remove some of the headache that is

If you fit into any of those groups,

typically associated with wall wraps. This is a

I would consider looking at what vinyl

product that will not be ruined if it gets stuck

you are purchasing and reaching out to

to itself, will not be an issue if it needs to go

your distributors to see if there is a better

into deep channels in concrete or stucco, and

alternative for the job you are working on.

will install faster due to its conformability

Just because you have historically used cast

and air egress features. So, although the wall

or calendared for this particular job does not

may be ideal for calendared vinyl, it may be

mean that it is the best material for the job.

worth testing out a cast film to save money

If you find a job that is taking longer

on labor and get more work done in a day!

than it should and cast can save you time

How does this help save me money?

If you read the first sentence of this article and you are still thinking, “OK but how does this

and labor costs, then let’s make the switch.

If you find that a calendared product can complete a particular job just as efficiently but with lower costs, then that’s great as well!

save me and my shop money?” I am glad you asked! First, I am hoping by knowing the difference between the two you will be able to find jobs that you are currently using cast vinyl for that you can substitute in some calendared vinyl for. This may

Tyler Hull Director of Marketing, Wensco Sign Supply

be the sides and backs of vans, partial graphics on the side of a truck or car, and even some rivets.

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 25

ShopProfile A New Perspective Becomes

DIGITAL PRECISION

Member Spotlight

By Preston Jordan

I

hate wrapping cars. Ok, I don’t really. This industry is amazing and full of incredible people who have taught me immeasurable professional and life lessons in the 15 years I’ve been a part of it. But hear me out. I tended to thrive on learning things the hard way. It wasn’t fun. It cost me a lot of time, which I came to realize is our most important asset, and have now become more focused on at least shortening the curve on lessons I’ve yet still to learn. I used to simply chalk it up to time and circumstance, but I honestly had no clue what I was doing early on. My entrepreneurial spirit

26 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

was ready to explode, and I hastily put the pedal to the floor. I had all the skills in the world and no business fundamentals to accompany it. I rushed in with no plan and ended up wallowing in a pit of contempt toward the very skill I was so passionate about and dedicated so much energy to acquire.

It pained me to be at odds internally with the very industry that gave me so much in return. This is my candid backstory, my entrepreneurial failures in the car wrapping world, the evolution of a contract installer and car wrapper turned full-service production house, and how it came full circle.

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 27

ShopProfile

I’ll begin with a trending topic of discussion over the years amongst fellow wrap industry business owners - frustration with the turnover rate of quality installation labor. It was always the same; hire, train, educate, and then they leave and go out on their own, effectively paying them to become the competition. I find they rarely have any prior ambition to own their own business. As they become more aware of what their employer is charging for their labor in relation to what they are being paid from it, even the most trivial of grievances begin to cultivate resentment and a feeling that they could do things better and make more money. It’s often misguided and shortsighted. They have zero understanding of what it costs to run a business. I imagine it’s similar in most skilled trade industries. But it just seemed to run rampant in the wrap industry with such a low cost of entry into starting a wrap business.

I was one of them. And I proceeded to fail catastrophically at building a custom car wrap business.

To be fair, I knew from the start I would be working for myself at some point and was always open and honest about that with employers upfront. My journey began right as color change wraps were exploding onto the scene and even the previously boring commercial wraps were evolving into awesomeness. I worked a couple of different industry jobs on both the production and installation sides. For my first major installation gig, I was catapulted into a kingdom right at the heart of it all. I absolutely loved being a pawn on 28 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

the board; I was confident and eager to succeed.

However, I was unaware that my ambition was greatly overshadowing the wealth of knowledge and opportunity I was oblivious to already being immersed in. Walking away from that opportunity too soon is my single biggest regret professionally and I urge anyone currently in a similar opportunity to stay the course. Keep learning. The industry is still so young, and you have plenty of time.

Nevertheless, I started my first wrap company in 2012. Over the next few years, I competed in several national wrap competitions, continuously placing in the top 3 and winning outright on a couple of occasions. While I always maintained a heavy workload in the contract install sector, my primary focus was high-end custom wrapping. The industry spotlight was on color change, and I wanted to be in it. I had the skill and I wanted to use it. I built a phenomenal reputation in my local market, with overwhelming support from my customer base and above-average interaction across my social media platforms.

My schedule was always full. But despite these outwardly facing signs of success, the business itself barely had a leg to stand on. I prioritized the craft over the business and struggled to balance perfection with profit. I erroneously conflated my trade skill ability with business prowess. This was the direct result of my haste, and I completely missed the forest for the trees. I worked around the clock for years and had nothing to show for it.

Tired and frustrated, I stepped away from wrapping completely. I started over. I was forced

Digital Precision not only does vinyl wraps, they also do product packaging.

to examine what went wrong and what I could do about it moving forward, having made many of the common mistakes in starting a business. I didn’t implement and adhere to consistent procedures or set proper boundaries and expectations with customers, both main factors limiting the ability to scale. I knew my achievements as an installer meant something but didn’t have a clear direction on how I was going to use them.

I thought back to that ongoing topic of installer turnover rate and why it was being accepted as commonplace, and decided to change my perception of what an installer was and what their role within a larger operation could be.

What I found to be a fundamental takeaway

from my experience was that the position of “installer” within much of the industry offers little room for growth, very few rungs on the ladder to climb for those ambitious to do so. Going out on your own is kind of the only real option for seriously increasing your earning potential.

The value of physical labor is strictly limited by hours in the day, and I wondered if reimagining that value could nurture an additional path towards appreciation, both towards and from that worker. Better yet, would it lead to increased retention of skilled labor that otherwise had no predetermined plans to start a business of their own by creating an additional path to climb and value to attain? Could it offer a solution to August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 29

ShopProfile

that problem, but also a fresh approach to the traditional graphic industry business model? It’s still relatively early in the realm of that discovery, but all signs are pointing toward a resounding yes.

Deciding to run with the idea of defining the installer as a key differential ingredient for overall growth, I put a plan in place to scale the business around it. That earlier feeling of thinking I could do things better was not untrue. But it was pointed in the wrong direction. I was too narrowminded and thinking only of myself, the singular wrapper, instead of the collective installation profession being used as a more valuable tool. Although not called upon until the final step, the installer often ends up on the front lines, interacting with the customer when arriving on site to install the final product. Why then is the installer not more involved in the various building blocks of creating the very product they are installing?

There’s a huge disconnect between the 30 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

installation and production industries and not enough vertical integration. Too much focus is placed on the installation as a standalone sector instead of viewing it as more critical to the entire process. And not just having them under one roof, but codependence from start to finish. Too many times in my contract install days, I was handed a haphazard pile of graphics and expected to just make it work. I witnessed this time and time again, even with companies that had in-house installers.

In adopting the firm belief that an organized and capable installer makes for the best project manager, Digital Precision was born in 2017 under that premise, stepping into the forefront and conceptual step of large format graphics provision. Applying an experienced installer’s mindset to the first step instantly streamlined the business model and eliminated redundancy. Now, before any project details are committed to, the production method decided, or estimate sent out, the installer is consulted with. They are given the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and extend their value beyond just being based on how much material they can install in any given period, elevating their sense of accomplishment and adding an additional layer for pursuing advancement and compensation.

What ensued was maximum efficiency for the business. Site surveys and scopes, design and pre-press file setup, material selection, production and fabrication all became elegantly

intertwined and harmonious.

The installation of the finished product just fell in place. Things were getting done right, and to a high degree of quality, the first time around. With even minimal staff in place, our fleet of equipment kept expanding and our output volume grew with the need to hire increasing at a slower rate than expected to keep up with demand.

Communication flowed better, fostering a natural desire for full interdepartmental cross-training.

Confidence is rarely absent.

Don’t get me wrong, we’re still a small company with fewer staff than one would expect for the volume we can turn out. But we have removed all constraints to how far we can go and I’m excited to see where this attitude continues to drive us. What started as a single printer has turned into a fleet of print and fabrication equipment, with more on the immediate horizon. It has led us down a path to better serve both our local customers as well as powerhouse global brands with unparalleled largescale project management and

a diverse array of really cool products I would have never expected to be producing. By no means did we reinvent the wheel of what product offerings were available in general, but we’re finding our approach translating to a significantly better experience for our customers, one I feel just can’t be beat.

Of course, we still wrap cars. Mostly fleet vehicles these days, but I always have a custom project or two in the pipeline

to satisfy the itch. I could never let go of the very roots that got me here. The sum of what I learned in my wrapping and installation career is now a core principle the business stands on.

I believe it allows us to deliver the very best result to every single customer we have, and I will continue to advocate on behalf of installers being one of the most valuable assets to a business in this industry.

Please treat them as such.

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 31

The

Centerfold

The Ice D

Article and Vehicle Concept by Michael Lightfoot 32 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

@nght_king

Dragon

Wrapped by Creative Kustoms

@creative_kustoms_ohio August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 33

The

Centerfold

Build by Rachel and Elton DeLeon, J&E Customs 34 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

@j_e_customz

The Concept My vision was to give tribute to Game of Thrones. Starting with the trunk build, including a custom sub box for 2 JL Audio subwoofers, personalized LED plexiglass, and TVs for entertainment, all wrapped in white vinyl. It also has full underbody LED lighting and custom 3-piece wheels. The engine bay is airbrushed and features an inverted flip hood. All four doors can be opened vertically for the look of a wing span of the dragon. Interior features include 5 TVs (1 in the front, 2 built-in behind the seats, and 2 in the headrests). The headliner is airbrushed with a Game of Thrones scene. All white custom upholstery and Alcantara dash. Lastly, we finished it off with a one-of-a-kind wrap design of the Ice Dragon to complete the vision.

The wrap was designed and printed by Glarb and laid by Creative Kustoms.

Overall, it took 5 years to complete the vision. There was no delay; we just broke the upgrades over time and revealed new features every car show season up until today. The whole car is one-of-a-kind, and we started with the Night King and transformed it into his dragon (The Ice Dragon).

It took a few weeks to complete; from design to print to install. The detail in the design with lining up the dragon scales was August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 35

The

Centerfold

probably the most time-consuming part to make sure every panel fit correctly.

Over the years, there has been a lot of planning and learning through the process. There are so many controllers for every feature, and making sure wiring for TVs, lighting, and air ride work seamlessly together for the shows was challenging.

The design was a collaboration between J & E Customs, Creative Kustoms, and myself.

We also researched how to elevate the look of the theme, from the whole build down to the fake snow display. We even included the Night King himself to sit next to the Ice Dragon.

The Ice Dragon went hand-in-hand with my Night King concept, and the fact that the car looks air-brushed and turned completely into a dragon is everything I wanted. This project (like most custom builds) was very challenging, but getting everything to line up and match so well was worth it. Our designer knocked it out of the park and Rachel and Elton DeLeon spent many hours and late nights getting it ready for Comic Con where it was revealed. I truly can’t thank them enough.

The Design Ryan Sandoval of Glarb Designs shared his thoughts on the masterpiece he created for Mike: Mike reached out to me after winning Best in Show at the Slammedenuff show in Gatlinburg last year. He saw the Koi Mini Cooper I designed for ProStarVinyl and wanted something to tie his theme together. His build, dubbed “Ice Dragon,” is based on the White Walkers from Game of Thrones.

I usually swipe left on themed designs, especially if all they want is a character slapped on the side with a “sick" background.

36 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

Design by Ryan Sandoval, Glarb Designs

@glarb.design

Glarb's custom scales font.

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 37

The

Centerfold

Photography/Videography by Carbonized Productions But if I can transform the entire car into the character, I'm in. Mike wasn’t sure what he wanted, as long as it incorporated an “Ice Dragon.” So, I thought, why not make the whole car an Ice Dragon? With his forward tilt hood and suicide doors, it was a perfect fit.

The design was printed on my HP Latex 800W. I wanted the blues to pop, so I used Avery Diamond White SW900 with DOL1360Z gloss laminate. The metallic film with the super gloss laminate gives it a paint-like finish, with the metallic shining through the ink. If you haven't printed on a metallic film with a gloss laminate, you're missing out! You can even create color shifts or fluorescents by printing over a colored metallic like 3M Gloss Gold Sparkle.

38 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

@carbonized_productions

The entire design was created in Photoshop. I started by converting an image of leaves to a black and white alpha mask, then extruded it to become 3D. I stacked and shuffled individual leaves to form a long column, then used the “Bulge” and “Puppet Warp” tools to shape it. The face was a collage of horned lizards and iguana skin textures over a 3D dragon face, with ice textures for the horns. I applied a dark blue to light blue “Gradient Map” to give the composition consistent coloring. That’s where I handed it off. Kudos to the install crew for bringing this design to life!

A big shout out to his sponsors: TunerGoods, Avant Garde Wheels, J&E Customz, Xtreme AeroWerkz Performance, and Vertical Doors all played a part in this magnificent show car.

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August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 39

THE WRAP WONDER from

DOWN UNDER

By Graeme Doolan, Pavise PPF

M

y journey in the automotive industry began in 1996 when I started out as a

window tinter. I spent a few years working for aftermarket companies, servicing dealerships, and gradually expanding my skill set. Around 2010, I began to take vehicle wraps and paint protection film (PPF) more seriously. Although PPF initially struggled to compete with window film jobs, I didn't give up. In 2013, I took a leap of faith, transitioning from trade work to opening my own retail store. This shift allowed me to focus on vehicle wrapping and PPF, which became central to my business. Social media played a significant role in this journey, connecting me with industry 40 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

leaders and deepening my passion for the craft.

With social media being so prominent, I pushed forward and really had a deep dive into the American scene. Seeing people like Jim Miller, Jeremy Connor, and John Duever (to name a few) and the amazing things they were doing was mind-blowing. I would always slide into the DMs trying to pick their brains. I quickly realized there were some savages here in Australia, and I would lean on some of those guys for advice, feedback, and ideas on where to push the industry.

I still reember the first one to welcome me into their shop and share any and all knowledge was Joel at Killer Image. Even though technically

@graemedoolantraining

he was my competition, he showed me that we can actually support each other and still succeed. This was all very new to me, as the tint industry was pretty toxic and not very forthcoming with techniques and support.

It didn't take long before we were buying printers, laminators, and cutting tables, and we were in deep. My drive was always customer satisfaction, and I used to tell my staff, "I want you to wrap these cars as if your worst critics are watching. Do your best work, and if you make a mistake, fix it."

In 2014, I had the opportunity to meet Chris Cook from 3M. Being an engineer and the

I envisioned years and years ago that one day I would have the opportunity to sign the wall that has been signed by all the legends of the industry at Miller Decals.

head of the technical department at 3:00 AM, he was obviously a wealth of knowledge, and I spent a lot of time picking his brain (sorry, Chris). I then worked on projects hand-in-hand with not only Chris Cook but also my sales rep from 3M, John Sorrenti.

I realized there were other people also passionate about the industry, and I felt like I belonged and had a voice. Shortly thereafter, I became 3M certified, and I was always pestering them to run more August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 41

THE WRAP WONDER from

DOWN UNDER training classes. That quickly turned into them asking for help running said training classes.

I've since closed that retail store and spent the last few years traveling all over the country and the world, training not only for 3M but also

Marble road barriers. I wrapped 20 of these low surface energy barriers which went on to be displayed in our capital as a political/ war protest.

My old workshop rust wrap… back when rust wraps were cool (if that was ever possible).

42 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

Avery Dennison, The Tint School PPF, and my own independent training. This has brought me opportunities to work on some really cool projects, meet people I never thought I'd get to meet, and go places I never thought I'd get to go.

This career has taught me so much, not just in business but in life. It's also exposed that I still have a lot to learn, which is awesome because I have a passion for continual growth.

When Justin Pate coined the phrase, "never stop learning," it really resonated with me. It made me realize this is a journey, and there won't be an end state. Watching these giants that I've mentioned pave the way forward, I genuinely feel it's my responsibility to bring my BEST self forward when I'm facilitating a training program for any company or group. I only get a few hours or potentially a few days with the trainees, so I want to have the best impact possible.

I wholeheartedly love this industry, and I hope to spend many more years within it and supporting it. We have many different facets to cover between installers, suppliers, shop owners, and employees, which now calls for support from the many wonderful trainers that are emerging. I welcome any and all people who

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 43

THE WRAP WONDER from

DOWN UNDER

Venetian timber boat wrapped in Dinoc then ppf.

A full-size bus finished inside and out with wrap for Microsoft.

The roof, walls, and exterior are all vinyl.

44 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

might bring something of value to the table.

My advice to you is simple: Be a good learner. Every opportunity is a learning one.

Whether it's a horrible customer, a nice customer, or a challenging project, there is always something to learn and grow from.

Take opportunities to meet new people and get involved in the community around the industry. There are plenty of amazing people who are more than willing to help.

Invest in yourself. Spend the time to go and get trained and learn about the products that you're using. The industry is constantly evolving, and you need to evolve with it. If you don't know where to start, then ask your reps or suppliers, or reach out to one of the many industry leaders out there genuinely trying to help.

So, what's next? Honestly, this is hard for me to answer accurately. I'm trying to stay at the tip of the spear in the industry and keeping my ear to the ground while also responding to the industry's needs. Currently, PPF training is my biggest focus, as well as growing my own business as a store owner with my business partners on the Gold Coast.

We have it there as a premier tint, wrap, and PPF studio, but we can also use it as a training facility. One thing is for sure: I'll never get too comfortable. I'll always keep moving and learning and welcome the opportunity to meet other great wrappers from around the world.

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 45

WWF

Windows, Walls, Floors

Transforming Interiors with Window Film Solutions

By James “Ruggs” Kochevar nterior transformations can dramatically enhance the aesthetics, functionality, and comfort of work and living spaces.

One of the most versatile and innovative solutions for such transformations is the use of window films. Manufacturers in the market offer a comprehensive range of window films designed to meet various needs in both residential and commercial settings. These films provide numerous benefits, including energy efficiency, privacy, UV protection, and improved security, all while enhancing the visual appeal of interiors. This article explores how window films can be used to transform interiors effectively.

The Multifaceted Benefits of Window Films 1. Energy Efficiency One of the primary advantages of window films is their ability to improve energy efficiency. By reducing heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter, these films help maintain a consistent indoor temperature, thereby reducing the reliance on heating and cooling systems. This not only leads to significant energy savings but also contributes to a more sustainable environment.

2. UV Protection Some window films block up to 99% 46 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

of harmful UV rays, which can cause fading and deterioration of furniture, flooring, and artwork. By protecting interior furnishings from UV damage, these films help preserve the integrity and appearance of the decor, extending the life of valuable items.

3. Enhanced Privacy Privacy is a crucial consideration in many settings, from residential homes to corporate offices. In this situation, you want to familiarize yourself with decorative films that provide privacy without compromising natural light. These films come in different patterns and opacities, allowing for customized solutions that meet specific privacy needs while adding an element of design.

4. Improved Security Security is another significant concern that can be addressed with window films.

These films can hold shattered glass in place, preventing injury from flying shards and making it more difficult for intruders to gain access.

Security films are especially beneficial in areas prone to natural disasters or break-ins.

5. Aesthetic Enhancement Decorative films offer endless possibilities for aesthetic enhancement. Available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, these films can be used to create custom designs that reflect personal style or corporate branding. Whether adding a frosted look to a bathroom window

or incorporating a vibrant design in a storefront, decorative films can significantly elevate the visual appeal of any space. The use of printable films opens up the possibilities immensely.

Applications in Residential Spaces 1. Living Rooms and Bedrooms Photo courtesy of Digital Precision In living rooms and 3. Home Offices bedrooms, window films can be used to create As more people work from home, creating a comfortable and stylish environment. Energya productive and comfortable home office has efficient films help maintain a cozy indoor become essential. Window films can reduce temperature, while decorative films can add glare on computer screens, making it easier to a touch of elegance or whimsy. Privacy films work during sunny days. Additionally, decorative are ideal for bedroom windows, providing films can be used to enhance the office decor, seclusion without sacrificing natural light. creating a professional and inspiring workspace.

2. Kitchens and Bathrooms Kitchens and bathrooms benefit from Applications in Commercial Spaces window films that offer both privacy and style.

1. Office Buildings Frosted or patterned films can be applied In commercial office buildings, window films to windows and glass cabinet doors, adding can improve both aesthetics and functionality. visual interest while concealing contents. In Energy-efficient films help reduce heating bathrooms, privacy films ensure seclusion and cooling costs, contributing to a more and comfort, especially in areas with large sustainable operation. Decorative films can be windows or glass shower enclosures.

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 47

WWF

Windows, Walls, Floors

Photo courtesy of Digital Precision

used to reinforce branding and create visually appealing workspaces. Privacy films are ideal for conference rooms and private offices, ensuring confidentiality during meetings and work sessions.

2. Retail Stores For retail stores, the visual appeal is crucial in attracting customers. Decorative films can transform storefronts and display windows, creating eye-catching designs that draw in shoppers. These films can also be used to create privacy in fitting rooms or office areas without compromising the store's open and inviting atmosphere.

3. Hospitality Industry In the hospitality industry, creating a welcoming and comfortable environment is key to customer satisfaction. Window films can enhance guest comfort by improving energy efficiency 48 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

and reducing glare. Decorative films can add a luxurious touch to hotel lobbies, restaurants, and guest rooms, elevating the overall aesthetic and creating a memorable experience for guests.

4. Healthcare Facilities Healthcare facilities require a balance of privacy, hygiene, and aesthetics. Window films can provide privacy for patient rooms and treatment areas, ensuring a comfortable and secure environment. Decorative films can be used to create calming and attractive spaces, which can positively impact patient well-being and recovery.

Innovative Solutions for Modern Challenges 1. Smart Films These films can change from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button, providing instant privacy when needed. Smart films are ideal for modern offices, conference rooms, and luxury homes, offering flexibility and convenience without compromising style.

2. Anti-Graffiti Films In urban environments, vandalism can be a significant issue. Anti-graffiti films protect glass surfaces from scratches and graffiti, making it easy to clean and maintain the appearance of windows. These films are particularly beneficial for public buildings, transportation hubs, and retail stores located in high-traffic areas.

3. Daylight Redirecting Films Daylight redirecting films are designed to enhance natural light distribution within buildings. By redirecting sunlight deeper into the interior, these films reduce the need for artificial lighting, creating a brighter and more pleasant environment while also saving on energy costs.

Installation and Maintenance The installation of window films is a straightforward process that can be completed with minimal disruption. Professional installers ensure that the films are applied correctly to maximize their benefits and longevity. Once installed, window films require little to no

maintenance, making them a cost-effective and hassle-free solution for interior transformations.

Conclusion Window films offer a versatile and effective solution for transforming interiors across various settings. Whether for residential homes, commercial offices, retail stores, or healthcare facilities, these films provide a range of benefits, from energy efficiency and UV protection to enhanced privacy and security.

With their extensive range of decorative options, window films also allow for creative and personalized design solutions that can elevate the aesthetic appeal of any space.

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IN PRINT

We now offer on-demand print copies of WrapFam Unleashed.

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 49

Team Mad Monkey Wrapz Wins

CAMBEA Virtual Wrap

"Celebration"

NORTH AMERICA VIRTUAL 2024

By James "Ruggs" Kochevar

I

recently sat down with the three partners at Tekton Performance Films to delve into their market philosophy and the genesis of this exciting contest.

The ALLTAK/Tekton Partnership Q: How did the ALLTAK/Tekton relationship begin?

A: "As cheesy as it sounds, we were on the hunt for a vinyl brand that could truly inspire us," they explained. "Matt stumbled upon Alltak on social media, and we were instantly captivated by their business conduct, brand building, and market approach. It was a no-brainer – this was the supplier we wanted to partner with!"

shop owners, allowing us to genuinely connect with customers through shared real-world experiences."

Q: Why choose a contest as your engagement strategy?

A: "What better way to boost market awareness than by creating some social media buzz?" they grinned. "We figured a trip to Brazil would do just that! Plus, the fun, party-like atmosphere aligns perfectly with Tekton's business model."

The Birth of a Contest

And so, a contest was born...

Tekton Performance Films and ALLTAK proudly unveiled one of the year's most Q: What's your overall philosophy in approaching anticipated events: the 2024 CAMBEA Virtual the market?

Wrap Contest. From March 4th to May 31st, A: "From day one, our goal has been simple yet professional automotive wrap shops were ambitious – to be the company you WANT to invited to showcase their project vehicles. This buy from," they emphasized. "It might sound wasn't just a contest; it was a celebration of obvious, but as champions of lesser-known brands the artistry and craftsmanship that defines the in our markets, we've always prioritized being automotive wrap industry. With prestigious approachable and providing top-notch service. judges, unparalleled prizes, and a global Our edge? All our reps are former installers or stage, it was an opportunity like no other.

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Mad Monkey Wrapz winning entry.

Grand Prize The grand prize winner would receive an epic trip for two to São Paulo, Brazil!

The package included: - Entry for two into CAMBEA at Interlagos Festival (August 8-11, 2024) - Round-trip coach airfare for two from a major airport near the winner's shop - Four nights in a standard hotel room - Round-trip ground transfers in São Paulo - $500 cash

Behind the Scenes Q: What criteria did you use to structure the contest?

A: "We kept the first round open to any North

Team Mad Monkey Wrapz: Javier Cruz and Damian Cordero

American shop interested in participating," they explained. "Entrants simply had to submit three photos of previous projects on our website and await judging. Once we selected the top 10 finalists, those shops had to create a brand-new design. To level the playing field, Tekton and Alltak provided Alltak film at no cost for these August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 51

The Finalists 1

Kevin Kempf PG NOLA™ Gretna, LA, USA @pgnola

2

2. Alfred Cancino Enzo Auto Wrap Las Vegas, NV, USA @enzo_autowrap

3

3. Scott Decker WrapOn Tools Asheboro, NC, USA @wrapontools

4

5

4. Max Morozov NeonNine Design Richmond Hill, ON, Canada @neonninedesign

new projects. The completed designs were then posted on our contest website for public and judge voting."

Q: Who were your judges and why did you choose them?

A: "We brought on Jess and Mike from Wrapsesh, Thiago Sossai from Alltak, and of course, the three Tekton partners," they shared. "We've worked with Wrapsesh before – they're not only great people but also deeply passionate about the industry. We wanted to infuse that positive energy into the contest. Thiago, an Alltak Pro Expert who's conducted training sessions in Canada, was a natural fit for our judging panel."

Q: How did you narrow down the list of finalists?

A: "Each of our five judges independently logged into the contest website to rate entrants across three categories using a 5-star system," they detailed.

"We then calculated the top 10 based on the cumulative scores from each judge."

The Final Showdown 5. Haley Sinclair Sinner Creations Springlake, NC, USA @hollywood.haley

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Once the Top 10 were selected, the power shifted to the public. Finalists took to their social media channels,

rallying for votes on their project vehicles. The promotion was relentless – you couldn't check your phone without seeing Cambea dominating your feed.

The catch? Each voter could only cast one vote, leading to a fierce and fast-paced campaign by the contestants.

The Finalists 6

6. Michael Dmytrow Surf City Graphics Huntington Beach, CA, USA @surfcitygraphics

7

And the Winner Is...

When the dust settled and votes were tallied, Mad Monkey Wrapz emerged victorious, securing their spot to compete in CAMBEA 13 in São Paulo, Brazil. Matthew Rowlands of Tekton praised their work: "Mad Monkey did an incredible job incorporating multiple colors through printing. The final results were heavily influenced by public voting, showing their design had mass appeal."

For Javier Cruz and Damian Codero of Mad Monkey Wrapz, this victory is another feather in their cap, following a string of recent contest wins.

Congratulations once again to team Mad Monkey Wrapz and to all who participated. We're already eagerly anticipating next year's contest – keep an eye out for a Q1 2025 start date!

7. Miguel Pedraza Aguilera 5 AM Vinyl Suwanee, GA, USA @5amvinyl

8

8. James Garcia D'core Wrapz Henderson, NV, USA @dcore.wrapz

9

9. Javier Cruz Mad Monkey Wrapz Vineland, NJ, USA

10

@madmonkeywrapz

10. Alejandro Zuniga Visionary Graphics Wenatchee, WA, USA @vsionarygraphics

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 53

Pro Tip

Building Your Dream Team The Foundation of a Successful Vinyl Installation Company

Member Spotlight

By Ruben Frausto, VISCOMM s a seasoned veteran in the graphic vinyl installation industry, I've learned that success in this competitive field requires a combination of skills, dedication, and the right mindset.

Starting your own installation company can be daunting, but with the right strategies in place, it's possible to carve out a successful niche for yourself.

One key piece of advice I offer to those starting a graphic vinyl installation company is to prioritize finding trustworthy help. Building a team of skilled and reliable installers is essential for the smooth and efficient operation of your business.

Delegating tasks to qualified employees will not

54 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

only lighten your workload but also allow you to focus on growing and expanding your business.

When I first started out, I tried to do everything myself. I quickly realized that this approach was limiting my company's growth potential. By bringing on capable team members, I was able to take on more projects and improve the quality of our work.

This shift in approach was crucial to the success and expansion of my business.

When hiring, look beyond just technical skills. Seek out individuals who share your passion for the craft and align with your company's values. Remember, you can teach skills, but you can't teach character. Investing in employees who are committed to building a career in the industry can help create a loyal and dedicated team that contributes to the overall success of your company.

It's important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your team, always striving for excellence in every project. Encourage your team to set personal goals and provide them with the resources and support to achieve them. This could mean investing in advanced training or creating a work environment that fosters creativity and problem-solving.

Creating a positive work culture goes beyond just fair pay and benefits. It's about fostering an environment of respect and open

communication. Celebrate victories together, formal programs like employee of the month big and small. When your team feels valued awards, or simply by acknowledging great work and heard, they're more likely to go the extra in team meetings. A little recognition goes a mile for your clients and your company. long way in boosting morale and loyalty.

As your team grows, consider implementing In conclusion, building a strong team takes a mentorship program. Pairing experienced time and effort, but with the right people by installers with newer team members can your side, your installation company can thrive accelerate skill development and reinforce your and stand out in the industry. Trust in your company's best practices. This approach not only team, encourage their growth, and foster a improves the overall quality of work but also helps positive work environment to ensure long-term build a sense of camaraderie within your team. success. Remember, your team is your most Don't underestimate the importance valuable asset – invest in them wisely, and the of ongoing training and development. The returns will be immeasurable. By focusing on graphic vinyl installation industry is constantly building a skilled, motivated, and cohesive team, evolving, with new materials and techniques you're not just creating a successful business – emerging regularly. Investing in your team's you're laying the foundation for a lasting legacy education keeps your company competitive in the graphic vinyl installation industry. and shows your employees that you're Ruben Frausto committed to their professional growth.

Owner, VISCOMM Custom Graphics Remember that building a strong team isn't just about hiring the right people – it's also about retaining them. Recognize and reward good performance. This could be through August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 55

Featured

Wraps

@thesignhub

@vinylvixenwraps

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@wrapseshaz

@freddycustomz

@ vinylwerkz August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 57

Featured

Wraps @wrapstyle

@kolor_werx 58 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

@svenzuercher

cycleofbeenflower

August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 59

W

elcome to the Trainer Spotlight, where we highlight individual trainers. The spotlighted trainers are industry leaders with a wealth of knowledge to share, offering valuable tips, techniques,

and hands-on experiences that will empower you to excel in your wrap craft. Be sure to visit their websites for more info and training dates.

Adam Sumner

WRAPIX Academy Burbank, CA 91502 818-433-7548 Adam@wrapixacademy.com Wrapix Academy is the only west coast 3M Authorized training and testing facility. With over 6000 square feet our training facility is dedicated only to graphic installations. We offer 11 different hands on stations to build and refine skills. Whether you be new to the industry or a seasoned professional, our training classes can be adapted to fit any need.

Jamie Mullican School Of Wrap Nashville, TN 37210 (615) 646-3277 mully@schoolofwrap.com Located in the heart of the music city, School of Wrap is a 3M Authorized Training Facility offering 3 different certifications and training. As 3M Preferred Installer you will be recognized as among the best in the industry. Promote yourself and your business as a leader in installations and 3M will list and promote you as well. Our training will teach you the latest techniques and standards used in the industry.

YOUR SPOTLIGHT HERE

(303) 219-0827 ruggs@thewrapfam.com 60 l WrapFam Unleashed l August 2024

ACCELERATE YOUR BUSINESS REVERSE LOGO

Reach Your Target Audience with: • Exclusive Issue Sponsorships

• New Product Showcases

• Eye-Catching Display Ads

• Trainer Spotlights

Don't get left behind - advertise with us!

Contact: (303) 219-0827 or advertise@thewrapfam.com August 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 61

Video Minute

Wrapping a Quarter Panel Matthew Wolynski (Tallest Wrapper Alive) walks you through wrapping a bumper.

WATCH

NOW

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