6 minute read
DOWN UNDER THE WRAP WONDER from
By Graeme Doolan, Pavise PPF
My 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 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 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, I never envisioned years and years ago that one day I'd be talking to the 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 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 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 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.
