WrapFam Unleashed - June 2024

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Editorial June 2024

6/ Liner Notes

Keep Moving Forward

James “Ruggs” Kochevar reminds everyone to take stock, reflect, and prioritize, but don’t stop.

8/ The Wrap Business

Create The Right Culture

Matt Richart gives us an inside look at how the culture you create dictates the success you’ll have.

12 / Tips N Tricks (TNT) Protect Your Brand

Dan Antonelli and his team share words of advice on how to protect your digital creations.

14 / The Shop

The Importance of Profiles and Color Matching

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Adam Sumner, guides you on color profiles that will help maximize your print file potential.

16 / Ask John

How to Scale Without Burnout John Duever takes a deep dive into the benefits of pushing your staff’s potential for growth.

20/ Presentar (Spanish) La Verde Chicana

René Ortega ofrece una mirada al movimiento mexicano de envolturas y a Rafael Muñoz, el hombre que guía a la comunidad latina.

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Editorial

Ad Index

June 2024

24/ Feature (English)

56 / Opinion

Rene Ortega provides a look at a Mexican wrap movement and Rafael Munoz, the man guiding the Latin community.

Jonathan Belkus-Blair gives us his view on the disparaging stance of noobs of the market.

La Green Chicana

Backyard Wrappers

Digital EFX…………………………11 MagStrapz……………………… 19 School of Wrap……………… 61 Wensco……………………………… 7

32 / The Centerfold

58 / Windows, Walls & Floors WrapIQ…………………………… 41 (WWF)

Jonnette McGowen, MDI Vehicle Wraps & Graphics, drops our jaws in this month’s pictorial.

Ruggs offers a vinyl solution you can offer to your clients looking for an extra layer of protection.

The “King & Queen” Wrap

40 / Opinion

Random Thoughts: A Business Owner’s Perspective

Sam Carlino, owner of CW Wraps, waxes philosophically about the ins and outs of running a wrap shop.

44 / Featured Wraps Gallery

Highlighting the artisans of today’s wraps market.

46 / Inside Scoop

Latex Printing for Vehicle Wraps HP’s Tom Wittenberg discusses the features and benefits of using a latex printer in your wrap shop.

48 / Cybertruck Showcase Gallery

A look at the newest must-do vehicle craze.

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Security Films for Windows

WRAPIX Academy…………… 61 Wrap Institute…………………… 5 Wrap Nation……………………… 2

60 / Tips N Tricks (TNT) Video Minute Wrapping a Bumper

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

61/ Trainers Spotlight Trainer Profiles

A look at who’s ready to train you for success!

62 / In The News

A Look at What’s Happening in the Market Bringing you the latest news.

63 / WrapToons

The Wrap’s Markets Dedicated Toon!

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

- On the Cover -

The Cybertruck craze is sweeping the nation. SS Customs absolutely crushed this design and we couldn’t be happier to feature it. Check out The Cybertruck Showcase starting on page 48.

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June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 5

Liner

June 2024

VOL. 1 ISSUE 6

Notes

www.thewrapfam.com Publisher, Editor-in-Chief James “Ruggs” Kochevar

Keep Moving Forward

ruggs@thewrapfam.com

A

s Alice Cooper famously sang, “School’s Out for Summer!” Assuring kids it’s time to take a deep breath, and say goodbye to those oppressive feelings of structure and being confined by others. Time to get out there, throw caution to the wind, and let your

freak flag fly! Right?!? I mean, it sounds good. In this business, it means trying to squeeze in graduations, holidays, vacations, and hopefully some days at the lake on top of the daily grind.

Bring on the Summer activities and the temporary graphics that accompany them - The festivals, the concerts, the ball games, the fairs, the holiday sales, the boat wraps - you name it! Plenty of money out there waiting to be made!

It’s also a good time to take stock and consider the opportunity costs in front of you. Is it time for another trip to Disney or Cabo, or is it time to expand, buy new equipment, update your software, or maybe hire a new installer? Many companies are transitioning into larger facilities, some adding on, others moving completely. A gigantic pain in the ass for those companies, yet a dream undertaking for so many smaller shops with big aspirations.

As I’ve always told my kids, no matter what you choose, pick a path and move forward. You can’t do everything, so pick something. Take that skills certification course, utilize an online business class, and/or hire a coach. Pick your path.

Reflect on your journey so far. What have you achieved? What lessons have you learned? Use this time to celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and learn from any setbacks. It’s all part of the growth process.

So, how will you spend your summer? Will you dive into new projects or take a much-needed break to recharge? Whatever you decide, make sure it aligns with your goals and moves you forward.

-Ruggs

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

Contributors Adam Sumner

adam@wrapixacademy.com

John Duever

john@wrapiq.com

Matt Richart

matt@digitalefx.com

Dallas Fowler dallas@digitalefx.com

Guest Contributors Rene Ortega Jonnette McGowen Sam Carlino Tom Wittenberg Johnathan Belku-Blair Matthew Wolynski

@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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WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU! REVERSE LOGO

• Design Studio

• Featured Wraps

• Tips & Tricks (TNT)

• Failed

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• Windows, Walls

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It's easy - Simply submit your projects on our website.

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 7

The Wrap Biz

Create the Right Culture!

By Matt Richart hen Dallas and I first started Digital EFX Wraps in 2004 the word culture wasn’t even on our radar.

Our main focus was keeping the business afloat along with just surviving. I believe fear for me was my constant throughout the first three years of our business. I was fearful of running out of clients, work, and most importantly our cash flow. Our main focus was getting through each month so that we could afford our overhead along with our small weekly check of $375. I can remember it like yesterday.

I say all that to paint a clearer picture of where my mental state was. I was not concentrating on our business growth, where we were going, not realizing our true numbers, and most importantly I was not focused on our culture at all.

As I look back to twenty years ago I believed then that culture really didn’t matter until we had a larger company of ten or more team members.

I thought we were below creating a culture due to the fact that it was just Dallas and me in a small building trying to survive each month. For me culture and creating that atmosphere was not in my frame of thought. Looking back I do realize we were creating a culture without even knowing it but it was constantly changing. The main issue for our company is we didn’t know 8 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

how to actually create a culture. Where do you start? What input or information do you need to compile? How do you create a culture that is Real?

Just like anything else in life or in business you just need to dive into the subject matter you are after. For us, the first main objective was creating a culture. After four years of being in business, we eventually had four team members.

After year six we added two more to our team. It wasn’t until year twelve or so that we had eight team members and now after almost twenty years of business we have eleven team members. We are also continuing to grow by adding on another designer and full-time installer. Our next hire will be in sales which should put us in the fourteen range of total team members. This includes both owners, managers, and our entire staff.

Our company has grown at a slower pace than anticipated but we also have been conservative with our growth/expansion. Once our company hit five employees we should have been creating the blueprint for our culture but failed to do so. As Dallas and I call it we were running the Wild Wild West of wrap shops. We were semi-organized, held occasional meetings, jobs were on paper forms with plastic sleeves, jobs were scheduled on dry-erase boards, and we attempted to be the cool owners. We allowed our team to get haircuts when they needed them. Last-minute doctor appointments were always approved. We allowed our installers to listen to whatever music

they desired along with wearing their own style of clothing as long as it was Digital EFX Wraps branded. Our main focus was to allow our team to feel as if they were at home. Our company is a family mixed with different personalities who all have the same goal to be the best wrap shop

around. Our main obstacle was not implementing a culture and just assuming we had one based on the reactions and demeanor of our team.

Culture is very crucial for any company to have regardless of the amount of team members they have. This is where I went wrong. If Dallas June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 9

The Wrap Biz

and myself created our culture from the beginning in 2004 I now believe that we would have grown more rapidly. Having a culture in place that not only your team members can believe but that your clients can feel is the most important aspect of culture. Culture as a whole can help with three basic areas that are desperately needed. Having the right culture can attract top talent that your company can utilize. When your culture is in place your team can identify with your company’s values which allows you to attract top talent that creates even more positive teamwork. The second factor is preventing team members from getting burned out. We have found that if we prioritize our team's work-life balance along with feeling like they are in a supportive work atmosphere it helps to prevent burnout. The third factor in building your culture is that it increases productivity and your success. We want our team to feel respected, and valued, and to feel as if they do have a say in our operations and how we can be even more successful. We tell our team when and why we need certain projects completed. It’s up to them to tell us How it will get done which gives them the ownership and accountability of each project. This not only builds more success but also validates our culture.

Our wonderful business coach of three years had us make three lists to start out with.

The last list was the most eye-opening of them all. Use this system to start building your culture today. The first list was Dallas and I writing down keywords, thoughts, and sentences that we thought hit our culture. The second list was asking these same questions to our team to get 10 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

their input and ideas. The third list was asking these identical questions to your clients. When I heard we had to ask our clients what they perceived our culture to be I was nervous along with being a little anxious. I wasn’t worried about any negativity but more just fear of the unknown. When we got back our information from some of our great customers it was one of the most rewarding parts of running our business.

To see that our clients had the same feel and understanding of our culture really allowed us to validate who we are, what we are about, and what this company requires in order to be successful. Culture is not only important for your team to feel and understand but your clients need to feel it as well. When that happens your company can really take off. After we compiled our lists and thoughts we ranked them in order of importance to really hone in our true culture.

We had grouped together Passion/ Creativity, Craftsmanship/Quality, Honesty/ transparency, Professional/Organized, and Communication/Teamwork. After narrowing down our main lists and what we agreed on as an organization was a company that was Passionate about our creativity, strives for craftsmanship and quality that you can see and feel. We also built into our culture how we are Professional while communicating with transparency not only with our clients but with our number one client of them all. That number one client of Digital EFX Wraps is our TEAM. If our team believes and buys into our culture our clients will see and feel it as well. This is what allows our company to stay strong, grow, attract new talent, eliminate

burnout, and make this a place where everyone wants to be part of where we are going!!

Don’t be afraid after you build your culture that it could change because it can. Sometimes when you create your culture you may find that you truly aren’t living up to those characteristics that were laid out. Sometimes over time your values and culture do change based off the direction your company is going. Doing this in my opinion makes your culture REAL. I didn’t and don’t ever want our culture to be cliché or fake. We want our core values and culture to be lived up to along with believing in those values so that we all buy in. This includes Dallas

and myself as owners. If we don’t live by our culture and create that environment everything that I have mentioned in this article becomes irrelevant. Dig deep into your company's values, and beliefs, and why you and your team members are there!! Creating the right culture will also make your more profitable which allows you to grow and to prepare for the future!

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

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TNT (Tips N Tricks)

Protect Your Brand: Understanding Trademark

By Dan Antonelli and Team our brand is your company’s identity. You can argue that it’s your company’s most valuable asset. You have insurance to protect your people and equipment, but how do you protect your brand?

That’s what a trademark is for.

Trademark law is complicated, but it’s important to understand the basics—at least enough to know when you need a professional’s help. As a branding and marketing agency that works closely with home service companies, we see many contractors become victims of trademark infringement, and we also ensure the work we do for our clients doesn’t get them into trademark trouble.

What are the differences between copyright and trademark?

Both are forms of intellectual property protection. A copyright protects original works of authorship such as books, movies, songs and website content. A trademark protects the things that identify a business (the source of goods or services). They include the name, logo and tagline.

Do you have copyright and trademark protection automatically?

Yes, but it’s limited. In both cases, registering your copyright or trademark enhances your protection. If you want to sue to enforce your 12 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

copyright protection, it needs to be registered, so it’s worth taking this step for a work of significant value. If you use your name or logo in the marketplace, you automatically have a common law trademark. This can help protect you if a local competitor tries to use a similar brand.

However, without a registered trademark, you can't challenge its usage beyond your local area.

How do I protect my new brand?

When you start using a new company name or logo, use the ™ symbol to show that you're claiming trademark protection. Then, apply for registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Once you receive your registered trademark (this process can take up to a year), replace the ™ with the ® symbol.

What should I do if someone steals my brand?

If you find someone using your name or brand, or something similar, consider consulting a lawyer to send a cease and desist order to stop them. If your brand isn't registered but you used it first and the violation is in your market, your common law trademark should be enough. However, for stronger enforcement outside your service area, you'll need a registered trademark. After sending a cease and desist, follow up to maintain your brand's protection.

How do I make sure I’m not using a stolen brand?

Beware of crowdsourcing sites. They are unreliable sources, and you cannot be sure the brand they create for you is original. KickCharge Creative has seen countless examples of crowdsourcing design sites, logo contests and sign companies selling unknowing companies a brand design The logo for Timo's Air Conditioning & Heating has been stolen many times over they stole from someone the years. A perfect example of why crowdsourcing websites are not reliable for else. Many designers on such professional branding. sites even use KickCharge expensive lesson to learn. If you wrapped your images to advertise their design services! fleet using a stolen design, you’ll need to strip When you agree to the terms of use for a the wraps and start over. You’ll also have to toss crowdsourcing site or contest, you give up your your printed materials and uniforms. KickCharge rights against the site. This means you can't Creative has seen companies that needed to legally recover damages resulting from using a redesign their websites, too, because they used logo that belongs to someone else. For example, if you have to redo all your collateral, like truck a stolen brand. Don’t make this costly mistake. wraps, due to a stolen logo, you can't sue the crowdsourcing site to cover the expenses.

Work With Professionals to Stay If your brand is not original artwork or it’s Protected clipart, you enjoy no trademark protection. Hire It takes time and costs more money to a professional and do your due diligence. You develop your brand professionally and to pursue can search your company name with the United legal counsel, but both are worthwhile endeavors States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to that will prevent serious problems in the future. ensure it’s not already trademarked. Also, check the business registry for your state and do simple Dan Antonelli Google searches to see whether it’s in use.

President, KickCharge Creative®

What happens if I get caught using a stolen brand?

You’ll likely get caught, and it’ll be an June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 13

The Shop

The Importance of Profiles and Color Matching

By Adam Sumner can remember back when I had my first printer delivered. I was running a Roland EX 540 Pro 2. It was a great machine coming with a tip but the machine was dropped off and set up and I was pretty much thrown to the wolves to figure out what everything was. With a list of generic profiles preloaded on the rip. For a number of years, that’s all I ran: one profile no matter what film was loaded, never realizing that my profile could have negative effects on my materials for installation. In this month's article, I wanted to touch on a few options you have, to really dial in your prints.

The first option is the most simple. Most manufacturers have ICC Color Profiles for you to download straight from their sites. This is a great option for those who don’t want to go down the rabbit hole of building your own custom ICC profile. By downloading the correct profile you will ensure that the amount of ink being laid down during each pass is set at the correct limit for what material you have loaded. Especially when printing with solvent printers you need to run the correct profile or the ink can migrate to the adhesive layer causing the film to be overly aggressive. 3M has released their new IJ 280 which has solvent block technology that helps block the solvent from affecting the adhesive but the easiest way to stop that from happening is choosing a correct 14 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

profile. Looking back at all the issues that I had when I first started doing wraps I know half my problem was I was using a generic calendared print profile and when printing on cast films I was over-saturating the film and it was making the installs terrible. Even switching to a generic cast profile wouldn’t solve all my issues. Using the recommended profiles from the manufacturer for their materials and your ink set is the best way to get the full features of the film you are purchasing.

But I’ll be honest I didn’t want to stop there. Yes, the profiles I can download work just fine however they are not going to open the full potential of your color gamut, especially if your printer has spot colors as well. We started with the X-Rite i1 pro2 spectrophotometer and began messing with building our own profiles. We later added the iO table, so profiling materials for different pass counts could be done faster since it auto-scans rather than having to scan swatch color patches manually. We built tons of profiles for everything from adhesivebacked vinyl to scrim banners and custom fabrics we were using for Red-Carpet events.

This method opened up our color gamuts and helped us limit our ink usage while still achieving extremely vibrant colors. We profiled multiple machines and were able to achieve similar colors across different media. This helped a ton when printing fabric and trying to match colors between buffet media.

Recently we have been messing with the new NIX sensor this is changing the game when it comes to color giving us the ability to sample colors at a customer’s location then match colors back at the shop and being able to check our prints without having to send a sample or take one by to the customer's location to verify our match. We can compare the original sampled color to our printed sample and see what Delta E Values we are able to achieve with our profile.

Delta E In simple terms is the perceived difference in color from sample to printed swatch.

The closer to 0 the Delta E the more accurately perceived the color will be to a customer typically we are aiming for anything under a Delta E of 3.0. with both the Nix sensor and the X-rite we are able to compare the originals to our prints.

We are also able to compare every printed piece to the original throughout the run to make sure that we are getting the correct color. For us when we sample colors we will try to match the color after lamination because our laminate can change the printed sample a bit. It's a good idea however that when you figure out what color is closest after lamination that you print and save an unlamented sample as well so you can do periodic print checks to make sure your color is staying true before you laminate and ruin an entire run.

Our goal is always to meet or exceed our customers’ expectations, especially with color.

Going the extra mile to build your profiles from the ground up will drastically increase your chances of hitting a wider range of Pantone colors and ensure you're getting the most out of your printer. It will also ensure that prints that get sent out the door today will be able to match for years to come. Adding a spectrophotometer to your list of tools will cut down the time spent printing color swatches and guessing what color is close in different lights. Being able to sample colors and compare them takes all the guesswork out of color matching.

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

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Ask John

How to Scale Without Burnout

By John Duever Cody G asks: John, on The WrapIQ Podcast you talk about producing thousands of wraps and graphics packages a year, how on Earth do you keep your crew from getting burnt out pushing such a pace and what are some things I need to take into account as I scale?

Great question Cody, thank you.

My first response to this question is with a few key ingredients: an impossibly talented team, solid processes and procedures and a very positive culture but to me, those are very obvious so let's dig a little deeper.

When you push a pace you can find yourself in a lot of trouble if you don't set the staff up for success. You have to have a very streamlined systematic approach to high levels of production. I am a massive fan of the lean business model and really focus on this when I look at how things are done. The lean business model will change your life if you fully or

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even partially embrace it. Essentially, it is reducing or eliminating waste on all fronts from product usage, and nesting the panels and graphics properly to not wasting any steps or movements when you are producing. The nesting and product usage is pretty straightforward with any experience in production. Nest things accordingly, print jobs together where able, reduce the amount of different brands of materials and laminates you use and group all jobs on the same material as much as possible, EVEN IF there are different due dates and one job jumps in front of another.

When dealing with this aspect it is important to schedule your jobs accordingly. Full wraps and large panel graphics packages are done together for a day or two and then print and cut jobs are done on another day or part of a day. If there is one thing that will break your crew it is monotony, if they have to produce 300 of the same wrap or graphics package one after the other it is frustrating and after they get to the point of the lowest time possible it gets very boring. People in our industry do not like to be bored and they certainly do not like monotony - schedule the jobs accordingly and keep it interesting.

With all this being said, there are still going to be deadlines and jobs that come in that will need to be the same thing one after another and that's just how the cookie crumbles sometimes. Make sure this happens

as little as possible and everyone will be willing to deal with it from time to time.

Pushing a very high pace is an art form that changes with the complication level of the production process, the difficulty of the job, the skill level of the production personnel as well as their ability to endure essentially torture. Let's just say that we have broken a few people by pushing way too hard to make a deadline. We have learned a lot from our mistakes and now take these things into account. We want to make sure our crew is happy, they are not working too hard and they do not overwork themselves. You must be able to read your crew and read when they are near that breaking point. NEVER, and I mean never find your crew's breaking point.

Get close and back off, educate, get close again and back off, educate, get close and back off.

Each time a new level of education occurs, the breaking point naturally rises especially if you hire high achievers and competitive team members.

Let's talk a little more about that breaking point. Your ability to produce is limited to the talent level of your team. If you think a job should take 25 minutes to produce from start to finish and it takes 35 minutes, guess what, you better put that on the schedule for 35-40 minutes. It doesn't matter what you think, it matters what your team is capable of. This right here is probably the most valuable point I'm making in this article.

Do you want to break your team? Expect them to produce more than they are capable of on a regular basis. This creates frustration, animosity

and anger among all parties involved and leads to a downturn in culture which leads to a downturn in produced jobs. How you counter this is to work to your team's abilities, maybe a little bit more. Educate them, get them training and the times will decrease. Give them the tools necessary to be more successful and they will, as long as they are the right person for the job.

Speaking of time, time yourself on your jobs.

This started for me early on in my installation career. You may not know a single person on Earth who is more competitive than myself; I was born this way and it has only gotten worse over time and I LOVE to challenge myself. I started to time myself when installing panels. If the first panel on a box truck took me 5 minutes, the next one better only take me 4 minutes and 50 seconds and so on and so on until I find the fastest time possible that maxes out my skill set while keeping the quality to my expectations.

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 17

Ask John

When it comes to production, you cannot control it unless you track it so if you have multiple jobs simply time yourself from The time you grab the roll and begin the process of weeding, masking, trimming, etc time it.

Get better and faster with each aspect of the job and you will naturally decrease your time. However, there is a fine line between working fast and making mistakes and working fast and not making mistakes. You have to walk that tightrope without falling because if you make a mistake in production it could blow your entire job up if a panel needs to be reprinted or reprinted then plotter cut which only adds a crazy amount of time and stress, especially if there is a deadline to meet.

I have found that as I age my ability to maintain breakneck speeds while keeping quality as high as possible has lessened. Over the years I have gone from installing an insane amount of square footage a day for many days in a row to only being able to push my fastest pace for a day or two max. This has been a hard pill for me to swallow but at the same time, it has given me a ton of empathy for my team and scheduling. You 18 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

cannot maintain your fastest time for weeks or months on end, it is impossible and I don't care who says they can - they can't. In 23 years in this industry, I have seen every single "world's fastest wrapper"'s speed fade with time and their ability to maintain that speed and quality has faded too. Don't get me wrong, I'll still smoke people in hood wrap competitions but after 4 or 5 of them, I have reached my fastest time and will only fade from there. Understand that no matter your age or ability in your job you will find your limit.

Respect this limit and work to your strengths.

Funny story, I was in production just yesterday and I was talking mad trash to my guys about how good I am at weeding. I haven't weeded vinyl on a regular basis in years and I started to weed a job and just started laughing.

The trash talk turned from me to them to me to myself. Let's just say I won't be challenging anyone to a weeding race for a little while. :) Without practice your skills fade and mine have certainly faded in the weeding category.

Practice and continued work sharpens your skillset and it goes away without practice.

Scheduling is very important for high production. Know how long a job takes and schedule the day accordingly. Know the team's ability, train them where they need it and increase their speeds.

Finally, I want to touch on the equipment involved in high production. Buying the right equipment gives them the tools they need to be successful, this also comes with time and scaling. Over the past few years, we have grown our equipment stable into a state-of-the-art

manufacturing facility with the best equipment that money can buy. Printers, laminators, flatbed weeding and application tables and flatbed routers. Having the right equipment is paramount in high production next to having the right people in the right positions. Every purchase that you make should be bigger, better and faster than what you need because that means your output is scalable when you plug in the correct people paired with the proper training.

Our ability to produce thousands of wraps and graphics packages a year has taken a lot of time and learning, not to mention the money we have spent over the years in our

facility, equipment and team. Be patient, be a student of the game with the understanding that you have no clue what you don't know, never stop learning and the sky is the limit.

John Duever John@wrapiq.com Co-Owner/Operator, Vinyl Images Founder/CEO, WrapIQ

Have a question for John?

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@wrapinstitute June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 19

Por Rene Ortega

Un Vistazo a H.A.L.A.R.

La Verde Chicana

20 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

Member Spotlight

México, existe un grupo que ha dedicado más de dos décadas a llevar a cabo diversos proyectos que han captado la atención y admiración a nivel mundial.

PRODIGYO está liderado por uno de los viajeros más incansables, Rafael Muñoz, quien ha instruido y guiado a cientos de personas de diferentes países para lograr un

profundo conocimiento de las técnicas para la aplicación de adhesivos. Rafael Muñoz es un símbolo de dedicación, compromiso y trabajo constante que permite la evolución.

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 21

La Verde Chicana Un Vistazo a H.A.L.A.R.

Bajo el liderazgo de Muñoz, PRODIGYO ha revolucionado la aplicación de adhesivos en diversas industrias. Sus talleres y seminarios, realizados en países de América Latina y más allá, han equipado a numerosos profesionales con técnicas innovadoras. Estos métodos no solo mejoran la eficiencia, sino que también aseguran la sostenibilidad y longevidad de los proyectos.

Impacto en la Comunidad Latina:

Rafael Muñoz

El legado que Muñoz ha construido dentro de la comunidad latina ha sentado las bases para una transformación de mentalidades que hoy coloca a esta comunidad en competencias internacionales en los podios, llevándose a casa trofeos de 1er Lugar. Este éxito es un testimonio de los altos estándares y la calidad de la formación proporcionada por PRODIGYO.

Acerca de H.A.L.A.R.: H.A.L.A.R. (Agrupación Latinoamericana de Artistas en Rotulación, @halar.oficial) es un grupo de líderes latinos y creadores de proyectos exitosos que juntos están trabajando para impregnar la comunidad del conocimiento, generar espacios creativos, promover competencias, 22 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

Equipo PRODIGYO (de izquierda a derecha): Roberto Muñoz, Fernando Saldivar, Gaby de La Rosa, Rafael Muñoz, Iván Guadarrama, Renè Ranachilanga Ortega

crear conciencia y erradicar malas prácticas que durante años han estancado la necesaria evolución para sobrevivir ante la adversidad.

Proyectos e Iniciativas: Compartir Conocimientos: H.A.L.A.R. permite a expertos de la industria compartir los últimos avances en tecnología adhesiva y técnicas de aplicación.

Espacios Creativos: Han establecido centros de innovación, proporcionando recursos y apoyo para que técnicos y creadores aspirantes experimenten y desarrollen nuevos métodos.

Campañas de Concienciación: A través de diversas campañas, destacan la importancia de prácticas éticas y la necesidad de abandonar técnicas obsoletas y destructivas.

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 23

La Verde Chicana Un Vistazo a H.A.L.A.R.

Antes

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Después

Impulsando la Innovación Nuestra misión: Ser diferentes, originales y atrevidos. Nuestro objetivo: Ser éticos y de calidad moral sólida. Nuestro compromiso de hacer el bien continuará presentándose en nuestras sesiones de capacitación donde buscamos seguir formando líderes con criterios amplios y capacidad técnica que puedan entender y resolver. Nuestro mantra: Crear sin destruir.

El trabajo de PRODIGYO, liderado por Rafael Muñoz, no solo ha revolucionado las técnicas de aplicación de adhesivos, sino que también ha tenido un profundo impacto en la comunidad latina. La dedicación y el compromiso de Muñoz han establecido altos estándares, lo que ha llevado al reconocimiento de la comunidad latina. H.A.L.A.R., PRODIGYO y Muñoz continúan impulsando un cambio positivo e inspirando a la próxima generación de instaladores.

Message ChatGPT C

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 25

By Rene Ortega

A Glimpse at H.A.L.A.R.

La Green Chicana

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Member Spotlight

Mexico, there is a group that has dedicated more than two decades to carrying out diverse projects that have captured worldwide attention and admiration.

Prodigyo Wrap is led by one of the most tireless travelers, Rafael Muñoz, who has instructed and guided hundreds of people from different countries to achieve

a deep knowledge of techniques for the application of adhesives. Rafael Muñoz is a symbol of dedication, commitment and constant work that allows evolution.

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 27

La Green Chicana A Glimpse at H.A.L.A.R.

Under Muñoz’s leadership, Prodigyo has revolutionized the application of adhesives in various industries. His workshops and seminars, held in countries across Latin America and beyond, have equipped numerous professionals with innovative techniques. These methods not only enhance efficiency but also ensure the sustainability and longevity of projects.

Impact on the Latin Community:

Rafael Muñoz

The legacy Muñoz has built within the Latin community has laid the foundations for a transformation of minds that today places this community in international competitions on the podiums, taking home 1st Place trophies. This success is a testament to the high standards and quality of training provided by Prodigyo.

About H.A.L.A.R.: H.A.L.A.R. (Agrupación Latinoamericana de Artistas en Rotulación aka Latin American Association of Sign Artists, @ halar.oficial) is a group of Latino leaders and creators of successful projects that together are working to permeate the knowledge community, 28 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

Prodigyo Team (left to right): Roberto Muñoz, Fernando Saldivar, Gaby de La Rosa, Rafael Muñoz, Iván Guadarrama, Renè Ranachilanga Ortega

generate creative spaces, promote competitions, create awareness and eradicate bad practices that for years have stagnated the necessary evolution to survive in the face of adversity.

Projects and Initiatives: Knowledge Sharing: H.A.L.A.R. allows industry experts share the latest advancements in adhesive technology and application techniques.

Creative Spaces: They have established innovation hubs, providing resources and support for aspiring technicians and creators to experiment and develop new methods.

Awareness Campaigns: Through various campaigns, they highlight the importance of ethical practices and the need to abandon outdated, destructive techniques.

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 29

La Green Chicana A Glimpse at H.A.L.A.R.

Before

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After

Driving Innovation Forward Our mission: Be different, original and daring.

Our goal: Be ethical and of sound moral quality.

Our commitment to do well will continue to be presented in our training sessions where we seek to continue forming leaders with broad criteria and technical capacity who can understand and solve. Our mantra: Create without destroying.

The work of Prodigyo Wrap, led by Rafael Muñoz, has not only revolutionized adhesive application techniques but has also had a profound impact on the Latin community.

Muñoz's dedication and commitment have set high standards, leading to recognition for the Latin community. H.A.L.A.R., Prodigyo Wrap and Muñoz continues to drive positive change and inspire the next generation of wrappers.

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 31

The

Centerfold

“King Q

The 32 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

Queen” Wrap

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 33

The

Centerfold

“K ing Queen” Wrap

The

By Jonnette McGowen, MDI Vehicle Wraps & Graphics

T

his “King and Queen” wrap is a custom show wrap designed and installed by MDI Wraps and Graphics, of the south side of Indianapolis, for the Indianapolis World of Wheels 2024 for Dustin Humston and Sarah Burton.

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@mcgowensdecal

Their Ford Mustang has been a wellknown staple car in the Indianapolis car scene. It previously sported a matte purple wrap (KPMF Iced Amethyst Titanium), also done by MDI roughly 4 years ago.

Custom private vehicles have become a special thing for MDI; Jonnette especially, who gets to sit down with customers through the design process to pull together a wrap that not only achieves wow factor but also hits a

sentimental mark with them as well. Telling the customer's stories through their vehicle wraps is MDI's favorite part of giving someone a custom design and this "King & Queen" car tells several.

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 35

The

Centerfold

“K ing Queen” Wrap

The

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Both Dustin and Sarah can tell you, in depth, all the special touches that were included in this project. As you walk it there are little things that you’ll notice that might raise eyebrows and not make sense at first, but if you dive into their story you will see how everything comes together.

Our favorite pieces added to this design have to be the goat skull on the back, which is a memorial for Dustin’s dad who was known as “The Goat” and those beautiful roses that are also a memorial for a family member of Sarah’s.

All the little special touches add up on this car, but top it all off with the clarity in the design and prints and we assure you, it’s a one-of-a-kind

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 37

The

Centerfold

“K ing Queen” Wrap

The

Jonnette McGowen wraps Dustin Humston and Sarah Burton's Ford Mustang at the Indianapolis World of Wheels 2024.

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vehicle. Everything from the images to the colors and even how they divided and conquered the his and hers install in this vehicle tells a story.

This is just one of many custom showquality prints MDI has in the works with their designer Enzo Talavera for the year. Their goal is to put out award-winning wraps, which in 2024 has already been hugely successful on stage.

One of the outstanding marks of MDI Wraps and Graphics, and their sister company, RPM Performance, is their live demos as they take their wraps in front of crowds to showcase throughout the year in Indianapolis. If you’re ever in the area on a weekend, reach out to Jonnette and pop over to meet them. You'll likely see them putting their work on display in front of the huge Indianapolis car crowd.

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 39

Opinion

Random Thoughts A Business Owners Perspective

Member Spotlight

By Sam Carlino, CW Wraps hen I decided to write this article, I pondered it for a bit and realized very quickly that I had never written an article! English and reading were never my best subjects in school.

I hated sitting down and having to write a book report, or actually read a full book! (Which typically I never did). So now here I sit, having committed to writing this and honestly having no clue what to say or why I should even be the one to share any information!

My 6th grade teacher always said I write like I talk, to which I responded, “Well, isn't that how we communicate?” To which he quickly corrected me.

Unfortunately, I never got the hang of it. Sorry, Mr. Oleno! So hang on for my plethora of words!

One thing I know is that as a business owner, we have dozens of tabs open in our heads. I figured, why not discuss some of these tabs that consist of the daily tasks we business owners deal with, or have questions about when it comes to owning and operating a business successfully? In this article, I will attempt to share with you just my personal opinions and hopefully, it makes sense!

Within the wrap industry, and let's include signs, walls, windows and floor graphics, and 40 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

even the tint and PPF guys. The industry, as a whole, has changed so dramatically over the last 20 years. This has required advancement and upgrades in new materials, which have started evolving, making it faster and easier for installs.

We can get more done and go far beyond what we thought would be possible 20 years ago!

A majority of this growth can be attributed to ever-expanding social media platforms. This advancement has opened a doorway and allowed so many more wrap-curious people to join the industry. From small garage shops to massive corporate companies across the country, and even on a national scale. With social media and its ability to share what you do instantly with the masses, the growth is substantial.

But with this growth and through the work of curious new people and their new ideas come new issues that many are not prepared for!

Currently, CW Wraps employs about 10 people. I have owned it since 2012 when I bought out my 2 partners. I also opened CW Signs and CW Upfitters & Accessories. Started a real estate group called Carlino Group Realty, and now my social media has become its own business as well!

I have a hard-driving force in myself that my wife says is ADHD, maybe, not sure exactly what the cause is, but owning and running a business is a lifestyle. You have to have the ability to manage many things and keep your cool. Otherwise, it will consume you!

During my life, I have met many outstanding mentors who shared with me their personal life and business advice. It is critical to learn from these experiences, have the ability to absorb new knowledge, be open and receptive, and grow through your own experiences.

This is what creates wisdom.

Now I am not saying I am wise, I just have had hundreds of opportunities to fail. With each failure is the opportunity to learn from those failures and move forward. Now as perhaps a more "seasoned" owner of a wrap company, I see things on social media and speak with other business owners a lot. There seem to be some consistent issues that the majority of businesses have, including ours. So after all that gibberish, here is what I decided to touch on.

Expectations Many owners do not set clear expectations. One of the best life lessons I have learned is having clear and set expectations or the understanding of someone else's expectations.

Unmet expectations create disappointment and

disappointment creates anger.

This is a very clear and simple lesson, but it’s lost on so many!

It works in every facet of your life, from relationships with family to customers. Set clear expectations with your team, so that everyone is on the same

page, and if they know and understand, it will reduce your disappointment and frustration.

Having multiple companies only has made this more clear.

Setting proper expectations with my teams, teaching them to understand customers'

How To Responsibly Scale Your Business Into New Markets or Industries.

Group Coaching Industry Forum Networking and Community With the WrapIQ Membership, industry leaders like yourself, band together to navigate the latest industry news and developments.

Unpack and learn to overcome the top issues facing the skilled trades and the business side of the adhesive backed industries.

We provide continued education on things like: How to price your products and services to grow profits and stay competitive.

What are the most effective ways to market your business and attract new customers We share our best practices. What works for us and what hasn’t!

Revolutionize Your Business

By Joining The WrapIQ Membership Today At:

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 41

Opinion

expectations, and or setting them up with the customer is the first item on the list of things to do. It is literally on our worksheet write-up!

Customer Expectations When a customer comes in with piein-the-sky expectations, we help set realistic expectations, therefore not setting us up for a customer who is disappointed or angry!

Better to under-promise and over-deliver.

Mentorship Our industry, which is perfectly shown by where this article is being read, WrapFam Unleashed, has a very tight community with a ton of amazing and extremely talented individuals. All of whom are very willing to educate and help others in our industry! Don't be afraid to ask for advice! No one has all the answers, and many times, a different point of view, outside of your normal perspective will shine a light on a topic that you may have overlooked. It's ok to have pride in your work, but don't let your pride stop you from being humble enough to ask for help when needed!

Customer Relationships Lead and client management is crucial to any industry. With our industry being relatively newer, we have not seen the all-in-one amazing customer management, financials, and project tool as of yet… I believe. There are tools available, but perhaps in the near future, we will see one that really allows us to better manage our customers and our business. But, that being said, taking 42 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

the time to create a system, even in paper form, that allows you to set expectations and gather information necessary to properly care for each and every client is priority one. Here at CW Wraps, I consistently remind my team that without our clients, we would be out of work! They pay for our homes, our groceries, and a little fun mixed in.

Customers can be difficult at times, or downright nasty even… although extremely rare. But either way, they are necessary for the continuation of our livelihood. It's easy to lose sight of that at times when the frustration that is inevitable seeps into our outward expressions. Maintaining proper structure to your clients, and scheduling helps alleviate some of the pressures and frustration and allows us to treat our customers better, creating long-term relationships!

Social Media I have to say this is a love-hate relationship!

In today's society, having a business, I personally believe that social media is one of the best ways to advertise for little to no $ out of pocket! Wraps are the best in my opinion!! So what do you do with it, and how do you handle it? I have been fortunate enough to build a large following over the last decade, and it does pay dividends for my business. I have always used it as an online portfolio of our work for customers. Easy for them to see our work and reach out to us. Now with the ability to create income via social media through several channels, it's almost a must-have for someone in a business that produces a visual product! The downfalls are the keyboard warriors will absolutely come to visit your posts and nitpick

at everything you do! With the majority having never laid a piece of vinyl or made a sign in their life, but they will be able to explain your lack of skill publicly for the world to see! Choose your posts wisely, and the words you use! If you get these types, I either respond or hide them.

Negativity or whatever you want to call it is not necessary, it's a business page. Use it as such, and maintain it with frequency! Don't attempt to be the next Mr. Beast or whoever, just share your product, and your love for the business.

Finances I won't dive deep into this, as it's an article in itself. In order to run a business successfully, you need to understand what a P&L sheet is.

Understand your COGS and LABOR. Where do you purchase your materials, are they competitive, or are you getting hosed?

Decide what % is best for you to run your COGS or PAYROLL and OVERHEAD. Owning a business in the end is about making money, period! We all, for the most part, love what we do, and the interactions we have. But at the end of the day, if you are not profitable, the demise is inevitable.

company, there are 100 things you think about and no one understands what you have in your head! It can be frustrating, or amazing 5 seconds later! One day you are ahead of schedule and selling everything, the next you are ready to expand! I hope that touching on some of these topics for the new guys considering ownership, or the seasoned vets that have been there and done that! It’s a ton of work with amazing ups and downs. There is knowledge to be had if you ask for it. More money is to be made if you prioritize it.

Hopefully, this makes sense to a few of you, from a hillbilly in North Idaho! Thank you for your time!

Sam Carlino Owner, CW Wraps

Wrapping Up I wanted to share that as an owner of a June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 43

Featured

Wraps

@glarb.design

@justinbaileywraps 44 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

@imagegrafix

@wrapseshaz

@vinylvixenwraps June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 45

The Inside Scoop

Latex Printing for Vehicle Wraps

By Tom Wittenberg, HP ehicle wraps are a popular and effective way of advertising your business, promoting your brand, or expressing your personality. They are also a great way to protect your car's paint and enhance its appearance. However, not all vehicle wraps are created equal. The quality of the wrap depends largely on the type of printer and ink used to produce it. In this article, I will explain why HP Latex printers are the best choice for vehicle wraps, and how they offer superior performance, durability, and sustainability compared to other options.

Durability

Performance

Sustainability

HP Latex printers are designed to deliver high-quality prints on a wide range of media, including vinyl, canvas, paper, and fabric. They use water-based latex ink that is cured by heat, creating a flexible and scratch-resistant layer that adheres well to the surface of the vehicle.

Latex printers can produce vibrant colors, sharp details, and smooth gradients. They can also print at fast speeds, reducing the turnaround time and increasing the productivity of your business. Finally, Latex prints offer higher densities that competitive technologies can’t deliver. Why is this important? A higher density is a better match for brand colors, gamut, etc., plus it gives the wrapper more to work with in terms of stretchability and conformability.

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Vehicle wraps need to withstand harsh weather conditions, UV exposure, and mechanical stress. Latex printers are engineered to meet these challenges and ensure that your vehicle wrap lasts for years. HP Latex ink is resistant to fading, cracking, peeling, and chipping, and can maintain its color and gloss even after prolonged outdoor use. These printers also have a low-temperature curing process, which prevents the vinyl from shrinking or warping, and preserves its elasticity and conformability.

This means that your vehicle wrap will fit snugly and smoothly on the curves and contours of your car, and will not lift or bubble over time.

HP Latex printers are not only good for your vehicle, but also for the environment. HP Latex ink is water-based and eco-friendly and does not contain any hazardous air pollutants, solvents, or volatile organic compounds. This makes it safer for the operators, the customers, and the planet. HP Latex printers also have a low energy consumption and use recyclable materials and cartridges.

By choosing a Latex printer for your vehicle wraps, you are reducing your environmental impact and supporting a greener future.

Vehicle wraps are a smart and creative way of advertising your business, promoting your brand, or expressing your personality.

They are also a great way to protect your car's paint and enhance its appearance. You need

See the HP Latex Printer in action

to choose the right printer and ink for the job to get the best results. Latex printers are the best choice for vehicle wraps because they offer superior performance, durability, and sustainability compared to other options. They can produce high-quality prints on a wide range of media, with vibrant colors, sharp details, and smooth gradients. They can also withstand harsh weather conditions, UV exposure, and mechanical stress, and maintain their color and gloss for years. They are eco-friendly and safe

and use water-based latex ink that does not contain any harmful chemicals. If you want to get the most out of your vehicle wraps, try a Latex printer and see the difference for yourself.

Tom Wittenberg HP, Large Format Industry Relations and Events Manager, North America

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 47

Cybertruck Showcase

@carbonwraps

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June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 49

Cybertruck Showcase

@cactuswraps

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@millerdecals

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 51

Cybertruck Showcase

@cwwraps

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@ metrowrapz

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 53

Cybertruck Showcase

@sscustoms

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@buswraps

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 55

Opinion

Backyard Wrappers

By Jonathan Belkus-Blair hat an absurd proposition. Except it isn’t. Every one of us has hashed out this topic over Friday beers, and as the conversation unfolds, the familiar grievances inevitably emerge…

“The industry needs more regulation.”

“Backyard wrappers are undercutting the market.”

“Suppliers will sell to anyone.”

While it’s easy to view these newcomers as a threat to established businesses, undercutting prices and perhaps compromising on standards, it’s essential to remember: hasn't this been the starting point for many of us?

Playing to Your Strengths The concerns raised by established businesses are valid, particularly when it comes to protecting the high standards and reputation they've worked hard to build. They worry that those entering the market without formal training or a deep understanding of the craft will not only harm the industry.

But consider this: what formal training or guidance can truly prepare an aspiring business for an industry that's constantly evolving technologically, where creativity is a key attribute? Traditional pathways might 56 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

not always align with the rapid innovation and entrepreneurial spirit driving our industry today.

Rather than seeing newcomers as a universal threat, established businesses could benefit by focusing on sectors that are inaccessible to smaller operations, where their scale and depth of experience offer the most value. Simultaneously, smaller businesses will naturally focus on more flexible, costdriven markets as they develop their skills.

You Were a Newbie Once This isn't intended to mock or disparage, but rather to remind you of the youthful exuberance that fuels innovation in our industry. Like many of you, I started my journey in a garage, facing considerable resistance from the "elders" of our trade—a stark contrast to other industries where veterans often embrace and nurture new talent.

Even now, as I lead training courses, I sense some seasoned operators regard me with skepticism as if I'm an imposter in their domain.

But is that fair? Surely not. And frankly, neither you nor I should be overly concerned with this.

In an industry grappling with a skills shortage, can we really afford to dismiss the enthusiastic contributions of new talent?

Perhaps there is resentment that this talent is bypassing the traditional pathways through established businesses to learn their craft.

Let’s Stop Blaming the Suppliers.

Conclusion

Please, if you would be so kind. It's a free I’m not fond of the term “backyard market, and suppliers can sell to anyone—who wrapper” as it carries a demeaning undertone. are we to judge who is worthy to buy? Who sets But I use it ironically because, without it, the standard? I've seen established companies would we still know who I'm talking about? deliver subpar workmanship despite their size The rise of backyard wrappers isn’t the and experience, while many smaller operators threat it’s often made out to be; instead, compete fiercely on quality to win accounts. they bring a fresh perspective and drive to What role do we expect our suppliers to innovate that benefits us all. Let’s not waste play? They already wield significant influence time resisting this wave of change. Instead, without the power to arbitrarily deny service let’s mentor, support, and grow together.

My Wrap Game Logo [2024] - Final Version without appeal. And who’s to say such power So, the next time you’re crushing Preferred Formats All Acceptable Formats Incorrect Formats (etc.) wouldn’t backfire on its proponents? tinnies with "Dave" at Friday beers and he Suppliers play a crucial role in our industry starts pumping out those negative tropes in by providing knowledge, representing our an unbridled slur, don’t just nod along. grievances with manufacturers, and maintaining stock in Australia, an expensive but vital endeavor. Jonathan Belkus-Blair Owner, My Wrap Game I appreciate them right where they are.

Spruce

C: 90 M: 73 64 Y: 52 K: 56

Gold

C: 10 M: 29 Y: 63 K: 0

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 57

WWF

Windows, Walls, Floors

Security Film for Windows

By James “Ruggs” Kochevar n an age where ensuring the safety and security of students and staff in educational institutions is paramount, school administrators are increasingly turning to innovative solutions to safeguard their environments. One such effective measure is the installation of security film for windows. When I toured the 3M Films facility in MN, I was very impressed with this specialized window film and how it provides an essential layer of protection, addressing both safety and security concerns comprehensively, so I thought I’d write about it and see if it’s a solution you as wrappers might want to include in your sales efforts when working with your local schools.

Security Film for Windows Security film is a clear, resilient coating applied to glass surfaces. It enhances the strength of the glass, making it more difficult to break or penetrate. This added durability serves multiple purposes, including deterring potential intruders, mitigating the impact of accidents, and protecting against natural disasters. The film holds shattered glass in place, reducing the risk of injury from flying shards.

Here are some key features: • Enhanced Protection Against Intrusion: The primary benefit of security film is its ability to slow down or deter intruders significantly.

Making the glass more resistant to impact creates a formidable barrier against forced

•

•

•

Key Features Security films offer a range of tailored solutions to meet the specific needs of educational institutions.

58 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

•

entry. In the event of an attempted break-in, the film holds the broken pieces together, delaying the intruder and providing valuable time for law enforcement to respond.

Injury Prevention: Broken glass can cause severe injuries during accidents, natural disasters, or attacks. Security film mitigates this risk by keeping shattered glass in place.

This feature is particularly crucial in schools, where the safety of children is a top priority.

Protection Against Natural Disasters: In areas prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes, the risk of window breakage is high. Security film provides an added layer of protection by holding the glass together even when it shatters, reducing the likelihood of injury from debris and maintaining the building’s structural integrity longer.

UV Protection: These security films also offer UV protection, blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays. This benefit protects students and staff from the adverse effects of prolonged UV exposure and helps preserve the longevity of furniture and equipment within the school.

Energy Efficiency: Besides safety, security films can contribute to energy efficiency.

By reducing the amount of solar heat

entering the building, these films can lower cooling costs during hot months, promoting a more comfortable and costeffective learning environment.

Applications in Educational Settings Implementing security film in schools can significantly enhance the overall safety and security of the institution. Here’s how: • Classroom Security: Classrooms are the heart of any school, and ensuring their security is vital. Security film can be applied to classroom windows to protect students and teachers from potential threats, providing peace of mind and a safer learning environment.

• Entry Points: Main entrances and accessible windows are often targeted by intruders.

By reinforcing these vulnerable points with security films, schools can deter unauthorized access and delay intrusions, giving security personnel more time to respond.

• Emergency Exits and Common Areas: Areas such as cafeterias, libraries, and auditoriums, which often have large windows, benefit from the added security. In emergencies, these reinforced windows can prevent injuries caused by glass breakage, ensuring safer evacuation routes.

Case Studies and Real-World Impact Several schools across the country have already reaped the benefits of installing security films. For instance, in an incident where a school faced a break-in attempt, the security film installed on the windows prevented the intruder from gaining immediate access, allowing time for the police to arrive and apprehend the

suspect. In another scenario, during a severe storm, the security film held the glass together despite heavy impact, preventing injuries and maintaining the safety of the occupants.

Cost-Effective Security Solution Investing in security film is a cost-effective solution compared to other extensive security measures. While metal bars or reinforced glass can be prohibitively expensive and visually unappealing, security film provides a discreet yet powerful alternative. It enhances the existing glass’s strength without compromising aesthetics or natural light, maintaining an open and welcoming school environment.

Implementation and Maintenance The installation of security film is straightforward and minimally disruptive.

Professional installers ensure that the film is applied correctly to maximize its effectiveness. Once installed, the film requires little to no maintenance, offering long-term protection without ongoing costs or effort.

Conclusion In an era where school safety is a critical concern, security film for windows stands out as an indispensable tool for enhancing security and protecting students and staff.

Its multifaceted benefits—ranging from intrusion prevention to UV protection—make it a versatile and valuable investment for any educational institution. By incorporating this technology, schools can create a safer, more secure environment conducive to learning and growth. Is it time for you to add these films to your sales sheet and offer them as an add-on?

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 59

TNT (Tips N Tricks)

Video Minute

Understanding Heat & Tension

Matthew Wolynski (World’s Tallest Wrapper) walks you through the finer parts of wrapping a bumper.

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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 June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 61

In the News

pete on a virtual Silverstone track.

•

Wrap Warrior: A quickfire skills competition.

WrapFest Returns to Silverstone Amid Vehicle Customization Boom

W

rapFest, the premier event for the vehicle

and surface decoration community, will be held at the Silverstone Race Circuit (UK) from 3-4 October 2024.

Organized by FESPA. WrapFest attracts vehicle wrappers, installers, race teams, fleet businesses, agencies, printers, sign makers, surface decorators, and detailers.

The event will feature: •

WWM UK: The UK leg of the global wrap competition.

•

Wrap Talks: A two-day program with insights into industry trends.

•

Wrap Party: A major networking event.

•

50+ Live Demonstrations: Hands-on sessions with the

•

WrapFest 2024 will focus on education and training, partnering with The Wrap Institute to deliver comprehensive workshops, seminars, and hands-on demonstrations on the latest techniques, materials, and trends in vinyl installation.

With over 50 exhibitors and 75 brands, including 3M, HP, Metamark, and Grafityp, WrapFest 2024 will showcase a wide array of products, tools, and solutions for vinyl installers and business owners. Attendees can expect to see the latest innovations, including color-changing paint protection film (PPF) and textured vinyl wraps.

Registration for WrapFest is now open. www.wrapfest.com/register-interest

Have news to share?

Oracle Lighting Acquires LumaMedia International

O

racle Lighting has acquired LumaMedia

International Inc., a leading innovator of Electroluminescent Signage LumaMedia's thin, flexible glowing panels transform product displays and vehicles into eye-catching marketing materials. www.lumamediaintl.com Justin Hartenstein, Founder and Director of Product Development at Oracle Lighting, said, "This acquisition expands our Electroluminescent offerings. We aim to push into new markets like illuminated vehicle wraps, commercial signage, marine applications, and trade show signage." www.OracleLights.com,

latest materials and tools.

(800) 407-5776

Simulator Racing: Com-

info@oraclelights.com

62 l WrapFam Unleashed l June 2024

June 2024 l WrapFam Unleashed l 63

Coming Next Month…

• The New Joker Wrap

• Cast vs Calendared

• The Making of an Angel

• Finding Your Lane

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