Solar Gard films can be installed under the Clinton Climate Initiative’s Energy Efficiency Building Retrofit Program, which brings together the world's largest energy service companies (ESCOs) and banks in a program designed to reduce energy consumption in public buildings. The program provides cities and their private building owners' access to the necessary funds to retrofit existing buildings with more energy-efficient products, like Solar Gard window film.
Solar Gard was one of the first vendors to enter into discussions with CCI, but other participants include providers of indoor lighting, clean vehicles, traffic and street lighting, building products, advanced waste management technologies, water system components and alternative energy technologies. 
Being a part of this global initiative will bring a host of exciting opportunities to Solar Gard. Our commitment to CCI adds considerable value to our dealers, partners and customers, and
we look forward to sharing more updates with you all in the coming months.
You can read the full press announcement here.
While attending the United States Mayors Council in Seattle, WA earlier this month, BSF President Christophe Fremont (second from left) and Head of Strategic Accounts Luc Goemaere (first from left) met with President William Jefferson Clinton (forth from left) and other industry leaders partnering with the globally recognized Clinton Climate Initiative.
All about Performance at SEMA 2007
This year at SEMA, more than 50,000 automotive accessory and aftermarket buyers and dealers attended the show. The Solar Gard booth was all about performance – the superior performance of our film and the unmatched performance of our dealers. Our expert technical services staff was on-hand to give dealers from around the world installation tips and tricks as they performed demonstrations of Clearshield, ComputerCut and HP Supreme Series.
“We always find SEMA to be a great opportunity to connect with our loyal network of dealers who are looking for new ways to differentiate themselves from the competition in an increasingly competitive market,” explains Kathryn Giblin, director of global marketing for Solar Gard. “Attendees were anxious to learn more about the High Performance Supreme series, Clearshield and ComputerCut.”
Clearshield demonstrations drew big crowds at the recent SEMA show. Here Miguel Detres, Bekaert technical service representative, applies Clearshield on a Porsche Cayman.
Solar Gard Hits the Big Screen
Last year, David Palacios of Albuquerque Custom Tint (USA) was approached by DreamWorks Pictures, the producers of many award-winning feature films. His team was asked to install film on two Camaros used in the production of the “Transformers” movie. Wanting a sleek look, but needing a high degree of visibility to be able to film the actors inside, David and his production team decided to use High Performance True Grey 28% on the cars.
“They liked our customer service and have referred us to additional movie makers here in town!” explains Palacios. Is the big screen the future for Albuquerque Custom Tint team? Stay tuned.
Yet the excitement about the “Transformers” movie set doesn’t end there. David Metcalf, Eastern Region Manager in the U.S., is pleased to share with everyone that his son Eric also played a part in making the movie a success. Eric Metcalf, a chief warrant officer with the U.S. Army, maneuvered his UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter for a scene in the movie. A Transformers fan himself, Metcalf says he “simply followed orders” but in managing rooftop landings and low-level maneuvers through downtown Los Angeles, California, he was quite outstanding. “My kids think I’m the coolest thing ever,” Eric tells people.
“Transformers” is about a war on Earth between two robotic forces. It grossed more than $29 million in tickets on opening day. The movie is now out on DVD – look for the Solar Gard tint, and Eric Metcalf, when you watch it at home.
Driving Profits with ComputerCut
Kevin Allen was in engineering design for years, but five years ago he began installing window film. Window Wizard in northern Alabama now serves business and residential customers. Four years ago, he needed three employees to manage the work. Today, he has streamlined his operations and works alone. How? ComputerCut.
“ComputerCut was going to be a huge investment, so I checked it out thoroughly,” explains Kevin. “Having been on the engineering side, I wanted to know how it worked, and whether it would be intuitive. For me, the only way to make a profit off of the program would be if it reduced my overhead.”
ComputerCut passed Kevin’s rigorous tests – and has proven to minimize waste, create a new revenue stream in signage and eliminate the need for additional full-time employees. Today, instead of worrying about whether his employees will call in sick, Kevin spends his time focusing on his mobile business. Although he maintains retail space in Boaz, Window Wizard is often on the road. Kevin loads ComputerCut into his Chevrolet Suburban and off he goes, contracting his services to car stereo shops and other retailers.
ComputerCut has offered him so many benefits, Kevin can’t identify just one. “It gives me full control – over materials and materials salvage, and site preparation, because I can now do it all. It helps me win jobs – both when bidding on large installations and on very particular jobs, like high-end cars, because there are no knives near the auto, ever. It’s about showmanship – and the fact that I can log-on to the website, pull up patterns and be cutting with high tech tools in a matter of minutes. But the most important thing is that it has grown my business. In addition to tinting, I now offer vinyl signage – commercial vehicles (like bulldozers and large rigs), storefronts and logos are a growing part of my business.”
By taking ComputerCut on the road, Kevin can also offset the seasonal peaks and valleys by making business happen elsewhere. What about that huge investment? Kevin estimates ComputerCut paid for itself within the first year, and it’s been generating profit ever since.
What are you waiting for?
Operational Excellence: Retaining Exceptional Employees
Here’s a quick guide to some of the best resources on the web for helping you keep your most valuable employees.
Top Ten Ways to Retain Your Great Employees: The Human Resources section of About.com offers you some really great advice on ways to make sure your best tinters aren’t going anywhere!
An Offer They Can’t Refuse: Entreprenuer.com provides convenient templates and guides for HR and training handbooks, cost-cutting spreadsheets and more. Solid information, but you’ll have to customize it to window tinting.
Hiring and Retaining Good Employees...It's Tough!: Inc.com offers great solutions for entrepreneurs – this is definitely a site you are going to want to check out!
Want to Contribute?
Have a story idea you’d like to share in the next issue of the Solar Gard newsletter? How about a success story or ideas for press releases and articles? Email your contact information and a brief description to bsf@matternow.com.
