The Beat: Solar Gard Announces New Training Academy
Whether you are looking to train new employees, or want a useful refresher to make sure your installation methods are top-notch, check out these new Solar Gard Window Film Academy classes and sign-up online at the Dealer’s Corner.
Mastering Architectural Window Film: a hands-on three day training covering all the basic skills, techniques and marketing practices needed for a successful architectural window film business. The interactive curriculum provides one-on-one attention to develop your skills and business savvy.
Advanced Safety & Security Window Film: an intensive, hands-on, two day training to specialize in the technical aspects of safety and security film. The curriculum provides techniques to develop hands-on skills and will discuss the features and benefits of using safety and security film. This course is recommended for anyone who has completed the Mastering Architectural Window Film course and has prior experience in the window film industry.
Clearshield Installation Techniques: a hands-on one day training course covering all the basic skills and techniques you need to successfully install the paint protection film to a wide variety of cars and trucks. The curriculum will provide an understanding 
of the product and develop your hands-on skills.
Developing Automotive Window Film Skills: a comprehensive, hands-on four day training course covering all the basic skills, techniques and marketing practices needed for a successful automotive window film business. The interactive curriculum provides one-on-one attention to develop your skills and business savvy.
Class sizes are limited so register quickly and secure your seat today. Visit the training section of the Dealer’s Corner for additional information on each class.
On Solid Plane: Hurricane Season’s Not Over Yet
To help increase your safety film sales this hurricane season, here are 5 easy to do tips to make sure your customers know how Solar Gard Armorcoat can protect their property from whatever storms come their way.
1. Distribute a press release to your local media: Solar Gard Armorcoat dealers can customize the hurricane safety press release and send it to your local newspapers and TV stations. Available on the Solar Gard Dealer’s Corner in the Public Relations kit under Marketing Support.
2. Check out the new hurricane materials: Find all the tools you need on the Dealer's Corner, including a new residential flyer and a pre-designed postcard, in the Hurricane Kit under Marketing Support.
3. Link your website to a hurricane tracker: Solar Gard’s hurricane page has its own hurricane tracker you can link to and keep customers informed of the latest storm patterns heading their way.
4. Share these two videos: Download these videos and post them on your website to show customers the importance of window film.
a. Before and After video: Bomb impact on windows
b. Are You Prepared to Weather the Storm: Window Films Can Protect Your Home
5. Check out the Dealer’s Corner for new safety film resources: Download the “Safety Film Installation Guide” technical bulletin or sign-up for the new safety film installation class to ensure all your installers are up-to-date with the latest installation methods.
Plus, consider these numbers about hurricanes when making your sales pitches*:
35.3 million: Number of people most threatened by Atlantic hurricanes – the coastal portion of the states stretching from North Carolina to Texas. Twelve percent of the nation’s population lives in these areas (July 2007 estimate).
6: Number of hurricanes during the 2007 Atlantic hurricane season.
12-16: Number of named storms anticipated in 2008. Ten storms have been named this year already.
50 to 100: Approximate number of people killed by hurricanes striking the U.S. coastline in an average three-year period.
*Source: U.S. Census Bureau’s Facts for Features
Driving Home: 2008 Solar Gard Tradeshows 
Solar Gard is getting ready to make another big splash in Las Vegas this year! SEMA ‘08 will be held from Nov. 4 – 7 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Solar Gard will be in the North Hall’s “Restyling and Accessories Pavillion” at booth #11855. This year, we will be showing off our new look and much more – stay tuned for details!
Knowing you are also out there promoting Solar Gard at regional events, we’re happy to offer you free, prime-time advertising on the Solar Gard website. Let us know where you will be exhibiting and we will add it to our “Events” section. Send the information to Jim Underwood including your name, business, a brief description of the event and where to find you at the show.
Don’t forget about the new Solar Gard booths, available to all our dealers. These 10’x10’ booths are easy to set-up and tear-down and are shipped in a single, heavy-duty transportable case. The booths and selection of graphics can be reserved through your local service center or purchased directly through our supplier. Details of how to purchase are available on the Dealer’s Corner under Marketing Support.
Over the Edge: New Technical Bulletins on the Dealer's Corner
The Technical section of the Solar Gard Dealer’s Corner has been created to bring you valuable information and technical bulletins for pre and post sales support.
Check out these new technical bulletins now available for download:
Understanding Iridescence
Advanced Automotive Window Film Installation Practices
"Wet Glaze" Attachment System
Safety Film Installation Guide
If you have an idea for a technical bulletin please send an email to Deborah.Phillips@bekaert.com today.
Sputtering Trends: Manufacturing News
Bekaert Specialty Films has recently taken big steps in the quality and future of window film by constructing a new Clean Room and defining our carbon footprint. These significant investments demonstrate Bekaert’s ongoing commitment to meeting the most demanding quality and cleanliness standards needed to open new markets, win new business and surpass customer expectations.
With this latest investment, aspects of all our manufacturing and production now occur in the clean room, a major accomplishment that puts Bekaert at the forefront of quality and technology in the industry. We’re also proud to report it was built using energy efficient practices and products.
Our new clean room features:
• Low wall air returns for improved air flow
• HEPA filter system with sufficient air changes to ensure Class 10,000 performance or better
• Insulated ducting and ceiling panels for improved energy efficiency
• 3-way interlock for material flow
• Sealed floors and air showers
• State-of–the-art HVAC system, which helps prevent the electrostatic discharge common in film and laminate manufacturing
Bekaert is the first specialized film manufacturer to define their carbon footprint and make this level of operational commitment to environmentally-responsible practices.
Our ecological practices include: 
• the establishment of the company’s carbon footprint;
• waste and scrap reduction and recycling programs;
• use of a state-of-the-art emission control system that operates at 99.7% efficiency, conforming to strict California clean air requirements; and
• employee benefits related to environmentally-friendly choices.
Check out these articles from Window Film covering this important news for the industry:
• First to Measure Up: Bekaert Defines Carbon Footprint
• Bekaert Improves Facility and Banks on Bright Industry Future
Creating Buzz: Window Film in the News
We’ve been working hard to spread the news about the benefits of window film. Check out the new coverage below – and make sure to frequently check the Solar Gard website for the most recent news – perfect to use as sales tools!
• Residential window tinting saves energy
• Buildings: A Win-Win with Window Film
• Window Film: At a Crossroad: Fremont Calls for Industry to Follow
• Plenty Magazine: 5 home cooling, energy saving summer tips
• National Geographic’s’ Green Guide: Cooling Your Home
• Window Film: Bekaert Improves Facility and Banks on Bright Industry Future
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.
