Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a day packed with family, football, and, of course, a copious supply of cooked and baked goods. As the holiday season begins, film companies prepare for an end-of-year push with rest and reflection on what they’re most thankful for.
Open or Closed?
“We are closed Thursday and Friday to give our team that time to spend with their families,” says David Francis, owner of Finishing Touch Detailing and Paint Correction in Maryville, Tenn. “We are closed every major holiday because we believe a balance of work and home life is essential.”
Tyler Robinson, XPEL brand ambassador and installer at XPEL’s corporate shop in San Antonio, says he’s most thankful for the growth his location has seen over the last five years. “We are closed Thanksgiving and Black Friday,” he says. “It’s that time of the year when everyone needs to take a break, get together with family and be thankful for what we have and the future ahead.”
Jordan Cope, shop manager at Ciocca Corvette in Atlantic City, N.J., says his team will rest on Thanksgiving and return for Black Friday.
“I’m thankful to be in an industry that is growing with people willing to help each other,” Cope says. “We work in a tough industry where each of us runs into complications as installers, but there has never been a shortage of veterans willing to help and share information.”
Like Cope, Ryan Williams, owner of Bare Knuckles Automotive in LaGrange, Ga., is thankful for helping hands.
“This industry has been unlike a lot of industries I’ve been in,” Williams says. “There is always someone willing to give advice and help without expectation— and I try to do the same.”
Ricky Gomez of Eclipse Window Tint and PPF in Sturgis, Mich., chimed in, saying, “I firmly believe there are some great people out there who are willing to help when needed. Some of these groups on social media have changed the industry by showing their support to small guys like me who keep learning every day, and I’m grateful for them.”
Thanksgiving Favorites
Check out each film professional’s favorite Thanksgiving dishes below, and share yours in the comment section.
Ryan Williams, owner of Bare Knuckles Automotive in LaGrange, Ga. – “Dressing because it’s dressing—all of the carbs and flavor.”
Jordan Cope, shop manager at Ciocca Corvette in Atlantic City, N.J. – “I love all parts of my Thanksgiving dinner, and I’m a big turkey guy, but I always save some room for my holiday desserts. Pumpkin and pecan pies are family staples and the definite topper for our holiday.”
David Francis, owner of Finishing Touch Detailing and Paint Correction in Maryville, Tenn. – “My favorite Thanksgiving dish isn’t a dish at all—cold leftover turkey the day after. I grew up on the road; I played professional baseball for five years and travel ball my whole life. Leftovers are my preference always.”
Ricky Gomez of Eclipse Window Tint and PPF in Sturgis, Mich. – “I love roast turkey, with stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn—and we cannot forget the cranberry juice.”
Tyler Robinson, XPEL brand ambassador and installer at XPEL’s corporate shop in San Antonio – “My favorite thanksgiving dish would either be my mom’s baked corn or broccoli casserole.”
East Lin, president of 405 Motoring and Detail Union in Inglewood, Calif. – “Instead of a traditional turkey dinner, which I’ve yet to experience even though I grew up here, I typically celebrate Thanksgiving with a Chinese-style hot pot.”
All Gas, No Brakes
“We will be open,” Gomez says. “Thanksgiving is one of the busiest holidays for entrepreneurs as it is the start of the craziest shopping frenzy of the year. As a small business owner, I believe this is a great opportunity for our shop to draw more traffic and position it to boost engagement and increase sales with things like gift certificates, Black Friday deals and bundle packages.”
East Lin, president of 405 Motoring and Detail Union in Inglewood, Calif., says business will cease during Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
“I’m thankful for a strong team in this labor market,” Lin says. “I have 20 dedicated technicians that make up the company.”
Happy Thanksgiving!
PPFMag wishes its readers a healthy and happy Thanksgiving and holiday season. Our entire team is thankful for your constant support.
