In the world of precision paint protection film (PPF), most installers are armed with knives, squeegees, and—apparently—work boots. But stroll into Tint Works in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and you might find owner Randy Humphries gliding around the shop in, of all things, flip-flops. It’s a signature style choice that’s raised a few eyebrows and sparked plenty of laughs—but it also says a lot about the laid-back, confident vibe that Randy brings to an exacting craft.
“I’ve always installed with flip-flops,” Humphries says with a chuckle. “It started when I climbed into a car one day and my shoes scratched the back of the seat. Not to mention, you get dirt in the customer’s car. So now I always keep my shop flops at work.”
Randy Humphries, of Tint Works in Murfreesboro, TennesseeFrom Window Tints to Full-Front Installs
Humphries’ journey into the PPF world wasn’t exactly a straight line. He began tinting windows in 2000 and first dipped his toes into PPF around 2008.
“I didn’t like how the film worked back then,” he recalls. “It was like cardboard—really hard to get the material to do what I wanted.” A second go-around in 2013 with an XPEL class went better, but he still stepped away in 2016 to focus on the tint side of the business, outsourcing PPF installs to a friend who, in Humphries’ words, “was way better and faster.”
But in 2022, that same friend convinced him to give it another shot.
“I pushed back at him, but he won,” Humphries says. “Now I love it and I’m glad I picked it back up.”
A Day in the Life—Shop Flops and All
A typical day at Tint Works is anything but lazy, despite the beachy footwear. Humphries greets each customer personally and discusses what they want done before walking the car with them to set expectations. From there, it’s a meticulous prep routine: clean, clay, and full decontamination before cutting patterns and installing.
“I always start from the top down,” he says, “so water doesn’t run into pieces I’ve already done. After it’s finished, I pull the car outside to let the sun do its work, then bring it back in for touch-ups.”
Each vehicle gets an overnight stay for good measure before a final handoff, complete with aftercare instructions and a scheduled two-week check-up.
Humphries applies PPF to an automobile wearing his signature flip-flops.Installin’ in Style
Humphries’ flip-flops aren’t just about comfort—they’re a part of his process. “My feet always get wet doing PPF,” he says. “I hate wet feet and socks. So it transferred over from tinting.”
He’s even competed in multiple industry competitions—auto, flat glass, and PPF—wearing his signature sandals. “I’ve been on lifts and 20-foot layers in them. It’s just my thing. Guys in the industry get a kick out of it—always laughing and joking.”
As for customers? Most don’t even notice. “Some ask, and when I kick them off to climb in a back seat, they usually thank me for not tracking dirt in their car.”
The Drive to Be Great
What separates a good PPF installer from a great one?
“It’s the one that never settles,” Humphries says. “They’re always pushing the limits and giving their customers the best install possible.”
And he’s living proof. His favorite cars to work on? “Anything Porsche,” he says quickly. “If you ask anyone that knows me, they’ll say a G-Wagon, because I’ve done so many.”
The toughest installs so far? “Probably a 2000 Nissan Skyline Z-Tune N-Burg.”
Tools of the Trade
While Humphries keeps things casual when it comes to attire, he’s serious about his gear. His go-to tools?
“My ninja knife, micro torch, and black cropped squeegee from Soak Shield,” he says without hesitation.
He’s also keeping an eye on industry trends, especially the rise of colored PPF. But don’t expect him to jump on every bandwagon.
“I’m a 5–7-year guy,” he says. “Before I back something up, I want to see how it holds up over time.”
Advice from a Veteran (in Flip-Flops)
To anyone looking to get into PPF or break the mold like he has, Humphries’ advice is real:
“I hope you have a lot of patience. Perfection is hard. I used to beat myself up trying for the perfect, flawless install—it ended up always costing me time, trouble, and money.”
His golden rule? “You’re going to have imperfections. Knowing what’s okay and what’s not—that’s a huge hurdle to mentally overcome. Speed is never important. That comes with time and experience. You have to remember: no matter how good you are, you’re only as good as your last install.”