When Chris Robinson, owner and founder of The Tint Guy, announced that he was fighting COVID-19 in the hospital, a collective shudder went through the window film industry followed by a collective sigh of relief a few days later.
“Thank you to everyone for the thoughts, prayers and gifts while I was sick. I am at home now resting with my family and working to get back on my feet. I have never experienced anything in my life that I felt I could not control and this was certainly an eye opening experience. I plan to take my health way more serious in the future starting today,” said Robinson in a post on November 10th.
COVID has affected the window film industry in more ways than can be counted, but when they affect a business owner like Robinson, it’s a double hit. Company owners must focus on their health and recovery while still caring for and tending their business, which supports them, their families and employees.
Robinson will share his own account of how he met these challenges during a session entitled “How the Window Film Industry is Surviving COVID,” as part of the International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off (WFCT) Preview Day, to be held online Thursday, January 14 from 1-5 p.m. The event is free to everyone in the window film industry. You can register and get more information here.
“In truth, we miss everyone,” said Deb Levy, publisher of Window Film magazine, the show’s sponsor. “We knew that by moving the show until June 7-9th, 2021 in Orlando, Fla. we would delay everyone being able to get together, so we decided to add a Preview Day online this winter.”
WFCT Preview Day includes seminars and sessions as well as trade show booths and a preview of the competitions to come. “WFCT Preview Day uses a neat platform,” says event director Tricia Lopez. “Attendees will get the feel of real seminars, will be able to ask questions, stop by interactive booths with live video chats and even network in the hallways. We hope everyone stops by.”
SCHEDULE FOR WFCT Preview Day Thursday, January 14
To register, click here.
1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
WFCT Preview Day Welcome
Come for an overview of all that the WFCT Preview Day has to offer!
Moderator: Debra Levy, publisher WINDOW FILM magazine
1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Virtual Trade Show Floor Open
Chat with Sponsors in real time and see their latest products.
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
How the Window Film Industry is Surviving COVID
Join a panel of window film shop owners who will share what they learned from COVID, and how those lessons will help lead them into the future. What were the most important items they learned from the crisis? How did they motivate themselves in difficult times? What worked and what didn’t? What changes will last beyond the pandemic and how are companies preparing differently for the next big crisis? And what happens when you, the owner of the business, gets sick?
Speakers: Chris Robinson, CEO of The Tint Guy Window Tinting; Jeremy Dobbins, CEO of ClimatePro; Jeff Franson, president and CEO of Window Film Depot
Moderator: Tara Taffera, editorial director of WINDOW FILM magazine
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
What’s Coming at WFCT
Learn what the latest is and what to expect from the extensive line-up that will be shared at WFCT in June. Receive a quick overview of the current state of the industry and what you should be eyeing for the future as well as a preview of some of the brand new products and services you’ll be seeing.
3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Learn What it Takes to be a Winner in the Film Business
Join moderator, Holly Biller, as she interviews a panel of competitors some newer to the competition circuit and some long-standing veterans. Hear how they prepare for competition day, what tips and advice they would provide a newcomer and what it takes to become a champion.
Speakers: Les Helton of Performance Window Tinting, Sal Hurtado of Sal’s House of Tint and Chris West of CCA Motorsport
Moderator: Holly Biller, vice president of media services at Key Media and Research
