Avery DennisonⓇ Graphics Solutions has bolstered its team of professional trainers by adding two seasoned restyling experts: Chris Figueroa and Sergey Yakobchak. The announcement highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to excellence in paint protection film (PPF) training by bringing in veterans with proven track records in wrap, tint, and PPF installation.
Sergey Yakobchak, left, and Chris Figueroa bring years of experience and industry knowledge to Avery Dennison’s PPF training program.Both Figueroa and Yakobchak bring years of experience and industry knowledge to Avery Dennison’s hands-on training program, which is known for its practical focus. The program offers installers live demonstrations and real-world experience on three different vehicles.
“We are excited to add Chris and Sergey to our roster of certified trainers,” says Avery Dennison Graphics Solutions Marketing Associate Graeme McKnight. “Their expertise in wrap and PPF products, installation techniques, and industry knowledge will enhance the quality of our training program. They join a team of experienced, independent professionals and shop owners who teach class participants film application and the business of running a shop.”
Chris Figueroa: Passion-Fueled Journey from Garage to Greatness
Chris Figueroa’s story is about passion, risk-taking, and family-first values. After graduating in 2012 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in communication design, his journey began at a local commercial wrap shop, where he quickly fell in love with the transformation of design into vehicle art. That passion led him from the design desk to the install crew.
His drive for a more hands-on role eventually landed him at a sign shop in New Jersey, where he designed, printed, and installed wraps. But 2014 was a turning point. When his first daughter was born, Figueroa took a leap of faith and launched Bay Image out of his garage in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania.
Over the next decade, Bay Image became a reputable business with a loyal client base and multiple industry certifications. Today, Figueroa is a successful entrepreneur and a role model in the restyling community, known for his dedication to craft and commitment to family.
Joining Avery Dennison’s training team culminates a long-time professional dream.
“Passion, family first, and dedication are words I live by,” says Figueroa, who now looks forward to inspiring others as a certified PPF trainer.
Sergey Yakobchak: Raising the Bar in Restyling Standards
Sergey Yakobchak’s path into the restyling industry is a relentless pursuit of quality. His journey began in 2013 with his first business venture, before evolving into contract work as an independent installer. However, the rushed environments of contract jobs left little room for meticulous attention to detail, which Yakobchak believes is essential.
That commitment to quality ultimately led him to open New Layer Customs in Troy, Michigan, in 2017. This restyling shop focuses on PPF, window tint, and automotive wraps. His shop quickly earned a reputation for premium craftsmanship and thoughtful client education, positioning him as a respected thought leader.
With his specialized focus on PPF and no-compromises approach, Yakobchak was a natural fit for Avery Dennison’s elite team of trainers.
“To control the high-quality principles I champion, and set client expectations about the importance of attention to detail needed in restyling, I opened New Layer Customs,” Yakobchak explains.
His training sessions will extend his high standards to the next generation of installers, equipping them with the skills and mindset necessary for success.