With a Love for Bikes and a Knack for Wraps, This Florida Installer Redefines What it Means to Go Full Throttle in the PPF World
Lindsey Ludwig didn’t set out to become a paint protection film (PPF) installer, at least not intentionally.
“I had zero clue what PPF was before I went to get my windows tinted at Auto Graphics in Pennsylvania,” she says with a laugh. But a casual conversation with Karen Fink at the front desk changed the course of her career. After Ludwig mentioned she was thinking of becoming a mechanic, Fink pointed her in a different direction: clear bra installation. That led to training with “Wild” Bill Yeager, the shop’s owner. And just like that, a new career path was born.
Five years later, she’s now the proud owner and installer behind PPF Yourself, based in Citrus Park, Florida. After working at a few shops and noticing a need for specialized work in the motorcycle community, she launched her own business a little over a year ago.
“I decided to begin my business with a focus on motorcycles due to being active in the community while seeing a need for PPF and vinyl installation,” Ludwig says.
Motorcycles aren’t just a niche for her. They’re a passion. “I’m partial to motorcycles, Japanese domestic market (JDM) imports and Porsches,” she says. “Every time I take motorcycles or JDM imports to the garage, it’s a new challenge. And I’m also a big fan of Porsches, so I’m excited every time I get to work on them.”
Making the Work Shine, Literally
Ask Ludwig what part of the job she loves most, and her answer is clear: it’s all about the finishing touches.
“My favorite part of the process would have to be trimming, torching edges and doing the final quality check and wipe down,” she says. “Nothing is more rewarding than leaving a job looking like a glossier version of when it came in.”
That attention to detail has paid off, helping her build an online presence that showcases her skill and precision. While the industry is still male-dominated, Ludwig hasn’t let that stop her.
“While it’s true that there aren’t many women in the industry, I personally have been able to find supportive and collaborative relationships with other installers and brands,” she says. “But, saying that I have never experienced skepticism would not be entirely true. By surrounding yourself with support, collaboration, and people with a desire to learn, you will find that a lot of skepticism will go away.”
Building a Brand, One Post at a Time
“Clay bar is the biggest thing for my prep work. It can save an entire panel!” she says. “And using a keg sprayer set up has been so helpful as a solo installer.”
Ludwig isn’t just making waves in the garage. She’s built a powerful brand online, too. Through her Instagram handle @PPFYourself, she showcases her installs, connects with other pros, and even educates newcomers to the trade.
“I noticed a lack of material that highlighted installation,” she says. “I try to create content that will be educational for new installers and allows people to ask questions.”
Her social efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Ludwig has been invited to a number of live events, and this year, she’s going even bigger, bringing her own bike to showcase.
“Because of my passion for motorcycles, I have gained a lot of traction within the community,” she says. One of her standout moments? Wrapping a Ducati Streetfighter V2 for the Super Hooligan MotoAmerica race.
When it comes to advice for others looking to get into the field, especially women, Ludwig is all about encouragement.
“Get into it!” she says. “It’s daunting to start and you may experience some pushback, but finding a supportive community will help you succeed. I’d personally love to be a resource for women and others starting out in the industry in any way I can.”
And when she’s not wrapping panels or mentoring newbies? Ludwig loves hitting the streets or the track on weekend motorcycle rides, gaming with friends, and hanging out at home with her boyfriend and their two cats.
She’s found a groove that’s uniquely hers—hands-on, detail-focused, community-driven—and she’s just getting started.
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