PPFMag chats with the owner of AFS, AFM, and Make More Money about his impact on the PPF industry
After asking our Facebook community to, “Tag someone who you think is doing great things in the world of PPF, and tell us why,” we received an overwhelming number of votes for Mike Norng. Known for his innovation and ability to help installers improve their craft, Norng has made a significant impact in the industry.
PPFMag caught up with Norng, the owner of Auto Film Specialists (AFS), Auto Film Mastery (AFM), and Make More Money, all located in Houston, and asked him about his journey into PPF, what he does, some of the products he’s designed, and what motivates him to help others.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I grew up very poor, so we never thought of that. The guys we looked up to at the time were on the streets doing things I’d rather not talk about. Looking back, I’m so glad I didn’t get involved in all that. Being successful in that environment meant being in jail, getting shot, or winding up dead.
How did you first get involved in the window film industry?
I was involved in car stereos in high school, and from there I went into washing cars. I opened my first car wash in 2005, and we were subbing out tint from the beginning. I started to learn PPF in 2006, and then learned window tinting in 2008. We had to include other services to bring in income when the weather wasn’t great for washing cars.
Who were some of your biggest influences or mentors when you started?
Ryan Tounsley, the owner of PFS (Protective Film Solutions), was one of the guys I looked up to and helped me with advice.
Tell us about the first time you applied PPF to a car. How did you do? And do you remember the car (make and model)?
It was in 2006, and my first car was a 2002 Mercedes SL. You could only do partials at the time because they didn’t have 60-inch film yet. It took me almost two days and I got my butt kicked! I wanted to quit, but didn’t know how because I never quit on anything in my life.
What are some of the things you’ve done with PPF that have helped you stand out in the industry?
We make tools and equipment to help installers become more efficient. We also offer online and in-person training for business owners and installers that helps teach them sales, marketing, and setting expectations for business owners. We focus on training, installer tips and tricks, and advanced techniques for installing PPF and tint.
Jason Anderson, owner of Lakeland Glass and Tint, says, “You can walk into almost any decent shop in America and find something Mike Norng has designed or made.” What are some of the items you’ve designed? And are you an inventor by nature, or just someone with a lot of experience who sees opportunity?
I went to college to study mechanical engineering, but most of my experience came from installing car stereos back in the late 90s. When I opened my shop in 2005, I saw a lot of inefficiencies in our industry and started working on my business. I picked up my first dealership account and had to figure out how to tint cars in a one-bay garage, so I started making some equipment, like InstaGel and the AeroBlade. People saw them and just started asking me to make them the same equipment, and so I did, for beer money! It took off and became a business for making custom tools and equipment. Make More Money was born to help business owners and installers become efficient.
Do you think PPF is more widely accepted now than it was when you started? Why?
Back in the day, only high-end car owners knew about it. I only did about 3-6 vehicles a month and was never good because I didn’t get much practice. It was so difficult to sell it back then. Nowadays, more and more people are educated about PPF. You have your daily driver getting it because of all the educational video content on social media.
Rodney McClure, owner of Ace Window Tinting, says you have “so much enthusiasm and willingness to help installers.” What inspires you to help others be better?
I am a great ball of fire! After more than a decade in this industry, I finally got rewarded for all the hard work I put in. The compound effect is very true when you stay consistent and persistent.
Will Bryan, owner/installer at Quality Tint and Accessories, says, “Mike’s content inspires me to grow!” You’re a big user of social media to help educate and promote your brand. How long have you been using social media for your business?
I started late in social media and I’ve only been on it since 2016. I provide content that inspires, motivates and disciplines people in this industry.
What’s the most satisfying part of your job?
I love watching my team succeed and seeing the fruits of their labor. I’m able to take care of my team financially and mentally. After almost 20 years in this industry, I got to buy my dream car, a 2024 Porsche Turbo S. I would never buy this car if anyone on my team was struggling. I would help them first before buying something nice for myself.
What advice would you give to someone considering a career in PPF and tint?
If I had to do it all over again, I would learn from someone who has mastered this skill set. I would not want to learn this all by myself because I would have been successful in less time. People see how easy it is to do this because of all the resources from Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and hands-on courses. You cannot learn and be certified in four days and take on a paying customer. Most training I see out there is leading installers to believe they are ready after a four-day course, but they are not.
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