As the 2025 International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ (WFCT) approaches, PPFMag spotlights the reigning champion, Neil Moran. Based in Pelham, Alabama, Moran is the owner of CGS Vinyl and a respected name in the wrap and PPF industry. His insights offer valuable perspective and inspiration for those gearing up for the next big showdown. From his experiences under pressure to advice for first-time competitors, Moran shares what it takes to succeed, and stay humble, both in and out of the competition arena.
Neil Moran took first place in the Paint Protection Film (PPF) competition at WFCT 2024.What part of the 2024 competition was the most challenging, and how did you mentally prepare for that aspect?
I am so used to working in a calm and controlled environment at the shop, so competing in a large space with lots of people threw me off. I tried to get out of my head with all of the changes and just focus on doing what I do day in and day out. I told myself this is nothing new, just another day.
Looking back at your win in 2024, what moment stands out the most from that experience?
I have made a few extremely valuable contacts who have come to my rescue more than once. The competition is great and connecting with others proves to be extremely helpful.
What advice would you give to new competitors entering the PPF division for the first time?
Just go for it! Don’t wait until you think you are ready because you never will be. Go do it, learn from it, improve from it, and repeat.
What do you think separates a good PPF installer from a great one, especially at the competition level?
This is not really about performance and skill, but I think a great installer is a humble one. You may think you know everything and have done everything, but there is always someone who knows more and who has done more. I believe staying humble and keeping your eyes and ears open is a mark of a great installer who wants to be even better. This is something that I find the most difficult, and struggle with throughout life, but also find the most beneficial in more ways than one.
How do you see the PPF industry evolving in the next few years, and how are you positioning yourself to stay ahead?
I’ve seen PPF explode ever since the release of dry-install color PPF. Combining the detail industry and the wrap industry with dry install PPF is almost a guarantee for rapid growth. I am not sure how to stay ahead, but we will be looking for different ways to expand our services and skills while still utilizing what we know and have accomplished in the wrap and PPF industry.
When you’re not wrapping vehicles or preparing for competition, how do you unwind or stay creatively inspired?
The good ol’ “hanging with family and friends” keeps everything going. I like to drag race, mess around in the yard with go-karts, hang around a fire, go camping, and relax with the kids watching movies all day. Life gets faster every day, so I am doing my best to slow it down with the simple things, and I find it helps recharge the mind more than anything.