Protecting the Windy City With Window Film & PPF

This article originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of THE SHOP magazine.

By Maura Keller

Photos courtesy Tinting Chicago

One of the most profound advertising mediums is the vehicle. Because of its mobility, a vehicle provides an excellent means of getting a company’s name, product or event all the attention it deserves.

In addition, window tinting, graphics and decals are popular ways of celebrating the design of vintage vehicles. Enter Tinting Chicago. With three locations dotting the landscape of the greater Chicago area, the company offers various window tinting services for automotive, commercial, and residential clients.

Tinting Chicago provides services such as color-change wraps, chrome deletion, fleet graphics and decal installation as well.

“Our team also specializes in surface protection for vehicles, including paint protection film application and ceramic coating,” says Alex Belov, general manager at Tinting Chicago. “Paint protection film is a thick, clear film that protects surfaces against rock chips, minor scratches and various impacts, while ceramic coating provides shine, hydrophobic effects and UV protection.”

A HOBBY THAT GREW

Tinting Chicago has a long-standing history of enhancing vehicles throughout Chicagoland and beyond. And like most independent businesses, Tinting Chicago began as a small idea and gradually blossomed into a well-oiled machine.

Specifically, in 2014, one of the CEOs of the company, Mike Skoropad, started providing services as a hobby in a small shop on Belmont and Harlem Avenues in Chicago, mainly focusing on car window tinting.

Over the years, the company expanded, opening additional locations and offering more services such as vinyl wraps and PPF. Currently, Tinting Chicago has three locations—the latest described as a 1,500-square-foot standalone “Jiffy Lube” style with three gates on each side.

The shops participate in various events, allowing for consistent growth and creating demand for a wider range of services. As general manager, Belov says he’s proud of the positive people and environment the company has cultivated.

“When you walk into our shop in the morning, you can expect to have a good day surrounded by good people,” Belov says. “Additionally, our commitment to quality is paramount. We adhere strictly to industry standards to ensure our customers receive the highest quality.”

In addition, customer satisfaction is paramount at Tinting Chicago. The company received the XPEL Dealer of the Year award for 2023 in Illinois, further validating its dedication and excellence in meeting each customer’s vision for their vehicle.

“We have undertaken several unique and challenging projects that stand out. One notable project involved rebranding for FedEx, where we removed and reinstalled new decals on 53-foot trailers. Over two years, our team serviced Illinois and Indiana, completing over 10,000 trailers despite the weather restrictions,” Belov says.

Tinting Chicago also had the privilege of tinting two DeLoreans, showcasing the company’s expertise and versatility.

“Our main customers are typically new- or used-car buyers seeking to enhance the appearance or comfort of their vehicles. Whether through window tinting for heat control and aesthetics or color changes, we cater to their needs,” Belov says.

Additionally, individuals looking to protect their investments often opt for services like paint protection film or ceramic coating. Commercial and residential customers also rely on Tinting Chicago (tintingchicago.com) for various window tinting solutions, offering benefits such as glare reduction, privacy, safety, security and decorative options.

BUSINESS BASICS

Currently, Tinting Chicago has 10 to 12 installers working with the company daily, depending on project volumes. Belov says finding and retaining good employees continually poses a challenge.

“However, when employees perceive growth opportunities and engage in various events and competitions, they tend to stay for years,” Belov says. “Additionally, maintaining a positive environment at the workplace is crucial for employee retention.”

Tinting Chicago strives to deliver consistent, fair pricing. Prices typically increase only with significant changes in material costs. Over the last five years, Tinting Chicago has adjusted prices two or three times, Belov notes, within a 5-10% range.

“Prices remain consistent across our locations, positioning us as mid-range in Chicago and more competitive in the suburbs,” he says.

Establishing a solid reputation after 10 years in business means Tinting Chicago primarily relies on word-of-mouth advertising, complemented by exterior signage, banners and showcasing the company’s best projects on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

“We have technicians that create and manage video content for our social media profiles,” Belov says. “While it’s challenging to predict success, we avoid purchasing followers or traffic so all views are valid. Engagement varies based on factors like hashtags and post timing, with some posts garnering thousands of views while others receive fewer.”

Tinting Chicago also strives to keep products in stock so that when a customer arrives, they are confident they can drive away with the products they came looking for.

“It’s the worst-case scenario if we were to tell the customer to come back next week because we need to order something,” Belov says.

MOVING FORWARD

In addition to handling the company’s consistent growth, Tinting Chicago strives to handle ongoing challenges as they arise.

“Post-COVID, many small shops opened their doors offering lower prices. However, customers must decide whether to risk going to a garage shop with no warranty guarantee or opt for slightly higher prices at an official dealer,” Belov says. “Official dealerships provide warranty cards for certain services and are listed on installer maps, offering assurance.”

Additionally, staying updated with new software and features is top-of-mind for the Tinting Chicago team, including embracing AI for social media lead generation and voicemail setups.

“We also collaborate with various local businesses in different fields, including car washes, mechanic shops, glazing companies and dealerships,” Belov says. “These alliances benefit both parties, especially when fulfilling customer needs or undertaking large commercial projects.”

For Belov, the best aspects of the culture and business of Tinting Chicago include the dynamic environment, challenging projects and a variety of tasks that team members enjoy, as they are not confined to a single location or task, ensuring they remain engaged and motivated.

“Looking ahead, while specific plans are confidential, we aim to expand and potentially become a national brand,” Belov reveals. “Our optimistic outlook is fueled by our commitment to high standards and our vision for growth.”

Maura Keller is a freelance writer based in Minnesota. She can be reached at maurakeller@yahoo.com.