“To be recognized for something that I do daily was eye-opening,” says Charlie Kremer, Owner of MC Window Tinting in Alsip, Ill. “I’ve been in the industry for nearly a decade, and awards have never been on my radar. I’m grateful to even be considered.”
The 2024 Dealer Awards
MC Window Tinting received Autobahn’s Regional (Midwest) award at The 2024 Dealer Conference at LeMay – America’s Car Museum, in Tacoma, Wash., on March 5, 2024. The Dealer was among a group of 10-plus Autobahn, Huper Optik, and Edge dealers recognized at the gathering.
“Networking and catching up with like-minded individuals is my favorite part of these events,” Kremer adds.
John Turnbull, Owner of Starlit Tint in Meridian, Idaho, took home Autobahn’s Regional (West) award at the event.
“Huge shout out to all the customers who trusted us with their vehicles, homes, and businesses,” Turnbull shares. “I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”
Jesus Ramirez, Owner of Humboldt Auto Styling in Fortuna, Calif., took home a Regional (West) award from Autobahn as well
“It’s almost surreal in a sense,” Ramirez says with a smile. “I’m still processing it all.”
Growing Together
26-year industry veteran Eric Perez, Owner of Sun-Kool Window Tinting in Hickory, N.C., won Edge’s Regional (North East) award.
“It was awesome to see Angel Martinez win an award just a couple years into this industry,” says Perez. “He’s killing it.”
Angel Martinez, Owner of Resilient Tint in Marietta, Ga., won Edge’s Regional (Midwest) award in Tacoma.
“Heartfelt thanks to all who’ve contributed to our journey and the vibrant community we’re building,” Martinez says. “The journey doesn’t stop here. This is only the beginning.”
All Pro Window Tinting in Atlanta, Ga., received Huper Optik’s Regional (South East) award. Owner Chris DeLuca, recently featured in Huper Optik’s Masterclass Video Series, took to Facebook to celebrate the award.
“Humbled, proud, and honored to accept this award,” DeLuca said.
Click here for the full list of winners.
Nazir Award of Excellence
During the conference, Autobahn, Huper Optik, and Edge announced Mike Powell, the Owner of Day To Night Window Tinting in Roanoke Rapids, N.C., as the recipient of 2024’s Nazir Award of Excellence. Named in honor of Faisal Nazir, the prestigious award recognizes those who have made their mark across the window film, paint protection film (PPF), and ceramic coatings industries.
“Truly unreal,” Powell shared on Facebook after the event. “Huge thank you to everyone who has believed in me on this amazing journey.”
Powell also took home Huper Optik’s Regional (North East) award during the show.
Inaugural Window Tinting/PPF Competitions
On the final day of the event, Autobahn held its inaugural Window Tinting/Paint Protection Film (PPF) Competition. Kyle Whalen, who co-owns Pro Tint and Apparel in Hartwell, Ga., with his partner Hannah Leigh Adams, won not one—but two—trophies. Whalen placed second in the PPF competition, and third in the Window Tinting Competition.
“Prior to this competition, I had installed PPF on three cars,” Whalen says. “But I’ve been hanging around Randy Humphries, one of the best PPF installers in the industry.”
Eliu Albelo, Owner of Best Deal Window Tint in Orlando, Fla., took first in the PPF competition, while ByeongYeol Park, the Owner of Korea-Tinter in Gwangju, South Korea, took first in the Window Tinting Competition.
Creative Freedom
Each competition’s set of rules and guidelines emphasized the creative nature of both the window film and PPF segments.
Listening to music? Two-Staging? Bottom-Loading? All of the above?
There are numerous paths to achieving a top-notch installation, and Autobahn’s CEO and seasoned installer, David Kratz, crafted each competition with this in mind.
“With some events, there’s a lot that you can’t do,” Whalen says. “You can’t find the best if installers can’t install the way they do every day. Autobahn gave us free will to install how we want to install. They judged quality above all.”
Click here for the full list of winners.
(Photo: Josh Welch)