Autobahn announced an international expansion into Brazil this Fall. FilmStar Window Film, the Exclusive Distributor for Autobahn Brazil’s Dealer and Distribution Network, will facilitate the launch.
Ready for Takeoff
FilmStar Window Film will play a significant role in Autobahn Brazil’s Dealer and Distribution Network. The company will provide support in terms of logistics, distribution channels, and dealer relations, helping Autobahn establish a strong presence in the Brazilian market.
Autobahn Brazil’s VIP Launch Party will be held at the Tetto Rooftop Lounge in São Paulo, Brazil, on November 18, 2023, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The event is by invitation only.
Chris Collier, Director of Communications for Autobahn, caught up with Christian Carvalho, Founder of FilmStar Window Film, ahead of the highly-anticipated launch.
Collier: What inspired you to enter the window film industry?
Carvalho: My passion for cars inspired me. I always dreamed of working with something related to cars. Window film was a surprise. From the beginning, I found it very easy to learn the installation techniques.
Collier: When did you start FilmStar Window Film?
Carvalho: I started FilmStar Window Film in 2003. It was just me and my brother, Marcelo, who was 15 years old at the time and knew nothing about film. Ever since I was a kid, I knew I would have my own business. My mother always worked a lot, leaving home very early before I even woke up. My father always had several of his own businesses of various types, always trying to make one work very well.
Collier: What was the hardest part of running the business in 2003?
Carvalho: I had to be the installer, the salesperson, and the administrator at the same time. I soon realized that I needed more staff to help me.
Collier: Can you detail FilmStar Window Film’s growth over the years?
Carvalho: We have always grown thinking about the future, one step at a time, by building strong foundations for our evolution. Quality has always been the biggest focus, in product and installation quality. Unity has always helped us grow.
Collier: 20 years after its founding, how many team members does FilmStar Window Film have?
Carvalho: Today, our team has 18 employees, covering installations, sales, administration, and logistics.
Collier: What is your favorite part of this 20-year run?
Carvalho: The people I’ve met; the people that helped me build the company. Many of them are still with us today. Many on the team have been with the company for 10, 15, and 20 years. That makes me very proud.
Collier: What would you tell your younger self?
Carvalho: Be prepared. It won’t be easy, but don’t give up. Believe in yourself and go all the way.
Collier: What motivates you?
Carvalho: I do everything as if it were for myself; as if I were the client. I base my work on the results I would like to see.
Collier: Outside of founding FilmStar Window Film, what is your proudest accomplishment?
Carvalho: What makes me most fulfilled in my career in the world of film was being able to create The South American Window Film Conference and Championship event (CAMBAWF). It helped the Brazilian and South American market develop professionally. I receive many messages saying that the event changed people’s lives professionally in the sector.
Collier: What do you hope you’re remembered for?
Carvalho: The difference I made in the lives of the professionals I was able to impact.
Global Expansion Efforts
Malaysia is also at the forefront of global expansion efforts. Click here to read about Advance Tint Sdn Bhd, a Member of Autobahn Malaysia’s Dealer and Distribution Network.
Click here to read this story in Portuguese.