New curriculums. New booklets. New outbound trainers. And an open invitation to the entire industry.
Autobahn, Hüper Optik, and Edge’s Focused Industry Training (FIT) Program has been re-engineered from the ground up. Covering automotive window film, architectural window film, paint protection film (PPF), and ceramic coatings, FIT is forging the next generation of industry pros.
Director of Training Tony Kiger and Training Coordinator George ‘El Chingon’ Nevarez are leading the charge. Director of Communications Chris Collier sat down with Kiger to unpack what’s new, what’s next, and why the best training programs push you past your limits.
Collier: What is the long-term goal of the FIT Program?
Kiger: We want to stay on top of industry trends while building a team of trainers who operate at the highest level—whether at our Houston HQ or delivering outbound training across the country. And just like our students, our trainers should keep growing. We all evolve. That’s the culture I want to create—one where we push each other to improve.
Collier: What role does George ‘El Chingon’ Nevarez play within the revamped FIT Program?
Kiger: George is our lead trainer for automotive and architectural window film. He brings decades of experience. I’ll always say this: even if we have the technology, you must know how to cut by hand. What happens if your software crashes or the power goes out? That’s your livelihood. George is exceptional at training hand-cutting techniques—skills that keep you prepared no matter the situation.
Collier: How does this approach apply to PPF and coatings?
Kiger: PPF and coatings are different beasts, but the principles are the same. Our trainers don’t just rely on pre-cut patterns. We show how to hide corners and edges correctly—no overstretching or forcing the material. Even if you’re in an entry-level class, you’ll leave with advanced techniques. It’s about exceeding the standard, not meeting the minimum.
Collier: What skill level is the FIT Program designed for?
Kiger: Generally, it’s intermediate. But every class starts with an evaluation—are you experienced, brand new, or just here to explore the product? Early conversations between the trainer and trainees help us understand where each person is, so we can tailor the experience and focus our time on where it matters most.
Collier: How crucial is it that the program stays flexible?
Kiger: It’s vital. You get folks who think they’re advanced, but they’ve been doing things the wrong way for years. Some are quick to adjust, and others require more guidance. It all comes down to repetition, but repetition done correctly. If you keep practicing the wrong way, that’s what you’ll default to under pressure.
Collier: What keeps students engaged in the classroom?
Kiger: You’ve got to put the focus on them. PowerPoints happen early in the a.m., when people are still waking up. That’s why our trainers ask questions, get people involved, and hold them accountable. They’ve spent time and money to be here—we owe them a hands-on, engaging, and valuable class. Yeah, we have fun. But the end goal is ensuring they walk out smarter and more confident than when they walked in.
Collier: What tools do students take with them?
Kiger: Every student receives a booklet that aligns with the course content—whether it’s a two-day architectural class or a three-day PPF session. That reference material becomes a go-to resource long after training ends. Students also take home the tools used during the class, ensuring they leave equipped and ready to start installing right away.
Collier: Are mistakes valuable in the training environment?
Kiger: Every training is designed to teach the correct way to do things, but mistakes happen, and we should embrace that. After the course, a trainee will run into real-world issues with real customers. And if we haven’t given them space to make mistakes—and more importantly, learn how to fix them—they will struggle. So we teach the right way. But we also show what happens when you mess up. Can it be fixed? Or do you need to start over? Everyone learns through mistakes. In the Autobahn Authorized Dealers Facebook group, I recently shared a video walkthrough of properly installing our Leicht and Keramik X ceramic coatings. I also intentionally installed them incorrectly. The goal was to show what a flawed install looks like, what issues it creates, and how to correct it. That kind of perspective is what helps people truly adapt and grow.
Collier: What separates a good trainer from a great one?
Kiger: Availability—and real skill. I’ve been to shops where people thought they were trained but lacked the proper foundation. So they struggled for years, until they finally asked for help. I don’t want our trainers to be the reason why someone quits the industry. I want our trainers to be why someone thrives and builds a career. I push our trainers hard—because people count on us to get this right.
Collier: Who can sign up for these classes?
Kiger: Anyone and everyone in the industry.