DarkStar Tinting in Post Falls, Idaho, and Exclusive Quality Tint in Caldwell, Idaho, have expanded their respective operations. Both Autobahn Dealers opened up their first brick-and-mortar locations.
DarkStar Tinting (Post Falls, Idaho)
“I’ve never done anything like this in my life,” shares Brandon Mills, Owner/Operator of DarkStar Tinting. “I called some friends for advice.”
Mills dialed Brandon ‘Hoss’ Evans, Owner of Xtreme Shades in Smithfield, N.C., and Charlie Kremer, Owner of MC Window Tinting in Alsip, Ill.
“Hoss has been a mentor to me ever since I entered the industry,” shares Mills. “Hoss and I talked for about two hours. Charlie said one thing that stuck with me: ‘If you’re not scared, you’re not doing something right.’”
Mills first laid film in April 2022, opening DarkStar Tinting in 2023.
“I started tinting because I wanted to get out of the construction industry,” he says. “I got tired of beating up my body. I stumbled across window tinting. It suited me because I am an automotive person at heart. It didn’t fall far from what I normally like to do. It took off—I got some film and started tinting family members’ vehicles. Now, I’m 400-500 cars in.”
DarkStar Tinting specializes in automotive and architectural window film, vinyl services, and headlight and taillight tinting.
“I’ve worked very hard to build up my Google Reviews,” Mills says. “This location adds to that, boosting the professionalism of my business.”
Exclusive Quality Tint (Caldwell, Idaho)
“We opened in December 2020—the worst time to open your own tint company,” shares Vic San, Owner of Exclusive Quality Tint in Caldwell, Idaho. “It started growing slowly. One year in, I was tinting three to four cars a day.”
Exclusive Quality Tint’s new shop spans more than 1,000 square-feet.
“It’s very emotional to see this come together,” says San, whose business specializes in automotive and architectural window film, paint protection film (PPF), taillight tinting, and vinyl wraps. “I’m trying to leave something for my kids to fall back on. Having the shop opens up the ability to gain new customers. In the month I’ve been in my new location, an average of three new customers walk in each day.”
An industry veteran of 10-plus years, San says he’s proud of industry peer Mills.
“He loves the craft as much as I did when I started tinting,” shares San, whose shop is more than 400 miles from Mills’. “He’s setting himself up for success. I’m proud of him—I really am.”
Support From a Fellow Tint’er
In the wide world of window film, a support system makes a difference. Both Mills and San say their Autobahn Territory Manager—Jason Omoletski—has made an impact in and out of the installation bay.
“He’s been super helpful,” Mills says of Jason Omoletski, who is also the Founder of Tint’er Brand. “He’s always encouraged me to ‘just do it.’ He encouraged me to compete in Autobahn’s first Window Tinting Competition—my first-ever tinting competition. It was definitely fun, and I would probably do it again.”
San adds, “We share a friendship—I’ve been able to talk to him about life outside of work. I appreciate him—he’s awesome.”
(Exclusive Quality Tint Photos Courtesy of Figueroa Fotografía; used with permission.)