Autobahn, a leading supplier of premium automotive window tint, paint protection film (PPF), and ceramic coatings, is expanding its North American presence through strategic partnerships with new dealers in exclusive territories.
K2 Tint & Clearbra now offers Autobahn’s full suite of solutions to drivers in Kingston, Pennsylvania.
Since tinting his first car at 19, Owner/Operator Kevin Kintz has grown a side hustle into a lifelong career. Built on relationships and family-first values, his business thrives on the trust of repeat customers and referrals. He sat down with Chris Collier, Director of Communications at Autobahn, to share his story.
Chris: What has your Autobahn experience been like so far?
Kevin: It’s been great. I wanted to join the Autobahn family about four years ago, but my territory was already taken. I had heard they had excellent, quality products. When I saw my chance, I took it.
Chris: Autobahn’s Dealer Success Manager Heide Mcgee visited you right away. What was that like?
Kevin: It was nice. Honestly, I’d never had a company rep visit me in all my years tinting. She noticed right away that when customers come in, it’s like family. She said, ‘You talk to them like you’ve known them forever. They trust you and you have good relationships with people.’ And that’s what I’ve always focused on.
Chris: Tell me about your journey into window tinting.
Kevin: I never thought I’d be tinting windows. I watched a friend tint his car, and he wasn’t a professional. But I was like, ‘That looks like fun.’ I grabbed some cheap auto parts store film, and started practicing on my own car at 19. As I got better, friends at a local stereo shop started sending customers my way. It took off from there.
Chris: And you’ve been in the industry ever since?
Kevin: Yes, I’m 51 now. I started out as K2 Tint Company, and then started K2 Mobile Tint in 2012. I did mobile tinting up until about 2020. At one point, I was servicing dozens of dealerships and used car lots and detail shops. I was on the road too much, and I couldn’t service my customers at my shop. It was very stressful, so I moved to tinting in a shop full-time.
Chris: You have a long resume outside of tinting, right?
Kevin: I’ve had other jobs outside of the window tinting industry: from running forklifts and hanging drywall to installing electronics and even delivering pizzas. For a while, I also built motorized lift chairs for a healthcare company.
Chris: But you’ve stuck with window tint. What’s your favorite part of this industry?
Kevin: Even though I own the business, I consider myself an installer first because it’s what I love doing most. I love connecting with people. I rely on my customers, and I’ve come to build good relationships with them. About 95% of my business comes from repeat and referral customers. Very little work comes from my website.
Chris: What keeps you motivated every day?
Kevin: Family. Besides supporting my wife and myself, I help take care of my in-laws and my mother since my father died. She doesn’t like it, but I’m always helping her out. I’ve always tried to do the best job I can, and I’m not greedy. If I have it, others can have it too.
Chris: What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Kevin: Don’t sell yourself short. For years, I gave everyone deals, but even customers would tell me, “Your work is worth more than what you’re charging.”
Chris: Where do you see your business going in the next few years?
Kevin: I’d like to expand into ceramic coatings, hire a detailer, and maybe add another installer. Because I am getting old. I’m 51, I feel like I’m 90. (laughs)
Kevin’s All-Time Favorites
Favorite Movie: “Out Cold, a snowboarding movie from the early 2000s.”
Favorite Sports Team: “The Pittsburgh Steelers. My favorite player has always been ‘The Bus,’ Jerome Bettis.”
Favorite Music: “I listen to a bit of everything, but my favorite group is Volbeat.”
Go-to Comfort Food: “Wings, and we get them from everywhere.”
Favorite Hobbies: “Making T-shirts and playing the drums. Screen printing is just a hobby, but I do make my own ‘K2’ shirts.”
Connect with K2 Tint & Clearbra (351 Main St, Unit 11, Kingston, PA, 18704)