“I want to be remembered for supporting others,” says Kristina Evans, Co-Owner of Xtreme Shades in Smithfield, N.C. “I don’t mind being in the background, making sure everyone has their tools and everything they need.”
Building as One
Kristina Evans operates Xtreme Shades with her husband Brandon ‘Hoss’ Evans. Founded in 2019, the Autobahn dealer specializes in architectural and automotive window film, paint protection film (PPF), ceramic coatings, and wraps. The company received the 2022 Horizon Award at the Huper Optik and Autobahn Dealer Conference in Denver, Colo., this year.
Before her career in window film, Kristina Evans held managerial positions in the fast food and retail industries. She was also a Customer Service Representative for Selma, N.C.’s, local government.
Chris Collier, Director of Communications for Autobahn, Huper Optik, and Edge, connected with Kristina Evans following Xtreme Shades’ Fourth Annual Tint ‘N Toy Drive on Saturday, December 9. The event saw more than 10 industry professionals travel from various locations, dedicating their time to provide a memorable holiday season for less fortunate children.
Collier: What are your primary roles at Xtreme Shades?
Evans: I do a little bit of it all. Everything from answering phones, communicating with customers, cutting film patterns, and tinting.
Collier: What is it like running a business with your significant other?
Evans: Work is work. When we come home, work stops. We’re at home with our three kids. We try to separate work and family. But we do break our rules sometimes.
Collier: What is your proudest industry accomplishment?
Evans: Building a successful small business with my husband. Keeping it going and building it, year after year. I want to expand and open more shops. I’ve got big dreams.
Collier: What is your why? What pushes you to achieve your goals each day?
Evans: My family. We’ve got to keep our business going to survive.
Collier: Is it challenging to make your mark in a predominantly male industry such as window film?
Evans: Most customers are shocked when they find out I tinted their car. There have been hard times. Sometimes there’s backlash from people who don’t think you’re capable of installing film. But with more and more females in the industry, my job is becoming easier.
Collier: How have you seen the industry shift during the last few years?
Evans: You see a lot of people coming together to help each other. I didn’t see that when I first started. There were a lot of people protecting what they had grown and accomplished; they didn’t want to share their secrets. But now everyone is sharing their secrets and contributing to causes to help everyone do more.
Collier: What are some tips for navigating the slow season?
Evans: Come up with creative marketing ideas and social media campaigns. With Christmas coming, people are thinking of what to get their friends and family. Promoting gift cards for your business is a great way to boost sales during the holidays.
Collier: What is your favorite part of the window film industry?
Evans: I just love seeing and spending time with everyone. I started by following everyone on Facebook and Instagram. And then you go to events and meet them in person. I remember meeting Erik Devash of Tint Wiz at Tinter Battles. I love networking and getting to know people.
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