Elite Window Tinting, brighter days ahead for one business that darkens them
Sunny days brighten spirits but tire eyes, which can make long road trips or even short excursions to the office difficult. Luckily there’s an easy solution that requires little more than a short drive and brief wait, window tinting.
Jake Davis, 27, is the owner and founder of Elite Window Tinting in Sparks just off Freeport Blvd. His first experience tinting wasn’t on the job, in fact, he began by tinting his own car with a roll of film he received while replacing his windshield in Baltimore.
“I waited until it was a warm day out, youtubed it, and threw up a piece of film,” said Davis of his first time tinting a vehicle. “It wasn’t the best-looking window but it was sufficient enough for me.”
The experience inspired him and he began tinting his family and friends’ vehicles before eventually making his way into the world of professional tinting. He opened Elite two years ago and now has two full-time employees, one for marketing, one for tinting, and a part-timer who is learning the ropes.
Shop carts and hanging wall racks/storage adorn the shop. Providing space for the little tools necessary to complete tint jobs. Industrial razor blades, shop rags, squeegees, and baby soap seem like an eclectic match but are the secret ingredient to getting the best adherence of tint to glass.
Window tinting works by applying a thin ceramic or carbon film to glass. This allows some types of light rays to pass through while others are reflected or absorbed. The ceramic film is more high-end, reflecting 99.9% of UV rays while reducing glare and blocking out heat-producing rays to keep the inside cool.
As a recession looms, many young entrepreneurs find themselves riddled with anxiety and uncertainty. Small luxuries are often the first thing to go when people tighten their belts but Davis remains confident that his business and its soon-to-be expansion will remain successful.
“We’re going to dominate the American Southwest,” said Davis, who is currently working on expanding the business with franchises and out-of-state locations. His first stop will be Phoenix and he’s optimistic that the quality of his work and hot summer temperatures will prove beneficial for the success of his business. “Our goal right now is just to dominate Reno and Phoenix and then we’re going to eventually expand to Albuquerque.”
During COVID-19 lockdowns and commerce restrictions Davis was just starting his business. While navigating changing health guidelines and regulations was difficult, it proved fruitful in the end after Davis realized that if he could find success then, he’d find it anywhere.
“It created tremendous opportunity for people like me who have much to gain and less to lose,” said Davis. “You don’t get what you deserve in life, you get what you negotiate.”
It’s this unrelenting confidence that made Davis successful. But his desire to put the customer first is what has kept it going. Comfortable couches and a hydration station sit in a hidden alcove behind the offices. Giving customers a chance to relax and enjoy some television as their cars are worked on just 20 feet away.
Reviews are crucial to the success of a small business. Davis ensures that customers are comfortable while they wait for their cars and that they provide quality work not only so that the customer comes back, but also so that they leave a good review and tell their friends.
