While Kermit the Frog may not have been in the window film industry there certainly is some value to what he preaches. Being “green” has taken on so many meanings. For instance, my attempt to be environmentally “green” has left me spending more time with the ceiling fan on than the air conditioning. I got in trouble for trying to throw away a plastic bottle and made a trip to the recycling bin instead. More than anything, I’ve been industry “green” at work.

While I have spent the last few years becoming familiar with the glass industry my knowledge on window film was elementary until I became assistant editor for Window Film last month. Trying to learn everything there is to know about an industry is a big task and so far I’ve learned quite a bit about window film. What a crash course it’s been. I’ve been learning about products, tax credits, and companies and, most importantly, I’ve been immersing myself in the issues that shops are facing. It’s not easy being the new kid on the block or, as Kermit would say, “being green.” Fortunately the industry is filled with willing teachers and I am all about learning. 

I’ve been reflecting on the bigger picture and have assigned myself the personal mission of discovering window film’s value proposition. Understanding what gives window film value is what can help companies sell it and help technicians complete the best job possible. Is it customer response that gives film value or is it the quality of projects that show how important window film is?

Recently our video producer and I visited Stratford Hall, the home of the Lee family of Virginia and the birthplace of Robert E. Lee, to cover a window film installation that was done there. I left feeling struck by what an installation like this means for the industry (For more information watch the video at windowfilmmag.com or check out the July/August issue of Window Film). What better validation than a 272-year-old historical treasure installing window film to protect its interiors? It just goes to show that it’s never too late for a consumer or a business to start protecting their property. I know all of you see interesting projects that validate window film all the time. If you have any unique or interesting projects coming up e-mail me at khodge@glass.com.