What were WindowFilmMag.com’s top stories since our last issue? Here are the hottest topics in the industry:

Edited by Emmariah Holcomb

1 Bill Burke Passes Away

Window film industry legend Bill Burke passed away. Burke was a pioneer in the development and professionalism of the industry. See the article on page 16, for more on Burke and his contributions to the industry.

Visit windowfilmmag.com and search “Bill Burke” for more information.

2 Johnson Window Films Teams Up With West Coast Customs

Johnson Window Films (JWF) has become the official window tint of West Coast Customs. The announcement was posted on the company’s social media pages as well as its website. The family-owned and operated window film manufacturing business couldn’t be happier about sharing its latest news.

Visit windowfilmmag.com and search “West Coast Customs,” for more information.

3 Recent Fire Destroys Shop but Donations Continue

A fire destroyed Daniel’s Auto Glass, a window film and auto glass business, in Bassett, Va. The building was a total loss. The shop’s owner, Daniel Hanks, was left with no office nor tools to tint customer’s windows or repair or replace windshields. But then the industry stepped in to help Hanks in his time of need.

Visit windowfilmmag.com and search “Daniel Hanks,” for more information.

4 A Look Back at 2018’s Top Headlines

WINDOW FILM readers across the globe were anxious to read about the top stories in 2018, although some of the stories on the list might not be what you expected, it’s still interesting to see which ones get the most views. Here’s a look at what made the list.

Visit windowfilmmag.com and search “Top 5 stories,” for more information.

5 When Borrowing Goes Too Far

Imagine working hard for years in the industry by establishing yourself, creating a brand and reputation for a business you started. Now imagine someone else getting credit for everything you’ve done and have worked hard for. That was the unfortunate reality for one window film company, as it says an offshore company has copied nearly everything it makes including its trademark.

Visit windowfilmmag.com and search “copycat,” for more information.

For the full stories, go to WindowFilmMag.com and enter the keywords into the search bar. While there, stay up with all the Window Film News by signing up for our free weekly e-newsletter.

Remembering Bill Burke

Window film industry legend Bill Burke has passed away. Burke was a pioneer in the development and professionalism of the industry.

“My dad was like a knight in shining armor, he had an answer for everything about the industry. He did everything for the love of window film and losing him truly hurts,” said his son, Pat.

Burke began his career by starting his own film company before it was recognized as a worthwhile industry to join, and later became a member and then executive director of the International Window Film Association (IWFA) where he worked to champion the use of window film. In recognition of his many accomplishments, Burke was inducted into the WINDOW FILM Magazine Hall of Fame in 2016.

Several members of the industry reflected on how Burke impacted them and wanted to share their thoughts and memories.

“Bill had a wealth of knowledge about the beginnings and growth of the window film industry—he participated in most of it. He’ll be missed,” said Joe Cobbe, Maxpro president and CEO.

“I met Bill Burke back in the late 1980’s when first joining the window film industry. Bill had a ‘larger than life’ personality that was infectious and was truly a pioneer with ‘out of the box’ ideas and thinking. He truly understood our industry on a fundamental level and had a passion for effecting positive change. Bill was ‘one of a kind’ and will be truly missed,’ said Jeffrey Plummer, senior vice president for Madico, Inc.

“If you enjoy offering lifetime automotive warranties to your customers you owe Bill Burke your thanks, he invented the concept. The IWFA wouldn’t exist without Bill’s efforts that came at a time when window film competitors wouldn’t even talk to each other,” said Scott Davidson, president of Johnson Window Films.

“I met Bill Burke back in 1982, the year I opened my business and coincidentally, the same year that the Hawaii legislature announced they would be banning auto tinting. I scrambled and tried calling LLumar for help and they pointed me to the newly formed IWFA for legislative assistance. I called the IWFA and met Bill Burke over the phone. Bill was incredibly understanding and so helpful to me and the quickly formed ‘Coalition for Safe Glass Tinting’ here in Hawaii,” said Tommy Silva, CEO of T&T Tinting Specialists, Inc.

“He provided us with endless information on other state laws, expert witnesses that could come to hearings and speak on behalf of the IWFA and lots more. After 12 months of hard research, in-person lobbying work, and speaking at numerous hearings, we successfully got our bills through the House and Senate. Our Governor signed our bill into law in July of 1983, with only minutes to spare as it would’ve died on his desk without our constant pressure. Over the past 37 years, at IWFA meetings and other industry functions, Bill had become not only a trusted advisor, but a great friend. His passion for our industry is only surpassed by his kindness, smile and raspy laugh. You will be missed Bill Burke. Much aloha out to the Burke ohana in this time of sadness,” Silva added.

He is survived by his wife Audrey Ann, sons, Patrick and Bill (his wife Robin), grandsons Zack, Cody, and Jake (his wife Angie), granddaughter Nicole, and his great grandson Billy.

Some in the industry have been working to keep Burke’s memory alive by collecting money for the wounded warrior project and a children’s home in Arizona to make a donation in his name.

“I started this because of the man Burke was and what he did for the industry. He was a true innovator, it was almost like he had a crystal ball and could see what window film would become as an industry. Burke served in the military and loved kids, so donating to both just made sense,” said Jody Knight, Scorpion sales representative.

International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off™ 2019 Dates and Location Announced

The International Window Film Conference and Tint-Off (WFCT) 2019 will be held Wednesday – Friday, September 4-6 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis, Ind. The host hotel is the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown which is adjacent to the convention center.

This is the events’ first foray into the heartland, with the Hoosier capital, within driving distance of 14 major metropolitan areas. The international airport offers nonstop flights to and from more than 50 cities.

WFCT will serve as the backdrop for networking events, exhibition floor, educational program, Paint Protection Competition as well as Automotive and Architectural Tint-Offs, plus the second annual Window Film Customer Service Representative Competition and much more. Account executive Casey Flores said “We are thrilled to be bringing the event to a region we’ve never been in before. The central location and ease of access will benefit both sponsors and attendees alike.”

Stay tuned to wfctevent.com or follow us on Facebook, or Twitter for all the latest updates regarding exhibit displays, registration and the competitions. Benefit from three full days of education and networking called “invaluable industry knowledge” from previous attendees.

To view the laid-in version of this article in our digital edition, CLICK HERE.