From Flooring to Film: Jody Knight’s 19-Year Journey

By Chris Collier

In 2004, a 25-year-old Jody Knight was working at a Charlotte, N.C., flooring company. At the same time, a former Madico distributor had set up shop next door and sought someone to manage its stores in the Carolinas and Georgia. Knight caught their attention over casual conversations.

Fresh to Film

“I knew nothing about window film, other than the fact that the company was willing to pay me X amount of dollars to talk to customers about colored plastic,” explains Knight, who joined The Enpro Group that year. Knight flipped careers by immersing himself in the window film industry’s manufacturing and distribution segment.

“I took over the territory for several years,” he says. “That’s where I learned the manufacturing side of the business as I got my feet wet. I had a customer in Columbia, S.C., who was like a brother to me. His dad was diagnosed with brain cancer. He asked, ‘What would it take for you to work with me? I need someone to run my business because this has taken place.’”

Knight became that someone.

Pivoting in the Palmetto State

He shifted to manager and installer at South Carolina’s Palmetto Pro Tint.

“We grew his business from having one location to three different stores,” adds Knight, who worked at Palmetto Pro Tint from 2009 to 2013. “We did a massive volume—probably 18 cars a day per location.”

During Knight’s tenure, the company became a distributor for Scorpion Window Films in North and South Carolina. Scorpion Window Films ended up as Knight’s next stop.

“I enjoyed building my little area, but the challenge of duplicating what I was doing on a national level appealed to me,” says Knight, who joined Scorpion Window Films as its national installation trainer in 2013. “We built out a training program, and we got to see the company grow. To be a small part of their growth was very exciting for me.”

Knight worked at Scorpion Window Films for seven years before joining Maxpro Window Films as a strategic market specialist/national trainer in 2020. He moved to KDX Films late last year.

A New Chapter

Knight is the director of business development there, and has helped train and guide thousands of installers to successful careers.

“To help someone create a life and have something they would never have had otherwise,” Knight says of his training mission. “I have to make sure I give installers every bit of knowledge I can. But training doesn’t stop when I leave. I refer to it as a marriage. Call me day or night, weekend, holiday—it doesn’t matter. If you have a problem or need a friend to talk to, I’m here for you.” KDX Films represents a new chapter for an industry veteran who finds fulfillment in passing along industry knowledge.

“One of the things that excites me is teaching someone what I’ve learned through trial and error—stepping on the land mines,” he says. “There was an ‘Aha’ moment. A former trainee texted me and said, ‘Jody, I owe you so much. I am 23 years old; I own my own business and bought my first house; I am married and was able to provide my wife with a wedding, a ring and things I could never have imagined. I credit you because you taught me what I know.”

Faith First

“Being someone who was available and accountable,” Knight cites as his greatest industry accomplishments. “Someone who didn’t mind giving a helping hand or lending advice when needed. I don’t need accolades. I want to leave the industry better than I found it.”

This fall marks 19 years in the industry for Knight, who has spent time in each corner of the film business. “I’m currently introducing my son into the industry. He just turned 18, and I’ve taught him how to install for several years. He officially started his own business in October 2022,” says Knight, whose son Landen Knight’s company is dubbed Knight’s Armor in South Carolina.

From flooring to The Enpro Group to Palmetto Pro Tint to Scorpion Window Films to Maxpro Window Films to KDX Films, Knight has experienced it all. But it’s his faith that is  a constant that hasn’t shifted at home or work.

“I want everyone to see the love of Christ—not someone who’s just a sales rep,” he shares.

Training Talk at WFCT 2023

Jody Knight, director of business development at KDX Films, will hit the stage at The International Window Film Conference & Tint-Off
(WFCT) 2023 to discuss training installers with various experience levels.

The Importance of Training Both New and Seasoned Installers

It’s crucial to pass on the fundamentals of the film industry to novice installers during their initial deep dive. But what about training the veterans who have “mastered” the art of window tinting and paint protection film? Knight will share why you’re never too advanced to learn a thing or two.

Chris Collier is the editor of Window Film magazine.
ccollier@glass.com

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