American Window Film officially made its 24^th acquisition in late July, purchasing the Phoenix-based company A Better Tint. For CEO Matthew Darienzo, his company’s growth reflects the whole industry’s potential.

“The industry is in a good spot right now, which means there’s room to grow both for us and the rest of the industry,” he says.

The acquisition of A Better Tint was less about adding another shop and more about strengthening the existing American Window Film location in Phoenix, says Darienzo. A Better Tint’s customer base and operations are transferring to the other American Window film company in the area.

The American Window Film Phoenix Crew, pictured here. Photo provided by Matthew Darienzo.

“A Better Tint was a small operation, so we just transitioned their one installer to our Phoenix location,” Darienzo says. “The manager decided not to stay with the company, so that worked out for everyone.”

Darienzo adds that he’s known A Better Tint’s former owner, Erik Geisler, for years.

“[This purchase] was good timing for both of us,” Darienzo says.

He says many of American Window Film’s acquisitions stem from industry relationships he’s built throughout his career. Darienzo says these relationships help tick a crucial box when deciding whether to purchase a company.

“I always vet the owner,” he says. “If the people who own the company are good, the company itself is frequently a solid business, too. If I already know the owner, it makes that process simpler.”

Darienzo also looks for shops that have been around for 20 to 30 years and have well-established customer relationships. He explains that while many business owners prefer opening a new location from scratch, he’s been most successful with acquisitions.

“They say 50% of businesses fail within the first 5 years, but if you buy one that’s already well-established, your chances of success are much higher.”