UV GARD by SUN-GARD Continues to Offer Protection to Child with Rare Skin Condition

Let us reintroduce you to Peyton, a little boy with an extraordinarily rare and incurable skin disease called Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP).  XP is a rare genetic disease where Peyton’s DNA lacks the ability to repair damage from UV light. It causes Peyton to be extremely sensitive to the damaging effects of the sun and other UV radiation sources. XP can lead to the early onset of skin cancer and melanoma. A couple of years ago we were able to help Peyton and his family by donating our UV GARD film for use on his custom protective hats.  These specialized hats allow those with XP to be out in the daylight for brief periods such as walking to and from the car from a building.

We are pleased to share that Peyton is doing very well and will soon be entering the first grade! His family has worked hard to come up with creative ways to allow him to stay safe and enjoy the outdoors.  Recently, they installed our film on a camper so that while inside Peyton can enjoy a nice view of the outdoors rather than being forced to keep the blinds closed. Once the sun goes down he is able to exit the camper and enjoy nature first hand.

The XP Family Support Group has played a huge role in the lives of Peyton and his family. The group is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those affected with xeroderma pigmentosum through education and support services, researching effective treatments, and ultimately finding a cure. To assist in their fight, the group is hosting its Annual Golf Tournament this August to raise money for their cause.  The golf tournament will consist of nine holes played during the day and nine holes of “glow in the dark” golf played at night so that those with XP can also join in on the fun.  SUN-GARD is proud to be participating in this event as a gift bag sponsor.  We wish the XP Family Support Group a successful event and commend their efforts in helping those affected by this condition!

To learn more about XP and how you can help others like Peyton visit, http://www.xpfamilysupport.org/index.html.

 

 

Tint Masters Utilizes Social Media to Gain New Business in Georgia

Jay Wilson has been in the window film industry for nearly 20 years. From owning a shop that
specialized in both tint and automotive accessories to working as a mobile tinter servicing the needs of local car dealerships, he has seen it all!  Today, Jay is the owner of Tint Masters, LLC in Evans, Georgia and is focused solely on providing his customers with quality window film installations.  

Throughout his years in the industry, Jay has worked with pretty much every film on the market and has always come back to Sun-Gard.  He now exclusively offers Sun-Gard products to his customers due to the ease with which the products install and their reliability. Recently, Tint Masters installed Signature 20 on four windows of a home and was asked back to complete another 20 windows.  Now that’s a testament to both the skilled work of Tint Masters and our Sun-Gard products!

 Jay has taken a unique approach to promoting Tint Masters.  He does not use any paid advertising and instead relies on his company Facebook page to spread the word about his work.  After completing a job, Jay will ask the customer’s permission to take a photo and place it on Tint Masters Facebook page.  Sharing these photos of completed work with the local community has allowed Tint Masters to gain a great deal of business through online referrals.

“Our company Facebook page has proved to be a very useful tool in growing my business” owner Jay Wilson said.  “My customers love to see their vehicles and homes up on our page and by tagging the customer in the photo we are also able to reach out to their friends and family members, gaining an even larger audience.”

We wish Tint Masters continued success and look forward to following their work with our Sun-Gard products on Facebook! 

Black Pearl on a Prius

Signature 20

California is First in The Nation to Add Window Film into its Building Code

More exciting news for the window film industry was announced today!  The International Window Film Association (IWFA), a nonprofit group, announced a landmark vote by the California Energy Commission placing window film into the state building code for the first time in the United States.

Cost-effective energy savings is the driving rationale for including window film in the building code. While California is a leader in energy saving initiatives, it is also a major importer of energy. The change to the building code voted on May 31st and effective January 2014, means window film is recognized across California as a building product just like glass or roofing materials, but primarily for retrofit applications. It can significantly reduce energy consumption and reduce the effects of glass breakage, glare, harmful UV exposure to the skin and interior fading of furnishings.

The change in the code comes close on the heels of a major report comparing the application of window film to other energy saving methods across the state using the same study methods employed by the California Energy Commission.

Sun-Gard Window Films is pleased that our products are receiving the recognition they deserve as cost-effective energy saving solutions by the CA Building Standards Commission.  Our hope is that this ruling will set a precedent for future decisions on window film made by building standards commissions nationwide.

Read the full press release from the IWFA here.

Download the CA Energy Savings Study here. 

 

Madico Window Films Open Houses a Success

Madico Window Films would like to thank our valued dealers and prospective customers who attended the series of Open Houses we hosted throughout the U.S. in March and April.  We were pleased to have so many people in the industry attend these exciting events!

Each Open House featured a live DefenZall Paint Protection demonstration, the “Black Pearl Shrink Challenge,” and a Tint-Off.  The Tint-Off presented a unique opportunity for our group to see our customers in action. The craftsmanship and efficiency with which each dealer worked was impressive!

Dealers also had the opportunity to take advantage of exclusive film specials. Corporate staff members were available at each Open House to have one-on-one conversations with customers on topics such as marketing, the new Sunscape program, business development and more.

We look forward to continuing to personally connect with our dealers at future events! 

Madico Southeast

Madico West

Madico Florida

 

 

Innovative Sails Made From Sun-Gard Window Film

Here at Sun-Gard, we’ve seen a number of unique ways to use our window film and we’ve discovered one more. Sail Technologies designs and builds “premium sails for serious boaters.” Based out of St. Petersburg, Florida, they are known internationally for their innovative sail technologies engineered for performance and competitive racing.

Tom Barry, owner of Sail Technologies, says they specifically use Sun-Gard’s safety and security film to build these award-winning sails because it has the best tinsile strength. This particular film is designed to hold shattered glass in place in the event of damage. The sail is constructed using one continuous piece of transparent film; giving sailors an advantage at the starting line because they can see their competitors

Barry says, “It’s a little unconventional but these sails have won a lot of races and are a popular item for us.” To learn more about Sail Technologies, visit their website and for more information on Sun-Gard’s Safety and Security films, please click here.

  

America's Big Rig Truckers Get the 10-4 From the DOT For Window Film Use In Cabs To Help Prevent Skin Cancer

In a press release issued this week, the International Window Film Association (IWFA), a nonprofit group, announced that millions of commercial truck drivers on big rigs can now use window film on the cab’s side windows to keep them safe from the sun’s UVA rays, which have been linked to skin cancer.

The Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA), clarification to safety regulations relating to a truck’s window visibility now allows the use of compliant window films on big rigs, according to the IWFA. Historically, the enforcement community and the trucking industry have taken the position that no film is allowed on any commercial vehicle.

“The clarification represents information that impacts millions of truck drivers who drive many hours at a stretch in ‘big rigs’ weighing more than 26,000 pounds,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. “The FMCSA has agreed with the International Window Film Association that the use of ‘clear’ window films with a minimum 70 percent visibility rating installed on the front side windows is permitted,” he added. “Sadly long-haul drivers, have faced skin cancer as ‘one of the hazards of the job’ and we hope to help change that with this clarification,” said Smith.

The change in what is permitted follows numerous reports of higher than average rates of skin cancer on the left side of the face and arm, according to a 2011 article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. That article pointed to driver-side UVA exposure as a likely contributor to the disease.

"The health and safety of America's truck drivers is of the utmost importance to American Trucking Associations," said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. "Whether it is doing more to battle obesity and sleep apnea, or helping our drivers avoid skin cancer, ATA has consistently advocated for sensible regulations to ensure our drivers get and stay healthy. We appreciate the efforts of the IWFA to help our industry take another step in that direction," he added.

Professionally installed window film typically reduces exposure to UV radiation by up to 99 percent, reduces glare, interior fading and hot spots. In personal vehicles many jurisdictions have legislation that specifies, and may limit, what can be applied to the windows. For further information go to http://www.iwfa.com/ConsumerInfo/Automotive.aspx.

About the International Window Film Association

The International Window Film Association (IWFA) (http://www.iwfa.com) is a unified industry body of window film dealers, distributors, and manufacturers that facilitates the growth of the industry by providing unbiased research, influencing policy and promoting awareness of window film. The organization builds alliances with trade associations, utilities and government agencies to advance dealers’ and distributors’ businesses and provide value to their customers.

 

 

New Report Confirms Window Film as One of Most Cost-Effective Solutions for Energy Savings

In a press release issued this week, the International Window Film Association (IWFA), a nonprofit group, announced that a comprehensive analysis of window film found it to be the most cost-effective energy saving choice for Californians when used in retrofit applications on homes and buildings.

“Without a doubt, window film offers an enormous potential for energy savings in the California market in all retrofit remodeling applications,” said Darrell Smith, executive director of the IWFA. “When widely installed the resulting reduction of peak demand on utilities and greenhouse gases will further the state’s reputation as an environmental leader,” he added.

California-based ConSol made the independent analysis. Their study compared installing window film on existing structures in the state to other traditional energy saving techniques such as updating HVAC systems, air sealing and caulking, and adding R-38 ceiling insulation, and found that window film came out ahead.

The group used many of the same informational processes that the California Energy Commission utilizes in determining energy savings. The report can be found at http://www.iwfa.com/ConsumerInfo/CAEnergySavingsStudy.aspx

“With over 70 percent of the buildings and homes in the California market having been constructed before 1980, window film has to be high on the list for every building retrofit project across the state,” said Mike Hodgson, president of ConSol.

In existing commercial structures, window film’s energy savings alone can offer a payback of less than two years, or up to a 70 percent return on investment depending on the construction, location and window film used, according to the study. For example, window film offers the opportunity to lower air conditioning costs and save on lighting bills by reducing solar heat gain, while letting in natural light without the negative impact of harsh glare and UV exposure.

Madico Window Films is a proud and active member of the IWFA.

 

Sun-Gard sponsorship of popular Courage Polar Bear Dip helps raise funds for Africa

In its 27th year, the Courage Polar Bear Dip in Canada attracted over 700 daring dippers, thousands of spectators and raised over $130,000 for World Vision Canada to bring fresh water to communities in Tanzania. Sun-Gard is a proud annual sponsor of Canada’s largest charitable event helping over 6,000 families in the Manonga Water Project.

According to the Polar Bear Dip website, the New Year’s Day event attracts outlandish participants who brave the icy waters to help raise funds for a great cause. “Some show up for the incredible festival atmosphere, some want to try something a little over the edge to ring in the New Year, others just want to get their faces and crazy costumes in the local and national media.”

Angie Leonetti, marketing communications manager for Sun-Gard, is always thrilled to support this event and the Courage Brothers. “As an annual corporate sponsor, we are huge proponents of this entertaining, yet, significant effort to raise money that will help thousands of families in need."

Courage is the exclusive distributor of Sun-Gard Solar Control products in Canada. They have represented Sun-Gard for many years and Sun-Gard is proud of its long-term business partnership with them.

Net proceeds from the Courage Polar Bear Dip have been given to World Vision Canada since
1995. In that time over $940,000 has been raised and has funded water projects around the world. “After visiting Rwanda a few years ago and observing the tremendous need for clean water, and then seeing the difference in communities where donations to World Vision are at work, I am beyond ecstatic,” says Trent Courage. “This isn’t just $130,000, it means the building of borehole wells, improved sanitation facilities, teaching of proper hygiene and sanitation practices and the planting of vegetable and fruit trees that will protect the environment and provide income to maintain the new wells.”

For more information about the annual frigid Courage Polar Bear Dip and their commitment to World Vision, please visit their website at www.polarbeardip.ca. To view more on the chilly merriment, check out their YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages for videos and pictures from the event. This year, the event was also featured on the Ellen DeGeneres website.

 

Madico expands distribution to Northeast U.S.

Madico Window Films is pleased to announce that we have purchased the distribution rights to sell our products in the Northeast United States from SGT Distributors and have opened a new company owned service center in Windsor, Connecticut.  Madico has enjoyed a strong personal relationship with Sonny and George Fisher of Sonny's Glass Tinting and SGT Distributors as far back as the late 1960's. For over 40 years, they have been an extremely important part of the Madico family whom we have had the pleasure to work closely with and watch grow into an impressive distribution partner for the Northeastern part of the United States. We look forward to continuing to work with SGT on the window film installation side of the business.

 Our new Madico Northeast service center now meets the needs of dealers in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, DC. The location in Windsor, CT also allows us to offer one-day shipping to nearly the entire territory. The service center carries the complete line of Madico Window Films and Sun-Gard Window films, along with tools and other dealer support accessories.

The Madico Northeast location is run by a great team that includes Dawn Carruba, Northeast Branch Manager and Julie Tkacz, Customer Service Representative. Dawn and Julie can be reached at 888-887-2022.  David Metcalf is our newest sales representative who will be making his way around the Northeast to meet with dealers. He can be reached on his cell phone at 860-786-8445 or via email at dmetcalf@madico.com. Madico and everyone at the service center looks forward to providing our valued dealers in the Northeast with continued superior customer service and a full range of product offerings.

 

 

Madico and Sun-Gard exhibit at SEMA Show in Las Vegas

Recently Madico and Sun-Gard revved up for SEMA, the nation’s largest automotive aftermarket tradeshow in Las Vegas, November 2-5. There were 22 window film companies on hand showing their latest products. This was the first year in over six years that Madico has exhibited at the show. The newly revised two-story booth showcased both Madico and Sun-Gard automotive films.

Attendees from around the world learned about the latest Madico products through exciting interactive experiences such as a DefenZall Paint Protection Film Installation Demonstration. Window film installers could also take the “Black Pearl Challenge.” We offered a free hat and sample roll of Black Pearl to any qualified installer that took a few minutes to shrink the product and provide us with feedback on the performance of the film. Finally, attendees experienced the superior performance of our Wincos films and saw the sophisticated style of our Charcool film at our new interactive kiosks.

On Thursday evening, Madico showed gratitude to our customers by hosting an appreciation party at Diablo’s Cantina on the Las Vegas strip. With amazing views, our partners enjoyed great music, food and entertainment.

The show was a huge success, there is no better place to advance the automotive film business in just four days.