I remember sitting in a packed hall at a tinting convention, listening to a seasoned shop owner share his story. He talked about how... instead of fearing that his best tinters would leave and start their own shops... he actually built a multi-year path to help them do just that, with his support and investment. That moment stuck with me. It was a radical but deeply wise idea... that the best way to build a tint empire is not by holding onto talent too tightly, but by helping your best people grow into shop owners, with you as their mentor and ally.

So this is my message to you as you think about hiring and growing your own shops... don’t just hire installers... develop future business owners. Some will go on to run their own shops with your backing, your experience, and your continued support. Others will stay and become the trusted leaders within your own operation. Both paths are powerful. Both make your network stronger.

Here’s how you can think about it: Create a flexible, multi-year plan. In the early years, help new hires master the craft and culture of your shop. As they grow, begin to plant the seed... what could their future look like? If they show the drive and vision to lead their own shop, guide them toward that goal. Help them plan it. Help them launch. And in doing so, you don’t lose an employee... you gain a partner.

This isn’t about pushing people out the door. It’s about keeping the door open in both directions. Because when you empower others to rise up, your influence multiplies. You go from being a shop owner to being a hub... a connector... a mentor... a respected name in the industry.

That’s how real tint empires are built. Not by control, but by expansion. Not by protecting your knowledge, but by sharing it strategically with those who are ready.

And that’s exactly what we’re here to support at Geoshield.