The WrapOps Podcast

Most people think getting better in the wrap industry comes down to skill alone.

Better installs. Faster installs. Fewer mistakes.

But the people who grow fastest usually do something different.
 They collaborate. They stay curious. They keep learning long after they “should” be good enough.

In this episode, Justin Pate shares his perspective from working with installers and shops all over the world, and what separates the ones who stay stuck from the ones who keep improving.

00:00 - Out of Debt & Into the Trenches (Coming up on this episode)
01:52 - Skipping the NFL for NYC: Justin Pate’s Unorthodox Path to Vinyl
03:12 - Chinatown Sweatshops & Bounced Checks: Surviving His First Wrap Job
05:19 - A Transatlantic Love Story: Moving to Amsterdam & Starting a Family
06:43 - Breaking the 4-Minute Mile of Wrapping: The Legendary 2-Hour Van Wrap
08:08 - American Speed vs. European Precision: A Humbling Lesson in Quality
10:25 - From Outdated DVDs to The Wrap Institute: Building the UGIS Framework
14:11 - Why Collaboration Beats Competition
16:32 - Finding Your Lane: Advice for the Next Generation of Wrappers
17:39 - Why Professionalism is Your Greatest Asset
21:10 - Prove Your Worth: Earning Your Spot at the Manufacturer's Table

If you want to grow faster in this industry:

Stop trying to figure everything out alone.

Find people who are ahead of you.
Learn from them.
And stay curious even when you think you have it figured out.

Follow Justin on instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/justinpatewrapper

This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:

https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe

Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join

PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15

Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).

Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS

Connect with WrapOps:

http://www.wrapops.com

http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops

http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

What if the path everyone tells you to take… isn’t the one that actually leads to freedom?

For years, owning a wrap shop has been seen as the goal.
More jobs. More clients. More growth.

But what if that path leads to burnout instead?

In this episode, Kado Serri-Charette (Head of Brand and Growth at Tint Wiz) shares his journey from running a full-service wrap shop to walking away and stepping into a completely different role within the industry.
A move that gave him more clarity, more alignment, and a different kind of growth.

In this episode
0:00 — "Being your own boss" isn't what you think
1:03 — Meet Kado from Tint Wiz
2:01 — From the oil fields to vinyl wrapping
3:21 — Opening his own shop: wraps, PPF, tint, everything
4:05 — Three months in: why he needed a system
4:24 — The call that changed everything
5:16 — How posting content opened unexpected doors
7:11 — Getting sponsored to compete: first class, fully paid
10:19 — Two years of adding value before any job offer
11:26 — "Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?"
12:03 — Why knowing what you hate matters as much as knowing what you want
13:42 — His role: Head of Brand and Growth at Tint Wiz
17:00 — Why every shop needs a CRM
20:18 — Stop selling. Start solving problems.
20:43 — How to stop losing good employees
24:42 — How to get noticed without asking for anything
28:05 — Why tagging brands builds real relationships
29:44 — The honest truth about owning a shop
33:53 — Chase happiness, not money

Owning a wrap shop is one path.
Not the path.

There are multiple ways to succeed in this industry.
And sometimes the smartest move…
is stepping away from what you thought you were supposed to build.

“If you want weekends off and time with your family… don’t start a business.”
A blunt truth, but one that every shop owner eventually feels.

Check out Tint Wiz on socials:
https://www.youtube.com/tintwiz
https://www.instagram.com/tintwizapp

This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:
https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe

Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join
PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15

Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).
Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS

Connect with WrapOps:
http://www.wrapops.com
http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops
http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

From the outside, the shop looked successful.

Plenty of work. Busy schedule. Jobs constantly coming through the door.

But behind the scenes, everything depended on Preston.
Every decision. Every problem. Every job.

And that’s when it became clear.
This wasn’t a scalable business. It was controlled chaos.

In this episode, Preston shares the shift that changed everything.
From being stuck in the day to day… to building a shop that could handle bigger, more demanding corporate clients.

In this episode

0:00 — No Business Plan, Just Hustle — And Why That Breaks You
2:12 — Growing Up in the Industry: Print Shops, Silk Screens, and Finding Vinyl
4:38 — The Color Change Era: Getting Hooked on the Limelight
13:36 — The Wake-Up Call: "The Second I Stopped, The Money Stopped"
15:32 — Burnout Was Self-Inflicted — No Boundaries, No Business Plan
18:04 — Burning It Down and Starting Over With Commercial Work
24:37 — Landing Delta Airlines Without Spending a Cent on Marketing
25:41 — COVID, a New Partner, and Finally Building a Real Business
27:45 — All the Systems Were in His Head — And Why That Kills Growth
33:53 — Firing a Client and Getting Clear on the Business You Actually Want
38:05 — What It Looks Like When the Shop Finally Runs Without You
39:33 — One Piece of Advice: Have a Plan. It Can Change. Just Have One.

You don’t go from chaos to corporate by working harder.

You get there by building a business that can operate without you at the center of everything.

Find out more about Preston and Digital Precision:
https://www.digitalprecision.com/

This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:

https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe

Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join

PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15

Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).

Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS

Connect with WrapOps:

http://www.wrapops.com
http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops

http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

Most wrap shops look for the “right way” to do things. The right material. The right process. The right system.

But the best shops do something different.
They test. Constantly.

In this episode, recorded live with Jay Kroll from General Formulations, the conversation centers around experimentation and why the shops that grow fastest are the ones willing to try, fail, and adjust in real time.

In this episode:
• Why waiting for the perfect process slows most shops down
• How top shops use testing to improve installs, materials, and workflow
• What suppliers see from shops that consistently perform at a high level
• Why material choice is less important than how you work with it
• The role of curiosity in becoming a better installer and operator
• How small adjustments lead to big long term gains
• Why feedback loops between shop and supplier matter
• The difference between guessing and intentional testing
There is no final version of your process.

The best wrap shops are always experimenting.
Always refining.
Always improving.

They do not wait until they have every answer.
They take action, learn fast, and adjust.
If you want to grow your shop, stop looking for certainty.
Start testing.

Connect with Jay Kroll and General Formulations: 
generalformulations.com
https://www.instagram.com/general_formulations

—---------------------------------------------------------------

This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:
https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe
Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join
PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15

Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).
Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS

Connect with WrapOps:
http://www.wrapops.com
http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops
http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

[0:00] Introduction: The Power of Curiosity Andrew kicks off the episode live from the International Sign Association (ISA) expo, gives a shoutout to The Wrap Institute, and introduces Jay Cruel from General Formulations.

[1:55] Jay’s Background: From Medical Devices to Vinyl Wraps Jay shares his unique origin story, transitioning from engineering life-saving medical bandages for gunshot wounds to designing and developing adhesive films for the graphics industry.

[10:05] Educating the Customer & Mastering the Discovery Call Andrew and Jay discuss the reality of dealing with first-time wrap customers. They cover how to set proper expectations, why you should make customers bring their vehicles to your shop, and using your space as a visual tour.

[15:24] The 70-Year History of General Formulations (GF) A deep dive into GF’s roots starting in 1953 as "General Assembly." Jay explains how the company evolved from building screen printing equipment to engineering cross-platform vinyl materials.

[19:04] Navigating Distributors & Choosing the Right Material How exactly do you buy General Formulations products? Jay breaks down their vast network of distributors and explains the importance of asking the ultimate question: “What are we sticking this to?”

[24:14] Inventory Strategies & COVID Supply Chain Lessons Andrew shares how his shop built a $20,000 inventory closet to survive supply chain crashes, and Jay explains why material scarcity is actually the perfect excuse to test out newer, more cost-effective films.

[30:03] How to Partner with Your Manufacturer Beyond just buying rolls of vinyl, Jay explains how wrap shops can leverage their relationship with manufacturers for tech support, product education, and utilizing their shop as a physical demo space.

[35:03] Vetting Materials & Turning Failures into Lifelong Customers How to spot cheap, unreliable materials (like films using permanent construction adhesive). Andrew also shares a shop horror story of failing a Chevy Express van wrap twice—and how owning the mistake built a customer for life.

[42:15] Beyond the Squeegee: GF’s Training & Certification Jay details General Formulations' upcoming training programs. It’s not just about how to hold a squeegee; it’s about understanding surface science, material behavior, and high-level installation troubleshooting.

[48:30] Final Thoughts: Stay Curious & Outro Jay leaves the audience with one final, powerful piece of advice for growing a wrap shop: always stay curious.

Neil McNamara from Grimco (https://www.grimco.com/) works closely with shops at every level, from new startups to high performing operations. What he sees every day reveals a clear pattern between the shops that grow and the ones that stall.

Recorded live at ISA, this episode gives a rare behind the scenes look at wrap shops from a supplier’s perspective.

In this episode

• The biggest mistakes wrap shops make when investing in equipment
• Why buying more gear does not always lead to better results
• What high performing wrap shops do differently with the same tools
• How workflow and setup impact efficiency more than equipment itself
• The role suppliers actually play in helping shops grow
• Common blind spots shop owners have around production and scaling
• Why standards matter more than tools

Most shops think better equipment will fix their problems.
But from Grimco’s perspective, the difference is rarely the tools.

It is how those tools are used.

The shops that win focus on process, consistency, and standards.
Not just what they buy, but how they operate.

If you want to improve your shop, do not just look at what you need to purchase.

Look at how you are currently working.

Recorded live at ISA 2026:https://signexpo.org/

This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:
https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe

Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join
PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15

Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).
Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS

Follow Grimco on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/@Grimcoinc

Connect with WrapOps:
http://www.wrapops.com
http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops
http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

If you are struggling to hire or keep good people, this is likely why.

Most wrap shops offer jobs. Very few offer a clear path to a career.

In this episode, Tanor breaks down how shifting that mindset changes the quality of people you attract, how long they stay, and how they show up every day.

In this episode

00:00:00 - Introduction & The Podcast's Purpose: The hosts introduce the podcast's goal of helping owners run their wrap shops efficiently and avoid burnout.

00:00:48 - Building a Career Ladder vs. a Job: The host discusses the importance of creating a detailed career ladder with skill-based pay structures instead of just offering a basic job. This approach provides clear benchmarks for advancement and helps eliminate uncomfortable raise conversations.

00:05:12 - One-to-One Meetings & Being a "Nice Boss": Regular one-to-one check-ins are highlighted as a crucial way to communicate and support employee growth. Furthermore, younger generations prioritize working for a nice boss over a purely transactional relationship.

00:08:53 - Sponsor Break: A quick break featuring a sponsorship message from Grimco.

00:10:09 - Employee Benefits: Health, PTO, and Perks: Shops should explore benefits beyond basic pay, including health insurance and retirement plans. The host also breaks down PTO policies, suggesting a use-it-or-lose-it structure, paid birthdays, and bi-weekly team lunches.

00:15:36 - Creating a Dedicated Careers Page: A business website should feature a "Careers" page rather than just relying on external job boards. A 15-minute booking link can also be included to build a continuous talent funnel.

00:19:27 - Unconventional Job Perks & Outro: Employers should think outside the box and advertise unique job perks on their listings. Examples include promoting a headphone-friendly atmosphere, emphasizing a female and family-friendly environment, and offering paid training

The Core Idea

People are not just looking for a paycheck.

They are looking for direction, growth, and a workplace where they feel valued.

If you build a business that offers that, you will not just hire better people.
You will keep them.

Better people build better shops.

And it starts with how you position the opportunity.

This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:
https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe

Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join
PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15

Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).
Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS

Connect with WrapOps:
http://www.wrapops.com
http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops
http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

If you are not confident in sales, this episode is for you.

Tanor shares five practical ways to improve your sales confidence and close more work in your wrap shop, even if selling does not come naturally. 

This is not about scripts or pressure. It is about preparation, clarity, and genuinely helping your customer.

In this episode

[02:36] Tip 1: Know exactly what you are selling
Understand materials, install challenges, pricing, and what solution fits each customer

[09:52] Tip 2: Prepare before the customer arrives
Come in with pricing, options, and visuals so you lead the conversation with confidence

[13:00] Tip 3: Look and sound confident
Presentation, tone, and body language all shape how customers trust you

[19:28] Tip 4: Practice and ask for feedback
Every call and consultation builds skill if you are willing to learn from it

[21:16] Tip 5: Help, do not sell
Focus on solving the customer’s problem, not pushing the highest price

[24:47] Summary
The five habits that turn awkward sales conversations into confident ones

Sales confidence is not something you are born with.

It comes from preparation, repetition, and understanding that you are there to help, not convince.

 If you improve these five areas, your sales will improve with them. 

This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:
https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe

Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join
PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15

Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).
Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS

Connect with WrapOps:
http://www.wrapops.com
http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops
http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

If your phone has gone quiet, you are not alone.

Every wrap shop goes through periods where call volume drops. The difference is how you respond.
In this episode Andrew Banks shares five simple actions you can take immediately to generate work without spending on ads.

In this episode:
[01:41] 1. Call your current customer list
Stay top of mind by checking in and building relationships, not selling
[05:47] 2. Follow and engage with customers on social media
Make sure your work and brand are consistently in front of them
[08:50] 3. Email your customer list
Simple, targeted emails can bring repeat work faster than cold outreach
[12:39] 4. Get out and network locally
Be known in your community and build referral relationships
[17:49] 5. Door knock and cold call
Have real conversations and introduce your business to the right people

When sales slow down, most shops wait.

The shops that grow take action.
None of these require ad spend. They just require consistency and a willingness to do the work most people avoid

This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:
https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe

Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join
PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15

Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).
Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS

Connect with WrapOps:
http://www.wrapops.com
http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops
http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

If you run a wrap shop, you have experienced it.

A customer picks up their vehicle, points at a dent, scratch, or broken light, and suddenly it becomes a debate about who is responsible.

In this episode Andrew Banks breaks down the one simple system that protects your shop, your reputation, and your margins.

Pre and post inspections.

In this episode

• Why most damage disputes come from lack of documentation
• The simple pre inspection process every shop should follow
• What to photograph before you even touch the vehicle
• How post inspections protect you on pickup
• Why speed matters when documenting drop offs
• What to do when a customer claims damage
• How to handle situations where you missed documentation
• When to take ownership and protect the relationship

The Core Idea

The goal is not to argue with customers.
The goal is to remove the argument completely.

When you can instantly show documented proof from before the vehicle entered your shop, the conversation ends.

And when something is your fault, you own it, fix it, and protect the relationship.

Why This Matters

Once Andrew and his team implemented this process, customer disputes dropped significantly.

The small effort of documenting every vehicle upfront removed most of the “he said she said” situations that cost shops time, money, and trust.

This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:
https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe

Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join
PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15

Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).
Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS

Connect with WrapOps:
http://www.wrapops.com
http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops
http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com

Running a wrap shop means juggling installs, consultations, supplier meetings, staff management, networking events, and personal life all at the same time.

The problem is not usually a lack of work.
It is a lack of organization.

In this episode Andrew and Tanor explain why switching to a digital calendar is one of the simplest upgrades you can make to run your shop more professionally, avoid missed meetings, and stay ahead of the chaos of daily shop life.

Paper Calendars Hold Shops Back

A paper calendar is better than no calendar. But it creates friction.

You cannot access it everywhere.
You cannot share it with your team.
You cannot automate reminders.

A digital calendar solves those problems instantly and makes it easier to schedule meetings, consultations, and shop tasks while you are on the move.

In this episode:
• Why paper calendars create friction in a busy shop
• How shared calendars help teams stay aligned
• Using booking links to eliminate scheduling back and forth
• Time blocking to make space for important work
• Pre scheduling recurring tasks like payroll and meetings
• Why planning personal time matters just as much as work

A digital calendar is not about being rigid.

It is about removing mental clutter.

When meetings, deadlines, and recurring tasks are organized automatically, you free up your attention to focus on running the shop.

Tools and Resources mentioned:
https://calendly.com/

This episode is sponsored by Wrap Fam Unleashed:

https://www.thewrapfam.com/subscribe

Get 15% off the Wrap Institute - https://www.wrapinstitute.com/join

PROMO CODE: WRAPOPS15

Grimco: Use code is WRAPOPS5 for a one-time 5% discount on all Grimco Items (excluding MRP items).

Visit: https://go.grimco.com/3Mzt7eS

Connect with WrapOps:

http://www.wrapops.com

http://Instagram.com/wrap.ops

http://facebook.com/share/1VQgsUHygh/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Produced in partnership with http://www.podlad.com