(This article first appeared in the April 2019 issue of “Dealer E-News.”) Suncoast Window Films & Graphics mentions environmental sustainability it in its mission statement. From turtle protection to LEED certification, the Sarasota-based company works hard to promote 3M™ Window Film as a mechanism to protect the Earth’s natural resources.

“One of the things that has always attracted me to this business is that there are so many opportunities for our products,” Gregg said. “Beyond just heat and glare, we can promote the products to niche markets to make a difference.”

Among Suncoast Window Films & Graphic’s eight employees is a LEED AP credentialed staff member. Michael Gallatain assist Suncoast’s commercial customers with obtaining a LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. “There are a lot of opportunities that come from that,” said owner Brian Gregg.

This April, window film companies nationwide will be discussing the green features that window film offers residential and commercial clients as part of National Window Film Day, which is sponsored by the International Window Film Association. For decades, 3M™ Window Film has provided energy cost savings, UV protection and safety and security enhancements.

However, each of 3M™ Window Film products also can be used to add points to a facilities’ LEED certification application, which is the standard building designation for green construction. Suncoast Window Films & Graphics recognized this early on and goes the extra mile to assist customers in their own sustainability efforts, Gregg said.

The company services Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte Counties in Southwest Florida and provides commercial and residential window film, as well as signs and graphics services for a variety of clients.

Earlier this year, Suncoast Window Films & Graphics established a partnership with the Sea Turtle Conservancy. At the organization’s annual conference in Orlando, Suncoast Window Films provided information about 3M™ Sun Control Window Films and educated businesses and residents along the coastline about ways to minimize light on the beach during turtle nesting season.

Gregg first joined the window film industry in 2003. At the time, he was a mortgage broker generally unhappy in his career. He responded to an advertisement for a position as a window tinter in Sarasota and thought it would be a nice change. Before he knew it, he was installing flatglass on commercial and residential buildings.

“I fell in love with this business,” Gregg said. “There is a lot of gratification in window film. You see results immediately with every job. This stuff works.”

Gregg worked his way up through the Sarasota company as lead installer and then sales manager. He later left the company and opened his own design and graphic business that used only 3M products. He said he did not want to compete with his mentor, Lyman MacNutt. When Lyman passed away in 2014, Gregg took the opportunity to begin offering window film with his company. He began carrying 3M™ Window Film about two years ago. He is now a full 3M shop.

“Why would we want anything else? 3M is the leader in the industry,” Gregg said.

For more information, visit suncoastwindowfilms.com.