Robert Harman had a long career in the healthcare industry, one that he thought he’d stay in until retirement. But then, the 2020 global pandemic struck. What he loved about the industry wasn’t really there anymore, and he’d been saddled with laying off some of his staff. By Kelsi Trinidad
Robert Harman had a long career in the healthcare industry, one that he thought he’d stay in until retirement. But then, the 2020 global pandemic struck. What he loved about the industry wasn’t really there anymore, and he’d been saddled with laying off some of his staff.
Back in 2018, Harman’s cousin and uncle brought him into a partnership to buy the Jacksonville, North Carolina, Tint World® location. After the pandemic, it seemed like a good time to shift gears from his healthcare work and dive into a bigger role as a full-time entrepreneur. So, Harman expanded his partnership with his cousin and uncle and acquired one location in Wilmington and three locations in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“We really focus on customer service and public reputation, trying to do the ‘right thing’ every time,” said Harman. “That’s really taken us far, and it helped us scale the business.”
Another key to their success is their focus on fleet contracting – providing their services to police cars, firetrucks and other private vehicles.
“We’re kind of like an all-in-one shop,” said Harman. “We do all the vinyl. We do all of the emergency lighting, metal shelving and windows. That’s helped us grow big time.”
As Harman immersed himself in the industry, he saw the need for a curriculum regarding in-the-field experience for new technicians.
“Our industry is one of the worst ones where you need experience to get a job, but you have to have a job to get experience,” said Harman. “If you’re at the entry level, you basically either have to volunteer time for free, which most people can’t afford to do, or you can go to school.”
Because of this, Harman came up with his own curriculum for an internship through a local community college. Students who are serious about building a career in the industry are able to receive hands-on experience to put on their resumes when entering the workforce. For those who excel in the program, Harman is committed to paying their tuition for a national training program.
Harman isn’t just creating leaders that will hopefully find long careers at his Tint World locations. He’s providing the opportunity to build careers in his community.
Kelsi Trinidad