Born To Tint with The Miller Brothers
Welcome to Born to Tint with The Miller Brothers. Our podcast is more than just a show – it's a platform for building relationships, sparking creativity, and propelling the tinting industry forward together.
We're here to provide education that empowers not only ourselves but also the tint community – from the clients to fellow professionals in the trade. Tune in to discover the latest trends, techniques, and strategies that drive success in the tinting world, while also gaining valuable insights into personal and professional growth.
But that's not all. We're dedicated to fostering a sense of community within the tinting industry. We believe in creating a collaborative space where enthusiasts, experts, and newcomers alike can connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.
So, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, whether you're a family-owned business or simply passionate about the art of tinting, we welcome you to join our journey. Subscribe now and be a part of our community as we celebrate the world of tinting.
Born To Tint with The Miller Brothers
The Man Who Saved Tint in Hawaii with Tommy Silva
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This week on the Born To Tint Podcast, we sit down with a true pioneer of the window tint industry — Tommy Silva, owner of T&T Tinting Specialists in Hawaii. 🌴
Tommy isn’t just an industry veteran… he’s the guy who helped make window tint LEGAL in Hawaii. From lobbying lawmakers to building a multi-million dollar business over 40+ years, this episode is packed with real experience, business wisdom, and lessons you won’t hear anywhere else.
🎙️ In this episode, we cover:
🌴 How Tommy helped legalize window tint in Hawaii
📈 Scaling a tint business to $5M+ and beyond
🏢 Why flat glass took his business to the next level
👥 Transitioning to an employee-owned company (ESOP)
💡 The importance of partnerships with manufacturers
🔥 Why this is NOT an “8-hour a day” business
💰 How top installers maximize income in this trade
🧠 Lessons from 40+ years in the tint industry
Tommy shares real, unfiltered insight on what it takes to build something that lasts — from grinding 12+ hour days early on to creating a company that now runs with leadership and structure.
“You’re going to get out what you put in… this is not an 8-hour business.”
📲 Follow Tommy Silva & T&T Tinting:
Instagram: @tommysilva808
Instagram: @tnttinting
📲 Follow us for more industry content:
@greenvalleywindowtint
🎧 If you're in the tint industry — or looking to level up your business — this is a must-listen episode.
#WindowTint #TintShop #Entrepreneurship #FlatGlass #BornToTint
00:00 - Why This Isn’t an 8 Hour Business
00:20 - Introducing Tommy Silva (Tint Industry OG)
01:08 - Hawaii Tint Laws Explained (Old vs New)
02:05 - How Law Changes Boosted Tint Business
03:01 - Strict Inspections & Windshield Tint Limits
05:02 - Selling His Company to Employees (ESOP)
06:28 - Why He Didn’t Sell to Outside Buyers
07:42 - How Employee Ownership Changes Everything
09:33 - Does ESOP Make Businesses Grow Faster?
10:54 - How Employees Cash Out Their Shares
12:11 - Hitting $5M+ & Scaling the Business
15:45 - The Shift Into Flat Glass & Hotels
17:35 - Landing Massive Hotel Projects in Hawaii
18:25 - Training Auto Tinters Into Flat Glass Pros
20:04 - Why They Avoid Color Change Wraps
24:03 - Making Big Money on Large Scale Jobs
26:35 - How Installers Maximize Income
29:00 - Slow Season vs Busy Season Strategy
39:31 - Why Repeat Customers Are Everything
45:59 - The Story of Legalizing Tint in Hawaii
51:36 - Getting the Governor to Approve Tint Laws
56:52 - Tint Laws, Loopholes & Medical Exemptions
01:10:56 - Advice for New Tinters & Business Owners
01:14:47 - Building a Family Legacy in Tint
01:19:47 - Final Thoughts & Industry Growth