By Dustin Gonzalez, Installation Trainer at Energy Products Distribution (EPD)
Mentoring wasn’t on my radar when I started my first training role at DigiCut Systems in 2013, but it has become a cornerstone of my life and career. Today, I’m not just teaching skills; I’m fostering growth, empowering individuals to develop their potential, and guiding them through the ups and downs of life.
What’s Your Story?
My first real experience with mentoring was with a gentleman named David. I was training him in automotive window tinting, but it was clear from the start that he wasn’t all that into it. Tinting wasn’t his dream. What he really wanted was to become a Master Mechanic.
David had this incredible passion for cars and dreamed of working on a NASCAR pit crew. But life had thrown him some tough challenges. Born completely deaf, he struggled to find a job in the automotive field because so many people saw him as a liability. Where others saw limits, though, I saw a chance to help him prove his capabilities.
Before we even picked up a roll of film, I took the time to share my story. I told David about my journey, including my role as the Lead Window Tint and Paint Protection Film (PPF) installer at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet in Charleston, S.C., from 2009 to 2013.
After discussing what this trade could offer and how it shaped my career, we finally started putting film on glass.
Pushing and Persevering
When we started, I only knew a handful of basic signs in sign language. Despite that, we found a way to communicate. By the end of our training sessions, we had filled an entire notebook with notes, sketches, and ideas, not just about window tinting but about life. David was one of the most focused and determined students I’ve ever had the privilege to work with.
Today, he owns and operates his own shop, is happily married, and is a proud father of three beautiful children. Seeing how far he’s come, knowing that I had a small part in helping him build not just a career, but a life he loves, is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It reminds me why I do what I do.
Mentorship: A Two-Way Street
The mentoring relationship with David grew into something much deeper. It felt like I had stepped into a big brother role. That experience set the stage for something even greater, showing me how powerful it is to help others find their path. I’ve always been amazed at how naturally people open up to me, sharing their personal stories and turning to me for advice.
Over the past 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding so many individuals, from teenagers just starting out at 17 to adults reinventing themselves at 64. Along the way, some of these relationships have become lasting friendships, and a few even feel like family. It’s a humbling reminder of the power of connection and our impact on each other’s lives.
The ‘big brother’ role I’ve taken on over the years has deeply shaped my growth. It’s not something listed in my job description or expected of me, but it’s a role I genuinely enjoy. Supporting others, nurturing their development, and being part of their journey has a way of inspiring my own growth.
I’ve realized that mentoring is a two-way street. I learn just as much as I give. Often, the advice I share ends up being exactly what I need to hear and apply in my own life. Mentoring is still a relatively new concept in our industry. When I first started in 2004, few people were willing to share their expertise or answer industry-related questions. The fear of helping potential competition held many back.
Thankfully, times are changing. Social media has created a more open space for sharing knowledge, asking questions, and building connections. It’s encouraging to see a growing culture of collaboration. That’s something I’m proud to contribute to every day.
Helping Hands
Mentoring is a vital benefit to our industry. When I can help someone grow in their craft and boost their confidence, whether they’re a competitor or not, we’re collectively raising the standard of our marketplace. I’d much rather lose a sale to a competitor with comparable pricing, talent, and passion than to a shop that lacks the knowledge, confidence, and drive to improve.
Mentoring also helps forge partnerships within the industry, creating opportunities for mutual growth and collaboration. By sharing knowledge beyond the basics, we’re not just building better careers, we’re building a stronger industry and better individuals.
