A lot has changed at Carolina Solar Security this year, and all for the better. But we don’t want to leave anyone out of the loop. So, here we are, giving you an update on what’s been going on with us and what this new era at Carolina Solar Security means for the future. Read on to learn about our new structure, services, and website.
How This All Started
If you are a long-time client of our business, you may know that we were founded by U.S. Armed Forced Veteran John Norwood and have proudly served Wilmington, North Carolina since 1985. John dedicated his professional life to serving this community, providing energy-saving and security-improving window film solutions to home and business owners alike.
In 2021, John Norwood decided it was time to retire and began exploring ways to make sure the company continued to grow after his departure. Then, through a mutual connection to Manny Hondroulis, 3M’s Vice President of Energy Products Distribution, John met AP Corp’s CEO Bill Valway. After some months of discussion and negotiation, AP Corp finalized its acquisition of Carolina Solar Security, bringing the company into the AP family.
A lot has changed at Carolina Solar Security this year, and all for the better. But we don’t want to leave anyone out of the loop. So, here we are, giving you an update on what’s been going on with us and what this new era at Carolina Solar Security means for the future. Read on to learn about our new structure, services, and website.
About AP Corp
The AP Corp journey began in 2001 as a one-man auto tint shop in a residential garage. Over the years, our CEO identified related services and expanded the company’s capabilities. It started with additional auto services before moving into residential window tinting. Before long, AP Corp was expanding to commercial window tinting and even commercial graphics like wall mural sand building wraps.
Today, AP Corp is the 7th largest window film and graphics provider in the nation. We are proud of the company we’ve built, and we are especially proud to have built a company that John Norwood would trust with the organization he was so devoted to.
New People
First, our aforementioned CEO, Bill Valway. By now, you are more than familiar with his extensive work as the founder of AP Corp. Under his leadership, the company has been recognized in the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America list three times and has been named Window Film Magazine’s Top Dealer for 5-years running. While running our growing business, he is also the Co-Owner of 44Tools, a company offering the most comprehensive group of window film installation tools in the world.
Next, we’d like to introduce you to Chris Fong. Chris joined the team in 2011 as a graphic designer, and everything just snowballed from there. He quickly mastered the graphic design game, dominated in sales as the Director of Sales, and then learned to install every product we offer, and then became the most certified 3M installer on the East Coast.
Finally, there’s Luke McLawhorn, your go-to guy for everything Carolina Solar Security. Luke is a born and raised North Carolinian with a military background. He is a 3M certified window film installer who joined our team in 2018. With our acquisition of Carolina Solar Security, Luke has become a partner in our business.
New Products
Alright, we’re really excited about this one. Carolina Solar Security now offers 3M commercial graphics solutions to business owners throughout North Carolina!
If you’re unfamiliar, commercial graphics can include just about every kind of custom-designed building application imaginable. At Carolina Solar Security, commercial graphics can include everything from window graphics to wall murals. We can help you direct foot traffic with custom floor graphics or make a splash in the community with a full building wrap.
What makes Carolina Solar Security stand out amongst other vendors offering commercial graphics is our unique, turnkey solutions. We’re not one of those companies that just take your money and leave you to sort out the details. Instead, we offer professional graphic design options with our award-winning graphic design team. Then, we handle all the project management and coordination for you. This way, you don’t have to waste time juggling relationships with multiple vendors. You can just sit back and do what you do best, run your business.
New Website
If you’re reading this, then you already noticed that we have launched a new website. As we said, this is a new era for Carolina Solar Security. And a new era deserves a modernization of our technology.
But this redesign isn’t just about looks, it’s about the experience. We wanted to highlight the positive changes our company is experiencing by making the user experience on our website better. We have made it easier for you to get the information you need and get in touch when you have questions.
Since this website is so new, we encourage and invite you to deliver your feedback. As we grow, we will need your input to become the top window film and graphics provider out there.
What’s Next for Carolina Solar Security
So, what’s next in the new era for Carolina Solar Security? Well, we’re going to continue to grow throughout the coastal Carolina region. The first step will, of course, be growing our team of 3M certified installers to assist our clients in the most timely and efficient manner.
For those who have been here from the beginning, thank you. You’ve helped us get so far and we hope you will stay with us as we grow.
Request an Estimate
Request an estimate for residential or commercial window tinting in Wilmington, Jacksonville and surrounding areas in North Carolina. Let us know what products or services you are interested in and one of our window tint specialists will be in touch.
