Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Lunsford.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
got my start in the window film industry at just 16 years old, tinting my friends’ cars in my mom’s garage. What started as a way to make a little extra money quickly became something much bigger. By 17, I was working at a tint shop in Bridgeton, Missouri, learning the trade professionally and sharpening my skills every day.
Over the next several years, I worked for a few different companies, gaining experience not just in installation, but in customer service, shop operations, and what it really takes to run a successful business. In 2008, I took a leap of faith and opened my first tint shop.
Unfortunately, that first venture didn’t succeed. Like many entrepreneurs, I learned some hard lessons about business, finances, and growth. In 2014, I went back to work for another company. But even then, I knew I wasn’t done building something of my own.
In 2017, I made the decision to start over — this time with no backup plan and no option to turn back. I launched my current business with a clear mindset: failure was not an option.
What began as a small automotive tint shop steadily grew into a full-service tint and wrap company. As the years progressed, I made the strategic decision to step away from vehicle wraps and narrow our focus. Instead of trying to do everything, we chose to specialize in what we do best: Automotive, Commercial, and Residential window tinting.
At the end of 2025, we underwent a name change to better reflect our services and long-term vision. It wasn’t just a rebrand — it was a statement about who we are and where we’re headed.
From tinting cars in a garage at 16 to building a focused, full-service window film company, the journey hasn’t been easy — but every setback, lesson, and risk helped shape the business we have today. And we’re not finished yet. We plan to keep pushing the needle forward, growing smarter, stronger, and more intentional every year.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve faced more challenges than most people ever see from the outside.
I’ve experienced the failure of closing my first company. I’ve struggled to pay bills in the early years while trying to keep the dream alive. I’ve scaled too fast and learned firsthand how growth without structure can hurt you. And I’ve also made the mistake of getting too comfortable when things were going well.
Each season taught me something different — humility, discipline, patience, and resilience. The setbacks weren’t just obstacles; they were lessons that shaped how I run my business today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Gateway Glass Tinting. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Our company specializes in high-quality Automotive, Commercial, and Residential window film solutions. While we started in automotive tint, today we focus on delivering performance-driven window film services that enhance comfort, privacy, energy efficiency, and protection for both vehicles and buildings.
On the automotive side, we’re known for precision installation and clean, factory-level finishes. In the residential and commercial space, we provide energy-saving films, privacy solutions, security films, decorative options, and specialty products tailored to each client’s needs. We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach — every project is evaluated carefully to ensure the right product and performance level for the customer.
What sets us apart is our focus on quality over volume. In an industry where speed can sometimes take priority over craftsmanship, we’ve built our reputation on doing the job right the first time. Clean edges, attention to detail, and standing behind our work are non-negotiables for us. We’re not chasing the cheapest install — we’re delivering long-term value.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the evolution we’ve made. We’ve grown from a small automotive tint shop into a focused, full-service window film company with a clear identity and long-term vision. Our recent name change reflects who we are today — specialized, professional, and built for growth. Everything from our branding to our customer experience is intentional.
I want readers to know that we’re not just applying film to glass — we’re providing solutions. Whether it’s protecting a vehicle’s interior, lowering energy bills in a home, increasing comfort in an office space, or improving privacy and security, our work has real impact on how people live and work every day.
We’re a local company built on resilience, discipline, and continuous improvement — and we plan to keep raising the standard in our industry.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are several ways people can work with and support our business.
First and foremost, if you’re a homeowner, business owner, or vehicle owner looking to improve comfort, efficiency, privacy, or protection, we’d love the opportunity to earn your business. Whether it’s automotive tint, residential energy-saving film, or commercial privacy and security solutions, we approach every project with the same level of care and professionalism.
We also welcome collaboration with other local businesses and professionals. We work closely with contractors, property managers, real estate investors, HVAC companies, architects, and builders who want to provide additional value to their clients through window film solutions. Strategic partnerships allow us to help more people while strengthening our local business community.
For those who simply want to support us, referrals and word-of-mouth mean everything. Sharing your experience, leaving a review, or recommending us to friends and colleagues goes a long way. Small businesses grow through trust, and trust is built one relationship at a time.
At the end of the day, we’re always open to conversations — whether it’s a customer looking for solutions, a business interested in partnering, or someone who just wants to connect. We believe collaboration and community are key to long-term success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gatewayglasstinting.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatewayglasstinting/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582367529804
