Star City Six – Kristie Strahm
Pro-Tint is a locally owned, family run business that specializes in automotive, residential, and commercial glass tinting. Kristie Strahm is the vice president at Pro-Tint (www.pro-tint.net).
Tell us a little about your business.
We offer high quality tint products including paint protection, ceramic, decorative, and safety/security films. Pro-Tint also offers multiple brands of car and truck accessories. We currently have a team of eight: I’m in charge of commercial and residential projects and estimates; my husband John is president, manager, and customer service specialist; my son Shane is an installer with over 10 years experience; my son Sutton is an installer with over five years of experience; Phil Stransky is an installer who also specializes in paint protection film installation and has over 28 years of experience; Ryan Dirkschneider is an installer with over 20 years experience; Aiden Polivka is a prep tech and computer analyst with over four years experience; and Asher Polivka is a customer service specialist and has been with us for over three years.
How did you get started in the business? – Pro-Tint has served the Lincoln area since 1974. John has over 30 years of experience in the industry and worked at Pro-Tint for three years before purchasing it in 1994. I joined the team that same year and started in customer service and then serviced the business accounting needs.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Juggling owning a business and raising a family.
What has been your most important achievement professionally?
Offering customer service rooted in integrity and the willingness to go out of my way to make sure my clients are happy.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have been married to John for 26 years and we have four children. It’s a blessing to have my sons, Shane (22) and Sutton (20), working for the business. My daughter Shy is 18 and is currently attending UNL for a degree in interior design. My youngest, Shelby, is 15 and attends Southeast High School.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
Becoming a mother. I set out with the mind-set that I had so much to teach my children but soon found out how much I learned from them that made me a better person.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
Spend time with family.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I can filet a fish with my eyes closed.
Who inspires you?
My grandmother. She has always been there to support and advise me. She is wise, kind, sacrificial, and a very loving person.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
To treat others the way you want to be treated.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Serving.
What is your greatest talent that you don’t utilize in your daily work life?
Cooking, baking, and grilling. I love making good food and the satisfaction that it brings to people enjoying it together.
What is your favorite movie?
Tommy Boy. I love movies that make me laugh, especially with family and business.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
Venue Restaurant & Lounge.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
(402) 474-1234 (office) / (402) 420-7746 (mobile); protint68523@yahoo.com; www.pro-tint.net.