Utopia Tints - Our Story
Established in 2013, MA Auto Care Mobile Valeting marked the entrepreneurial journey of myself, Mitchell Anderson. I was determined to continually elevate my services and exceed customer expectations. After three successful years of progressive growth, it was time to up the ante. Taking our operations to a new site in Shiney Row, and investing in professional window tint training, the concept of Utopia Tints came to life in July 2016. With Utopia Tints fast gaining momentum, we made the strategic decision to sell MA Auto Care, focusing our resources entirely on nurturing the growth of Utopia Tints.
In our second year of operation, as Utopia Tints was steadily gaining traction, we faced a sudden and severe setback. A devastating fire engulfed our unit, leading to the total loss of all our resources. It was a daunting period, requiring us to rebuild from scratch. However, every cloud has a silver lining. We had already been contemplating a move to Durham, a region underserved in the car tinting industry at the time. Our customers, loyal and supportive, stood by us. Within a month of the unfortunate incident, we managed to resurrect Utopia Tints in a brand new unit located in Langley Park, Durham. Not only did we bounce back stronger, but we also successfully made a strategic move to expand our presence in an untapped market.
In the latter part of 2018, while settled in our new unit in Langley Park, we ventured into a complementary enterprise, Utopia Plates. This new initiative was built around the concept of providing high-quality, custom 3D and 4D number plates to vehicle enthusiasts across the country. Not only did we offer an online platform for effortless purchase and design, but we also created a walk-in area in our Langley Park unit. This dedicated space gave customers the unique opportunity to visit us, explore our range, and even purchase plates on the spot, allowing us to interact directly with our clients and tailor their experience to their specific needs. The launch of Utopia Plates represented our commitment to expand and diversify, introducing a new dimension to the Utopia brand.
In 2019, we set our sights on a new venture - Alloy Refurbishment. A new team member was welcomed, extensive training was pursued, and significant investments were made in state-of-the-art equipment. Though it's not the service we're most recognized for in the North East, alloy wheel refurbishment remains a valued part of our portfolio. This year also marked our return to vehicle detailing - an area I've always had deep experience and passion for. This decision would later prove instrumental, setting the stage for some significant developments in 2021.
June 2020, amidst the challenges of the Covid-19 lockdown, marked a pivotal moment in our journey. We expanded our team by bringing on board a new specialist dedicated to vehicle wrapping. This pivotal addition allowed us to launch our in-house de-chroming and car wrapping services, broadening our spectrum of offerings. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, 2020 ended on a high note for us with the launch of this much-anticipated service.
In our quest for a new home following the 2018 fire, we joined a waitlist for a space in Dragonville Industrial Park, a prime location with an exceptional amount of passing trade. Fortune smiled upon us in May 2021, and the call we had been eagerly waiting for finally came - it was time for a new chapter. The following two months were dedicated to a complete refurbishment of the unit, joining forces with Garage Style for the impressive fit-out which featured an exceptional Vented floor, Sealey cabinets, and super bright Hex Lighting. Our new unit also came equipped with a vehicle ramp, allowing us to elevate our service efficiency and results. The move was transformative - the superior environment vastly improving our operations. Now residing at Unit 1, Dragonville Industrial Park, Belmont, Durham, DH1 2XJ, we have evolved into an even better version of ourselves.
Our newly refurbished unit, equipped with a state-of-the-art vehicle ramp, premier flooring, and exceptional lighting, has allowed us to elevate our detailing services to extraordinary heights. While we may not be the most renowned detailing company in the North East, we're incredibly busy, delivering unparalleled services to our customers. Our commitment to quality led us to invest heavily in superior tools, the latest machine polishers, and cutting-edge detailing lights. We even travelled all the way to London to earn accreditation from Ceramic Pro, equipping us to apply a premium 9H coating that requires specialised training. To further enhance our services, we hired a seasoned detailer with two decades of experience. Recognizing the complexity of the detailing industry, we devised our unique All-In-One detail package. This comprehensive bundle simplifies the process, ensuring your car receives everything it needs to achieve an incredible transformation.
In early 2022, we unveiled our new website featuring an online booking system that has transformed the way customers can schedule window tinting appointments. Now, in mere minutes and with zero hassles, clients can secure their bookings, marking a revolutionary advancement in our customer service.
Late in 2022, one of our most loyal customers approached us with a proposition: could we fit his vehicle with an Urban Automotive conversion kit? After liaising with Urban and understanding the installation process, it became clear we already had everything needed for the task. This wouldn't have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our invaluable team member, Robert Allen. Robert has been with Utopia Tints from the start, and his vast knowledge, unwavering commitment, and willingness to learn and adapt have been instrumental in our growth. He's not only contributed to every service we offer but truly represents the heart and soul of our company. Thanks to Robert, and without hesitation, we ordered the kit and in October 2022, our first Urban-converted Land Rover Defender rolled out. Since then, there's always been another conversion in progress, and we've cultivated an excellent relationship with Urban. Even before our first Urban conversion, we were no strangers to custom body kits. We had already been successfully installing Maxton Design and R44 Performance kits. The successful Urban conversion simply served to broaden our already diverse range of kit installation capabilities.
As we write this in 2023, our strategic focus has shifted from broadening Utopia Tints to refining and enhancing its efficiency. Our primary emphasis now is on fostering the growth of Utopia Plates, transforming it into a larger, more dynamic business. In line with this mission, we've recently made a substantial investment in a custom-built, state-of-the-art website. It features an interactive 3D plate builder, letting you design and preview your unique plate in real-time. Moreover, we've expanded our offerings to include private registrations, supported by an advanced search engine. This tool is designed to intuitively guide you to the precise options you're looking for. As we continue to adapt and evolve, our commitment remains steadfast: to deliver superior quality products and services that make your vehicle truly stand out.
Today, as we look back on our journey, from humble beginnings as a small Mobile Valeting establishment to the multifaceted automotive services provider we are today, our sense of pride is immense. Despite the challenges we've faced, our spirit remains unyielding, our commitment to quality steadfast. Robert, a cornerstone of our team since day one, has been instrumental in our growth. His unflagging work ethic, steadfast dedication, and commitment to continual learning and adaptation have greatly contributed to our success, and for this, we are deeply grateful. Our story is not just a chronicle of our operations, but a testament to our unwavering dedication, our ceaseless pursuit of innovation, and most critically, our commitment to offering our customers unrivalled service. The journey of Utopia Tints and Utopia Plates extends beyond the realm of window tints, detailing, and custom number plates. It encapsulates our enduring resolve, our spirit of innovation, and our pledge to provide our customers with a service experience that is second to none.
Through the years, we've grown, evolved, and adapted, but our core values have remained steadfast. We still approach each new day with the same excitement and determination as we did when we first opened our doors. We're thankful for the unwavering support of our loyal customers, our dedicated staff, and everyone who has been part of our journey. The story of Utopia Tints and Utopia Plates continues to unfold, and we're excited to see where the next chapters take us.
No matter what the future holds, we will continue to strive for excellence, innovate, and provide our customers with exceptional service. Because at the end of the day, our journey is not just about the destination; it's about the people we meet, the relationships we build, and the experiences we share along the way. Here's to many more years of creating and sharing these experiences with you. Thank you for being part of our story.