We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dumitru Bumbu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dumitru, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

The idea for the business came from a mix of passion and necessity. It wasn’t something that happened overnight, but rather developed over a couple of years, rooted in my love for cars and the understanding that people deeply value protecting their investments. Like many, I’ve always been fascinated by cars—their design, how simple modifications can transform them, and the pride that comes with personalizing something you own. Over time, though, I realized window tinting wasn’t just about appearance; it was about comfort, protection, and making a statement.

The seed was planted the day I got my first car. I always took pride in keeping it clean, detailing it whenever I had free time, and making small modifications while staying as close to stock as possible. I was constantly improving my skills by watching YouTube videos, and in 2019, I came across a video of a car detailer who had started his business from his parents’ garage with a small investment. That was when I thought, “I could do this too.”

Originally, I planned to focus on simple car services, but the idea shifted when I bought a new car and needed window tinting. I noticed that many local tinting businesses were overpriced, offered poor service, or lacked attention to detail. Some were too focused on volume over quality, and others lacked a personal touch. There was a clear gap in the market for a tinting service that combined expertise, cutting-edge technology, and excellent customer service. I researched films, shades, and installation processes, thinking I might even tint my car myself. That’s when I discovered an online course that completely changed my direction—I knew this was what I wanted to pursue.

What also helped me tremendously was my background in computer science and customer service. These skills allowed me to build my own website, interact effectively with potential clients, and incorporate the latest technologies into my business. Whether it was using digital tools for scheduling or offering advanced film options, I was able to leverage my tech knowledge to create a streamlined and modern business model.

I wanted to fill that market gap and create a business that not only provided the best window tinting options but also delivered an outstanding customer experience.

Starting Compass Window Tinting felt like the perfect blend of my passions and skills. I knew it would work because it addressed a real need—offering high-quality tinting with a focus on detail and customer satisfaction, something I hadn’t seen elsewhere. What excited me the most was the chance to provide real value, whether it was improving the look of someone’s car, reducing heat and glare, or protecting interiors from UV damage. I also saw an opportunity to innovate with mobile services and make use of ever-improving film technologies, all while offering a personalized experience that customers would remember.

In the end, it wasn’t just about tinting windows—it was about providing peace of mind, enhancing everyday comfort, and offering something that customers could trust. That’s what made Compass Window Tinting more than just a business—it became a passion.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Dumitru Bumbu and I’m the founder of Compass Window Tinting, based out of Everett Washington. I’ve always had a deep passion for cars, but my background is actually in computer science and a long experience in customer service & satisfaction. This combination has given me a unique approach to running my business—blending technical precision with a strong focus on customer satisfaction treating customers more than customers. What got me into this industry was a genuine interest in vehicle customization and interaction with people who love cars. After realizing that window tinting demand is constantly growing and is not only about aesthetics but also about enhancing comfort, reducing heat, and protecting interiors, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution since Washington is getting more and hotter year after year.

At Compass Window Tinting, we specialize in automotive, residential, and commercial window tinting, along with a wide range of services like paint protection film, windshield protection, ceramic coatings, and more. We use the latest technology, including a computerized cutting machine for precision cuts, and offer a variety of high-quality films that come with lifetime warranties. One of the key problems we solve for our clients is protection and privacy, whether it’s from UV rays, heat, or wear and tear; or focus on enhancing the privacy and comfort of our customers’ vehicles and homes, providing peace of mind and a long-lasting investment. What sets us apart is the combination of expertise, innovation, and personal service. Many businesses in this industry tend to focus on volume, but we prioritize the quality of our work and the satisfaction of every client . We’re a certified installer of STEK paint protection film Kepler coatings films, and Exoshield windshield protection, which means we provide top-tier products with professional-grade installation. Our mobile tinting service is another feature that makes us stand out—it offers convenience, and I’ve seen a growing demand for this in recent years.
I’m proud of the fact that we’re able to offer a premium service without sacrificing the personal touch. Every job is treated with the same care and attention to detail, no matter the size. We are passionate about what we do, and it shows in our results. We’re constantly learning, improving, and staying on top of the latest trends and technologies in the window tinting industry.

For anyone looking into Compass Window Tinting, I’d want them to know that we’re more than just a tinting service. We’re here to enhance your experience with your vehicle or property, to protect your investment, and to provide the highest level of service from start to finish.
Every product we offer is backed by years of industry knowledge and a commitment to excellence. It’s not just about tinting windows—it’s about giving our clients the best possible experience and long-term value.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building my reputation in the market came down to a few key factors: a commitment to quality, transparency, and consistency. By offering top-tier materials and craftsmanship, while ensuring honest, personalized advice, clients trust they’re getting the best service. Positive word of mouth and great reviews have also played a huge role. My background in computer science allowed me to build a streamlined, tech-driven business, making us stand out. Plus, staying ahead with the latest products and being adaptable to changing trends has kept us competitive and well-regarded in the industry.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been a blend of word-of-mouth referrals, a robust online presence, and targeted advertising. Exceptional service has led to positive reviews and personal recommendations, helping us expand our reach.

We continuously update our website to keep it user-friendly and relevant, and we invest in ads on Google, Yelp, and Instagram to boost visibility. Additionally, we respond quickly to customer inquiries and address their questions thoroughly. Offering a wide range of products at various price points has also attracted a diverse clientele, ensuring we meet different needs and budgets. Together, these strategies have built trust and fueled our growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: Https://compasswindowtinting.com
• Instagram: Https://www.instagram.com/compass_tinting/
• Facebook: Https://www.facebook.com/compasswindowtinting
• Linkedin: Https://www.linkedin.com/company/compass-tinting/
• Twitter: X.com/compasstinting
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_XHc0t0EHRC1f7YWSYUxww
• Yelp: https://yelp.to/VI1VUA3x49

Image Credits
all photos are done by me or my partner