We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zachary Cook. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zachary below.
Zachary, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
Starting a business is never easy, as a Marine Corps veteran, opening a Black Optix Tint franchise in Jacksonville, North Carolina, was the opportunity I had been looking for. Having always loved cars and grown up around them, I learned everything about vehicles from my father at a young age. After serving four years in the Marine Corps as an IT specialist, I realized my passion for working on cars had grown over the years—I had always enjoyed working on cars as a hobby, and I loved the way high-quality upgrading could transform a car’s appearance and functionality.
My interest led me to research Black Optix Tint, a leading brand known for top-tier automotive, residential, and commercial upgrading services. The more I learned, the more I saw the potential of bringing a franchise to Jacksonville. However, taking that first step meant for me significant financial risk and stepping into the unknown.
After careful consideration, I used all of my retirement savings and borrowed some of my father’s retirement, and signed the franchise agreement. Setting up the shop presented challenges for me—long hours, unexpected expenses, and the pressure of building a customer base in a competitive market.
To differentiate myself, I prioritized exceptional customer service, premium-quality USA-made tint, and strong word-of-mouth referrals. My breakthrough came when the community trusted me and started bringing their vehicles to my shop, generating positive buzz and a growing social media presence. Soon, my clientele expanded to include car enthusiasts, military personnel from nearby Camp Lejeune, and local businesses seeking professional upgrading solutions.
Four months later, my Black Optix Tint franchise had become a trusted name in Jacksonville. Reflecting on my journey, I recognized that taking the risk had led to both professional and personal fulfillment. My story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to take their own leap into business ownership.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Zach Cook, and I am the proud owner of the Black Optix Tint franchise in Jacksonville, NC. As a Marine Corps veteran, I spent four years serving as an IT specialist, but my passion has always been working on cars. From a young age, my father taught me everything about vehicles, and that passion grew into a lifelong dedication to automotive customization and improvement.
When I left the Marine Corps, I knew I wanted to turn my love for cars into something more than just a hobby. I took a huge risk by investing my entire retirement savings and borrowing from my father’s retirement to open my Black Optix Tint franchise. My business specializes in premium-quality, USA-made window tinting for automobiles, homes, and businesses, as well as vinyl wraps, audio upgrades, 12-volt lighting, paint protection film (PPF), and detailing. Soon, I will also be offering wheels and tires to provide a full range of automotive customization services. What sets my work apart is the attention to detail, the use of top-tier materials, and a strong focus on customer satisfaction.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was building a clientele from the ground up. Unlike some businesses that start with major contracts, I relied on the support of the Jacksonville community, who quickly recognized the quality of my work and began bringing their vehicles to my shop. Through word-of-mouth and a commitment to excellence, my business has grown steadily over the past four months.
What I am most proud of is the trust I have built with my customers. I want people to know that when they come to Black Optix Tint Jacksonville, they are getting high-quality service from someone who genuinely cares about their vehicle and their experience. My goal is not just to provide window tinting but to offer an experience that leaves customers satisfied and confident in their decision to choose my business.
I hope that by sharing my journey, I can inspire others to take the leap into entrepreneurship, even when the risks seem overwhelming. Hard work, dedication, and a passion for what you do can turn a dream into a reality.
How do you keep your team’s morale high?
The key to maintaining high morale is to allow each team member to express their artistry and passion, no matter their position, and fostering a family-like environment. At Black Optix Tint Jacksonville, I make sure that every team member feels valued and supported. I believe in leading by example, showing my team that hard work, respect, and dedication are the foundation of success. When employees feel like they are part of a family rather than just a workforce, they take greater pride in their work, which translates to a better experience for our customers.
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
I spent long days and nights trying to figure out the best way to secure funding. With the unwavering support of my wife, my parents, and my in-laws, we determined that the best course of action was to use my entire retirement savings and borrow some of my father’s retirement. It wasn’t an easy decision, but after weighing all the options, we felt this was the best way to maintain control of the business and avoid unnecessary debt.
Taking this financial leap meant putting everything on the line, which only strengthened my resolve to succeed. The trust and belief my family had in me fueled my determination, and now, seeing how the business has grown, I know it was the right decision. This journey has been about more than just starting a business—it’s been about believing in myself, my vision, and the support system around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blackoptixtint.com/jacksonville-nc/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackoptixtintjacksonvillenc?igsh=OWl4aGV3b3Y0cnVi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Black-Optix-Tint-Jacksonville-NC/61565896833241/?paipv=0&eav=AfbY6lF-9cJ1LPihB0xLZEYLkMV9VMCuccMXz_yCVBedoCcLz9MpS7n_GE0chUijLCQ&_rdr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3MkTmMvxfHcNGfp1V4zsog
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/black-optix-tint-jacksonville
