“We’ve learned communication through the whole process,” share husband and wife duo Rob and Jennifer LaBuff, Co-Owners of Buff Works Ceramic Coatings, PPF, and Detailing in Freehold, N.Y. “It’s not, ‘Can you go get our son and something for dinner?’ You’re installing PPF for a customer together. We’ve learned to work off of each other and identify each other’s strengths to achieve the installation we want.”
Career Shifts
Rob and Jennifer LaBuff are all about paint protection film (PPF) on a part-time basis. Rob holds a full-time role as a detective in law enforcement.
“I pursue a wide variety of cases,” says Rob, who studied auto body repair at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, N.Y., in the early ‘90s. “Law enforcement isn’t a job; it’s a lifestyle and a whole different animal. You get called in the middle of the night, and miss family gatherings.”
Jennifer has more than 20 years of experience in her industry.
“After so many years of doing hair, I wanted to venture into something I could enjoy with my husband,” says Jennifer, a beautician since 18. “I really enjoy installing PPF; it’s more relaxing. I love the outcome.”
Founding their company in April 2022, the dynamic duo didn’t waste any time learning the tricks of the trade. Rob and Jennifer successfully finished a 32-hour PPF training course in June 2022, completing 12 PPF installations during the next 100 days.
“The most challenging thing is balancing both of our jobs and being parents,” the couple shares. “You’re going so many different directions. By the time you hit 9 p.m., you’re completely exhausted. We’re thankful to share this journey together.”
PPF Power
“Our sales have increased by nearly 40% this year,” the duo shares. “PPF is a massive contributor. It’s a different ballgame. You’re getting customers who just spent $100,000 on a BMW, Audi, or Cadillac. They don’t want to buy another car. They want to hold onto theirs because they see where the economy is going. They’re investing in protection for their car.”
In addition to specializing in PPF, the company offers ceramic coatings, detailing, and paint correction services.
“Educating people has made a difference with PPF,” Jennifer says. “There’s a lot of people who don’t know what it is.”
Rob and Jennifer credit Jamie Werner, CEO and Founder of training resource Equip Academy, for their success in the PPF game.
“We’ve been able to lean on him; he’s coached us through some difficult times,” the couple says.
Looking Ahead
Married for 10 years, Rob and Jennifer plan to go full time with their business in the future. But with solidified careers and kids, they’re taking it one day at a time.
“It’s a dance,” the couple says. “With this business, we have to function as one.”
(Photo by Don Yonta)
