We recently had the chance to connect with Nikodem Blek and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Nikodem, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Recently, I had the honor of being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the International Window Film Conference (IWFC). That moment made me feel incredibly proud, not only because of the recognition itself but also because it reflects years of hard work, long days in the shop, and the dedication of my entire team at Premier Armor.
What made me smile was thinking back to when I first started — just a small operation with a lot of hustle — and realizing how far we’ve come. Being recognized alongside other leaders in the industry was humbling, and it gave me a fresh sense of motivation to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in our field.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Nikodem Blek, and I’m the founder of Premier Armor, a paint protection, window tint, and ceramic coating shop with locations in Corona and Palm Desert, California. We specialize in helping people protect what they’re passionate about — whether that’s their car, truck, or even exotic vehicles. What makes us unique is that we combine industry-leading products with a true passion for craftsmanship. For me, it’s never been just about installing film — it’s about creating a lasting experience where clients feel their vehicle is treated with the same care as if it were my own.
What I think also sets us apart is our focus on community. Beyond the shop, I help host events like Cars & Coffee Corona, which brings hundreds of enthusiasts together every week. Building connections and creating spaces where people can share their passion has been just as rewarding as growing the business itself.
Right now, we’re expanding our tint department to become a same-day tint facility, which allows us to serve clients faster without sacrificing quality. For me, it’s all about constantly pushing to raise the bar — in the work we do, in the way we serve our customers, and in how we contribute to the community that supports us.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was as a teenager the first time I stripped down and rebuilt an engine on my own. I remember that moment — grease under my nails, tools spread out on the driveway — and the rush that came from solving something that looked impossible at first. It wasn’t about showing off; it was realizing I could take things apart, understand how they worked, and then make them better. That feeling is what pushed me into this business: the power of craft and competence. Today, I get that same feeling when I teach a new tech a tricky installation, when we turn a customer’s wrecked paint into something pristine, or when our team lands recognition like the IWFC Hall of Fame. For me, real power is quiet — it’s skill turned into service, and responsibility turned into opportunity.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes — there was a time I seriously considered walking away. A few years into the business, the shop wasn’t turning a profit, legal battles at home were draining time and money, and it felt like every step forward came with two steps back. I was exhausted — financially and emotionally — and there were nights I wondered whether it was worth it.
What kept me from giving up was not just stubbornness, but the support I had at home. My wife, Velvet, reminded me why I started in the first place and pushed me to see the bigger picture. She believed in me even on the days I didn’t believe in myself. On the business side, my GM Jeff in Palm Desert was also a huge part of that turnaround. He stepped up, took ownership, and proved that with the right leadership the shop could run smoothly and profitably. His work deserved recognition, and it gave me the confidence to trust more and carry less of the weight alone.
Slowly, little wins started to stack up: stronger operations, more repeat customers, and eventually industry recognition like the IWFC Hall of Fame that validated all the sacrifices. Looking back, I realize that the moment I almost quit was actually the turning point — it taught me that resilience isn’t just about grit, it’s about having the right people beside you, at home and at work, who help you keep pushing when you can’t see the light yourself.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think the public version of me is an edited, amplified part of the real me. When I’m at Premier Armor, at Cars & Coffee, or speaking onstage — I bring a focused, composed version of myself because that’s what the moment needs. But offstage I’m more messy and human: I lose sleep over legal and family stuff, I rely on Velvet’s perspective, and I celebrate small victories with Jeff and the team.
What’s important to me is consistency in values rather than consistency in presentation. Whether I’m in a suit at an industry event or under a car in the shop, the things that drive me — craftsmanship, responsibility, and respect for people’s passions — are the same. So yes, the public me is real, but it’s not the whole picture. I try to let enough of the real stuff show so people know I’m not just a brand — I’m a person running a business with a team and a family behind it.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. I’ve always believed that the work itself has to be enough. When I started Premier Armor, there weren’t crowds of people cheering me on — it was me, some tools, and long nights trying to build a business. Even now, when no one’s watching, we’ll still redo an install if it’s not perfect, because I want every customer driving away with the kind of quality I’d want on my own car.
I think that mindset also comes from family. Velvet has reminded me many times that doing your best, even when no one notices, is what creates consistency and character. The recognition — like being inducted into the IWFC Hall of Fame — is amazing, but the truth is it only happens because you gave your best when nobody was applauding. That’s what makes the work meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.premieramor.com
- Instagram: www.instragram.com/premierarmor
- Facebook: Premier Armor Inc
