This week, we chat with Matthew Stecker, the owner of Scottsdale-based Rogue Films. After a near-death experience, Stecker launched the company from his garage in 2017. It is now a multi-million-dollar venture in a 5,000-square-foot space, with over 6,000 clients across the state.
“Opening Rogue Films was one of the best decisions of my life that was a direct result of one of the scariest moments in my life, and I wouldn’t change a thing,” he says.
Here, we chat with him about his company, industry misconceptions, and learning ASL.
Socials: Facebook and Instagram—@roguefilmsaz
Tell us about Rogue Films.
Rogue Films has become the leading provider of automotive protection, home and office window tinting, and ceramic coating paint protection film in Arizona. We service everything from everyday domestic vehicles—such as Ford, Nissan, Cadillac, and Tesla—to high-performance exotics like Lamborghini, Ferrari, Bugatti, Aston Martin, and Porsche. Additionally, we are the trusted choice for the delicate care of rare collectibles, meticulous older restorations, and timeless classic cars.
Your business was born from a life-altering moment. How did that experience redefine your definition of success?
Before that pivotal moment, I defined success by how much I could give to someone else’s organization. Today, success is about the 100% I pour into the company we started years ago. The real “secret” for me now is watching our staff grow and thrive. Seeing our team members meet their professional and financial goals—and building the lives they’ve always wanted—is the most rewarding part of this journey.
You’ve built a multi-million-dollar brand with more than 850 five-star reviews. What sets you apart from other companies?
It comes down to an absolute, 100% commitment to customer satisfaction at all costs. We realize we don’t live in a perfect world, but on the rare occasion an issue arises, we always make it right. I never want a client to feel we did anything less than our best. Beyond that, our hiring process is incredibly thorough; we use personality testing to ensure every team member is a perfect fit for their role. Finally, we constantly reinvest in the latest technology and equipment. This allows our staff to perform at a world-class level that competes not just locally, but nationally.
What’s been your proudest ‘pinch-me’ moment since launching?
My proudest moment was this past year at the XPEL dealer conference in San Antonio. It’s one thing to see your revenue and growth on paper, but being recognized by an outside authority like XPEL—the industry leader whose products we carry—as the Market Dealer of the Year was incredible. Being validated as the best the industry has to offer was a true “pinch-me” moment.
What’s the biggest misconception affluent homeowners and car collectors have about tinting and protection?
The biggest misconception is that protective films and window films are either “visible” or that the installation process might damage their home or the vehicle. Lots of individuals have had poor experiences with inexperienced shops that actually ruin the paint while trying to protect it. In reality, when applied by experts, these films are virtually invisible and provide essential protection against Arizona’s harsh road debris, gravel, and sand.
You work in a space where technology meets craftsmanship. What part of the tinting and protection process still fascinates you after 30+ years in the industry?
The integration of technology into our craft continues to fascinate me. We are currently the only facility in Arizona with the capacity to digitally manufacture incredibly precise, custom patterns for vehicles where templates don’t yet exist. The ability to create these intricate digital patterns and then use them to ensure a perfect fit is a highly sophisticated process that still excites me every day.
Any specific future company plans?
We are currently growing at a very rapid pace and are beginning to outgrow our current facility. We are in the active planning stages of finding our next location to better accommodate our expanding team and client base.
Outside of work, what does your ideal Arizona day look like when you finally unplug?
My wife and I love to get off the beaten path. On our days off, you’ll usually find us out off-roading in our Ford Raptor. We also love exploring new experiences around town for date nights; for example, we attended Sumo & Sushi this past year, and it was so much fun that it’s now going to be a regular annual event for us.
Favorite places around Scottsdale?
Steakhouses! We are big fans of the local dining scene and love the incredible variety of high-end restaurants and steakhouses that Scottsdale has to offer.
The one thing people would be surprised to learn about you is …
I am currently learning American Sign Language. My wife may lose her hearing in the future due to inner-ear issues, so we are learning ASL together now to ensure we can always communicate clearly, no matter what happens.
Way to go Matt and Dawn — after the years you devoted to giving through your church–its great to learn of the success of your growing business from your skill and attention to detail andt that you are now being rewarded. Thank for the work you have done on our cars in the past.