Local detailer outlines growth plan, fleet program and community giveaways

Mitch Dinger, owner of Blackout Tint Detail LLC, told the Warren City Council on March 12 that his automotive and architectural window-film and detailing company has grown rapidly since launching in 2023 and that he plans a new facility and local hiring.

Dinger, a lifelong Warren resident, described the business’s origins as a weekend project operated from his parents’ garage and its expansion after he began leasing a bay at Warren Tire Center. He said Blackout offers a full range of detailing services and automotive, commercial and residential window films and that it completed 84 transactions from June through December 2023 and 366 transactions in calendar year 2024, with automotive window-film sales representing roughly half of last year’s business.

Dinger told councilors he has logged more than 650 vehicle window-tint services and installed more than 3,500 square feet of architectural film since opening. He described a “free Window Tint Wednesday” social-media giveaway that has produced thousands of organic views and dozens of prizes as one way he markets and gives back to the community.

Nut graf: The council heard the presentation as part of its business-and-community updates; Dinger asked the city to note his interest in redeveloping 1705 Pennsylvania Avenue, the Grassy Knoll site near Warren Tire Center, for a specialized detailing facility that he said could create two full-time jobs and add a fleet-service subscription product for local businesses.

Dinger said the planned facility would include dedicated bays for interiors, exteriors and window-film installation and a customer lobby with product displays. He described a proposed fleet program aimed at companies that operate multiple vehicles; the subscription service would offer routine detailing, discounted film installation and scheduled maintenance.

Council members asked about scheduling and operations. Dinger demonstrated his online booking system (a Square scheduling page linked from his website) and described a no-upfront-payment reservation system that pings him with customer details and notes. He said he sometimes handles drop-off and pickup without direct customer contact and that his site lists prices for common services.

Dinger also described philanthropic activity: donations of services to local fund-raisers, fair events and nonprofit groups and promotional presence at parades. He said he has worked with local businesses including Lather Salon, the adult probation office, the Warren school district central office and several regional employers.

Ending: Council members thanked Dinger for the presentation; several praised the local-business growth story and said they welcomed discussions about the 1705 Pennsylvania Avenue site if Dinger pursues a purchase and redevelopment. No formal city action was requested or taken on the business presentation.