Leading The Way in Wraps - WRAPFAM

By Jen Carney

Women of Wraps (WOW) is proud to highlight Kristin Lanzarone. WOW's mission is to shine a light on women

across the Wrap/Graphics industry, from installers to business owners, celebrating their versatility and achievements. A Jill of many trades and a master of quite a few, Kristin has proven that ambition and determination really do make a difference. From her prospects of becoming a police officer to her venture in journalism, she is a well-rounded boss babe.

Career Path

"I originally set out to pursue a career in Criminal Justice and Interior Design, even completing the Police Academy in 2006," Lanzarone explains. "But when the economy took a downturn, the job market in my field dried up." During that time, she and her then-husband were deep in the motorsports world, running a business as Go Kart promoters. They built a motorsports media website dedicated to West Coast sprint kart racing, where she unexpectedly found herself wearing the hat of a journalist-writing press releases, covering events, and diving into motorsports photography and videography. That experience became the launchpad for

her next venture: Race Media Group (RMG), a motorsports branding company she built from the ground up. She taught herself graphic design and quickly became the go-to for branding drivers, teams, and tracks. From creating websites and marketing materials to designing race car wraps, she fell in love with seeing her designs come to life. That's when she realized her true passion-working with her hands. 2013 Race Bling Wraps was born.

In 2015, she decided it was time to pivot and take her skills beyond motorsports. She founded WrapStar Pro, a business where she literally wore every hat-sales, design, production, and installation. "My passion for creativity and hands-on work continues to drive me today, and I've never looked back. Every new project reminds me why I love this industry so much!"

Industry Insight

Before stepping into the roles of industry trainer and influencer, Lanzarone relied on the power of networking to stay at the forefront of the wrap industry's latest trends, technologies, and techniques. She sought out opportunities to learn from the industry's best-legends who shaped the world of wraps. But in 2017, something clicked-she realized her passion wasn't just in mastering these skills but in teaching them and helping others succeed. Over the next three years, she dove headfirst into building her network, volunteering wherever she could to contribute to the industry. Being on several boards and committees connected her with top brands and gave her invaluable opportunities.

These experiences eventually led her to open WrapStar University in 2022, a universal training facility for pressure-sensitive adhesives that brings hands-on education to the forefront. In 2024, they elevated their mission with the launch of "Master The Wrap," a groundbreaking beginner-to-intermediate nationwide training program in partnership with Arlon Graphics and Roland. With hubs in key cities Sacramento, Chicago, Dallas, and Atlanta, they're empowering and equipping the next generation of installers to perfect their craft in commercial fleet and architectural wraps. The program goes beyond just techniques; they provide hands-on education using industry-leading tools and technologies from their partners, including Weldy, YelloTools, MagStrapz, Torq CRM, WrapItRight, and Roland printers.

At WrapStar Pro, they specialize in large fleet wraps, corporate printing, and commercial embroidery, but Lanzarone admits-boat wraps are where they really let their creativity sail. "There's just something exhilarating about transforming a boat into a floating work of art."

As for her favorite part of the process? "It's that magic moment when a design jumps off the screen and becomes reality. From curating the design to seeing it roll off the printer, to laying that final piece in place-it never gets old. Watching it all come together is what keeps me passionate about this industry every single day."

Advice for Women in the Industry

Her advice to women looking to break into the wrap industry is to dive in with confidence. Although this industry is still largely male-

dominated, she encourages women not to let that intimidate them. Instead, see it as an opportunity to shatter stereotypes and lead the way for others. "Your voice and perspective are valuable, and the industry thrives on diversity." "Take advantage of every learning

opportunity-whether it's through hands-on experience, training programs, or networking events. Knowledge is your greatest asset, and the more you invest in your skills, the more empowered you'll feel," she advises. "Build a strong network, ask questions,

and seek out mentors." Mentorship is something she deeply believes in, always ready to support and guide women coming up in this field because she knows how impactful a helping hand can be.

Don't underestimate the power of persistence, either. Wrapping can be both physically and mentally demanding, but with passion and dedication, you can absolutely excel. Women bring natural creativity, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills-key qualities that make for an incredible installer and designer. "This is the perfect time to carve out your space in the industry, and I'm here to cheer you on every step of the way."

Professional Recognition and Community Impact

A sought-after trainer and industry influencer, Lanzarone has earned multiple certifications across various brands and serves as a trusted mentor and community advocate. Her achievements include the Women in Wide Format Award 2021 and the Best of Wide Format Award 2024. She was also recognized as one of the "Top 40 under 40" by the Sacramento Business Journal. Her industry involvement includes serving on numerous boards:

• UNITE Together Board Member
• Women In Print Alliance Board Member
• PDAA Installers Board & Trainer
• Big Picture Magazine Editorial Advisory Board Member & Columnist

As a multi-brand trainer, she shares her expertise in films for PDAA, Arlon, 3M DiNoc, Orafol, Drytac, Flexcon, Bodaq, and General Formulations, as well as tools for Weldy, YelloTools, Mag Strapz, and Roland. Beyond her professional work, she remains active in community outreach, including serving as a Sacramento Biz Journal Mentoring Monday Mentor and Bayside Local Outreach Active Community Volunteer.

Balancing her multiple roles at WrapStar Pro, WrapStar University, and her numerous board positions, Lanzarone embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that drives the wrap industry forward. From hands-on installations to empowering new professionals through education, she continues to shape the future of wraps while staying true to her passion for creating, teaching, and building community. Her journey proves that in the wrap industry, determination and a willingness to learn can transform unexpected paths into remarkable careers.