At 17, WP entrepreneur balances college prep with regional business growth
Published 6:30 am Saturday, October 31, 2026
At 17, Arsen Kulakevich of West Plains is already balancing college coursework, preparing for a future in orthopedic surgery and expanding his West Plains-based business, Shadow Ridge Tinting, into the Springfield and Branson markets.
Kulakevich founded the company in February after identifying an underserved sector in the local market.
“I saw a need,” Kulakevich said. “Nobody in West Plains was doing commercial window tinting, so I decided to fill that gap myself.”
The regional push is an extension of the existing company rather than a separate franchise or storefront, he said. The move allows Shadow Ridge Tinting to meet rising residential and commercial demand across larger neighboring markets.
Kulakevich said the interest — particularly from bigger facilities — in his company’s services gave him an early indication of the business’ growth potential.
“When we started getting calls from large facilities, that’s when I knew this could become something big,” he said.
Kulakevich said an entrepreneurial drive surfaced early in his childhood.
“I was always trying to start different businesses, so owning my own company has been the goal for a long time,” Kulakevich said, noting that interest started around age 10.
His operational model combines direct customer service with the technical background of an experienced installer who has worked in commercial and residential window film for years, including projects for high-profile clients.
Joining Kulakevich in the venture is business partner Joseph Kharitonov, 20, of West Plains. The two met through their shared experience as young entrepreneurs. Kharitonov manages administrative and marketing operations, while Kulakevich oversees customer relations and cost estimates.
“I personally go out and give every quote, so customers deal with me directly from the first visit,” Kulakevich said.
The expansion into Springfield and Branson targets offices, medical clinics, storefronts and residences featuring large architectural windows. Kulakevich noted that online inquiries from the Springfield area helped guide the decision to widen the company’s service radius.
The company offers functional films designed to reduce heat and glare, filter ultraviolet rays, enhance security and increase privacy, alongside decorative and frosted options for interior spaces.
The range of services, Kulakavich notedt, allows Shadow Ridge Tinting to pursue diversified projects rather than relying on one customer base.
Free quotes can be requested through shadowridgetinting.com or by calling or texting 417-252-9744.
While growth across southwest Missouri increases project volume, Kulakevich said he plans to avoid hiring additional staff immediately to protect service quality.
“I’d like to have crews, but not too many, because I want strict quality control,” he said. “The goal is to be the best of the best.”
A parallel priority remains his academic schedule. Kulakevich is earning college credits through a high school dual-enrollment program as he prepares for pre-medical studies.
Running a business while preparing for that future requires careful prioritization, he said, but he has no intention of letting the company take precedence over his education.
“School always comes first for me,” Kulakevich said. “I want to become an orthopedic surgeon, so I study whenever I have time and fit the business around it.”
Looking ahead five to 10 years, Kulakevich aims to establish Shadow Ridge Tinting as a leading name in residential and commercial window film application across Missouri, backed by a network of regional installation crews.
