Growth In The 80s & 90s:
1986 - 1995
We’re continuing our journey through the rich history of Broadway Glass as we approach our milestone 70th Anniversary this September!
In our last chapter, we explored the pivotal years from 1965 to 1985, we now dive into 1986 to 1995, a decade of evolution, where bold steps forward, exciting growth, and lasting milestones and partnerships continued to shape the future of Broadway Glass.
As told by current Broadway Glass owner Ron DeWolf
1986–1995: A Decade of Growth and Innovation
With my sister Denise returning full-time, we ushered in a new era by bringing computers into the Broadway Glass office. We adopted Glass Pac; a software built specifically for the glass industry—an early leap into the digital age.
Around this time, we began transitioning away from auto glass services to focus on what would become our core strengths: residential and commercial glass. And just to keep things fun, we also started company softball team…yes, we played hard at work and on the field!
As business grew, so did our ambitions. I shifted my focus to sales, and we made a game-changing move by hiring our first commercial estimator. That decision opened the door to bigger projects, beginning with our first major commercial job in Lawndale, CA. That project lit the spark—and our commercial division has been expanding ever since.
Back in the shop, we were investing in the future. We added new equipment to meet increasing demand, including our first automated polishing machine to support the booming mirror side of the business. We even offered polishing services to other suppliers who hadn’t yet upgraded. Around the same time, we added a Tilt air table to improve fabrication of stock sheets.
This era also marked the beginning of a now-signature service: heavy glass frameless shower enclosures. Our early installs, powered by our long-standing partnership with American Shower Door, set the foundation for one of our most popular offerings today.
The decade ended on a somber note in 1994, when we said goodbye to our beloved Grandmother. Her legacy continues to shape who we are.
Thank you for continuing to read the history of Broadway Glass & Mirror, Inc. as we get closer and closer to our 70th anniversary in September of this year. Stay tuned for the next installment as we move forward into the end of the 90s and into the new millennium.
Keep up with us each month to learn something new about our growth and development throughout the last 70 years!
