Going Green

We have always done our part to be as “green” a company as we possibly can. We are continually looking for new ways to cut down on vehicle emissions, fuel consumption and to try to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in our landfills. For the sake of our children and our children’s children, we all need to do our part to minimize our carbon footprint. This is not only for each of us as individuals, but also for those businesses concerned for the environment.

Community Involvement

In the past we have reached out to our community and have been able to reuse and recycle some of our expendable glass products through donations to our arts schools, local governments or anyone that may be able to take advantage of some of our smaller pieces of glass that may be normally discarded. Occasionally we get phone calls asking for us to contribute to one project or another and we usually can come up with something to be able to help and at the same time, limiting the amount of glass the ends up in our dumpster. Through all of our efforts the reality was that we were only able to reuse or recycle only a fraction of the amount of the waste glass…until now!

!00% Glass Recycling

Rapid Glass is very happy to announce that we have looked high and low and have conducted much research, but have finally worked out a partnership with a glass recycling company. Instead of hauling literally tons of windshields, auto glass and home window glass to the landfills, we will begin hauling virtually 100% of our waste products to a glass pulverizing facility for recycling.

Uses For Recycled Glass

• Industrial media blasting
• Golf Courses Greens and Sand Traps
• Counter Tops and Floors
• Swimming Pools
• Septic Systems
• Roadways
• Water Filtration

In many of these uses the recycled glass  performs better because it last longer,doesn’t absorb moisture, drains better and doesn’t harbor bacteria.

We work harder to improve our environment

So next time you are calling around to find someone to service your car or your home, ask them if they recycle their glass and what they are doing to improve the environment. We are proud of what we stand for and hope other small businesses will follow our lead.

Water coolers throughout the country (or at least the 42 states participating in the lottery) are a buzz about the the highest Mega Millions payout in history. Even if you take a lump sum payout, you would still receive over $324 million after taxes. Although we all know the odds are slim, for $1 we can all be part of this historic event. For many of us, it’s all about the “What if’s and What would I dos. What if I won and what would I do with the money. Would I buy a new car, a new house perhaps? Would I keep working at my job, or quit and travel the world?

Before any of us goes out and puts a down payment on something as exciting as a new Ranger boat and Yamaha outboard (Which is what I would do), perhaps you should consider these statistics:

1. Odds of winning this lottery are 1 in 176 million
2. You are 50 times more likely of getting struck by lightning or 1 in 3000
3. You are 8000 times more likely of getting murdered
4. You are 20,000 times more likely to die in a car accident.

After reading those statistics, I thought if people believe they could “hit” the lottery at those extreme odds, why would you want to take the chance of dieing in a car accident because of an improper Windshield Replacement. I repeat…20,000 times more likely to die in a car accident than to win the lottery.  Which is why you should choose a Windshield Replacement company that doesn’t cut corners. At Rapid Glass every installation  is  completed as if your life depends on it. We utilize OEM Quality glass, Factory Approved Sealers, Certified Technicians and provide a written Lifetime Warranty.
For those of you who won’t hit the big Jackpot, we have a consolation prize for you. Call Rapid Glass during the month of April for an Auto Glass Repair, Windshield Replacement or any other Glass Installation for your Home or Business, show us your losing lottery ticket and we will give you 10% off the price of your glass or a Free Box of Steaks.
We can’t guarantee you’ll win the lottery, but we will do everything we can to keep you and your family safe, and to prevent you from becoming  just another “statistic”.

I recently purchased a new truck so my son and I decided to take it on a fishing trip for the first time. It was in the wee hours of the morning when we left the house, and it was especially dark on this eerie moonless morning. We had traveled less than a mile from the house, when a large Doe came charging out of the ditch in front of us. I slammed on the brakes with the trailer in tow, and just before we came to a complete stop, the deer passed just inches from our front bumper. As I took my foot off the brake, and before I could complete the words, “That was a close one”, a much larger Buck came out of the ditch chasing the first deer, and preceded to slam into the front of my Suburban.

No car-deer collision is good, but as I lowered my eyes down to the dash board, I could barely see the odometer as it was slightly blurred from the tears that I was fighting back. After all, I had to be the strong fatherly figure in front of my son didn’t I? I couldn’t let him see me cry. Yes, I was concerned for the deer, but in addition, my truck had only 150 Miles on it. Regardless if the tear was for the deer or the truck,  the truck had sustained nearly $5000 in damage, and we were lucky that we didn’t get hurt.

Minnesota ranks eighth nationwide in car deer collisions and the only state in the top ten who has seen a rise in the number of collisions this past year. Within the coming weeks, thousands of Minnesota deer hunters will be traveling to their favorite hunting land in search of that trophy Buck.

Safety Tips to remember while driving this deer season:

• Always Buckle-up

• Pay extra close attention

• Absolutely no texting while driving

• Slow down at dawn and dusk when deer are most active

• If possible, avoid driving during most active periods

• Don’t Veer for Deer

The Minnesota Highway patrol recommends you stay the course to avoid going into the ditch where a more serious accident may occur. Even if you do everything right, you can still end up needing a collision repair or windshield replacement as a result of a car-deer collision. Even State Troopers are not immune to this type of collision as many are recorded on their dashboard cameras each year.

As you head out of town to visit your favorite hunting grounds, please heed this advice and you, the deer and your vehicle will be much better off because of it. My mom has always accused me of needing to learn things the hard way…I guess she’s right.

As parents, many of us are finishing up our last minute school shopping and making sure our kids have the latest fashions and enough school and office supplies to run a small business for a year.
If you’re like me, some of the other preparations also include:

• Reviewing their mobile phone plan, whether it’s a Droid or Iphone.

• Purchasing or making sure their laptop is up to date. Is your student a PC or a Mac?

• Ordering all the necessary books

• Purchasing Plastic storage Bins, containers, and cleaning supplies.

• Helping them trying to decide how to divide chores among their new roommates (Good luck with that!)

• Trying to figure out how to cram everything into their car or truck

While you are packing the vehicle for the second or third time because that last item won’t quite fit, don’t forget about checking the windshield.

Windshield Repairs are often overlooked

While a major crack will be more obvious, often times there are smaller chips that don’t jump right out at you until it’s too late. Many of those long windshield cracks actually started out as a little chips and if dealt with now, a more costly windshield replacement may be avoided.

Most students will have enough on their mind trying to concentrate on their studies and don’t need the added pressure of dealing with a broken windshield. In fact in many states including Minnesota, it is illegal to drive with a broken windshield, which could lead to a possible traffic violation. Many insurance policies in Minnesota don’t have a deductible for windshield replacements, and those that do will sometimes waive the deductible if the chip is repaired.

Taking care of your students Windshield Repair or Replacement before they head off to school, is clearly the safest choice. They will appreciate it, and it may provide you with a little more comfort that they are safe and sound while away from home.

The other day while traveling through the airport, I noticed a TSA agent take an iPhone from an airlines customer. At first I thought he was going to confiscate it, but then I remembered seeing on the airlines’ website, that you could transfer you’re boarding pass to your smart phone with one of their mobile apps. So after viewing his electronic boarding pass, he was able to go on his way. I thought, “What an efficient way to provide a great customer service experience using technology.”

Buy Local
As a locally owned business, we are always trying to find ways to make our customers’ experience better and faster. They are very busy and have little time to sit on the phone which is why we always assist in the process. It has always been my goal to be on the leading edge of technology. The only problem is much of this technology has only been available to much larger national chains, even though Statistics show that most customers prefer to deal with locally owned and operated businesses.

Many insurers use third party administrators (TPA’s) that act as the “gatekeepers” of the electronic claims process. Many of these TPA’s have ulterior motives and are sometimes competitors of the locally owned auto glass or windshield repair shop of choice. This potential conflict of interest can negatively affect the customers auto glass claims experience. It is the consumer that has suffered the loss so it is our duty as an industry, insurers and vendors alike, to improve the process for our customers.

A Better Customer Experience
Recently the Independent Glass Association (IGA) decided to take a step forward in providing a better experience for all parties involved. They realized that an electronic claims dispatching standard needed to be developed. Eliminating the road blocks and allowing direct access to the insurers would make for a more pleasant customer experience. Last year eDirectGlass, an internet based application and solutions provider, joined the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in an effort to develop such a standard. The IGA realized that this was the “fastest vehicle” to get us to where we needed go. I applaud the IGA for this decisive move and their commitment to unifying the industry by inviting all POS providers, vendors and trading partners to the table.

If internet-based mobile technology is safe and secure enough for Homeland security, there is no reason it shouldn’t work for the auto glass industry as well. At Rapid Glass we look forward to supporting this effort on behalf of our insurance trading partners and mutual customers.

As a locally owned and operated Glass Repair business, we are always striving to find more efficient ways to communicate with our customers. In the “good old days” it was all about walk-in customers and that sacred ring of the telephone. The rule of thumb was always to answer the phone in three rings or less, which we still believe is true today. Then along came e-mails and the development of the World Wide Web.  Like us, most businesses realize the necessity of a website and have taken steps to have an online presence which is beneficial to businesses and consumers alike. And when social media hit the scene, it was obvious that these online channels represented the future of connecting with customers on a faster, more personal level.

According to Wikipedia, Social media “is a shift in how people discover, read and share news, information and content. It’s a fusion of sociology and technology, transforming monologues (one to many) into dialogues (many to many) and is the democratization of information, transforming people from content readers into publishers. Social media has become extremely popular because it allows people to connect in the online world to form relationships for personal and business.” More simply put, social media is a way for people and businesses to communicate with one another.

At Rapid Glass we are always looking at ways to serve our customs better and faster. We believe Twitter just may be the vehicle (no pun intended) to accomplish this.

• Reach Rapid Glass during regular business hours via Twitter with service needs or questions
• Rapid Glass will monitor its Twitter channel throughout the day providing an instant connection
• Stay connected & follow Rapid Glass on Twitter for special offers and expert tips
• Click on the Twitter icon to view the Rapid Glass Profile and check out what other customers have been asking

And now, we’re pleased to announce our “Tweet @RapidGlass For Glass Repair” service to customers on-the-go. It’s unbelievably simple:

• Tweet @RapidGlass repair when you require assistance
• Within three minutes (during regular business hours), we’ll respond under @RapidGlass with a phone number instructions
• Depending on your emergency, a mobile unit will be dispatched or we will schedule an appointment

Twitter is a massively powerful communication tool, and we’re excited to explore and offer new ways to connect with our customers on a real-time basis.

For those of you who are new or unfamiliar with Twitter here is a feature overview.

As always, feel free to give us a call anytime. For evening and weekend service requests our customer service representatives will be answering the phone 24/7. We still believe in a “good old fashion” customer phone call, but now you can contact us immediately through our new Twitter option which will be coming soon.

Attention all Minnesotans!

On behalf of Hope For Haiti Now, Rapid Glass will be donating much needed funds to the  Red Cross Twin Cities Area Chapter. For every Retweet of this blog post on Twitter, we’ll donate $0.20 to this incredibly important cause. We will cap off at the first 2,000 Retweets, but we’re still really excited to embrace your participation and contribute to the Red Cross in this important way.

Here’s what you need to include in the Retweet to count towards the 2,000:

• The URL to this blog post
• The @RapidGlass Twitter handle
• The name of the city in Minnesota from where you’re tweeting.

So how about it? Be a part of the funds we raise for the Red Cross and Hope for Haiti Now!

photo credit: Jon Olav

It’s no secret- we’re trucking through a tough economy. When it comes to your car, you’re forgiven a little penny-pinching here and there. But in the long run, taking care of your vehicle pays off big… for your wallet and the environment.

The good news is there are tons of simple car hacks that are dirt cheap or *gasp* free- all of which can contribute to a greener earth, safer streets and a more enjoyable driving experience.

Let’s take a close look at one facet of driving that, more often than not, plays a large role in the car we choose to buy in the first place: gas mileage.

Despite dramatic fluctuations in oil prices, we sometimes fall prey to the prestigious clunker rather than the most environmentally-friendly car choice. But no matter what automobile you own, there are ways you can streamline your driving habits for overall better gas mileage.

Keep these six totally free car hacks for better mileage in mind when you hit the road:

1) Treat your accelerator and brake pedals gently. When possible, avoid excess revving and sudden braking; these abrupt shifts contribute to unnecessary wear and tear on your auto parts and actually, yep, waste gas! Not to mention, that’s not the safest way to handle your car on the road. Simple concept: when possible, don’t rev, don’t stop short and you’ll improve your MPG, prevent the need for frequent repairs, as well as improve street safety.  That’s a win-win-win.

2) Cruise at the speed limit and take advantage of cruise control. According to Fueleconomy.gov, gas mileage “usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph,” meaning for every five mph you drive above 60, you actually pay about $0.25 more for gas per gallon. That adds up! When you stick to the speed limit you can expect to save green and help save lives. Also, if your car has cruise control technology, use it! When you’re on a long stretch of highway, cruise control gives your foot a rest and effortlessly maintains constant, safe speed.

photo credit: Steve Keys

3) Idling in life and idling your engine… wasteful and worthless. When you idle your engine, you’re… well, you’re not going anywhere. You’re literally getting zero miles per gallon while using up gas. You’d never invest in a car that gets such pitiful mileage, so why shoot yourself in the foot by sitting parked somewhere with the engine running? Keep in mind that if you idle in an SUV or van, you waste even more gas than a standard sedan or other smaller vehicle. Save gas and unleash fewer emissions out into the environment- turn off that engine, or get a move on!

4) Clean out the clutter. Cart the essentials. Did you know that the more weight you carry in your car, the more you diminish your car’s potential gas mileage? Fueleconomy.gov points out that every “extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent.” (In contrast to hack #3, excess weight hurts smaller cars more than larger cars because the latter are built for heavy loads.) Emptying the unnecessary junk out of your trunk is a smart, simple step towards enhancing your gas mileage and making the most of each gallon.

5) Stay in tune with your tires and engine. Properly tuned engines and adequately inflated tires are another win-win-win: they make for safer driving (by helping avoid blowouts and engine failures), save you money on unpredictable, preventable maintenance problems, and actually improve gas mileage by up to 40%! Stay on top of these essential components of your car and you’ll reap the benefits in the long run.

6) Join forces with your coworkers and friends: carpool! Never underestimate the power of carpooling with your buddies, whether you’re heading to the office, out to a group dinner, or to a Sunday football game. There’s no sense in all of you clogging up the highway and battling for parking spaces. (Optional: throw in a great cruising CD for added enjoyment.)

This is just a sample of the simple hacks you can take to the streets daily (for free!) to help improve your car’s gas mileage, save some cash, give back to the environment, and be a more responsible driver.  Have some hacks of your own? Share them below in the comment field!

We all know the importance and safety implications of our rear view mirrors. Yet, not a week goes by when I don’t see a car or truck driving around with a cracked, or worst yet, missing rear view mirror glass. Even if it’s not illegal in your area, they are a necessity for safe driving.

It all starts by backing out of the garage while parked a little too close to the garage door or backing out of your parking spot at the mall, where someone has not left you enough room to open your door and BANG! you have a broken mirror.

Price Matters–Especially in a Difficult Economy
We’ve found the reason so many people drive around with broken mirror is because of the price they receive when they make a phone call to their local car dealerships parts department.

Most parts departments only sell the entire mirror with the housing and all the adjusting motors, heating elements, turn indicators and wires that goes with it. Most outside rear view mirrors of this type typically cost in excess of $300-$400 not including the labor to install it. The reason is that the automobile manufacturer buys the mirror and housing as an entire unit for ease of installation during the assembly process.

Don’t Sacrifice Safety
What most consumers don’t know is that there is an alternative. Most reputable glass shops can replace just the glass portion of the mirror housing. Auto Glass companies have access to mirrors that are pre-cut to fit your particular make and model of vehicle.

If a Redi-cut mirror is not available for your vehicle, one can be custom cut for you. Most standard mirrors of this kind can usually be installed for $100 or less. The more options you have on the mirror, such as heated mirrors or turn signals in the mirror, tends to increase the mirror cost and labor costs slightly. So next time this happens to you don’t wait until a broken mirror causes you an accident call your local glass shop and ask to just replace the glass.

For decades people have been struggling to keep their glass shower doors looking like new. The harder your water, such as well water or city water heavy with nutrients, the harder it is to keep those glass shower doors looking transparent.

Besides a good water softener, the best prevention for this is to use a squeegee each time you shower. Many bath specialty stores carry these affordable solutions in a variety of appealing colors to match nearly any decor. Prevention is the best choice to help you keep those doors looking presentable, but if those pesky water spots still haunt you, we have a few ideas that can help.

Frameless Glass Doors
If the staining on the glass portion of the doors has already occurred, no worries, you should be able to get them removed. One of the oldest remedies is vinegar or a vinegar and water solution.

You can soak a towel in a bucket of the mixture and use the towel to wipe the stains clean. For more stubborn stains using this method, you can soak the towel in the solution and hang it on the door in the problem area for a few hours. This way you can let the solution do the work for you.

There are also several products on the market designed to cut through tough water spots which is often a form of calcium build up. Products such as “Lime away” and “CLR” seem to work best. If you have smooth glass shower doors or bathtub doors, you can also use a single edge razor blade and a quality glass cleaner.

Make sure you hold the razor blade at an angle to the glass to avoid scratching. This will however take a little bit of work especially on a larger shower doors. If you have textured or pattern glass on your shower doors, you may be able to clean one side using this method, although on the textured surface you will have to stick with one the solution methods. Always finish with a good glass cleaner and a towel to avoid streaking

Framed Shower Doors
These types of doors have an added complexity to cleaning the water spots off of them. The glass portion of the shower doors can still be cleaned just like the frameless shower doors described above. The aluminum portion of the doors cannot be cleaned with a razor blade, because they scratch more easily.

You can try the commercial products or the vinegar solutions with a soft cloth towel but avoid a paper towel as they can sometimes scratch the finish. Aluminum is much softer material than glass and is more susceptible to the water spots actually “etching” themselves into the aluminum finish.

Once you try the solution methods and the spots are still visible, more times than not we have experienced that the spots have actually eaten into the aluminum and cannot be removed.

Still Not Coming Clean
If you have water spots that cannot be removed you still have some options. If the damage is on the glass portion of the shower door, you can purchase new glass and reinstall it into your existing frames. If the damage is on the aluminum frame, usually your only option is to purchase a new door.

Many shower door companies change their designs frequently, and chances are the new frame will be different and your old glass won’t fit. Even when just replacing the glass, it is usually less expensive to purchase a whole new shower door. When you order just the glass, it is considered a custom order compared to purchasing a stock shower door, which many quality glass companies have on hand. Custom orders usually take one to two weeks, where a stock door can be picked up or delivered in a few days.

In addition to the material costs, the labor involved in installing a new door is usually less than breaking down an old door and reinstalling the glass. To complicate things even more, many of the original screw become corroded and frequently break off increasing the labor involved even more.

Most homeowners can remove the old door themselves, saving them a few dollars, and should they decide to have the new one installed by a professional, most shower door companies will be happy to recycle it for you.