Whether Sunlight or Storm
The Sky’s the Limit for Mr. Glass Doors & Windows, Inc.
Glass, perhaps more than any other building material, uniquely links a building to its natural environment. This view calls Mr. Glass Doors & Windows, Inc. (Mr. Glass) into a twofold mission: install impact windows and doors that not only complement the beautiful Florida weather but are also capable of withstanding the area’s catastrophic hurricanes.
Based in Medley, Fla., near Miami, Mr. Glass produces indoor and outdoor impact windows and doors, storefronts, curtain walls, glass railings, balcony enclosures, framed and frameless doors, skylights and interior partitions and walls. Now in its 10th year of operation, the company provides a broad range of services, which includes installing these products to an architect’s exact specifications. It also ensures quality production by conducting additional engineering on projects with intricate and extensive fenestration.
As a sign of loyalty to its customers and property owners in the coastal southeast and the Caribbean, Mr. Glass goes the extra mile after a storm to quickly contact them to see if they need assistance. As necessary, the company swiftly dispatches crews to board up any openings shattered by malevolent weather, then later returns to install the replacement windows and doors—again matching the original architectural specifications.
This responsiveness is part of the company’s “Hurricane Preparation Plan,” which cites procedures to follow for the sake of customers before and after the threat of a hurricane or in an actual hurricane event.
The Difference is Clear
Glass is a unique building material. It offers openness, light, versatility, sleek reflection, protection from the elements, comfort and safety. Architects are continually adopting new possibilities for its use. And because of that, Mr. Glass does more than respond as an order-taking subcontractor by operating its own engineering department.
“With accessible engineers, we can develop any system desired by our customers and approved by the city,” says Marisol Morales, Sales
Director and Office Manager. “This is not common at all in firms like ours because it is quite expensive to have an engineer in-house.”
The company’s six engineers work closely with contractors to install the most precise glass doors, walls and windows for projects. Any given project’s engineer consults with the glass-making vendor for manufacturing the glass panel. Then, once the glass arrives at Mr. Glass’ facility, the engineer assists in the finishing work—the addition of frames, handles, hinges or other hardware—in preparation for onsite installation. These team members also follow up with installers and contractors to ensure total satisfaction.
They also help developers and customers navigate the various choices for adding glass to a structure. First and foremost for Florida property owners is whether to use impact- resistant or non-impact glass. “Impact glass” takes an impact by gale-force winds or flying debris without shattering. Impact glass is made of two layers of tempered glass with a shatter-proof membrane. Even if the first glass breaks, the pane is not penetrated.
Other choices include the tint, which helps manage the heat produced by the incoming sun, and the thickness of the glass, which is an aspect of security and longevity.
Engineers at Mr. Glass also use new technology to improve job quality. For example, they use a 3D printer to create a model of more complex or detailed glass installations. The models go a long way in effectively communicating with the contractors to produce the desired end results.
Casting the Vision
Mr. Glass has always been focused on serving the building industry with more cost-efficient and customer-responsive operations. The business was founded by three friends who, while working for another glass installer in the region, decided they could compete by creating a new glass company. In 2007, Mr. Glass was incorporated. Its leaders still include Ulises Senaris, serving as President, Dagoberto Vasallo as Vice President, and Yoel Rodriguez as Treasurer.
“From the start, our mantra has been ‘how an organization is designed determines how it performs,’ ” says Senaris.
Today, the company of 120 employees includes 55 factory workers, 33 installers, and 32 office staff and supervisors. They perform as a team throughout the various phases of project planning, prepping and installing.
The company maintains solid relationships with the Miami-Dade County Small Business Development office and both the Miami-Dade and the Broward County school districts. These connections aid in quick approvals for projects and materials—so-called “Notices of Acceptance”—to protect buildings in the hurricane zone. Mr. Glass also holds distinction as a minority-owned business and a Small Business Enterprise. Sixty percent of its work is for commercial retail property and the remaining 40 percent is for residential or school or government facilities.
Seeing is Believing
Examples of the company’s work include the $3.5 million oceanfront Meliá Costa Hollywood Beach Resort in Hollywood, Fla., a mid-rise condominium with many glass railings and sleek but storm-resistant windows and doors. The upscale mixed-use destination features an abundance of glass reflecting the region’s iconic blue skies even while structurally framed in red.
Mr. Glass also helped complete an expansion of Aventura Mall, a popular regional upscale shopping mall in Aventura, Fla. The company executed the installation of an inclined curtain wall under the leadership of contractor Plaza Construction. The project totaled $2.8 million.
The company’s expertise shines through each project it takes on. Like the products its team installs, Mr. Glass’ vision for the future is revealing.
“We have created a reputable name, a brand; and our motive is for it to be recognized all over and to maintain good standing with customers in the years ahead,” Senaris says.
“When it comes to the glass business and our commitment at Mr. Glass, the sky’s the limit!” he adds.