FARMINGTON -- Independence Day had a second meaning for Auto Glass & Mirror in Farmington this year.
The business celebrated its 70th anniversary on July 4. It first opened in Fayetteville on July 4, 1948, and moved to Farmington in 1999.
Four generations have been involved in the business, located at 65 W. Main St.
George Moore Sr., started the business and handed it down to his son George Moore Jr., around 1970 or 1971. Moore Jr.'s son, Michael George Sr., grew up at the shop and took over in 1999, along with his brother-in-law, Floyd Shelley. In 2007, Shelley decided to go elsewhere and Michael Moore became sole owner of the business.
Now, Moore's son, Michael George Moore Jr., or "Mikey," is working with his father and he plans to continue the legacy.
"The business has been family owned and operated since 1948," Michael Moore said.
The business replaces and repairs windshields, installs and replaces mirrors and installs glass for antique and classic cars. The shop also is known for its beautiful stained and leaded glass.
George Moore Jr., has made many hand-held mirrors and stained glass crosses for customers and others over the years.
"We do a little bit of everything," Michael said.
George Moore Jr., shares how his father started the business. His father was working for a shop in Fayetteville that installed auto glass and did front-end engine work. The owner wanted to sell the glass portion of the business for $100.
George said his father didn't have $100 so he went to Fort Smith, worked a year to save $100, purchased the equipment and opened his shop in a little rock building on Meadow Street, paying $20 a month rent.
The shop was near Fayetteville Square. Three years later, the city was remodeling the square and George Sr., had to move this shop.
George Jr., says "urban renewal took us out."
Auto Glass & Mirror moved to Holly Street in Fayetteville and stayed there from 1968-1999.
The family owned land in Farmington along Main Street and decided to build on the lot.
George said the family was a "little concerned" how the business would do in Farmington. Main Street then was a two-lane highway going through town. At the same time, he saw traffic was picking up in Farmington and said he believed the business' reputation would keep it going and make the move work.
Auto Glass moved into its new building on Main Street and George says, "It's the best thing we could have done."
Father and son believe Auto Glass & Mirror has lasted 70 years because of the way they conduct business.
"I think it's because we do things the the old-fashion way," George Moore said. "We take care of people first."
He noted there are lots of glass shops around and the family wanted a business with customer service that stood out above the others.
"That's how my Dad taught me and I taught my son that way," said George.
The shop also is willing to work on extraordinary projects that other businesses do not want. An example of that, George said, is the shop's work on antique cars and trucks.
"People come here from all over the country for their antique cars."
Michael Moore said he learned the importance of family values from his father and grandpa and also the importance of good business sense. His grandpa took nails, bent them and reused them.
"That's how I was taught and I'm teaching those to the fourth generation," Michael said.
The business is still using some of its original tools and machines, including an original belt sander and welder.
Both men also attribute the success of the business to their customers. Many of their customers are third-generation customers. They have repeat customers from states such as Arkansas, Louisiana, Illinois, Kansas and Oklahoma.
Robert Parker of Parker Motor Co., in Fayetteville, has been a customer since the early 1970s. He comes back to the shop for several reasons, he said.
"They do good work, are reasonable on their prices and they're nice people," Parker said.
Mikey said growing up around the shop has been a blessing to him. One day, he will take over the business.
"I just want to keep being successful and not let anyone down," Mikey said.
George said the business has provided a good living for the family.
"Not rich but a good living."
General News on 07/18/2018