02.15.2010 Portland, OR – The Big Picture: Precision Preps for RV Season

Precision Glass, a leading provider of RV Glass, is gearing up for the Spring RV Season which means they will be replacing some of the largest and most unwieldy glass parts in the business.

“I’ve been working with RV glass for more than 15 years” exclaims General Manager Aaron Smith, “and there is always some new twist, turn or challenge that will come at you in these RV jobs”!

Recreational vehicles, or “RV’s” as they are commonly called, are all custom built and many of them feature huge picture-window sized windshields that allow the owner a panoramic view of the road ahead of them.

“Those windshields are a huge selling point in the showroom” says Smith, “but they can be a big headache in the shop when they’re broken”. Smith elaborates that because everything is “super-sized”, there is more room for error and many jobs need to be custom fit.

“The windshields are large and very heavy” he explains, “the molding and couplings are not standardized, and the aperture around the window can flex over time. Add those together and you are talking about one tricky windshield replacement”.

Smith says he spends a lot of time working with his younger installers to get them trained on the tools and techniques required to safely install the RV glass. “Our first rule is nobody gets hurt!” he barks. “After that, it’s a question of slowly and methodically approaching the job with our process and not going to “C” until “A” and “B” are done and done completely. I don’t care how long it takes, I just want it done right the first time and again, I don’t want anybody injured”.

Company owner John Carey describes the RV glass work as “a little bit of science, a little bit of art, and a whole lot of sweat”. He goes on to say that their close relationship with the manufacturers and glass suppliers is a key to their success.

“Most glass shops won’t even touch an RV” he notes. “The other 90% might do one or two a year. During the spring season you might see 2 or 3 in our yard in any given day.” Carey reflects that “it’s just not the kind of thing that you’re going to be good at if you only do it once in a while. We didn’t set out to be the RV Glass King of the Northwest, but according to our suppliers, we’re the #1 RV Glass resource in the region”.

Precision also carries a full line of side glass, door glass and skylights for RV’s and Motor homes. “RV’s are not designed, machined or built nearly as precisely as cars or even trucks, and eventually most of them will leak” says Smith. “We make it our business to work with the client tirelessly until we track down where the leaks are located and getting them addressed – whatever it takes.”

About Precision:

Precision Auto Glass is a leading provider of auto glass, truck glass, residential windows, mirrors and commercial storefront replacement services in the greater Portland area. Serving the community since 1995, Precision consistently sets the standard for quality, service and value in the Pacific Northwest. They can be reached at (503) 684-9556 or www.PrecisionGlassUSA.com.

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12.19.2009 Portland, OR – Precision Recognized for “Season of Sharing”

Precision Glass was recognized by the Oregonian, Oregon’s leading newspaper, for contributions made through the paper’s “Season of Sharing” campaign.

Precision donated a number of gift certificates to local agencies serving the homeless and needy.
“You always think “what can we do” when you read about these folks having a tough time during the Holidays” says Precision owner John Carey. “Well, maybe we should just do what we do best”!

Carey sat down and made up some “Gift Certificates” good towards services at Precision, then called Jean DeMaster at Human Solutions. “Human Solutions is close to our Foster store, and I’d heard good things about them. When I told Jean what I was thinking, she said “What a great idea! That will really make a difference for someone”.

“Human Solutions is all about providing a safe, positive place where families can get a fresh start” said Jean, “and giving someone a chance to fix their windshield on Precision was just such a nice thought”. Carey distributed ½ dozen “Gift Certificates” to other family support agencies in the greater Portland area.

When the Oregonian called Human Solutions to see if there had been any “unusual donations”, Jean replied “how about a windshield”?

A link to the story can be found at:
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/12/post_77.html

About Precision:

Precision Auto Glass is a leading provider of auto glass, truck glass, residential windows, mirrors and commercial storefront replacement services in the greater Portland area. Serving the community since 1995, Precision consistently sets the standard for quality, service and value in the Pacific Northwest. They can be reached at (503) 684-9556 or www.PrecisionGlassUSA.com.

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08.12.2009 Portland, OR - Fast & Green: Precision's Sprinter Fleet

Precision Glass has added two more Sprinter Service Vehicles in their drive to make their fleet “Fast and Green”.

“We’re known for our rapid response” says Precision President John Carey “which means that we drive a lot of miles every day. We decided several years ago that we were going to do everything in our power to deliver our service with the maximum amount of fuel efficiency”.

Enter the Sprinter.

The first generation Sprinter was launched in Europe in 1995 by Mercedes-Benz, where fuel prices have traditionally been significantly higher than in the United States.

“European light trucks have always been more fuel efficient than their domestic counterparts” say Carey “but it wasn’t until Mercedes produced the Sprinter that we had an option for a roomy, durable truck with great fuel economy”.

Precision tested their first Sprinter in 2005, and General Manager Aaron Smith immediately appreciated the added cargo space. “We bought that first one for the mileage” said Smith, “but we soon realized that the cargo bay was almost 1/3 bigger than our other vans, allowing us to carry more specialized tools and a lot of stock glass”.

Precision services more than 50 commercial accounts in any given week, so the ability to carry a variety of glass products is key. “A service truck without the right piece of glass is like an ambulance without bandages” jokes Smith, “neither one of them is going to do you much good!”

“When we replace an old van that gets horrible mileage with a Sprinter, we can almost triple the fuel efficiency” says Carey. “It’s a dramatic improvement”.

Is there a Hybrid Van in Precision’s future? “Absolutely” says Smith. “We are a technical consultant to one of the major Truck Test Center’s here in the Northwest and they have committed to getting us one of the first street-ready models”.

“As commercial vendors, it’s our duty to do what we can to stay on top of the latest technical developments and put them to use as they become viable. I predict there will be dramatic advances in vehicle technology over the next 10 years and our goal is zero emissions”.

Zero emissions? “Why not” asks Carey? “Who’d have thought ten years ago that we’d be driving German designed diesel trucks capable of 30 mpg? Never say never!”

About Precision:

Precision Auto Glass is a leading provider of auto glass, truck glass, residential windows, mirrors and commercial storefront replacement services in the greater Portland area. Serving the community since 1995, Precision consistently sets the standard for quality, service and value in the Pacific Northwest. They can be reached at (503) 684-9556 or www.PrecisionGlassUSA.com.

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06.14.2009 Portland, OR - Precision Glass adds Tigard Location

Precision Glass, a leading Auto and Truck Glass Replacement company, has added another retail location in the Portland area.

The “Tigard” store is now open at 13955 SW 72nd Avenue, ½ mile north of the Home Depot and just 2 minutes off I5. “This location is central to Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Tualatin, Sherwood and, of course, Tigard” said Precision owner John Carey. “There are thousands of homeowners and hundreds of businesses within a 5 mile radius of the store. We had so many long-time customers ask us when we’d have something in that part of town that we finally made it happen”.

Shop Manager Ron Holcomb says that Precision will be offering a full range of services in this location. “People know us as windshield repair and replacement specialists” exclaimed Holcomb “which of course we are. But we also do insulated units, door glass, table tops as well as a full range of service for commercial storefronts. If it has to do with Glass, we can pretty much get the job done”.

Neighbors, friends and interested passers-by were treated to free food, balloons, candy and prizes at the stores Grand Opening celebration. One lucky visitor even won the grand prize: a Garmin GPS unit. Visitors were also able to see one of the companies Sprinter Mobile Service units. Precision has the largest Sprinter fleet in the area.

“Our Brand is about Quality, Safety and Convenience, and people in this part of town are very fussy about their cars and their homes. So we’re a good match. This location gives our neighbors the total flexibility to visit our store or we can do the work mobile at their location. Whatever is easiest for them”.

How’s it going so far? “Great”, answers Carey. “This is a great neighborhood and we’ve been made to feel very welcome. I can’t tell you how many people pull up and say “thank goodness you’re here”. Of course, we’re happy to be here and delighted they’re giving us an opportunity to serve them”.

About Precision:

Precision Auto Glass is a leading provider of auto glass, truck glass, residential windows, mirrors and commercial storefront replacement services in the greater Portland area. Serving the community since 1995, Precision consistently sets the standard for quality, service and value in the Pacific Northwest. They can be reached at (503) 684-9556 or www.PrecisionGlassUSA.com.

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03.05.2009 Portland, OR - Precision Auto Glass is now… Precision Glass!

Precision Auto Glass, founded in 1995 and known as one of Portland’s top-quality full-service glass shops, is sporting a fresh new look and will be reflecting their broad range of services by re-branding as “Precision Glass”.

“We needed a look-and-feel that reflects the energy and range that this company has” says President John Carey. “It was time to take a step back and put everything on the table”.

To do that, Carey engaged CKA, Inc. (www.ckacorp.com) a top Seattle-based Marketing and Branding company known for their work with Microsoft, Starbucks and BMW among others. “Was it a big step for us to engage CKA? You bet!” says Carey. “Our customers hold us in high esteem and it’s important that we project a Brand image that justifies the trust that they give us”.

Mark Anderson, a Principal at CKA, admits that he didn’t know much about Precision before the project began. “I’d heard their name but didn’t know much more” says Anderson. The first thing he insisted on was one-on-one time with Precision customers so that everyone could understand what unique value Precision brought to their Market.

“Some companies think that bright lights, flashy logos and bold claims will attract a lot of customers” explains Anderson “but if you can’t back-up the hype, you’re only hurting yourself”. He goes on to explain that the best companies, large and small, understand how they help and service their customers “and they have messages and visuals that help the customers understand that relationship”.

After talking to a range of Customers, the team quickly realized that “Precision Auto Glass” was sending the wrong message. “For one thing” said Anderson”, Precision is one of the biggest Commercial Truck and Fleet providers in the State, so right there the name needed to be looked at”. Since Precision is also a major provider of Residential and Commercial Glass, the team felt like Precision Auto Glass did not tell the story.

“CKA did a brilliant job of capturing our essence and reflecting that back in a great new logo and tag line that really tells the story” says Carey. The new logo has a stylized windshield “swoosh” wrapped around the name and the tag line “Same Day, Every Day” was inspired by the repeated comments of Precision’s long time commercial customers.

“Virtually every customer we talked to complimented Precision on their amazingly fast service” said Anderson. “Their commitment to insanely fast response times is a legend in the commercial market and they are setting a new standard in the consumer market as well.”

“Let’s face it” said Carey “a broken windshield is no fun. We know you’re busy so it’s our goal to make it as easy and convenient as it can possibly be”.

Can they replace every windshield on the same day? “Our suppliers are closed on Sunday’s” Carey says with a smile, “so that one can be a bit tricky. Other than that, we answer the phone 24 hours a day and for customer’s request same day service – as far as I know we’ve kept that commitment every time we’ve made it”.

About Precision:

Precision Auto Glass is a leading provider of auto glass, truck glass, residential windows, mirrors and commercial storefront replacement services in the greater Portland area. Serving the community since 1995, Precision consistently sets the standard for quality, service and value in the Pacific Northwest. They can be reached at (503) 684-9556 or www.PrecisionGlassUSA.com.

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