Recognizing Women in the Repair Industry
By Abby Bowman
Women make up only a small percentage of auto glass repair technicians throughout the U.S. However, those who have made their career in this field don’t let being in a minority stop them from seeking success. Whether vying for competition medals or running a business, women represent an important force in the windshield repair business.
In this issue of AGRR magazine, we’re introducing a new section highlighting women in the industry. To start, we’re spotlighting three women who work in the repair industry: Tiffany Domingos with JJB Auto Glass, Melissa Martin with Wisefly Auto Glass and Meghan Martin of SuperGlass Windshield Repair. All three are well-established in their fields and shared some thoughts about their roles and opportunities in the industry.
If you know an outstanding woman in the auto glass repair or replacement industry who you would like to see featured, please email your nominations to Abby Bowman at abowman@glass.com
Tiffany Domingos
JJB Auto Glass, Atascadero, California
“I didn’t have a desire to do replacements,” says Tiffany Domingos of her auto glass repair technician career. She started almost seven years ago when her husband, who is also in the business, signed her up for a training class without her knowledge.
“He was hopeful that if I learned the trade, it would make me want to come in and help out in our business,” she says. “He knew that, with my personality, I would dive into it and learn all there was to learn and do it well.”
And she’s done just that. In 2021, she competed in the Windshield Repair Olympics Competition in Orlando, Florida, and took second place.
What do you think makes you stand out in your windshield repair abilities?
I am a very A-type personality, and when I learn something, I want to know everything about it. Therefore, I try to achieve as close to a perfect repair as possible every time, and if it isn’t, I try to figure out why and what I could have done differently to improve it.
What do you think is the most important part of windshield repair work?
The most important part is the expectation you set forth for your customers. Then, with the actual repair, it is the preparation of the chip.
As a woman, what challenges or advantages do you see in the industry that men don’t typically have?
I think this industry has come a long way with accepting women into it. I always love the shock when someone realizes I’m the one who is going to be doing their repair. The frustration I face when people don’t think I know what I’m talking about is maddening, but I’ve learned to let it roll off my shoulders.
Meghan Martin
SuperGlass Windshield Repair, Orlando, Florida
Meghan Martin is the CEO of SuperGlass Windshield Repair in Orlando, Florida. Her father, David Casey, was one of the shop’s founders. In 2004 Martin’s dad trained her to repair auto glass. Soon, she was at work repairing windshields.
Martin says her experience, training, perfectionism and adherence to the Repair of Laminated Automotive Glass Standard (ROLAGS) are what set her apart as a repair technician. Her love for the business, though, comes from her father.
“He taught me the value of windshield repair and passed down his passion for glass and glass repair,” she says.
What do you think is the most interesting part of windshield repair work?
The most interesting part of windshield work is how beautiful it can be. The science of the process is fascinating, and the results are often breathtaking. Surprising customers with a gorgeous repair they weren’t expecting is always fun too! I also find it interesting how much windshield repair work there is in the world, and how little true understanding and awareness the general public has of it.
As a woman, what challenges or advantages do you see in the industry that men don’t typically have?
Sometimes potential customers doubt your abilities before they’ve seen your work. However, these same attitudes will occasionally land you a demo because a manager is curious to see what you can do. Navigating the male-dominated auto industry will strengthen you as a professional if you stay strong and focus on the quality of your work.
Melissa Martin
Wisefly Auto Glass, Chipley, Florida
Melissa Martin and her husband, Jason, started Wisefly Auto Glass in Norco, California, in 2007. When the couple relocated to Florida in 2018, they decided to open another location. “He asked for my help,” she says of the move that gave her the start in the business. In addition to the West Coast operation, Wisefly also has locations in Chipley and Panama City, Florida.
“Our business model, first and foremost, is to help out the members of our community,” she says. “This comes before making a profit. Although we don’t do windshield repair exclusively, we [offer it] as an economical choice for customers with small cracks.”
Melissa, an AGSC-certified technician, gives a lot of credit to her husband—the 2018 Auto Glass Technician gold medal winner—for helping her grow in this field. “He is the most knowledgeable replacement tech and the best repair technician I have ever seen,” she says. “He is also one of the best trainers, so the entire company benefits from being trained by the best from the start.”
What do you think is the most interesting part of windshield repair work?
The science of it—the differences between the repair techniques based on the damage/type of crack, choosing different resins, etc.
What do you think is the most important part of windshield repair work?
The most important part of a repair is patience. If you rush, you will not have a quality repair, no matter what.
As a woman, what challenges or advantages do you see in the industry that men don’t typically have?
Women in the industry currently have an advantage as far as industry involvement is concerned, such as sponsorships for competitions. Women wanting to compete will definitely be chosen with priority.
To view the laid-in version of this issue in our digital edition, CLICK HERE.
