New Guy

[trueviewag]

Hi , I've never really introduced myself properly. I joined in October and have been in the Windshield Business since November. I'm a retired firefighter and wanted something to keep me busy full time. I live in North Central Idaho and have the Snake,Salmon and Clearwater rivers in my back yard to play in, and mountains to get lost in. One day as i was watching a guy fix my windshield i started to ask him questions. He was really cool about it and when he finished the repair he asked me what i thought about the repair. I did'nt want to insult him, so he went on his way. Right then i knew that there was a difference between fixing and repairing. I was hooked. I went to the training in Eugene and met some fantastic folks. I've learned alot from both the training and reading the forum. One thing i've learned from every one is, do it and do it right. Practice and Practice, and when you think you have it figured out, practice some more. I come to the forum to get energized. I read everything and i use it. Anyway... Thanks for leting me ramble. talk at ya later

[screenman]

Fantastic intro and a big welcome to you. Retired firefighter, my youngest is just starting out in that as what we call a retained, this whilst he gets through university. Mountains and rivers to play on and in, that sure sounds my sort of place, Lincolnshire where I am now is flat and featureless, and when the sky is grey so is everything else.

I am glad you picked up on the practice part of the trade, many guys miss this step and fail straight away.

Best of luck for the future and if we can be of any help you know where to ask.

[Frank EU]

Fire fighters understand the need for a proper training. You have made the right choices so far. Thnx for the nice intro. Keep up.

[Windshield911]

Nice intro, I'm a firefighter also. I wish I had nice clear rivers in my backyard. All I got is Louisiana swamp.

[benswindshieldrepair]

Way to go TrueView! Its great to see other retired/current Emergency Service guys doing this! I live just northeast of you in NW Montana. I work full time as a Sheriff's Deputy. I too went to Eugene a year ago for their training and it was well worth it. I just got my 1099 from SGC, and though I keep good books, seeing the number on that 1099 was a great feeling. I have since branched out to offer full service auto glass (replacement and repair of all auto glass) due to the demand in my area. However, my windshield repair roots, this board, and the training at DK keep me honest. This is an industry plagued with dishonesty as you have probably already noticed. Good luck to you in Idaho!!

[MikeB]

Way to go. I'm going to retire from the Cincinnati (Ohio) Fire Dept in fourteen months and I'm now looking into this line of work when I retire. I'm having trouble finding a good school around this area. I'm looking at one in Saginaw Michigan and one in Illinois. Wish you the best.