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Re: 2008 Windshield Repair Olympics
Posted: November 14th, 2008, 12:07 am
by nixquax
Congratulations to all who competed in the 2008 WSR Olympics. I was able to attend NACE as a spectator as I did last year but this year seemed much more competitive. Having a Emcee entertain during the competition was a good idea however his microphone kept going out so the continuity was lacking. Does anyone know who the Emcee was? Was he a former WSR tech? I noticed there were not as many booths related to WSR this year as last. Probably due to the ecomony. The next big thing seems to be headlight restoration. I reconnected with some suppliers and met Penny Stacey, the editor of AGRR. She was very helpful and friendly. Another added attraction was the SEMA (Specialty Equip. Mfg. Asso.) show at the Vegas convention center. Some amazing custom cars to see there. Finally the highlight for me was the Opening General Session featuring Archie Manning. He was very funny but also the consumate professional. His main message: "Amatuers play to win, professionals win because they came to play". Kudos to Matt for his repeat as champion....next years Olympics will be even better and more competitive.
Re: 2008 Windshield Repair Olympics
Posted: November 14th, 2008, 8:13 am
by Kgobin
The emcee was Bruce Levy of AGRR Magazine and he did a marvelous job of keeping the crowd entertained. I do not know if he has any experience as a windshield repair technician.
Re: 2008 Windshield Repair Olympics
Posted: November 20th, 2008, 8:58 pm
by Dave M
First, let me say that I have nothing against Novus. I just read the latest Glassbytes e-mail which has an article written by Novus, congratulating their entrants in this years Olympics. What I found odd was that, according to them, Matt was the only competitor in the final round that performed with precise accuracy and had a superior repair that surpassed his competition. He also completely filled and executed a proper repair.
This sort of makes it sound like Brian's repair was not properly filled! Nothing wrong with a company or in this case a franchise congratulating one of their own, but after reading Matt's and Brian's explanation of the event, they both did a fine job and had proper repairs. It would have been nice to see Novus do this bit of marketing in a more professional manner that would not make a fellow competitor look bad!
Re: 2008 Windshield Repair Olympics
Posted: November 21st, 2008, 8:13 am
by SGT
I just finished reading the NOVUS press release. While it certainly would lead you to think there was not another competitior that even came close to Matt's performance in customer interaction or skill in repair, I beg to differ as I also recieved a perfect score.I do not blame NOVUS being proud and wanting to promote there franchises success as Matt did take home the gold. The important thing to me is I personally know how I did despite how there company press release leads you to think and so do many other people including the judges.
The 2008 WRO was a great experience and I hope this thread does not take on a negative tone by others who wish to share there comments.
Re: 2008 Windshield Repair Olympics
Posted: November 21st, 2008, 1:37 pm
by Dave M
Brian,
I hope you didn't misunderstand my post? I totally believe what you and Matt said about the event. I feel it is unfortunate how Novus handled the press release!
Re: 2008 Windshield Repair Olympics
Posted: November 21st, 2008, 1:51 pm
by Frank EU
Brian, you did a superb job in LV. In the hands of slick marketing and communications office workers, press releases just look very good, which, of course, is the whole purpose of sending out a press release and being in the news. You, being a non-franchisee, do not have that sort of support, so what. keep up, again, you did a great job. BTW; your support on this forum to others in our business is great.
Re: 2008 Windshield Repair Olympics
Posted: November 21st, 2008, 5:43 pm
by SGT
Dave,
Thank you for posting on your finding as it may have been awhile before I found the release. I understood the position you were taking and I thank you for that. What Matt and I shared here on the forum was probably the best WRO overview release you could have. Right from the horses mouths!!!!
Frank EU,
You are right, press releases are to spot light something or someone in a positive light. Matt certainly deserves that. Thanks for your kind words. It has always been important to me to share and help those I can and learn from others such as yourself and anyone(to many to list individually) who shares with this forum community.
What I meant by not having the thread take on a negative tone was, I am alright with what NOVUS released as I am secure in my professionalism and repair skills and did not want it to become a bash NOVUS thread. Thanks for everyones support.
Re: 2008 Windshield Repair Olympics
Posted: November 21st, 2008, 9:11 pm
by Brent Deines
I finally got around to getting the photos off my camera and as usual they prove one thing for sure. I suck as a photographer! I still hope to get around to adding more about the rest of the competitors, and maybe a few more photos, but here is one of the top three finishers.

- IMG_2812_1sm.JPG (21.18 KiB) Viewed 2848 times
From left to right: Brian Fenner of Safe Glass Technologies, Matt Anderson of Novus Auto Glass, and John Ciotti of Cindy Rowe Auto Glass
Congratulations again guys!