TWO LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS PARTNER TO BRING NEW BUSINESS, ARCHITECTURAL GLASS & ALUMINUM, TO COLUMBIA CITY!
COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. (April 19, 2017) – New Whitley County business, Architectural Glass & Aluminum, LLC recently located in Gateway Park in Columbia City.
Architectural Glass & Aluminum specializes in commercial glazing, aluminum storefronts, entrances and curtainwall, and provides aluminum door hardware and services. The company is currently renting a facility at 1050 S. Williams Drive in Gateway Park, next to PDQ Workholding.
Although Architectural Glass & Aluminum is a new business, owners Troy Gay and Jeff Reece have years of experience in the industry. Both partners are third generation business owners from the northeast Indiana area, and wanted to work together and combine their experience and expertise. They’ve worked on a number of commercial facilities in the Midwest area including: healthcare facilities, commercial facilities, school systems and universities.
“Jeff has the ‘glass’ expertise [such as curtainwall, windows and glass doors], and I have experience with doors, hardware and access controls,” Troy said.
Troy grew up in Whitley County, and still owns a farm in Columbia City. His grandfather, Dale Gay, owned a local filling station, Dale’s Service, which was located at Walnut and Van Buren Streets in Columbia City in the 1960s. His parents, Dennis and Debbie Gay owned and operated Dues Restaurant and Coffee Shop, which was located at 314 W. Van Buren Street, near the former Eagles building.
Jeff grew up in the glass business. His grandfather started Haney’s Glass Shop in neighboring Kendallville in 1947. The family business was passed down to his father, Bob Haney in the 1960s, and Jeff is now a third generation owner of the business. “I’ve been around the business my entire life,” Jeff said, “I started working in the glass shop sweeping floors when I was 13 years old, then I went away to college and came back to work in the shop in 1984.”
Jeff explained that Haney’s was becoming very busy with commercial glass work, which is a reason why he and Troy teamed up to focus on the commercial work. Haney’s will continue focusing on residential and auto glass services.
“We are very excited to bring our business into Whitley County,” Troy said, “The business climate is exceptional, and it’s humbling to receive such great support from the community and government officials. This support motivates us to be an important part of the community.”
Architectural Glass & Aluminum currently has five employees, including Jeff’s son, Justin, who serves as the field foreman for the company. As the company continues to grow, they anticipate they will need to hire more installers in the near future.
“This is a great example of a former Whitley County resident returning back to his hometown to start his own business,” said EDC President Jon Myers, “We look forward to Troy and Jeff continuing to grow their business here.”
About Architectural Glass & Aluminum
Architectural Glass & Aluminum is located in Whitley County, Indiana and specializes in commercial glazing, aluminum storefronts, entrances and curtainwall. The company also provides aluminum door hardware and services.
About Whitley County EDC
The Whitley County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is the lead economic development agency in Whitley County, Indiana. The EDC works closely with local, regional, and state partners to support our industry clients’ growth and success. Our mission is to lead a comprehensive economic development program that retains and expands employment opportunities for local residents and attracts business investment to Whitley County. The Whitley County EDC was established in 1992 and represents Whitley County, Columbia City, and the Towns of Churubusco, Larwill, and South Whitley. For more information about the EDC, visit: www.whitleyedc.com.
Media Contact:
Katie Dewitt (Whitley County EDC) – 260.244.5506 kdewitt@whitleyedc.com
Architectural Glass & Aluminum, is located in Gateway Park in Columbia City
