Advance Glass Reflects on 60 Years in Chicago Heights: Business Spotlight

Back in 1948, on the east side of Chicago Heights, Joe Spotora Sr. decided to quit working for Chicago Heights Glass and open his own business.

Today, Joe is gone, but his sons, John and Joe Spotora run the business their late father started.

"Once my dad opened his place, he had a following" said Joe Spotora Jr. "There are four of us: myself, my brother John, my sister Rosane and her husband Rich Krumb run ."  

Patch stopped by to see this long running Chicago Heights business and find out the secrets to its longevity. 

Patch: How long have you been in business?

Joe Spotora: The company was founded by my father in 1948. It started off as a small residential full-service glass company. My brother John joined the company first and as business expanded into paint and carpet retail, then I joined.

We continued to grow through the '70s and '80s. Now with the economic times, we have since become commercial and residential installers, with the attention to detail on residential and personal service. We're no longer in the paint business. 

What are your specialties?

We continue to specialize in all types of service work such as storefront glass and residential windows, doors, mirrors and glass tables. Anything that deals with glass.

We can do special shower doors, and new construction glass. We continue to specialize in the glazing end. This is what my dad did from day one. 

Got any tips for anyone looking for a good glass company?

The majority of our business has come from word of mouth. Look for longevity in a company. That speaks for itself.  

Hire good employees. We get customers calling for specific employees that have made an impression on them. First impressions make or break a company.

Our trucks are clean, the guys are well dressed and polite and always courteous. Experience is also something to look at. My brother and I have sixty years experience combined.

Any specials? 

Sometimes – not very often – we do from time to time have a patio door or shower door sale. 

Any recommendations to those wanting to start their own business?

The first thing is to get your name out there. It is very difficult in this economy. Everyone is looking for a bargain.

At the same time they want good service and quality work. Make sure by the time you're ready to start, you know what your customer base will be. 

What makes you different from other companies?

Attention to detail and our longevity. There is a lot of glass companies out there. We pride ourselves on expedience. We maintain when we're going to see you and get the product to you.

We do larger projects such as storefronts, new construction, we provide glass for board-up companies. We work with a lot of local contractors as well. One of our biggest clients is centers.

Where are your favorite local places to shop and eat?

For shopping it's and we like to dine at and .