Banks brothers took shine to glass business
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Banks Glass invites homeowners and contractors to visit its booth and check out the line of Anderson Windows & Patio Doors.
As the Mother Lode's only "Circle of Excellence" dealer, Banks Glass representatives can show customers the latest additions to the high quality Anderson product line. "Homeowners are becoming increasingly involved in the selection of building materials going into their new homes as well as existing homes," said Banks Glass President Mark Banks.
"We have many solutions for all types of construction and remodel projects," he said.
Banks said the replacement of windows in older homes has seen a big increase in the last few years as homeowners have found updating windows and patio doors can make their homes more efficient, reliable and comfortable, not to mention how much better an older home looks with new windows and doors.
For 35 years, Banks Glass has offered aluminum, vinyl and wood windows and doors with different combinations of color, glazing, grid or grille and hardware options, all from suppliers the Banks brothers select for their ability to produce quality materials in a timely fashion.
"An installation must have a combination of price, appearance and efficiency," Banks said, "as well as a matrix of sizes that allow the necessary configuration to fit structures with a minimum of change to existing openings."
The family business has been active in Tuolumne County since 1961.
Vernon and Gloria Banks founded Banks Glass in the building that now houses Sonora Rentals on Mono Way.
In 1967, the business was moved to a warehouse in Soulsbyville and, in 1974, a new location was established at Highway 108 and Jenness Road.
About the same time, the Banks' sons, Mark, Matt and Jon, started working part-time and after school for their parents.
In 1978, construction was completed at the current location, 19478 Village Drive. Two years later, expansion was necessary for the fabrication and contract division, so a new facility was built across the street.
Banks Glass has served Northern California from this location ever since, while undergoing several expansions and remodels to provide additional room for an expanding family business.
In 1991 Vernon Banks retired from the business and sold his interest to his sons.
Over the years, Banks Glass has evolved from the "mom and pop" type of business that Vernon and Gloria started in 1961 to a major employer in Tuolumne County. During peak construction times, Banks Glass will employee 15 to 20 people at its Sonora location and another 10 to 15 at various commercial contract job sites.
Even through the expansion, the family-type business atmosphere has been kept in place.
The commercial division works as far away as the East Coast, installing storefronts, automatic doors and other products.
The residential division works on new homes and remodeling, providing all glass needs, from windows or doors to skylights and roof windows.
The Banks' oldest son, Mark, is president of the company.
He started working there at 16 and began full-time when he graduated from Sonora High School in 1976.
His brother Matt manages the commercial division, and brother Jon manages the residential division. Matt graduated from Sonora High School in 1980, Jon in 1983.
A wall in the office is lined with pictures of Vernon Banks' grandchildren, some of whom are expected to make up the third generation of the family business.
Banks Glass has been part of the Home and Garden Show since its inception and has expanded its displays every year.
This year, the company will share its expertise about installing replacement windows.
Factory representatives will be on hand from Anderson windows.
Banks Glass
19478 Village Drive, East Sonora
532-3641
Banks Glass
1121 Doker Ave., Unit No. 6, Modesto