Glass company is looking ahead
Mother Lode Internet, the first Internet provider in Tuolumne County, is still a family-owned-and-operated business that plans to keep its focus on the Mother Lode.
Although Dennis and Brenda Dahlin have incorporated the business, they remain the only stockholders.
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Manning said the most important factor in the longevity of the business has been "service, service, service."
"Our philosophy," he said, "has always been to provide an established product of quality at the very best price possible. We do not end our relationship with our customers when the transaction is complete, but are available after the sale for assistance and service."
"We know that in order to survive and flourish in a market area such as ours," he said, "we must have clients who feel they are genuinely appreciated.
Many changes
When Sierra Glass opened as Gorman Glass in a small garage on Rawhide Road in 1947, almost all windows were steel or wood frame with single glass retained by putty. Dual glazing was rare, and things like tempered safety glass, curved automotive glass and energy efficient frames were almost unheard of.
Now, window frames of wood, aluminum, vinyl, and even fiberglass, are available, and glass options are unlimited with internal coatings, suspended films, gas fill and more.
Family-owned
One thing that has not changed at Sierra Glass is that it is still a family-owned and operated business.
Since the operation was begun by Gene Manning and "Pop" Gorman, there have always been several family members working together.
Carroll's wife Irene and their son Gene are currently involved in the daily operation of the business. Carroll's brother Vel was involved in the business for more than 33 years until his retirement in 1987, and is still an active partner in other interests.
Unchanged also is the philosophy of "customer first."
Large display
Sierra Glass has been a participant in the Home and Garden Show for many years.
Just as the business has grown from the small garage on Rawhide Road, it has changed from a single booth in its first year of participation in the show to one of the largest and most diversified exhibits there.
Many prizes will be given away in free drawings at the firm's exhibit in the John Muir building.
Sierra Glass
13651 Mono Way, Sonora
532-3652